The Botanical Kitchen
Recipes, travel and the occasional rant
I never understood the whole ‘allotment thing’ until a few weeks ago when my raspberries started coming up. Well, technically they are not ‘my’ raspberries as the straggly bush was already on our plot when we received the key in March. I was all ready to pull it out and burn it because I wanted […]
Ben is 22 years old and a fourth generation master ice cream maker from the heart of the Cotswolds. He learnt his craft through generations of his family who are still in business today. Ben’s Great Grandfather Albert Winstone started Winstones Cotswold Ice Cream in 1925 near Stroud, Gloucestershire. Ben’s mother Jane sits as managing […]
I came across the South West Garlic Farm on Twitter about a year ago. I was fascinated by their beautiful images of garlic at various stages of growth. We’ve been in touch ever since and on my recent trip to the beautiful southern coastline of Britain, I popped in to meet farmer and owner Mark […]
I’m not a fan of mixes. Really I’m not. Especially Indian spices mixes. Everytime I see one on the shelf I can hear the voice of Nina Wadia’s Goodness Gracious Me character shouting “Naheee, I can make it at home for nothing“. But ….and I’m finding it difficult not to wave my forefinger at you here […]
Since my trip to Kentwell Manor a few weeks ago, when the lovely lady in The Still Room treated my eyes for hayfever and itchiness, I have been reading about elderflowers and their healing properties. She used mint leaves which had been dipped in water steeped with elderflowers and it really was one of the […]
If, like me, you rarely buy popcorn in retail outlets because it is so ridiculously expensive then this is the popcorn that will change your mind. Joseph Sopher – The Popcorn Alchemist The company was started by Joseph Sopher. On regular trips to America he would bring back gourmet popcorn for friends and family. He […]
I don’t tend to get picked for school trips. Actually that’s not true. I do get picked but I’m advised at such short notice that I can’t usually take the time off work due to a diary full of meetings. My youngest has a new teacher who is very organised. I like her. I like […]
All the elderflowers around at the moment have me in the mood for cordial. Elderflower cordial is a staple on my kitchen shelf – I don’t have cupboards lest I forget what’s in them. My brand of choice has always been Belvoir. It’s just lusciously syrupy and perfect for baking with. I used it on […]
I really love millefeuille but I find the shop bought versions and even patisserie versions just far too sweet. I don’t like the iced topping and I also don’t tend to have time for the steps involved to make these perfect. So here is an easy recipe that you can throw together very quickly. I’ve […]
Samphire – the name itself sounds so precious doesn’t it? So close to sapphire and to me it has the same sense of elusiveness and mystery. It doesn’t always go by this name. The French call it “sampiere” after Saint Pierre, the patron saint of fishermen. It is also called “sea asparagus” or “sea pickle”. […]
I love honey. It’s my go to food to feel better when I am feeling stressed. I tend to buy ‘proper honey’. By this I mean honey from my local Greek or Turkish shop that doesn’t have any rubbish thrown in, or honeycomb that just melts in your mouth. But for baking that can get […]
London’s Southbank is one of the best places to be in the summer. Whether it’s during the week or on the weekend, there is always something going on to dip in and out of as you stroll from restaurant to bar to book stall to shops. A great free event is Herbfest which is a […]