Blackcurrant and almond muffins

Blackcurrant and almond muffins

Here’s a delicious homegrown alternative to coffee-shop blueberry muffins. (You can, obviously, also make it with blueberries, if you grow those.) Using yoghurt in the recipe produces a lighter, more authentic texture than the usual all-milk method. The mixture is stiffer than you might expect, but it bakes to perfection. Ingredients (makes 12) 250g (9oz) self-raising flour 140g (5oz) caster…
APPLE PURÉE FOR BABY

APPLE PURÉE FOR BABY

Making your own baby purĂ©e from apples is so easy – and you can rest assured you know exactly what went in the recipe. If you are not using your own home-grown apples, make sure you choose organic apples free of pesticides. Let baby eat it as is, or mix it into porridge for a naturally sweetened dish. MAKES 5-6…
MUSHROOM & GOATS CHEESE RISOTTO

MUSHROOM & GOATS CHEESE RISOTTO

With apple, kale and mushroom on the menu, this month promises to be a tasty one thanks to Anna’s latest medley of culinary marvels I hadn’t really discovered the joys of growing your own mushrooms until I was gifted a mushroom growing kit. Make your own mushroom risotto from scratch with this recipe! SERVES 4 | Preparation time: 20 minutes…
Indian-style spinach with new potatoes

Indian-style spinach with new potatoes

This is based on the classic sag aloo, which is my favourite use for copious quantities of spinach.  This summertime version of the recipe uses new potatoes and adds the spinach towards the end of the cooking time for a fresher flavour. Ingredients (serves 2) 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 medium onion, peeled, halved and sliced…
CHIA BREAKFAST BOWL

CHIA BREAKFAST BOWL

A tasty summer alternative to porridge, with seasonal berries. SERVES 2 | Preparation time: 10 minutes • 50g/1½oz chia seeds • 200ml/7fl oz soya milk • 1 banana, sliced FOR THE BLUEBERRY PURÉE • 100g/3½oz blueberries • 1 tsp lemon juice • 2 tsp maple syrup 1. Divide the chia seeds and soya milk between two serving bowls and stir…
DAIRY-FREE AMERICAN BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

DAIRY-FREE AMERICAN BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

A fabulous dish to serve up at the weekend. You can use blackcurrants or raspberries too, if you prefer.  SERVES 6 | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes • 225g/8oz plain flour • 1tbsp baking powder • 1tsp caster sugar • pinch of salt • 2 large eggs, beaten • 1tsp vanilla extract • 100g/3½oz dairy-free yogurt…
RASPBERRY BROWNIES

RASPBERRY BROWNIES

These brownies are extra gooey and very rich in chocolate.  A small piece is an excellent end to dinner and the raspberries add little bursts of fruitiness. MAKES 16 SQUARES | Preparation time: 25 minutes | Cooking time: 30-35 minutes • 200g/7oz plain chocolate, broken into pieces • 100g/3½oz milk chocolate, broken into pieces • 250g/9oz unsalted butter, diced •…
RASPBERRY CORDIAL

RASPBERRY CORDIAL

Bottle up a bit of sunshine with this beautiful raspberry cordial. It’s so easy to make and taste great with sparkling water. MAKES ABOUT ½ LITRE Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes • 400g/14oz raspberries • 400g/14oz caster sugar • 300ml/½ pint water • Juice of one lemon 1. Simmer the raspberries and caster sugar with 300ml…
Raspberry cranachan

Raspberry cranachan

Every take on this classic Scottish dessert assembles the ingredients in a slightly different way.  This is my version. With apologies to fellow Scots: the whisky is negotiable. If you don’t have a bottle to hand, it is just as good made with brandy or rum. For a child-friendly version, omit the alcohol altogether. Ingredients (serves 2) 20g (Âľoz) oatmeal…
CHILLI CORN BREAD

CHILLI CORN BREAD

This corn bread is naturally gluten free and tastes great served with soup or stew. SERVES 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes • 200g/7oz polenta • 285ml/10fl oz buttermilk • 25g/1oz butter • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped • 1 tsp baking powder • ÂĽ tsp bicarbonate of soda • 50g/1Âľoz frozen sweetcorn, defrosted…