Souper!

Having not cooked anything new for a while, tonight I decided to make my very first home made soup. The recipe was forwarded to me but one of my bestest friends and after sharing my Christmas cake with her the recipe was definitely a fair exchange.

I have always been a bit sceptical of soups as main courses as I am never convinced that a liquid could possibly leave me feeling content, but the ingredients in this particular recipe are so hearty and sweet that I was full after half a bowl.

The soup was complimented perfectly by a loaf of delicious home baked warm bread which was conveniently offered to me by my lovely neighbour at exactly the right time. I have never seen the children enjoy a bowl of vegetables more in their life and with the total cost of the entire meal at no more the £2 what more could you ask for!

I made one small addition to the recipe ... 2 tablespoons of crème fraiche added once served!

I hope you will all try this one, it's a winner!

(Serves 4)

1 onion chopped

1 garlic clove chopped

1.5lb butternut squash cubed

1lb sweet potato peeled and cubed

1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated

2 teaspoon ground coriander

1.5l vegetable stock

Salt and pepper to season

200 ml Crème fraiche

Put the onion, garlic, squash, sweet potato, ginger and coriander in a large saucepan.

Add the stock and bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add olive oil, season with salt and pepper and blend or mash as preferred. Serve into bowl and add 2 tablespoons of crème fraiche. Serve with chunky slices of bread. Enjoy!

Winter Warmer

The first week in January heralds the start of millions of diets all around the world, some will succeed but most will fail. I am one of those millions and it is yet to be seen with my own efforts will be a success. I am well known for my vigour and will power when it comes to the big 'D' and since I have slipped up into a new stone bracket I am even more determined to start shedding the extra pounds.

Unfortunately my New Year's resolution not to make any more cakes until Easter has failed miserably on the 3rd of January. After being snowed in yet again, the Magimix was calling me and I rustled up a batch of cup cakes this morning that have been giving me the eye all day. I am however steadfast in my determination not to eat any and will be focusing all my energy on thinking thin!

After successfully making my first ever chicken stock I have put it to good use in a delicious chicken casserole that is bubbling away in the slow cooker as I type. Combined with parsnips, carrots, leeks and mushrooms it's a real winter warmer and considering M has been surfing in the North Sea all morning in -3 degrees I know it will be well received by at least him!

Happy New Year!

2010 has arrived at last! This Christmas has gone on longer than any other I can remember. Perhaps because I started preparing and cooking for it in November and as wonderful and indulgent as it has been I can't help feeling relieved that it is all over for another year.

Food wise it was a great success. Every cake, biscuit, pie, and other festive offering was gobbled up with delight and I received high praise for my efforts. The only thing that remains are a few slices of Girdlebuster in the freezer which will no doubt disappear before long.

Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners were a triumph and last night's meal was quite possibly the best meal I have ever prepared. Nigella's roast potatoes were a personal high and the pleasure of seeing my families satisfied faces was the best buzz of all.

I have started the year with something new and am presently making my first ever chicken stock from yesterday's carcass which is very exciting. What exactly I am going to do with the stock is yet to be decided but it smells delicious and has inspired me to continue pushing the limits of my abilities in the kitchen.

After adding at least half a stone onto my person over the last month I have however decided that my new lessons must be healthy ones. I think I reached my cake quota for the last decade in about 2004 and am going to try and pace myself for the teenies!

Here's to a healthy, hearty and most importantly happy 2010!