Category: Lifestyle

The recipePut a deep pan of water on to boil. As it boils, salt generously then lower in 150g of pappardelle and cook for 8 minutes. Thinly slice 300g of chestnut mushrooms. Warm 6 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan, then add the mushrooms. Let them fry for 4 to 5 minutes […]

In a wretched year, brief moments of joy are to be cherished all the more. Today, cold, damp and dealing with a blanket of sodden leaves in the garden, I catch the smell of baking apples coming through the open kitchen door. A hint of fruit slowly building to a froth and the scent of […]

Laden with butter, dried fruit and marzipan, this festive German favourite isn’t the quickest thing you’ll bake this Christmas, but it may well be the most satisfying. Well wrapped, loaves will last for at least a week, making them a lovely gift, though it would be a shame not to keep one for yourself, too. […]

This blend of hedgerow fruit and local Dorset vodka is one of our signature drinks. If you can’t get hold of fresh berries, defrost the same amount of frozen instead. Mary ShelleyServes 2 300g blackberries – hold back 6 berries, to garnish300ml water100g sugar1 pinch salt3 sprigs fresh thyme1 tbsp apple balsamic vinegar – the […]

There will be smaller gatherings this year, so why flash the cash on showy labels? There are some decent drops to be had in own-label wines It’s no great surprise to discover that, where drinks are concerned, we’ve tended to revert to the tried and trusted during this roller-coaster of a year. Big brands have […]

As Anglo-Italians, my family ate lentils for New Year’s Eve, traditionally served to bring wealth and good fortune. On first impressions I cannot imagine anything less bling than a lentil; yet what they evoke in me is a great sense of comfort and wellbeing, which is just what I need now. At new year, they […]

This wonderful soup infuses the air with warmth and comfort, promising as well as delivering a bowl of soothing goodness. Make lots as it keeps remarkably well and folk always seem to want seconds, or more, the next day. You’ll need to soak the beans overnight or buy very good tinned or the excellent jars […]