Tiramisu | Book of Elsa

Five ingredients make a light as air coffee dessert by the name of Tiramisu. Beware though: it has to be made the day before you need it but I find that useful. Also it helps the texture of the finished dish if all the ingredients are at room temprature before you begin. 

Gateaux Bananes | Book of Elsa

Believe me when I say this is the easiest snack I know. I'm not even sure it can be classified as 'recipe' per se as there are only three ingredients: bananas, flour and salt.

The bananas have to be very very ripe, mashing them with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and enough flour to bind into a something resembling a thick pancake batter. Then fry in batches using teaspoons. Eat whilst still a little warm so not to burn your mouth.

Book of Elsa

Birmingham Trip Book of Elsa

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.  

Spruced-up Couscous | Book of Elsa

I'm not one to impose my will unto others. The way I see it its a live and let live kind of situation. However, I am goint to tell you this: Couscous is not BORING and this recipe is proof. Just season with salt and pepper, add some drained canned chickpeas, dried fruits and nuts of your choice. Pour over some hot vegetable stock and cover with cling for 20 minutes. Fluff it up with a fork and eat alongside whatever protein you have or as a lunch in and of it self.