The Botanical Kitchen
Recipes, travel and the occasional rant
Making cake pops is a really good way of using up leftover cake or cake that maybe didn’t turn out to plan. I made a chocolate loaf using a different recipe than I usually do. It tasted amazing but really didn’t look too pretty. Usually I’d cut it up into square chunks, pipe swirls of […]
Loaf cake is so versatile and lasts really well. It’s a staple in our house and goes into packed lunches, school picnics or acts as a good pudding after weekday quick meals with ice cream, custard or a simple cuppa tea. I’ve given you three drizzle options below. Hibiscus Syrup for those of you […]
I’m warning you. These are decadent. I mean really, really decadent. I’ve added an extra layer of caramel to the version below because I made these for my girls as a ‘well-done-at-school-treat’. The caramel balances the bitterness of the chocolate really well. For an adult version leave the caramel out and serve with a dollop […]
Today, people across Mexico will be celebrating ‘Dia de los Muertos’ – a festival dedicated to their ancestors. Literally translated as ‘the day of the dead’ it honours both death and the cycle of life. In Mexico, neighbours gather in local cemeteries to share food, music, and fun with their extended community, both living and […]
This recipe is from Mexican Food Made Simple by Thomasina Miers. I think it’s a complex version of a creme brulee really but well worth a try even if it is to lick the saucepan of tequila flavoured sugar syrup! I’ve explained the recipe in my words. You’ll need 250g caster sugar 1 tbsp golden […]
Happy Diwali Week everyone. I say ‘week’ because it really is a week long celebration – especially this year as Dhanteras (the first day of celebrations) was on Monday, Diwali was yesterday, Bestu Varas or New Year’s Day is today and our community and family celebrations will take place this weekend. Today is Annakut , […]
I visited Paul A Young‘s beautiful chocolate shop last week and was so inspired by all the little pieces of perfection and flavours. I decided that I’d have a go at chocolate making. Diwali was a perfect excuse but to be honest, these delicious little delights could be made at any time of year as […]
Brandy snaps are one of my favourite biscuits and this recipe is taken from the wonderful Great British Bake Off cookbook. Instead of the cream filling in the book, I’ve used Shrikhand – an rich, Indian sweet yoghurt because I made these for Diwali festivities. You might also like the Shrikhand Tarts. You’ll need For […]
When I was little I could never remember the names of all my aunties so I gave them nicknames. Noisy Auntie, Leicester Auntie, Pink Saree Auntie etc. This recipe for Shrikhand is associated with ‘Socks Auntie’. She used to make it for me when I was pregnant because it’s my most favourite Indian dessert AND […]
This recipe is taken from The Gentle Art of Cookery. It does have raisins, currants and maraschino which I left out because I’m not a fan of them at all. This stores really well in the freezer. I only made half of the recipe in the book so the measures below will give you 4 […]
I’ve been to a few Gala Dinners and Drinks Receptions for work recently. It’s that time of year. I know I should be enjoying the dressing up part and the celebration itself. Don’t get me wrong, I love wearing an evening gown and heels and jewellery and being all girly. But ‘networking’ is soooo scary isn’t it? […]
Every now and then I have a canape craze – especially when we have people over for dinner. I make mini food. ‘Pick-up-and-pop-me-in-your-mouth’ food. I suppose it’s an extra challenge to my patience but it’s so satisfying when the results are good. These little pies are a great example and are really very quick to […]