Chorizo and Fennel Seed Sausage Rolls

You may have realised, by now, that I'm catching up on all the recipes I intended to cook in December! A combination of gas leaks, children's flu etc, has somewhat disrupted my schedule.  One thing I really wanted to cook for my annual quiz night were Andy Bates' chorizo and fennel seed sausage rolls...

Fettuccini with lardons and chestnuts...

I came across this great little recipe by Angela Hartnett, in the Guardian...  Angela comes form an Italian family, and often talks about the dishes she learnt at her Nonna's side...  As well as running Murano's, she is working with Luke Holder, Head Chef at Limewood Hotel on a new venture showcasing New Forest produce.

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

After the best part of a year waiting for their return, blood oranges are finally back in season.  I've made them into sorbet in the past, but sometimes when something is this seasonal it's nice to enjoy them in a very simple recipe.  So - this one is not really a hardship - no waiting for dough to prove - no hanging around! 

Oven-Baked Doughnuts and Knot Rolls

Amongst other things, one of my very dear friends gave me a doughnut pan for my birthday (because that's what dear friends do, when you're an obsessive baker)! The books have been read, the pictures poured over, but the unused pan has remained in my kitchen drawer - silent - mysterious - resolute.  "Try me", it cries, when I open the drawer, "let's make doughnuts"...

Pecan and Salted Caramel Brownies [Thermomix]

Just lately I've been craving Gower Cottage's chocolate brownies, but my secret stash in the freezer was sorely depleted over Christmas!  However serendipity has struck again, as I spotted Ed Kimber's brownie recipe in my in-box this morning.  There's definitely something about salted caramel... It's my favourite filling in Laduree Macaron's, my favourite combination in chocolate bars, there's something about the salty sweetness that becomes utterly addictive!