cherry pickers picnic

Bacon & Egg Pie

On the strength of this pie, my husband proposed to me. It really is that good! It's perfect for a picnic or weekend lunch.

to market, to market

Salsa Verde

Most cooks have their own twist on this classic recipe. It's delicious served over grilled vegetables or with meat.

show me the honey

Roasted Pepper Pesto

Pesto is the ultimate Fridge Fixing - you can toss it through pasta, use as a dip, spread on bruschetta or serve with meat dishes.

a good egg

Chilli Jam

There are lots of different varieties of chillies, all with different levels of heat. The rule of thumb is usually the smaller, the hotter. For a milder sauce, use 2-3 chillies and a large red pepper.

fishing in dusky sound

Chilli Lime Salt

This simple flavoured salt adds zing to fish, chicken, beef or vegetable dishes. Try it sprinkled over sizzling pan fried steak, barbecued fish or baked potatoes.

harvesting garlic

Pistachio & Berry Ice Cream

If you've never made ice cream before, this is the recipe to try. All you need is three bowls and an electric beater.

green grapes for verjuice

Sesame Lavosh

Lavosh is a thin, crunchy Middle Eastern bread that's delicious as a picnic snack or pre-dinner nibble. I flavour it with sesame and oregano but you can also use parmesan, fennel seeds, or chillies.

the big cheese

Caramelised Onions

These are so useful it's worth making lots. You can use brown or red onions, but red onions create a sweeter result.

fisherman's luck

Tea Smoked Salmon

I like to smoke fish using lapsang souchong or caravan tealeaves because of their smoky flavour, but you could use English breakfast tea or even untreated sawdust instead.

boutique brewers

Vegetable Pakoras

I like to make these tasty snacks using beer as a raising agent. Make sure you dice the vegetables very finely as they are only in the oil for a short time.

the country show

Harvest Tomato Sauce

This incredibly useful sauce is great as a base for soup, added to casseroles and pan sauces, and spread onto bread with cheese for a simple lunch.

white gold

The Ultimate Chocolate Cake

This is the cake that will make you a star. It will become your secret weapon for dinner parties and special occasions and you'll never look at another chocolate cake recipe again.

high country muster

Pear, Walnut & Haloumi Salad

Peppery watercress, creamy haloumi cheese and sweet pear harmonise beautifully in this lovely salad. I prefer to use Cypriot-style haloumi as it holds its shape nicely.