Sliced Plum Frangipane Tart

I bought a punnet of plums from Aldi, these were an impulse purchase based on price and the fact that the plums looked so pretty! There were only 5 plums and I decided that cutting them up into slices was the way to go.

The buttery pastry base is easy to make and likewise with the frangipane topping. I was slightly concerned the plum slices would sink but amazingly they stayed on top to show how bright they are. I sprinkled over some flaked almonds and crushed over a few amaretti biscuits.

Mixed Seed Loaf

It's Real Bread Week - there is nothing more satisfying than making your own bread, I'm not an expert bread maker but make my own week after week.

This recipe is full of flavour using sesame seed oil, and honey as a sweetener. A mixture of white and wholemeal strong flour ensures the bread isn't heavy and gives a light crumb.

I made my loaf into a twisted shape which whilst not perfectly formed doesn't make a jot of difference to the end result.  After all, home baking isn't about making everything look Instagram perfect or production line perfect, it's home cooking in the kitchen and enjoying the process of making a loaf of bread.

Eggless Chocolate Cake

I was given this recipe by a family member, her grand daughter has in the past been unable to eat dairy products and this is the turn to recipe which is perfect for everyone, including all chocoholics.  I've very slightly adapted the recipe. My icing includes dairy but the cake is just as delicious without any topping. The cake is moist, improves and gets quite sticky after a couple of days. We served ours with creme fraiche and it's also fabulous with a dollop of ice cream.

Spicy Red Lentil Soup

A warming bowl of delicious spicy soup that is quick to make but has a ridiculously long list of ingredients.

The recipe is very versatile and the sweet paprika can be swapped with smoked sweet paprika, next time I make this soup I'll add a chopped carrot to give a more interesting texture and I'll cut down on the amount of lentils.

Lentils aren't a pulse I usually cook with but they're only about £1.00 a bag, are super good for you, don't require any soaking and can be used to thicken stews and soups.

The mixed seeded bread is made in the Thermomix and I'll post the recipe for this over the next few weeks.

Thermomix Soft White Bread

There is nothing quite like making your own bread. I've never been one to break out into a sweat kneading bread dough and any piece of kitchen equipment that helps make life easier is okay by me.

I find it easier to make the bread dough in the evening and then place the covered dough overnight in the fridge. In the morning take the risen dough from the fridge, allow to come up to room temperature for an hour or so, and then remove the air and shape ready for the next prove.

This is the recipe I mostly use and it will also work perfectly in the bread maker on the dough setting (using instant dried yeast only) or using a stand mixer.

Easy Pea and Mint Soup

Home made soup takes some beating. Can you believe that I've never eaten or made a pea and mint soup, that is until now. As you know I'm a bit of a gadgeteer and this soup was made in my Thermomix but if you've bought a soup maker, or are thinking about buying one for the winter months, then this recipe is a great one to try.