Pumpkin, Pear and Walnut Salad (2-4)

This recipe from ” The Weekend Cook” by Angela Hartnett can be served as a vegetarian main or as a starter.

Beetroot and Lentils (4)

A new way to serve beetroot as a vegetarian main course from ” The Weekend Cook” by Angela Hartnett.

Salt and Pepper Squid (2)

I recently visited Blakeney in Norfolk , England, while walking the Norfolk Coast Path. The little seafood stall by the harbour had sold out of crab, so I opted for their Salt and Pepper squid with a Sriracha Mayo. I can honestly say it was one of the best versions i have had so if you go there do try it. In the meantime here is a version from ” Nigella Bites” by Nigella Lawson.

Bloody Mary ( a jugful)

A version of a favourite tipple from ” Nigella Bites” by Nigella Lawson. To make your own chilli vodka steep dried chilli peppers in a bottle of vodka for a few days. You could also use Horseradish Vodka as an alternative to the Chilli Vodka.

Mexican Winter Salad (4)

A light and refreshing starter or side salad which goes well with grilled chicken or fish. It’s from ” Wahaca Mexican Food at Home” by Thomasina Miers.

Lamb Shoulder with Herbs and Preserved Lemons (6-8)

A recipe from the excellent book ” Home Food” by Olia Hercules. It can be served with grains such as couscous or freekah but also with rice, boiled and crushed potatoes or flatbreads . Lamb shanks can be used as a cheaper alternative to shoulder if you like. If you like you can shred the cooked lamb and mix it with the juices up to a day before and keep in the fridge, then just reheat in a lidded pan with a splash of water mixed in, or in a foil baking tray, before serving.

Cheese and Grape Muffins ( makes 12)

These are great for snacks , lunchboxes and picnics. The recipe is from ” Home Food” by Olia Hercules.

Pickled Cabbage Leaves with Beetroot ( 2.1 litres)

A crunchy pickle from Transcarpathia which I found in ” Summer Kitchens” by Olia Hercules.

Beetroot Kvas

An ancient recipe for an addictive Ukranian drink which can also be used to add a sour note to Borsch and other dishes. The recipe is from ” Summer Kitchens” by Olia Hercules and makes 3 x 700 ml bottles.

Algerian Cassoulet (4)

A recipe from Tarik Abdeladim, chef at Los Moros in York.

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder Tacos (8)

A recipe from Samin Nosrat.

Green Beans Cooked in Tomatoes (4)

Another favourite Armenian side dish from ” Home Food” by Olia Hercules. If fresh beans are not available you can use frozen. You can also poach some eggs in the dish to serve as a brunch or supper. You can serve with fresh bread or flatbreads. If you have leftover beans you can reheat the next day and whisk through some beaten raw eggs to make a version of scrambled eggs.

Armenian Chard and Lentil Soup (4)

I recently spent a week in Armenia and was pleasantly surprised by the food there- especially when eating in family ” restaurants” in local villages. I came home seeking out Armenian recipes so i could try more of their food back in the UK. This is from ” Home Food” by Olia Hercules.

Radish and Pomegranate Salad (4-6)

A side salad which goes well with Plov or any grilled meat or vegetables. It can be prepared in advance and dressed just before serving, or left to sit in the dressing for a while to pickle. The recipe is from ” Home Food” by Olia Hercules.

Taleggio Focaccia (6)

A favourite recipe from Nigel Slater.

Sue's Recipes and Other Stories

Recipes, Travel and other Titbits

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