Category Archives: cooking

The other day I wrote about needing inspiration for cooking family meals. I’m sure I can’t be the only mum who struggles to think up exciting meals to encourage my children to eat. I’m happy to admit I’m probably one of the 42% of parents with a repertoire of seven meals, which is why I was happy to review the latest recipe book from Annabel Karmel – Quick & easy toddler recipes.

My children are both good eaters and usually demolish anything put in front of them. I often feel guilty about giving them dull meals and have been trying really hard to inject some colour and variety into mealtimes. Fortunately they are of an age where I’ve just about stopped cooking them different meals. Little Sis is often more adventurous in trying new foods than her brother.

Quick & easy toddler recipes contains over 100 delicious, nutritious, time-saving recipes packed full of natural flavour. The recipes cover breakfast, lunch, dinner and healthy snacks, are nicely illustrated and laid out.

We’ve been working our way through the pasta section as both my children love it. The Macaroni with Smoked Bacon and Courgette was a big hit and made enough so I could freeze a couple of portions! Tomorrow they are having English Muffin Pizzas which I know will also go down well, the picture in the book is pretty irresistible.

I love the ideas for quick snacks and quick pasta sauces and the book is packed full of inspiration. I know this book will not be sitting on the bookshelf for a good few years as it will constantly be by my side!

Quick & easy toddler recipes costs £9.99 and is published by Ebury Press on 20th June.

Last week The Great British Farmhouse cookbook from Yeo Valley landed on my doorstep. My husband and I were lucky enough to eat a delicious lunch on a Yeo Valley farm tour last year so I was excited to see what kind of recipes it would contain.

“From soups and pates to casseroles, roasts, salads and pies, nad from tarts and crumbles to puddings, cakes, breads, jams and chutneys, produce from the farm and surrounding countryside is imaginatively combined to produce a wonderful range of heart warming, seasonal dishes for all the family. Dotted throughout with fun and informative farming facts, and illustrated with evocative photographs taken over a year on the farm, the Great British Farmhouse Cookbook is a celebration of contemporary country living and modern British food at its best.”

It certainly doesn’t disappoint and is packed full of over 100 recipes inspired by the traditions of the British farmhouse kitchen given a modern twist. This book came at just the right time as I’ve been stuck in a rut of cooking the same meals lately. So instead of the same boring old meals this week my family have enjoyed Cauliflower cheese with roasted cherry tomatoes & crispy bacon, and a yummy Beef and barley cottage pie. The toddler even helped me bake an awesome Ginger cake which we all loved!

I love cooking from scratch and I found the recipes well laid out and easy to follow. Next on my to do list is the Braised steak in ale with a herby cobbler topping followed by the Wild plum or damson fool with sponge fingers. Anyone fancy joining us for lunch