The Botanical Kitchen
Recipes, travel and the occasional rant
About the author Laura Santini won the Guild of Food Writers’ Jeremy Round Award for Best First Book in 2010. She describes herself as a Cognitive Cook because her work explores links between flavours and feelings recognising ingredients that flavour life in and outside of the kitchen. I’m really inspired by all the things she […]
A whole 3 days dedicated to tea and coffee? How fabulous I thought and indeed it was! Tucked away on London’s Southbank was a maze of boutique coffee and tea companies all with their stories to tell. First off, the gorgeous light, nutty coffee from The Ethiopian Coffee Company which I used in my Hazelnut and Coffee Biscotti. (Sssssh don’t tell […]
Rupert is the Managing Director of Womersley Foods, a ‘botanically enthused’ company selling fruit and herb vinegars. It was launched by his parents from their home, Womersley Hall, in 1979. Rupert has been running the business since 2009. The home grown aspect of the specialist herbs and fruits used as key ingredients is what impressed me. […]
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 […]
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’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? […]
This was my first ever attempt at making a preserve and now I am hooked! It was very easy and I didn’t use any thermometers, strainers or some of the other complex things you see in some recipes. It’s not quick to make but as long as you are close by to give it a […]
I’ve been really fortunate over the last few months to have met so many amazing foodies who have shared not only their wonderful ingredients but also their passions for helping and supporting others to (re)discover the great produce we have in this country. I’d like to introduce you to two who inspired today’s recipes of Sourdough […]
This is a really great way of using up slightly over-ripe apricots. They are perfect for breakfast because it literally takes a maximum of 45 mins – even faster if you take a tip from my friend Jo who measure everything out the night before! 10 simple steps and you’ve got a delicious breakfast […]