Strawberry Marble Cake (eggless)

Luscious strawberry in a moist sponge makes this cake delicious.

Ingredients:

225g (8 oz) self-raising flour
225g (8 oz) butter, at room temperature
225g (8 oz) caster sugar plus 2 teaspoons
4 eggs or (4 tablespoons egg replacer mixed with 4 tablespoons water )
1 teaspoon baking powder
10 strawberries
1 teaspoon  natural red food colouring

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C / gas mark 4.
2. Mix the egg replacer with 4 tablespoons water whisk and keep aside.
3.Mix together the butter and 225 g sugar until light and fluffy.
4. In a separate bowl sieve together the flour and baking powder
5. Add spoonful of flour and egg replacer alternately into the butter and sugar and fold it in until all the flour is mixed in.
6. Chop the strawberries into small pieces and add 3/4 of them  to the batter and fold them in
7. The remaining 1/4 of the strawberries place in a food blender with 2 teaspoons sugar and whizz blend them to form a smooth puree.
8. Sieve the puree to remove pips. Add 1 teaspoon red food colour to this puree and mix it in. Pour the puree into a plastic piping bag and keep aside.
9. Grease and line a rectangular cake tin .
10. Pour the cake batter in the tin and tap the tin gently to spread the batter out evenly.
11. Cut a tiny hole in the piping bag and pipe red swirls all over the top of the cake batter.
12. Using a cocktail stick swirl the red strawberry puree into the batter.
13. Place the cake in the oven to bake for 35-40 mins at 180 degrees c /350 degrees F . Check the cake is done by inserting a skewer in the cake if it comes out clean cake is baked.
14 Remove from oven and cool  on a wire rack before serving.

You may like:
Strawberry Kisses mini muffins

Submitting to:
Flavours of the world ~Grand Finale

Orange Chocolate Mousse Vegetarian friendly and Shaken Udder Milkshakes giveaway.

I recently wrote about some yummy milkshakes that I was sent by Shaken Udder, we really enjoyed them and we not only drank them but created some awesome desserts with them too such as Banana caramel Ice cream and Orange chocolate mousse.

Here is the recipe:

Creamy rich and chocolicious with a hint of orange chocolate mousse.

Ingredients:

240 ml Shaken Udder Choc Orange Milkshake
120 ml Milk
1 tablespoon agar agar flakes
1 tablespoon sugar
60 g milk chocolate grated or finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon orange essence
Orange slices for garnish
6 Orange chocolate match sticks for garnish

Method:

1. Add the milk to a pan and add the agar agar flakes and sugar bring to boil, keep stirring  until agar agar and sugar are fully dissolved.  Turn off heat and add in the chocolate and keep stirring until its all melted.
2.Whisk the milk shake until thick and creamy. I used my milk frother for this.Add the orange essence and mix it in.
3. Fold the agar agar mixture to the whisked chocolate milk shake to combine it.
4. Spoon the mixture into small shot glasses.
5. Place the mousse in the fridge for 4 hours to semi set.
6. Before serving garnish with orange slices and a chocolate match stick

NB- Due to this mousse being gelatine free it does not set fully and will have a creamy smooth texture.

I was sent the Shaken Udder milkshakes to try and they have been very kind and have agreed to provide two simply.food readers 16 bottles of their milkshakes each  for a giveaway prize.

How To Enter

Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc
Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway
Closing date – 12th February 2014 12.00 am

Open to over 18 years old and UK residents only.
2 prizes of 16 bottles of Shaken Udder Milkshake (One prize per winner only)

How Rafflecopter works:

• You will need to complete the mandatory entry first – usually making a blog comment. You can do this by clicking on leave a comment at the bottom of the post and leaving your reply in the comment box. Please note your comment will not show immediately as it needs to be moderated however rest assured it will appear on the site, so carry on with rest of entries.
• Login to Rafflecopter – click to see what the question is. Make a comment answering the question on the blog.
•  Go back to Rafflecopter and click the green button to tell me you have made a comment, this will unlock all the other options. All entries are checked to see that the mandatory question is answered, if its not all bonus entries will become void. 
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf.
• For information on how to find the URL of your tweet click here. 
• For bonus entries you can return to this page and enter the daily bonus entries. 
• If you are still unsure as to how Rafflecopter works please do check out this short video.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Apple Crumb Bars ~Secret recipe club challenge 20th January 2014

This is my assignment with the Secret Recipe Club.The aim of the club is that you are allocated a blog from which you have to select a recipe and try it and blog about it. My assigned blog was Mele Cotte.This blog is written By Chris who is from an Italian background.Browsing through her blog there were many recipes that caught my eye but one that I immediately want to try was her Apple Crumb Bars.Being the christmas holidays I always have an invite  or two to someones house, a baked goodie makes a perfect edible pressie.
I did not make any major changes to the recipe but I halved it and reduced the amount of sugar slightly. I also tossed some flaked almonds on the crumb topping for extra crunch .The apple crumb bars turned out delicious. My only challenge was that living in the UK working out what a stick of butter weighed took some googling. :)
You can find the original Apple crumb bar recipe here.

Crisp baked oats and apple bars with a delicious cinnamon crumb topping.

Ingredients:

Bottom layer

½ cup rolled oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
120 g butter
1 tablespoon egg replacer mixed with three tablespoons water

Middle layer-apple layer

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Top layer-crumb topping

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup sugar
60 g/ 2 oz butter chilled

30 g / 1 oz flaked almonds

Method:

1. Heat oven to 175°C/ 350° F.

2. Lightly line & grease a shallow baking tin

3. To prepare crumb topping take a medium bowl and add to it the flour and rub in the chilled butter to form a bread crumb type mixture, stir in the oats and sugar and set aside.

4. To prepare the apple layer, add the apples slices to a bowl add to it the sugar and cinnamon and toss together. Keep aside

 5. To prepare the bottom layer take a medium bowl and add to it the flour, salt, baking powder and chilled butter and rub gently to form a crumb type texture.

6. Stir in the oats and sugar and add the egg replacer and mix together.

7. Spread this mixture into the greased and lined baking tray and smooth it out.

8. Arrange the apples in cinnamon sugar over this layer.

9. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples and smooth it out so that it forms an even layer.

10. Bake the apple crumb bars in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

11. After 25 minutes of cooking sprinkle some almond flakes on the crumb bars and return to the oven for another 10 minutes or until the crumb mixture is golden brown and apple are cooked.

Remove from oven and leave to cool completely before cutting into bars.

You may like:

Honey Ginger Flapjacks

Submitting to:

Lets cook with Apples  :


Flavours of the world ~ Grand Finale event by simply.food

Shaken Udder Milkshakes review

I love milkshakes and its such a good way to get your children to drink milk without making a fuss. Making milkshakes at home is fairly simple and can be made with a variety of fruits but sometimes when we are out or need lunch on the go its not practical to carry homemade milkshakes.In this situation Shaken Udder milkshakes are perfect for on the go.

Shaken Udder is a range of delicious milkshakes made from fresh British milk, combined with finest ingredients such as Belgium chocolate, vanilla beans, fresh strawberries and real bananas, no artificial colours or flavourings are added the the milkshakes.The milkshakes have less than  5% added sugar providing a good source of Calcium. They are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians too.

The four amazing flavours are Choc Orange, Top banana, Chocolush and Vanilllalicious. Having tried all the flavours my favorite was the choc orange however my family disagreed and voted for the banana.The milkshakes are available in Waitrose, Sainsburys and Tesco. You can also purchase them online. The online price is £ 14.00 for 8 bottles.

In the photo above you can see we enjoyed the top banana flavour , perfectly chilled and served with a garnish of banana slices covered in chocolate sauce. Apart from drinking the shakes, I am sure you can create ice creams with them too which is going to be my next task.

Thank you to shaken Udder for sending me the samples. All the views expressed  in this review are my own.

Pixley Berries Cordial Review

In the summer it’s nice to have refreshing soft drinks but I prefer to serve soft drinks that are low in sugars and made from fresh fruits rather than concentrates with additives in them. Pixley Berries cordials are made from fruit juices, sugar, and water. They are completely free from additives and preservatives and are not made from concentrates.The cordials come in three flavours blackcurrant, cranberry and apple and blackcurrant and raspberry.
Pixley Berries sent me the Cranberry and Apple flavour to sample. I tried it diluted with ice cold still water and also tried it by diluting it with ice cold sparkling water. I definitely preferred mine with the sparkling water.You could taste the cranberries and the sweetness of the apple which left a pleasing sensation on the palate.
All the berries used in the cordials are carefully selected from suppliers and pressed to retain the flavours of them. Each bottle will provide 12 servings .The cordials are perfect for making mocktails, cocktails or even added to fruit salads and used as flavourings. They are available to purchase from Waitrose and online.

Thank you to Pixley Berries for sending me a bottle of the Cranberry and Apple cordial to try, all the views and opinions expressed  in this post are my own.

Greek Phyllo triangles with cheese and potato

Greek phyllo pastry filled with a cheesy potato filling and baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

2 large potatoes boiled
90g /3 oz  feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon paprika
6 sheets of phyllo pastry
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 small onion finely diced
1 clove garlic finely chopped
1 tablespoon sun dried tomatoes finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon olive oil to brush on the triangles

Method:

1. In a bowl add the potatoes and mash it with a potato masher.
2. Add the salt, pepper, paprika,nutmeg, chopped sundried tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese into the bowl.
3. In a pan add 1 tablespoon olive oil and saute the onions and garlic  until translucent, once onions are soft remove them from the pan and wait for them to cool.
4. Add the lemon juice and onions to the potato mixture and mix all the ingredients together well.
5. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C /375 degrees F
6. Oil a baking tray and keep aside.
7. Unroll the phyllo sheets and place them on a flat surface.
8. Using a sharp knife cut the phyllo sheets into two length ways.
9. To fold the triangles take one length of phyllo and place it length ways in front of you.
10. Place a spoonful of the potato mixture in the corner at the bottom of the phyllo strip.
11. Fold that corner over to form a triangle making sure all filling is encased.Continue folding the phyllo triangle from left to right until you have a perfectly encased phyllo triangle.

Please check this video that shows how to fold the triangles.

12. Place the phyllo triangle on the baking tray with the seam side down.
13. Repeat for rest of phyllo sheets.
14.Brush all the phyllo triangles with olive oil and bake the triangles in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown.
15.Remove triangles from oven and serve hot with minty yoghurt dip.

Submitting to:

Flavours of the world-Grand Finale event by simply.food

In my veg box ~Potatoes event by citrusspiceuk guest hosted by Give me some spice

Spinach and Potato Curry

My family love potatoes in any shape or form and who can blame them its  a delicious vegetable that most people like.  You can do so much with potatoes, boil them bake them, roast them, use them in salads and of course make curries with them.  some of my favorite combinations are chickpeas and potatoes, broccoli and potatoes, aubergine and potatoes and simple Vegan Garlicky Potatoes. Another firm favorite is my house is spinach nad potatoes, the recipe I am sharing below.

Delicious baby spinach cooked with baby potatoes in a spicy gravy.

Ingredients:

240g / 8 oz baby Spinach
12 baby potatoes
1 tomato cut into half, seeds removed and sliced
1 green chilli cut into slits and seeds removed
1 clove garlic peeled and finely chopped
3 tablespoons passata (sieved tomatoes)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

Method:

1.Put the baby potatoes without peeling them in a microwaveable bowl, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and cover and cook on high for 7-10 minutes until potatoes are fully cooked.
2. Look through the spinach leaves and cut off any long stalks.
3. In a large saucepan boil some water, when it is boiling place the spinach leaves in a colander and place the colander in the boiling water to blanch the spinach leaves for 2-3 minutes.
4. Lift out the colander of spinach and immediately run some cold water through them .
5. Place the blanched spinach in a food processor and puree them.
6. In a pan add the olive oil and wait for it to heat up, once its hot add the mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter.Next add the garlic and saute for a few seconds, take care not to burn it.
7. Add the passata, chilli powder, cumin powder,coriander powder,turmeric and salt and saute the mixture for 2-3 minutes.
8. Add the spinach puree and mix thoroughly into the spicy passata sauce.Add 50 ml water and cook for 3-4 minutes.
9. Peel the skin off the potatoes and cut them into halves.Add the potatoes to the spinach.
10. Mix thoroughly until all the spinach coats the potatoes. Cover and cook for a further 5 minutes until all the spices have infused into the potatoes.
11.Transfer the spinach and potato curry to a serving dish. Garnish with the tomato slices and green chilies.

I served this curry with  with mixed dhal pancakes

You may like:
Spinach Parathas

Submitting to:

Flavours of the world-Grand Finale event by simply.food

Lets cook with green vegetables event by simply.food

In my veg box ~Potatoes event by citrusspiceuk guest hosted by Give me some spice

Broccoli and Potato curry

Punjabi style broccoli and potato curry flavoured with aromatic garam masala and cooked in a spicy sauce. This recipe not only tastes good but its really healthy too.

Why should you incorporate broccoli into your diet?

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers a variety of health benefits. Here are 10 benefits of broccoli:

Nutrient-rich: 

Broccoli is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, and potassium.

High in Fiber: 

Broccoli is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Cancer Prevention: 

Some studies suggest that the compounds found in broccoli may have anti-cancer properties, particularly in reducing the risk of certain types of cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers.

Antioxidant Properties: 

Broccoli contains antioxidants, including sulforaphane, which may help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Heart Health: 

The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in broccoli contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Bone Health: 

Broccoli is a good source of vitamin K and calcium, which are important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Detoxification Support: 

Sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, has been shown to support the body's detoxification processes, potentially helping to eliminate harmful substances.

Weight Management: 

The combination of fiber, low-calorie content, and high nutrient density makes broccoli a valuable food for those looking to manage their weight.

Immune System Support: 

The abundance of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, in broccoli can boost the immune system, helping the body defend itself against infections and illnesses.

Eye Health: 

Broccoli contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are beneficial for eye health and may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. 

Incorporating broccoli into a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being. It's worth noting that the specific benefits can vary depending on individual health conditions and overall diet.

You may like:
Sweet and sour vegetables

Broccoli and Sweet Potato soup

Garlicky Broccoli and Cauliflower Stir Fry

Submitting to:
Flavours of the world-Grand Finale event by simply.food

Lets cook with green vegetables event by simply.food

In my veg box ~Potatoes event by citrusspiceuk guest hosted by Give me some spice

Round Up ~ Lets Cook Christmas Party Food

Thankyou for all the wonderful entries, here is the lovely round up of the dishes.

Announcing event "Flavours of" ~ The world- Grand Finale

 The “Flavours of” series started on 1^st August 2010 which began in India in Flavours of Series 1. From there we travelled from India to Flavours of series 2 to Asia, we sampled wonderful delights here after which we travelled to Africa in our Flavours of series 3 and finally we journeyed to Europe in Flavours of series 4. Over the last three years we have travelled the world from East to West on a taste tickling and tantalising culinary journey. The monthly events were wonderfully supported by all my fellow bloggers who supported the series and helped by guest blogging the events or  by participating. I appreciate everyone's support.

For me personally it has been the most inspiring virtual culinary journey I have  ever made. I have learnt to cook and sample so many different types of cuisines which were once unknown to me. Together with all the rich flavours, I came across many wonderful new ingredients which are now part of my pantry. My culinary palate has most certainly broadened and I have lots of inspirations for new dishes now.

Sadly our travels around the world journey in "Flavours of" series has come to an end after 34 amazing destinations all over the world  but as a grand finale I would like to now present the last event in “Flavours of” series ; “Flavours of the world -Grand Finale”

How to participate:

Rules:
Event ends 18th February 2014

1.Choose one country or region FROM THE LIST BELOW which you would like to revisit from the "Flavours of"  series and cook a dish from that region or country. Vegetarian dishes only. ( eggs allowed)

Choose from any one of the places listed here:

Flavours of series 1

Gujarat, Punjab, Goa, Maharashtra, Bengal, Rajasthan, South India

Flavours of series 2

Malaysia, Thailand, Lebanon, Turkey, Russia, Nepal. Srilanka, Singapore, China, Indonesia

Flavours of series 3

South Africa, Mauritius, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco,

Flavours of series 4

Italy, United Kingdom, Greece, France, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Caribbean, USA, Canada

2.You can submit multiple entries but you can only submit one entry per country.

3.Please put in the post title which country you are cooking from, if you send more than one entry from any country only the first entry will be counted.

4.No archived recipes allowed, I would prefer that you cook a new recipe to link up.

5.You must link this event post in your entry, this is mandatory. Event logo is not compulsory but using it would be nice as it helps to spread the word.

6.Please link your post using Recipe Name and URL  in Linky below.