Portugal is a place we continue to return to as a couple. This summer, our fourth trip, was spent first of all in the remote central hills near the  village of Nagozela. We spent a week in a converted barn making ventures out into the countryside, vinyards and small towns of Luso, Treviso amongst others. … Continue reading Pork and kale soup (not caldo verde)

Sausage and mash will always have its place in our house, there is no dispute. However, if pushed, I think there's something I prefer even on the coldest of Autumn nights and that is sausage and lentils. Nutty, earthy and seasoned with dried chilli and maybe a fennel spiced sausage, for me, nothing tops it. … Continue reading Wild boar sausages, lentils and kale

One of the things I like most about having a dedicated local grocer like John at The Orange Grove is his habit of making sure there's something seasonal and special on display out front. Whether it's heritage baby carrots in Autumn, the freshest purple sprouting, plump damsons or new seasons wet garlic there is always … Continue reading Pork fillet with sage, lemon and cobnuts

As is typical in August and September, we are overrun by runner beans. Wherever I turn they are there; at the market, outside The Orange Grove, in plastic bags sent over from Mum and Dad's veg patch... they are unstoppable. Whilst aware they are not everyone's favourite form of bean, I too will be adding … Continue reading Lightly spiced runner beans

Combining meat with fruit can produce wonderful results. Forget ham-fisted attempts at duck a l'orange and think smoked chicken with cherries, slow roast brisket with watermelon or lamb with red currents. There are so many options. I first encountered (what I later discovered was a French classic) pork with peaches at a B&B with dinner … Continue reading Pork and peaches

Finally some scorching weather has aligned with a bank holiday to (hopefully) kick start a summer of BBQ worthy weekends. My approach when I've prepped a few different things to grill, whether it be for the two of us or a larger group, is to prep a table full of versatile sides and salads. These … Continue reading Bank Holiday BBQ Salad(s)

Good tuna (that you can enjoy and sleep well at night having eaten) is a rare thing. Thankfully, in the last 2-3 years the range of good, MSC certified tinned and jarred tuna is on the up. I was even amazed to find a serviceable option amongst Morrison's 'the best' range recently. I discovered albacore steaks … Continue reading Tuna polpette and Cloudwater sour

The sun shone upon us this Saltaire Heritage weekend and after vsiting the alpacas and watching (whilst keeping a safe distance from) the morris dancers in Robert's Park we headed up to the Old Glen House pub for lunch via another local heritage staple, the Shipley Glen Tramway. As Emily watched the trams roll up and … Continue reading Shipley Glen Wild Garlic Soup

I'll start by apologising that this blog post is a little late for anyone looking for Good Friday inspiration, but make a note and perhaps it will come in handy next year. Perfection is very personal, especially when it comes to food, but this recipe is a testament to how much I rate Felicity Cloake's … Continue reading Good Friday Fish Pie

This week I stopped by the butcher's I used to frequent most regularly when we lived in Leeds city centre whilst on my way back from the office to the train. Steve and Kyle at Callard's in Leeds Kirkgate Market are always brilliantly accommodating, friendly and enthusiastic about what they do. Regardless of the challenges that … Continue reading Lamb chump with fregola and goat’s curd