Recipes

  Quick and snappy suppers seem to be the order of the day at the moment. And with just a few fresh ingredients and some store cupboard essentials you can turn the bland into the bleedin' marvellous. In this instance, a rump …

Think of a British cake and images of afternoon tea and sponge come to mind. Just a basic Victoria with a thin layer of raspberry jam and a dusting of icing sugar is the perfect accompaniment to a good old cuppa. There aren't any…

Ham Hock, Borlotti Bean and Kale SoupFeeds 4 For the ham and stock1 ham hock1 carrot1 onionA few black peppercorns2 or 3 bay leaves 3 large floury potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks3 carrots, peeled and sliced2 stalks of celery, sliced1 oni…

They may be the national emblem of Wales, but up here in the North East, we reserve a special passion for the humble leek. In the days of men working down pits, leek growing was up there with pigeon breeding as a major hobby amongst men in th…

February is proving to be as miserable as it generally succeeds in being. Not only has this recession become a scary reality, we are also going through the coldest snap of weather we have seen in years. It's dark, cold and miserable and I for…

Lobster Thermador is one of those recipes that is definitely made for special times. Expensive, rich and indulgent, you would have to be fairly flippant with your money if you decide to eat one of these on a regular basis. I'm still undec…

A brisk walk along Seaburn beach near Sunderland on any day of the year can have its moments but in mid-January, the wind whistles up your trouser leg and mocks your private parts. It's cold up north. Nothing beats getting wrapped up in your b…

  Mussels and leeks go remarkably well together; earthy deep orange fresh Northumbrian shellfish accompanied by sweet mild onion leeks in a kind of gratin. Bubbling golden cheese is waiting to be cracked with crusty bread, un…

    It is a much used statement but I have to agree, breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. I can't argue with my stomach, and it is this organ that dominates the way that I think each day, an organ…

Slow cooked meat and root vegetables with gentle warm spices, just a touch of sweetness from the fruit and honey to take the edge off any potential heat and it can only be the unmistakeable Moroccan style stews that satisfy me every time. The …