Fish Cakes

If you're looking for something quick, easy, and out of the store cupboard, then read on...

These fish cakes are really quick and easy: I simply follow Delia's 'Cheat' recipe and add in my own bits and pieces as I go! It's a case of mushing up mashed potato, tinned fish, capers, cornichons and whatever else you'd like. I used tuna rather than salmon and left out the spoon of chopped watercress. I also covered in (shop-bought - ssshhh) natural breadcrumbs rather than semolina.
The most difficult part is frying them; I find that you need a good layer of oil that the fishcakes can sit in, rather than just a little to line the pan. And heat the pan til very hot, then turn down once browned to heat the middle. You could always pan-fry first and finish in the oven if you prefer.

I served mine with a tomato and onion salad smothered in dijon mustard dressing.

Cooking for One

Since the boyf's been away this week, and I've been attempting to buy a new kitchen, I've cooked bits and bobs throughout the week, so I thought I'd give you a quick run-down. None are particularly exciting, but all were quite tasty in their own way.

The first is a Mediterranean Vegetable tarte...

You may recognise the next one as it's the same sauce (using the smoked hot paprika) as a few days ago (see pork dish) with with chicken and pasta. Still delicious!

Last I found that I had bits of ingredients left that didn't really go together, so I made a Naan Bread Pizza!

New Kitchen

Ok - I've been so busy trying to sort out a new kitchen this week that I haven't had time to cook. Getting home late, meeting the builder, going to look at ideas, etc, etc, etc. The thing is, I don't want to get it wrong. This could be the kitchen I have to live with for the next 20 years!

I think I've made a few decisions though - I'm definitely going for gloss white, with a few accent doors in 'aubergine'. Curves here and there and a wider breakfast bar-type thing. the big question is, what type of surface shall I have? I've looked at granite, quartz, solid surface, Corian, well, the list goes on and on. Like I said, it's going to have to last, so I want something that will continue to look good. The granite and quartz are nice, but a bit 'cold'. I like the idea of a clean and seamless kitchen, so solid surface and Corian fit the bill, and although they're 'sturdy', they soften it slightly by having that warm feel, but are on the pricey side.

I've heard differing reports about Corian - there seems to be a love / hate relationship there, but I think I would be on the love side. At least I hope I will, as that's the stuff I've asked the builder to investigate for me! Will keep you posted...any comments re. Corian and I'd be pleased to hear them.

Deconstructed Pork Stroganoff

Having spent Sunday gardening and planting, see my other blog to find out more, I thought a well deserved rest and book catch-up was in order in the hot tub. The garden looked great, dad had mowed the lawn for me last week and the birds were tweeting away, mainly at the cat who was upset he couldn't get into the spa with me!

It arrived at half past five without me realising, and I began to wonder what I was having for tea as I knew there was little in the fridge. Having investigated the freezer, (which didn't take long as I only have a small fridge with a tiny freezer compartment at the top!) I found a pork chop. I also had some left-over creme fraiche from the night before and mum had bought me a pot of smoked hot paprika, so stroganoff it was!

I began by frying off some leeks, mushroom and garlic until tender. I then 'swapped' these for the pork and fried until just cooked. This I then rested and returned the vegetables to the pan with a sprinkle of hot smoked paprika, seasoning and a large splodge of creme fraiche. I served this mixture on top of the pork chop, rather than cutting it up and popping into the sauce, and a green salad. Considering it was something out of nothing, it was really delicious, and the smoked hot paprika was actually very subtle, and not at all like it tasted when I tried a bit on the end of my tongue after first opening!

Last Minute Saturday

Well, the boyfriend is going away for a week to a wedding in Mexico this week - so not fair that I can't go too, but that's teaching, and no jokes about all the other weeks holiday I get please! We were going to go out for dinner/tea, but then the plans changed as he and his brothers were taking their mum out for mothers' day, so we went out for lunch instead. Then it changed again, and he ended up staying in for the evening, playing the PS2 with his brother, and after, making tea for us.

We began with nachos for starters, simply a jar of sauce poured over nachos, with grated cheese atop and a dollop of soured cream when done! The salsa is so easy to make yourself though. Just chop some onions, peppers and chilli finely, fry off a little and stir into a tin of chopped tomatoes. Add seasoning to taste.

For main course, he was insistent on tuna, and even remembered to take it out of the freezer to defrost! He cooked and served it simply and it was beautiful. Pan-fry until seared, then slice over a green salad with a splash of soy sauce and grated ginger on the side. Mmm. we decided that had he found the spring onions in the fridge and some sesame seeds in the cupboard, they would have also added taste and texture! Thanks hun, enjoy your week in Mexico!

Jambalaya - recipe stolen

Recipe stolen from Simon Rimmer at Something for the Weekend: he didn't mark it as Jambalaya but add a bit of spice, maybe a dash of tabasco, a red chilli and a spoonful of sweet chilli sauce, and substitute the bacon for chorizo...

It worked out a treat; not too stodgy, not too dry. The dish was incredibly easy to make and very tasty. A lovely every day evening meal with not too much to do apart from stuff it all in a bowl after pan-frying. Basically, you fry off whatever veg. takes your fancy, stir in the rice, cover with stock and bake. The omelette-type thing on the top may not to be to everyone's taste, but it just sort of finished it all off, gave it that top layer and extra texture.

Chocolate Fondants

Firstly, thanks to Dan for posting this recipe so promptly after my request! I made them as soon as I could and I wasn't disappointed. The recipe was so easy to follow, lots of eggs, butter and chocolate, but who cares? It is a dessert after all. I mixed the eggs with the sugar as requested; melted the butter with the chocolate; whipped it all together without scrambling the eggs and added the flour. I tipped it into buttered and floured ramekins - can't seem to get hold of Dariole moulds, any ideas? - and cooked two immediately - 10 mins in a hot oven. The other two I popped into the fridge to have the next night. Both the first set, and the second turned out perfectly. No, I couldn't get them out of the ramekins whole. but they were just as good dipping into them from the top! Delicious! In fact, I've even done them again this weekend for when mum and dad come down to visit.