It was there all along

After trying to start endless blogs and so many projects I can't even count them on my families hands and feet.  I have after 26 years of trying numerous jobs, finally found the one thing I love except my hubby and kids of course.
I have just discovered the wonderful world of food! I've always been a big cook/baker but mainly for the joys of my family and friends! I've been involved in food on and off for a while... whilst working in a supermarket. Deli, fish. bakery, and coffee shop. I'm a big coffee drinker and love the odd slice of cake!!

A few years ago I was lucky enough to have Radio Solent produce from my house! "Yes" I was Jon Cuthills Mr Mum.

We had some wonderful visitors that week in 2009. So many foodies, here are a few..

It's Cameron Rutherford who then worked for The Chewton Glen then

look what he cooked us! So many different flavours, textures and tastes

then there was Jamie Jones from Yalbury Cottage

and and amazing double cheese souffle and pork

and finally pan fried turbot on creamed savoy cabbage and bacon with a mash potato sauce and parma ham crisp ... prepared by Michael Aggett then from The Museum Inn near Blandford Forum.

We had a wonderful week with my friends popping in to taste the food to!! Freddie I couldn't leave this one out.

I've also had some other amazing food journeys but I'll leave those for another time......

Spaghetti Carbonara

We all love this but why is it when I'm doing my weekly meal plan it always gets missed off! Then every six or so months and I'm riffling through recipes I find it again! So as a reminder to me and you if you forget it here it is!

Serves 4

• 6 rashers of streaky bacon 
• 1/2 clove of garlic
• 50g cheddar, Parmesan or other hard cheese.
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons double cream
• salt and pepper 

1. Cut the rind of the bacon and cut into thick strips. Put in a frying pan and fry until golden brown. Add the garlic chopped finely if using it at this point.

2 Put the pasta on to cook.

Yes! I love my little helpers in the kitchen.


3. Grate the cheddar, Parmesan, or other hard cheese into a small bowl.

Ok ok! I use this and it's already grated and weighs 50 grammes.


4. Measure out the cream into a bowl

5 Break the eggs into the bowl also adding the salt and pepper.

6 Next add the cheddar, Parmesan, hard cheese to the cream, eggs, salt and pepper and stir thoroughly. 

7. Once the pasta is cooked, drain. Then add the bacon, and the eggs, cream and cheese mixture. You can add this point return to a low heat to gently cook the eggs. Then serve. 

Spicey Sausage Pasta

Serves -4

Ingredients

• 1 onion sliced. 
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 courgette, halved and sliced.
• 6 sausages, each cut in 5-6 pieces.
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes.
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 100ml of double cream
• 100g grated cheddar 
• salt and pepper 
• 300g Penne pasta

1. Gently fry the onions and garlic until soft.

 2. Add the chili flakes and courgette, continue to cook for a few more minutes.

 3 When the courgette is starting to colour ,  turn up the heat and add the sausages. fry until almost cooked                              through.

4. Add the tomatoes, sugar, and double cream. simmer for 15-20 minutes.

5 Mean while cook the pasta and drain. Stir through the grated cheddar through the sauce and let it melt before adding the cooked pasta. 

I serve mine with garlic bread. I found this recipe and adapted it to suit my family! It's a firm favourite .