ENJOYING EATING EMPANADAS...

 

 

I've always loved a pastie - hot or cold - so this recipe for something similar, given a bit of punch by some Mexican spices, was destined to catch my eye.

 

Stretching it a bit for a blog again as only used home grown parsley and coriander but they were so tasty I just had to share.  Good with Mexican rice and taco beans.  Salad and roasted tomatoes would work as well or would even be a great alternative to a sandwich for an adult picnic!

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/beef-chorizo-empanadas



I FEEL GOOD (I KNEW THAT I WOULD!)

 

 So have you got end of season courgettes or spring onions lurking in your fridge?

Well they can be elevated to a new level when you cook this tasty treat created by chef Tom Kerridge.  It’s from a book designed to increase your dopamine, but don’t do what I did and try to increase your dopamine too much  by using 150 grams of blue cheese instead of 100 grams just so I didn’t waste the cheese! and because I've had a lot of bland veggie quiches in my time!

I did however use ordinary shop bought pastry (my usual favourite from Aldi) and I swapped  the cream for milk and added only one of the extra egg yolks- that meant it took longer to set but it still worked just the same.

 The salty cheese was enhanced by the sweetness of the marmalade  ( I used a red onion chutney) and fresh thyme. 

 

 Served with a riotous medley of colourful tomatoes, peppery rocket and new potatoes it’s another recipe that may yet be designed to sway a meat eater but in the meantime I’ll happily increase the feel good chemicals in my brain alone!!

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/courgette-double-cheese-quiche

 

 

 

BAT OUT OF HELL (MEAT LOAF!)

 

 

So I’m stretching things a bit using this recipe for a blog as it only makes use of my aromatic basil.

However this meat loaf is worthy of a mention as it’s so full of flavour - and the rich red tomato sauce makes you feel healthy even when you just drink it in with your eyes! Goes perfectly with fresh broccoli and new potatoes from the garden:)

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/beef-bacon-meatloaf

 

BABY BAKES

My beloved grandson wasn't that fussed by these fancy frittatas - sadly a bag of cocktail sausages had caught his eye,  but with a hint of salty feta and packed full of healthy veg, I'd definitely recommend them for a picnic if you are young or old!

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/toddler-recipe-mini-egg-veg-muffins

 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/courgette-frittatas

 

I've not tried the second recipe but I'm sure it would be equally as tasty.

MAMMA MIA!

 ....Here I go again how can I resist you? And how can I resist this  *glossy, bulbous aubergine I picked from the garden  that sent me into raptures of excitement! 

 Brushed with oil and griddled and tucked into a deep rich tomatoey sauce heaped with mozzarella cheese, it made a divine chicken parmigiana.

 

 

I'm over the moon that thanks to the heatwave I’ve managed to grow these delicate vegs usually suited to warmer climes.

*Thanks for the adjectives Caroline!:)

 

 

 

 

 

Looked online but can't find the Waitrose recipe so here's what you need for two people.  You would also  need some garlic bread and/or salad with it.

 

• Brush an aubergine with oil and griddle in something like a George Foreman or griddle pan.
• Chop up a carrot, one onion and a stick of celery and fry. 
• Add one and a half tablespoons of tomato puree, some Waitrose Cooks' Ingredients Italian mix, 125mls of red wine, a can of tomatoes and another half a can of water.
• Dice two chicken breasts and add to this sauce and simmer for half an hour.  Add some good handfuls of basil once this is done.
• Mix a handful of breadcrumbs with a tablespoonful of oil.
• Then layer sauce, then aubergine, breadcrumbs, then parmesan three times.
• Top with a couple of good handfuls of mozzarella and bake at 200 degrees gas mark 6 for 25-30 minutes.

If you'd like the proper recipe let me know and I can always copy it for you:)