Sourdough Pancakes | Book of Elsa

These sourdough pancakes aren’t sweet in the traditional sense, think slightly sweeter crumpet. They are no more difficult to make than my regular weekend pancakes which I can make half asleep without breaking a sweat. Make the batter the day before, fry as required. I serve this with a compote of some kind. But cream, jam or indeed nothing would be fine too. 

Apple and Berry Pie | Book of Elsa

This is a weekender recipe, I don't apologise for it either. There is no way I would make this unless I had time to seriously devote to it. I give a recipe for sweet shortcrust pastry because it's worth making your own in this case. But, if you don't feel that way inclined for any reason then good all buter shop bought is fine. I would say to make the pastry dough the day before.

Sweet Saffron Bread with Cranberries | Book of Elsa

Sweet Saffron Bread with Cranberries

Pot Stickers | Book of Elsa

This recipe takes time, effort and dedication: I won't apologise for it! Whenever I make these pots stickers it is because I WANT to spend time in the kitchen losing myself and relaxing; also these make for a fantastic group exercise. 

Ingredients for the dough: 

300g Plain Flour

200ml hot water

pinch of salt

Method for the dough:

I use a stand alone mixer but a bowl and wooden spoon works well too. 

Put the flour and hot water in a mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the salt and knead for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and bouncy. Cover with cling and rest for 20 minutes. 

If your using a bowl and wooden spoon: bring the flour, salt and hot water together until it almost gathers into a clump then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 10 minutes. Don't be tempted to add more flour. The dough will come good I promise.  

Fish Cakes | Book of Elsa

Like most people, I work very long hours and there is no way I get home after a 12 hour day and begin peeling anything except my clothes. But, we still need to eat and eat well at that, so here is what I do: At the weekend preferably a saturday afternoon after all other chores I've been ignoring are done I prepare part of meals that can either keep in the fridge or freezer.

1. Such as couscous salad that can be eaten cold or at room temperature.
2.  Fish cakes that are frozen ready to fry/oven bake at a moments notice.

If all else fails it is ok to put some pasta on to boil <again> and open a jar of pesto; 

Life is way too short to worry about it, just take off your coat, eat, relax and move on sister.

Book of Elsa 

About 1kg of potatoes mashed with some butter and a little milk. 

Orange Scented French Toast | Book of Elsa

To anyone familiar with my Instagram these are no surprise: I adore french toast. Most of the time I can only make them on saturdays when I have time to let the custard soak into the bread  and cook in butter low and slow, like. I'm salivating just thinking about it. This orange scented version is extra special and I hope you try it. However, the orange flavoured syrup showed on the picture above is not very good and I would not even think of giving you the recipe until it's perfect so I'd suggest you have greek yoghurt with.

Rice Crispy Treats | Book of Elsa

Home Video - Book of Elsa

Saturday in Chester

Prawn Fritters | Book of Elsa

I feel kind of silly typing this up because it's not really a recipe. No really, it isn't. Most of the ingredients you probably have in your kitchen (bar the prawns) plus the whole process from raw to mouth should take twenty minutes max.

However, these are addictive; If you ever make just one of my recipes: This is THE ONE. 

Promise.

Elsa

xo

Summer Sales | Book of Elsa

Hi Lovelies,

Summer sales are in full swing, as usual I went shopping for something very specific in mind (winter boots FYI) and ended up with some delicious looking robe, pants and heels. The elusive perfect winter boots evaded my debit card this time but I can't wait to have another go...

I hope you like the video.

Laters, xxo

What's in my bag | Book of Elsa

Sunday Funday - Book of Elsa

Sunday Funday 

Weekends were made for this...
xxo