How To Eat | Book Review

Rapid Ragu | Book of Elsa

What's for dinner, is the never ending question we all face. Everyday. Even for someone like me who adores cooking. 

This ragu is my savior on those days when the thought alone of what to eat the end of a hellish work day can make me screech, the original recipe comes courtesy of Nigella Lawson and can be found here. I however, have tweaked it a bit with ingredients from my own store cupboard and preferences.

Anyway I digress, enjoy.

Book of Elsa

Book Review | The Ten (Food) Commandments - Jay Rayner

First things first: this is not a recipe book. It contains recipes sure and good ones at that, but they are not the raison d'être of this book. They are, like snacks to nibble on whilst you ingest the true message of the written word. That word is worship. At the altar of PIG and other foodstuff... 

If like me you love food, then this is definitely a read for you. Funny, smart and current Rayner does something with words I had only previously experienced with Nigella Lawson: he makes me want to eat. To eat very well indeed.

Thank you

Book of Elsa

PS: it's available here

Aubergine Dip | Book of Elsa

This recipe came my way in the middle of the night courtesy of Nigella Lawson, Feast (2004) I've fiddled with it a little. By which I mean, taken out stuff I didn't like or have in the cupboards at the time of cooking. 

The dip itself is fantastic with bread, carrot sticks and any other crudités you might like. I don't judge. Enjoy 

xo

Gabriellas' Pavlova Book of Elsa

I've had a love affair with pavlova on/off for the last 10 years. Adjusting recipes in order to achieve crispy sides and bottom with marshmallowy insides has not been easy. My first attempt can only be described as a crispy egg white and sugar biscuit with over whipped cream and limp defrosted berries. 

Now please don't let the description above stop you from trying this. I mention it only so that YOU dear reader know that if for whatever reason the following recipe doesn't work the first time. PLEASE try again. 

The recipe below comes from How To Eat by Nigella Lawson (1998) p. 373 

Some words of wisdom before we begin:

1. Do wipe your mixing bowl and whisk with a segmented lemon or lime before you begin. The eggs just won't grow in volume if there's any grease.
2.  Any fruit/berries on top will do. I'm using strawberries here as they are my sister Gabriella favourite. Indeed this is her favourite dessert. But please no frozen defrosted ones. You'll just end up disappointed. Take it from me: it's not worth it.

Book Review: Simply Nigella by Nigella Lawson

Before I get into this, there something you should know: I'm in love with Nigella Lawson. Everything about the way she cooks and writes just speaks to my soul. Her attitude and ethos towards food has shaped my life more than any other author of cookery books. Or other genres if I'm being honest.
However, this like all book reviews I write has to be honest. So here goes:
In my opinion, there are 3 stages to reading a cookbook.

1. Looking at the pictures stage. If they don't make you want to dive in at once... #nobueno
2. Quick read of the chapter titles/introductions and other notes. Those provide insight into the mind of author.
3. Reading the book. 

I've marked certain recipes I think will be awesome (see stage 2) and will let you know how it goes in another post.

Instant Chocolate Mousse - Nigella Lawson

Instant Chocolate Mousse - Nigella Lawson

These tasted delicious! Also because of the mini marshmallows they do not need to set in the fridge. Just 20 minutes (if that) at room temperature and we're done.

PS: The actual recipe can be found here

Happy Cooking :)

xo

My Favourite Brownie Recipe - Book Of Elsa

My Favourite Brownie Recipe 

Made brownies to take over to my mums' on Christmas Eve and this is my favourite recipe. Ever.

By the way you can find the actual recipe here.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 

XO

Caramel Croissant Pudding - Nigella Lawson

Caramel Croissant Pudding - Nigella Lawson. 

Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson is one of my favourite books for a number of reasons:

Not only was it the first cookbook I ever bought, I've tried almost all the recipes and love them all. However, the lust I hold for this one is beyond measure and I thought I would share in pictures... how I make it. 

Hopefully Nigella won't mind. You can find this recipe right here.