My favourite Christmas dinner is a nut roast or veggie wellington. I've been served everything you can imagine over the years for Christmas dinner, including lasagne, stuffed peppers and fish. These were always delicious meals, but to me, Christmas dinner should be accompanied by heaps of stuffing and slathered in gravy. I am a Northern … Continue reading Christmas Wellington
This lightly spiced, Plum and Walnut Crumble is autumn in a bowl. It's one of my mum-in-laws favourite dishes of mine, and one of the easiest to make. There are only four steps to the whole recipe - stew the plumbs, mix the crumble, pour one on top of the other, bake. It's that simple. … Continue reading Plum and Walnut Crumble
Loyal Pesketeers will know how much I love Halloween, and how much I love to throw a party. Well, a couple of years ago, I threw a Halloween party to rival both Jonathon Ross and Heidi Klum. More people attended the Halloween party than our wedding (no joke!) and people made a massive effort with … Continue reading Halloween Printables
If you'd like to give bread making a go, focaccia is a great recipe to start with. You have to wait for the dough to prove twice, so it's not a quick recipe, but the effort involved is minimal and the results are delicious. This recipe has been developed from a Paul Hollywood focaccia recipe, … Continue reading Poppyseed Focaccia
If you follow Pesky Recipes on Instagram, you'll know all about the American road trip that my husband and I took in April. We started in Chicago, then drove down to Nashville and Memphis before spending our last few days in New Orleans. The trip was amazing, a true once in a lifetime experience. The … Continue reading Beer Battered Fish Goujons
If you like Bounty chocolate bars, you'll love this ice cream whether you're vegan or not. It's the perfect treat for a hot sunny day, and it's very simple to make. Yes, you'll need to get your ice cream machine out of the cupboard and be patient while it works it's magic; but there are … Continue reading Vegan Bounty Ice Cream
It's my birthday today and obviously, I'll be celebrating with cake. We usually have cake in work when it's someone's birthday and this Lemon and Blueberry Traybake is ideal for that. Traybakes are probably the simplest cakes to make as there is no need to line your baking tray (though you should grease it well), … Continue reading Lemon and Blueberry Traybake
Where on Earth has May gone? I spent so long enjoying the gorgeous weather we've been having here in the UK and getting stuck into gardening that I completely forgot to post a May recipe. Oops. So, you're getting a June double instead. These Stuffed mushrooms are the perfect summer recipe and I've really enjoyed … Continue reading Three Cheese and Chive Stuffed Mushrooms
I have made these sheep cupcakes for Easter, a few years on the run and they always go down well. I make sure there is a variety of toppings for people to choose from, though you can of course just stick to the one if you like. This is a fun recipe to make with … Continue reading Sheep Cupcakes
If you are a long time follower of Pesky Recipes, you'll know how much I love Greece and Greek food. Each Greek island has it's own regional dishes, and this one is from Mykonos. Mykonos is a strange place. It's quite barren, thanks to the hot temperatures and strong winds, so isn't green and lush … Continue reading Mykonian Onion Pie
My Croque Voila is a combination of the famous French brunch dishes, Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur. There are lots of different versions of both, but basically, a Croque Monsieur consists of cheese and ham sandwiched between slices of bread, with béchamel sauce on top, then toasted. A Croque Madame is the same, without the béchamel sauce, … Continue reading Croque Voila
Don't roll your eyes, I know this isn't for everyone. Some people like cooking fresh homemade meals after a long day in work, but I certainly don't, and I can guarantee many of you don't either. I want the homemade meals, of course, I just don't want the faff of making them from scratch every … Continue reading Meal Prepping
This is a hearty, traditional soup, with a Pesky twist. It's tasty, filling, super easy to make (there are hardly any instructions below) and makes the perfect lunch for a cold, wet November day. You can use any colour lentils for this recipe - Yellow (sometimes called Dal), green or red, or a mix of … Continue reading Carrot and Lentil Soup
This isn't really a recipe, more a How To. If you want to make some fun Halloween themed food that the whole family will like, but can't be bothered to get the mixing bowels and cake tins out, I got you. Below, I've shared 4 different Halloween themed pizzas for you to make, each at … Continue reading Halloween Pizza
I make jam (jelly for my friends on the other side of the pond) pretty much every year. I'm lucky enough to have some mature fruit trees on my property and hate the thought of the fruit going to waste. the birds and bugs get some, of course. But the trees produce so much that … Continue reading Blackberry Jam
Salads are massively underrated. During the summer I eat salads pretty much every day with different cheeses, fish or roasted vegetables and of course, dressings. I love a shop-bought salad dressing, it's so easy to put a bottle in your lunch bag to take to work, but if I'm at home, I like to make … Continue reading Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
Quiche and salad is a staple summertime lunch for me, and this Spinach and Ricotta Quiche is particularly tasty. It's light, creamy and really easy to make. As always, you can of course, use ready made pastry, but I do recommend giving my wholemeal shortcrust pastry a go, as it really adds something to the … Continue reading Spinach and Ricotta Quiche
I first ate pistachio ice cream on the island of Capri, overlooking the Bay of Naples in Italy. It was absolutely delicious, and has been my favourite flavour of ice cream ever since. Pistachio ice cream is quite difficult to get hold of in the UK. Magnum brought out a limited edition pistachio version a … Continue reading Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
Potato Salad is a must at any BBQ, picnic or garden party. It's so quick and easy to make and is absolutely delicious with quiche, salad, meats and vegetables. You can, of course, use regular potatoes. But I think the tinned new potatoes taste really nice, and as there's no washing, peeling or chopping, they … Continue reading Vegan Potato Salad
I know for most people Easter is all about chocolate, but the traditional Easter cake is actually Simnel Cake, which is a fruit cake covered in marzipan. I love it, but if I presented a slice of fruit cake to my husband or nieces after Easter dinner, I'd never be allowed to bake another cake … Continue reading Lemon Bakewell Tarts
Valentine's Day is fast approaching and of course, you could get your partner (or friend if you're doing Galentine's) the obvious flowers and chocolates. But why not go for something a little different this year? These homemade bath salts are super easy to make, look really impressive and more importantly, feel luxurious when you're soaking … Continue reading Camomile and Geranium Soothing Bath Salts
Happy new year! This is the perfect dish for January. White fish baked in a creamy garlic sauce with fresh parsley and a cheesy breadcrumb crust. If you're anything like me, you've been surviving off cheese and wine for a week, and ready to introduce some decent food back into your diet. But going cold … Continue reading Baked Basa in Parsley Sauce
I know, I know. It's a weird name, but that's what I call them. If you have a better suggestion, let me know! They're yummy little puff pastry parcels with gooey cheese, herbs and chutney inside. Like a posh, mini cheese pasty, if you will. They make brilliant nibbles to have with drinks, or as … Continue reading Posh Cheese Puffs
This, in my opinion, is the perfect evening meal for a cold, wet November night. Especially if you serve it with a bottle of Cobra Beer and a mountain of sides. Tikka Masala, though served at most Indian restaurants and takeaways in the UK, isn't actually an Indian dish. It was invented in Britain to … Continue reading Paneer Tikka Masala
Pumpkin Spice doesn't actually contain any pumpkin. It's a mix of spices that is usually used to flavour pumpkin pie. Made from a combination of nutmeg, cloves, all spice, cinnamon and ginger, it screams autumn (pun absolutely intended) and is everywhere at this time of year. Pumpkin Spice is synonymous with coffee now, but it … Continue reading Pumpkin Spice Swiss Roll
My social media feeds have been swamped with Barbie themed recipes recently, and I didn't know whether to join in with them or not. So I put it to a vote on the Pesky Recipes Instagram page and 60% of the people who voted, wanted a Barbie themed recipe next, so here we are. I … Continue reading Pink Mojito
How do you make a lemon meringue pie even better? Turn it into a cupcake, of course! These heavenly little cupcakes consist of a sweet lemon sponge, filled with tangy lemon curd and topped with silky smooth marshmallowy meringue on top. Seeing as it's my birthday this week, I've added a bit of alcohol in … Continue reading Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
Here in the UK, we're celebrating our new King's coronation this week. Up and down the country people will be coming together for afternoon tea, picnics and buffets, while watching the King's procession through London and the coronation ceremony. So I thought I'd share my extra special Curd recipe for you to use in cakes, … Continue reading Limoncello Curd
As Mother's Day is right around the corner, I thought I'd show you how to make Sugar Roses. Now, I am well aware that my sugar roses aren't the neatest; cake decoration is certainly NOT my forte. But I love the idea of someone making their mum a cake or batch of cupcakes (I recommend … Continue reading How to Make Sugar Roses
I love roasted butternut squash. I usually chop a full squash into chunks and roast it in oil, seasoning and garlic, then keep it in an air-tight container in my fridge. I can then add it to pasta dishes or use it top pizza with, or microwave it for a few mins so it's hot … Continue reading Butternut Squash and Bean Bake
Next, on my green wrapping journey, I experimented with tissue paper. A lot of tissue paper is recyclable or even compostable, and if you shop at independent retailers, quite often, your item are wrapped in tissue paper. So I wanted to try to reuse some. Of course, we all know tissue paper looks really cute … Continue reading Green Wrapping – Tissue Paper
Next up for Halloween - Meringues. Crisp on the outside, marshmallowy on the inside, light, sweet and impressive when served at a party. They're traditionally served with whipped cream and fresh fruit, but these cute little Meringue Ghosts are dipped in white chocolate and crushed pistachios. They're the perfect sweet treat to serve at a … Continue reading Meringue Ghosts
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine gave me a load of rhubarb. Her neighbour grows it in his garden, and they've had so much of it this year, they were giving it away to anyone who would take it. And well, I've never been one to turn down free produce! To tell you … Continue reading Rhubarb and Orange Crumble with a Pistachio Crumb
You'd never know these muffins were dairy free. The texture and rise is just like a normal muffin, and they taste delicious - zesty, sweet and full of blueberries. I've made them using coconut milk and oil, instead of butter, soured cream, milk or yoghurt, so they're completely dairy free. (They are, however, made using … Continue reading Dairy Free Blueberry and Lemon Muffins
OK, so I know what you're thinking, but jelly (or jello, for my friends on the other side of the pond) is definitely NOT just for kids; especially not this one! Made with fresh fruit, Pimms and prosecco, it's the perfect dessert to eat outside, in the sunshine, watching Wimbledon . Weather you're a tennis … Continue reading Wimbledon Jelly
You can't get through half-time at a football match without a pie and a pint. It's almost the law in Britain (or so my husband tells me). Like most of Britain, he's been glued to the Euro's. He's enjoyed the TV coverage, and loved seeing fans back in the stadiums, but watching it on TV … Continue reading Jackfruit Tikka Pies
I've suffered with a bad back for years. I have a weakness in the muscles around my spine, meaning that if I stand, sit or lay in one position for too long, or do anything physical such as gardening or sports, the muscles can spasm, leaving me in a lot of pain for days. I … Continue reading Lavender Rose Bath Salts
It's my birthday today! And if you're a regular follower of Pesky Recipes, you'll know that I love an excuse to have a cocktail, and what better excuse is there than a birthday? This recipe is really easy to make and tastes like summer in a glass. A twist on the classic cocktail Sex on … Continue reading Sex on Mango Beach
Coleslaw is a firm favourite in our house, and a staple dish at any BBQ, buffet or party. It goes with pretty much every savoury dish (even sausage and brown sauce sandwiches - try it!) and its so quick and easy to make yourself. Normally, coleslaw is made using white cabbage, but I've used red … Continue reading Pink Coleslaw
This recipe is adapted from a Golden Coconut Pyramids recipe in my very old Dairy Book of Home Cookery (see my About Page for more info). I was making meringues for a special Easter recipe I'm developing, and the Coconut Pyramids was right next to the meringues in the book and it caught my attention. … Continue reading Flourless Almond Biscuits
Raspberries and white chocolate make for a delicious match, we all know that. Whether in cakes, biscuits, traybakes or indeed, muffins, it's a classic flavour combination we all love. The days are getting longer now, here in the UK we've even had a few days of sunshine, which really lifts the mood. So I'm being … Continue reading Raspberry and White Chocolate Muffins
Up until 2016, I was convinced I didn't like mushrooms. They were just slimy, horrible things that were snuck into almost all vegetarian meals without my permission. Then, my now husband and I went to Edinburgh for the weekend with some friends, where we ended up having dinner in a lovely Italian restaurant. Back then, … Continue reading Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
There's nothing more comforting on a cold, wet, winter's day than a steaming bowl of hot tomato soup. You can, of course, buy very good tinned soups, but if like me, you get a lot of joy, and take a lot of pride in cooking things from scratch, then you'll enjoy making your own. And … Continue reading Easy Homemade Tomato Soup
Did you know, like the Queen, I get two birthdays every year? - The anniversary of the day I was born, and the anniversary of the first ever post I made on Pesky Recipes. Well, It's my 2nd blog birthday tomorrow, so I thought we could celebrate with a yummy little cocktail recipe. This cocktail … Continue reading Elderflower and Pear Martini
I've made these shortbread biscuits every Christmas for about about 8 years, and every year people comment on how nice they are. I take a batch into work instead of Christmas cards, and package the rest up in cellophane to use as stocking fillers for friends and family. My sister-in-law actually requests them as part … Continue reading Orange Shortbread Biscuits
My husband loves onion. Red, white, raw, cooked, it doesn't matter, he'll have it with almost any meal. So when I told him I was going to make beer battered onion rings he hovered around in the kitchen, stealing them off the pile as I was making them. I had to wait until he was … Continue reading Beer Battered Onion Rings
It's my birthday today! Hooray! So I'm celebrating with a really simple cocktail recipe that will make you think of lemon groves and Italian sunshine - just what we all need after the year we've had so far. So dig out the Limoncello from the back of the cupboard, put your sunglasses on and say … Continue reading Lemon Kisses
Being a florist, I'm well aware of how many weddings and events have had to be cancelled or postponed this year due to covid-19. I know how upset brides and grooms are, not knowing when their big day, which they've been meticulously planning for years, will actually be able to go ahead. Well I'm here … Continue reading Homemade Biodegradable Confetti
One of my closest friends makes wedding cakes for a living and she told me about this trick. I've used it to add finishing touches to numerous cakes and biscuits over the years and as we're rapidly running out of things to do during lockdown, I thought I'd share it with you. It's a great … Continue reading Decorating With Edible Lustre
I first made these tartlets to use up some left over ingredients - half a jar of this, a handful of that, things that were just sat in the fridge waiting to go off. But they were so tasty, I ended up buying all the ingredients again and making more. This recipe makes 6 tartlets, … Continue reading Goat’s Cheese Tartlets
Easter is a big celebration for my husband's family. We all gather at his parent's house for a feast and an Easter Egg hunt. If the weather is good, they have a buffet of sandwiches, salads and quiche or a barbecue outside. If it's cold or wet, it's a traditional roast dinner with all the … Continue reading Simnel Scones
It's St. Patrick's Day on the 17th March - the Patron Saint of Ireland, and how better to celebrate than with a recipe involving Guinness? (You do have to put it in the recipe, you can't just drink it while you're cooking. Sorry!) I have been to Ireland many times and sampled all sorts of … Continue reading Veggie Steak and Ale Pie
It's St. David's Day on the 1st March - the Patron Saint of Wales; and as I live on the Welsh boarder I thought I'd join in the celebrations with a Welsh recipe. St David, famously, was a strict vegetarian and only drank water - a lifestyle many of us are trying to adopt now; … Continue reading Very Welsh Rarebit
Up North they have Cauliflower Cheese with their roast dinners, gravy and all. And hey, I'm not judging, I have gravy on pizza! But I think it would be a shame to smother this gorgeous, rich, cheesy, creamy version in gravy. This is a luxurious Cauliflower cheese, made with double cream and mature cheddar cheese. … Continue reading Cauliflower Cheese
I have spent years developing this recipe. Every winter I give it another go, changing the recipe each time, and each time it was a bit . . . meh. I knew it would work eventually, sausages, leeks, onions, gravy, what can go wrong? Turns out, when you're using vegetarian sausages, it's harder than you … Continue reading Veggie Sausage Casserole
Pesky Recipes is one year old! I can hardly believe it! I've had so much fun developing my recipes, photographing and blogging about them, and the feedback I've received from friends, family and complete strangers has been overwhelming. I have felt so welcomed by the blogging community and I'm still thrilled to bits whenever someone … Continue reading Blog Birthday Berry Mojito
Making a Bechamel sauce from scratch does take time, and the idea of making a roux is pretty scary if you've never made one before, but it is actually pretty easy to do. Infusing the milk takes the longest, but you can wonder off and do something else while that's happening and it tastes so … Continue reading Bechamel Sauce
Last week I showed you how to plan a hamper and how to keep the costs down (see that post here), this week I'm going to show you how to put together and wrap your hampers! First of all, the box: I find a box with flaps to be the easiest to use, you can … Continue reading How To – Hamper Wrapping
Infusing alcohol is really simple to do and makes a lovely homemade gift. I've infused gin and rum to give away as Christmas presents this year, but pretty much any alcohol or oil can be infused this way. Infused alcohols make lovely hamper items, and over the next few weeks, in the run up to … Continue reading Infusing Alcohol
I make Pumpkin soup every October, I love it. It's really easy to make, tasty, comforting and this recipe makes a big batch which I freeze in portions and work my way through throughout the month. There is a great pumpkin soup recipe in my Vegetarian Cookery book (see my About page for more info) … Continue reading Pumpkin and Red Pepper Soup
This simple recipe makes a yummy, tangy, sweet curd that is great in cakes, biscuits and pastries. There's no need for a thermometer or any special equipment or ingredients and unlike jam making, the mixture shouldn't boil, so there's no molten sugar spitting at you. It also makes a lovely homemade gift. Pour into a … Continue reading Easy Lime Curd
I first created this recipe with cannelloni in mind, and it works really well, just increase the cooking time by 10 mins and cover with foil for the first 20 mins to stop the top from burning. But I would get so bored filling what felt like millions of pasta tubes that I decided to … Continue reading Spinach And Ricotta Pancakes
I first had broccoli in coleslaw at a friend's wedding a few years ago, and I'll be honest, I was dubious. Growing up in the North West of England in the 90's, broccoli was something that was boiled until it was mushy and then smothered in gravy. However, the catering staff had gone out of … Continue reading Kale And Broccoli Coleslaw
I really hate food waste, I have a compost bin for all my fruit and veg peelings and a freezer full of bits that I somehow manage to turn into "Bitsa Meals" (a meal consisting of bits-a this and bits-a that). So when I discovered half a packet of oaty biscuits in the cupboard that … Continue reading Cherry And Almond Tiffin
Pesky Recipes 