Rhubarb Crumble Traybake Cake

Rhubarb Crumble Traybake Cake are a tray bake version of a classic British dessert. This moist cake is the perfect combination of tart rhubarb, buttery sponge and crunchy crumble topping.

Rhubarb is a leafy green plant with pink stalks popular in the UK. The leaves are inedible as they are poisonous so only the stalks are used. Technically rhubarb is a vegetable but it is largely considered a fruit because it is usually used in desserts and cooked with sugar

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 150g butter, softened
• 150g caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 200g self raising flour
• 2 tbsp milk
• 300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into 2cm pieces

For the crumble topping:

• 75g plain flour
• 50g brown sugar
• 50g cold butter, cubed

Method:

Preheat oven to 180ºC or 160ºC for fan assist oven. Grease and line a 20cm x 30xm rectangular baking pan with baking paper.

For the cake batter: Cream together the softened butter and caster sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Fold in the self raising flour, then stir in the milk to loosen the batter

Add the chopped rhubarb. Gently fold the chopped rhubarb into the cake batter and pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

For the crumble topping: In a bowl, rub the cold butter into the plain flour with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the brown sugar.

Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.

Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean and the crumble is golden and crisp.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and serve as is or with a dollop of cream or custard.

Vegetable Orzo Soup

This comforting vegetable orzo soup recipe is incredibly simple, nourishing and ready in about 30 minutes. It is packed with fresh vegetables, orzo and herbs, making this a hearty, cosy soup perfect for any time of the year.

Whenever colder days roll in, I like to make my family a comforting vegetables soup to keep us nourished and healthy for the inevitable winter illness. I love the simplicity of one-pot soups. Plus, they are easy to adjust depending on what ingredients I have in the refrigerator.

Then I like to add a protein, typically a can of white beans or chickpeas, along with gentle yet delicious herbs, including fresh parsley and dried herbs.

 Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 3-5 shallots, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 5-6 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
• ½ tbsp dried basil
• ½ tbsp dried oregano
• ½ tbsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp red chilli flakes
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 tin white beans of your choice, drained and rinsed (or frozen peas)
• 1 handful spinach or chopped kale
• salt to taste
• juice of 1 lemon
• fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method:

Heat the oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add in the minced shallots and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots and diced celery, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring to coat it with the vegetable oil and aromatics. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Pour in the vegetables stock and the tomatoes. Stir well to combine. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme and red chilli flakes. Stir and bring the soup to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure that the orzo does not stick to the bottom before it can absorb the liquid.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the frozen peas, if using and then stir. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. Continue to stir occasionally to ensure nothing is sticking at the bottom.

Stir in the drained and rinsed beans. Add the chopped baby spinach or kale and let the soup cook for 5 minutes until the greens wilt.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and stir well. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with some crusty bread or a side salad.

Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake

This easy recipe for Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake makes a delicious lemony cake that can be enjoyed for breakfast or served with ice cream for a light dessert.

This Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake is moist, full of lemony goodness and very easy to make. The shape of a Bundt cake is so pretty, that very little decoration is required. Before serving, dust the top with a little icing sugar, and the simplicity was perfect. 

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp lemon zest
• 360g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 250g granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Method:

Preheat oven to 175ºC/160ºC for fan assist oven. Spray a 10 inch Bundt pan with baking spray and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and zest.

In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda.

In a large bowl, add lemon mixture, sugar, oil and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, beat until well-blended. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition.

Pour into prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool in a pan for 10 minutes before inverting to a wire rack to cool completely.

Condensed Milk Blueberry Slice

Creamy, fruity, buttery delight with a sweet-tart burst in every bite! Each bite contains an explosion of tastes and texture-it's tart, sweet, buttery and crumbly thanks to the simple digestives biscuit crumb base, smooth, and creamy all the same time - it will waken up your taste buds and send them into overdrive. The blueberries sort of burst in your mouth- they really make this a delicious blueberry dessert you won't be able to get enough of. 

Ingredients:

For the base:

• 250g digestives biscuits, crushed
• 125g butter, melted

For the filling:

• 395g sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (no need to thaw if frozen)

For the topping (optional):

• icing sugar, for dusting
• extra blueberries or lemon zest curls, to serve

Method:

Preheat oven to 180ºC or 160ºC for fan assist oven. Grease and line a 20cm x 20cm slice tin with baking paper.

For the base: Combine crushed biscuits and melted butter. Mix well and press firmly into the base of the tin. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.

For the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk condensed milk, lemon juice, zest, eggs, vanilla extract and flour until smooth and well combined.

Gently fold in the blueberries. Pour over the cooled base and smooth the top.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is just set with a slight wobble in the centre.

Cool completely in the tin, then refrigerate  for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Dust with icing sugar and slice into bars or squares to serve.

Non-Bake Biscoff Brownie

Treat yourself to these fudgy Biscoff brownie. These Biscoff brownies are unique with combining the caramelized flavour of Biscoff spread with the richness of dark chocolate, these brownies offer a delightful treat without the need for an oven. They are soft and moist with biscuit base, adding a superb texture. They are also perfect for a bake sale because they are so moreish and easy to make!

Ingredients:

For the base:

• 200g digestive biscuits, finely crushed
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 100g butter
• ½ cup Biscoff spread
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

For the topping:

• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp Biscoff spread, for swirl
• 1 tsp coconut oil or butter; optional for shine

 Method:

For the base: Line a 20cm x 20cm square baking tin with baking paper, ensuring an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

In a large bowl, combine the crushed biscuits and cocoa powder. 

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, Biscoff spread and brown sugar, stirring until smooth.

Remove from the heat and stir in the condensed milk, vanilla extract and salt until well combined.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. 

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

For the topping: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil (if using) over the saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth.

Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled base, spread evenly.

Melt the Biscoff spread slightly and drizzle over the chocolate layer. Use a skewer or knife to create a swirl pattern.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

Remove the slice from the tin using the overhanging baking paper. Cut into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat slices.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

 

Creamy Peri-peri Chicken

Chicken with rice served with creamy peri-peri sauce is a fantastic, super flavourful dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and bathed in a fiery peri-peri cream sauce This chicken is perfectly seasoned and juicy and that sauce? Simply addictive!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup double cream
• 5 tbsp peri-peri sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• fresh parsley or coriander, chopped for garnishing

Method:

Marinate the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic power, onion powder, salt & pepper. Rub the seasoning into the chicken to coat it evenly.

Sear the chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the aromatic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Stir in the double cream, peri-peri sauce and lemon juice. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.

Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.

Plate the rice on a plate and spoon the creamy peri-peri chicken on top. Serve with your favourite vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or coriander.

 

Crying Tiger Beef

 Juicy tender marinated steak served with a sweet, tangy, spicy Thai dipping sauce. This quick and easy crying tiger beef is ready in 30 minutes. A classic main Thai dish you will forever crave! 

Crying Tiger Beef or "Suea Rong Hai" in Thai features ribeye steak marinated oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, palm sugar, garlic and lime juice. This marinade gives it that unique umami-flavour!

The beef is served with a spicy, sweet, tangy sauce called "Nahm Jim Jaew". The sauce is made of tamarind paste, toasted glutinous rice (or sticky rice as known to many), palm sugar ( I use brown sugar as not easy to find palm sugar here), shallots, coriander, fish sauce, lime juice and red Thai pepper flakes.

Ingredients:

For the beef:

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp palm sugar or brown sugar
• 2x200g ribeye steaks, or any cut you prefer
• vegetable oil, for brushing

For spicy dipping sauce "Nahm Jim Jaew"

• 2 tsp raw glutinous rice
• 1 tsp tamarind concentrate
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp chili flakes
• 1 small shallots, sliced into fine wedges
• 2 tsp coriander, finely chopped

Method:

For the Beef: Combine the oyster sauce, fish sauce and brown sugar. Pour the mixture over the steaks and use your fingers to massage the marinade all over the steak pieces. Allow to marinate while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

For the dipping sauce: Toast the rice in a dry frying pan over high heat until golden brown and fragrant ( it will smell like popcorn). Use a pestle and mortar or a spice grinder to grind to a fine powder. In a bowl, combine the tamarind, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili flakes and toasted rice powder. Mix until well combined. Then stir through the shallot and coriander. Transfer to a small serving bowl and set aside until ready to serve.

Heat a large heavy-based frying pan or a gridle over a high heat. Brush with oil. When hot, add the steaks and cook 2-3 minutes, turning the steaks every so often until you get a nice charred colour. Then turn the heat to low and continue cooking (and flipping the steaks) for another 2-3 minutes (for medium rare) or until cooked to your liking. Before slicing, transfer to a cutting board and allow to rest for 3 minutes.

Serve the steak with cabbage, fresh cucumber, tomatoes and steamed rice

Norwegian Rhubarb Cake

 

A cosy slice of Nordic tradition baked to perfection!. This moist rhubarb cake delivers just the right mix of sweet and tangy, with old-fashioned vibes that win hearts on every feed. A coffee companion, a golden treat, and your next bake-worthy moment!

Ingredients:

• 115g butter, softened
• 200g sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 120ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 190g plain flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 150g chopped fresh rhubarb, about ½ inch
• 2 tbsp sugar, for topping
• pinch of cardamom or cinnamon powder

Method:

Preheat the oven to 175ºC/165ºC for fan assist oven. Grease and line a 9 inch springform or a round cake tin with baking paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream 115g butter and 200g sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 190g flour, 1½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gradually. Stir just until combined-do not overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepares tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Scatter the 2 tbsp sugar and the pinch of cinnamon or cardamom over the top for extra warmth.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden on top and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing. Enjoy warm or chilled, with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra joy!

Tiramisu Cake Roll

A show-stopping take on the classic tiramisu, this recipe rolls coffee soaked sponge fingers with a thick mascarpone filling to form an impressive roulade.

This delectable treat features layers of delicate ladyfingers biscuits soaked in coffee, enveloped in a creamy mascarpone filling and fresh raspberries for a touch of tanginess and finished with dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate curls. The best part? It is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for those moments when you crave a touch of indulgence without spending hours in the kitchen.

With its absence of eggs, this Tiramisu Cake Roll offers a lighter twist on the traditional recipe, while still delivering the same rich and tantalizing flavours. The combination of the velvety mascarpone cheese, and the fresh raspberries for a touch of tanginess, and the aromatic coffee-infused biscuits, and the subtle hint of cocoa creates a harmonious medley that will delight your taste buds. Whether you are hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, tis Tiramisu Cake Roll is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and irresistible taste.

                                    

Ingredients:

• 27 pieces lady finger biscuits
• 500g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 6 tbsp icing sugar
• 400g double cream
• 1½ tbsp coffee granules
• 1 punnet of raspberries
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder, for dusting
• chocolate curls for decoration

Method:

In a mixing bowl, place the mascarpone cheese and beat it with a hand mixer until it becomes creamy.

Add the icing sugar and double cream to the bowl and beat again until the mixture forms medium-stiff peaks. Set it aside.

in a separate bowl, combine coffee granules and hot water, stirring until the coffee dissolves. Set it aside.

Place a 40cm x40cm baking paper on a flat surface. Take one ladyfinger biscuit at a time  and lightly dip it in the coffee syrup. Arrange the biscuits in three columns, with the long side of the biscuits facing you.

Spread 1¼ cup of the mascarpone cream evenly on top of the biscuits. Dust the top of the cream with 1 tbsp of the cocoa powder, ensuring most of the surface is coated. Keep the remaining mascarpone cream in the fridge to prevent melting.

Line a row of fresh raspberries on the long edge of the cake roll.

Gently roll the cake starting from the long side. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent the biscuits from breaking. Fold the sides to secure the cake and place it in the freezer for 1-2 hours to set.

Remove the cake from the freezer and carefully unwrap the baking paper. Transfer the cake onto a cake serving plate.

Frost the surface of the roll with the remaining mascarpone cream and dust with cocoa powder. Now add the swirl piping on top of the roll. Add more fresh raspberries and chocolates curls for the finishing touches.

Bon appetite!

            

Lemon Coconut Almond Cake

This is the fastest, easiest cake recipe I know!! Just put everything in a bowl and mix

Ingredients:

• 150g butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup caster sugar
• 1½ cups ground almond
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ cup desiccated coconut
• 1½ tsp lemon zest
• ¼ cup flaked almonds

Method:

Preheat oven to 180ºC/160ºC for fan assist oven. Grease a 20cm round cake pan with butter and line with baking paper.

Place the butter in a microwavable bowl and melt in the microwave. Let cool for a couple of minutes.

Add egg, vanilla extract and sugar and whisk until combined.

Pour into the baking pan. Sprinkle over the flaked almonds. Bake for 35 minutes. Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes then carefully turn out onto a cooling rack.

Cool at least an hour before cutting slices to serve.

 

Fresh Raspberry Lemon Loaf

This recipe makes one of the best raspberry lemon loaf cake! It is the perfect raspberry and lemon dessert, full of bright lemon flavour with the tart tang of raspberries. 

Ingredients:

For the loaf:

• 115g butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1½ cups plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh raspberries

For the glaze:

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp milk

Method:

Preheat the oven to 175ºC/160ºC for fan assist oven. Grease a 9x5 inch  loaf pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the milk, lemon zest and lemon juice until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not o overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the glaze, whisk together the icing sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set before slicing.

Nettle and Wild Garlic Soup

Many of us taking our daily walks are noticing the very strong signs of spring with new growth everywhere. Two classic woodland and hedgerow ingredients are at their best for picking in early spring, nettles and wild garlic, both are packed with goodness and combined, they make a very tasty and healthy lunch. It can be incredibly satisfying to forage and make something delicious, with no needs for a shopping trip. Add a few extra vegetables, whatever you have at home.

Stinging nettle has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times. Most concentrate in the growing tips, the plant contains a high content of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin C (ten times more than apple) and vitamin K along with easily absorbed calcium and iron. The plant has been associated with relieving muscle and joint pain, strengthening bones, boosting hearth health, kidney, urinary and prostate health and strengthening immune function.

The main health benefits of wild garlic is its effectiveness in reducing blood pressure, therefore, heart disease and the risk of stroke. Although all garlic has this property, wild garlic has the greatest effect on lowering blood pressure.

DO WEAR GLOVES TO PICK NETTLES. You just need the tips (top four leaves). With the wild garlic, just pick the leaves and the leave the bulb where it grows. Wash all the leaves thoroughly in a sink full of cols water, whilst wearing rubber gloves. This recipes taken from BBC Good Food http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/wild-garlic-nettle-soup and there are many others online

I like my soup to have some texture therefore I add some chopped carrots, potatoes, leek and celery. You can omit this if you like a smooth soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 30g butter
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 leek, finely diced
• 1 medium size potato, peeled and diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 1.2l vegetable stock
• 350g young nettle leaves
• 200g wild garlic leaves 
• 5 tbsp milk or cream

Method:

Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan. Add the diced onion, leek, celery, carrot, potato and a good pinch of salt, and stir until everything  is well coated. Cover and sweat gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring every so often to make sure that the vegetables don't catch on the bottom of the pan.

Pour in the stock  and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the nettles in several batches, stirring, then add the wild garlic leaves and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Remove from the heat and blend using a stick blender or tip into a blender. Return to the heat and stir through the milk. At this point if you like a chunky vegetables in the soup, add the preboil vegetables,  then taste for seasoning.  Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, stir frequently. 

Ladle into a bowls and drizzle over some milk or cream, then top with a few wild garlic flowers, if you have them.