The Botanical Kitchen
Recipes, travel and the occasional rant
Cranberries are in season for only a short time in the UK which is such a shame because they are soooo good for you. This tiny little fruit packs a massive punch in the antioxidant department meaning that it helps keep your heart healthy and is also good for your liver. On top of that cranberries […]
Whenever I have egg whites left over I rustle up some macaroons or pavlova or mousse. I had just the right amount left to make a batch after making some lovely Cranberry Curd which I used to fill these ones for a Christmassy treat. 200g icing sugar 50g cocoa powder 250g ground almonds 220g caster […]
I know that Bakewell Tarts traditionally have a jam filling but I think they work really well with compotes and curds too. This tart is a great one to make at Christmas time as cranberries are so readily available in the supermarkets. I’ve used a simple compote for the one below but you can also […]
I love cranberries but the season is so short. I wanted to literally “bottle” the flavour for a bit longer. This curd is so simple and I used the egg whites left over for macaroons. It’s also lovely as the base of a Bakewell Tart instead of jam. The measures below make enough for a […]
I love courgettes at any time of year and this quick dish combines them with lemons and herbs to make a great canapé filling. If you don’t fancy making puff pastry, use shortcrust pastry or even toasted ciabatta pieces. The courgette filling can be made a few days in advance and kept in the fridge. Don’t freeze […]
If you’ve had a good look round this blog, you’ll notice lots of little food. I’m a big fan. This is such a brilliant recipe. You can have it in the pastry cases as I’ve described below or simply as a little salad inside a leaf of gem lettuce or on top of some parchment […]
Dishoom describes itself as a Bombay Cafe in London but it sooooo much more than that. There is a very clear narrative behind the restaurant which exudes from Shamil who is one of the founders. ‘Dishoom’ is the old Bollywood sound effect produced when a hero lands a good punch, or when a bullet flies […]
I LOVE eating out and I wanted to share my experiences with you. Hopefully they’ll inspire you as they’ve inspired me to change what I’m cooking or baking. I don’t get paid to eat at these places nor to publicise them. PDO and PGI Welsh Food and Wine Tasting Menu at The Harbourmaster Hotel, Aberaeon, […]
As some of your know my camera’s SD card died earlier this week so I’ve been struggling to get access to the last few weeks pictures. I am delighted to say that I have prevailed over technology (for now!) and can share with you my favourite images from the Chocolate Festival on the Southbank a […]
I demonstrated these simple cups at the London Chocolate Festival and they were a real hit. You can make the cups from pastry or shortbread. I’ve given you both options below. They can then be filled with caramel and topped with the simple mascarpone ganache like the one below or filled with curd and topped […]
I have fond memories of my year at University in Cologne, Germany. It was a wonderful year of new experiences. Kolsch beer, seeded breads, stinky cheeses, all night parties at the ‘Bunker’ bar, learning how to play pool, getting my first DJ slot….an endless list. What I remember most of all though is Germany at […]
Aachener Printen is a speciality gingerbread or Lebkuchen sold in the masses to the masses at Christmas. Recipes are closely guarded secrets but my German friend gave me this version. You’ll need 500g golden syrup 500g plain flour 50g candied peel 2tsp baking powder 2tsp ground star anise 2tbsp ground coriander seeds 2tsp ground cinnamon […]
Hi I'm Urvashi!
I love food. This blog is a little glimpse into my foodie world which is an escape from two teenage girls, a busy job and my little cafe.