Wednesday, 21 September 2011

Meal for 3!

Jamie Oliver's 30-minute meals: Piri Piri chicken, rocket salad and dressed potatoes. 
Team effort by Madz, H and I :D



To Peri or Not to Peri?









Me and my two sisters were hungry and I just so happened to have a random photo copy of Jamie's recipe. I found his style of writing= jumping in and out of different dishes slightly perplexing at first, I didn't want to make the Portuguese tarts which he includes alongside the recipe for the chicken and so I found myself skim-reading a lot of it. 

When I think of peri peri chicken all I see is a huge nandos sign in my head, it's just become a common association to me. Well, Jamie's meal definitely got a thumbs up from us, although we didn't prep in advance so it didn't take us "30 minutes". 


It wasn't like the Nando's experience but it certainly had a kick to it and the salad and scrumptious sweet potatoes with feta was a perfect side to the chicken which had this juicy sauce/marinade. The chargrilled peppers and salad gave a fresh lemony taste and the rocket gave a certain crispness. Essentially, you cook the chicken twice but it really isn't as straining as it sounds. It's also an easy party dish, lot's of chicken and if you have a little extra time the prep doesn't need to be done in advance. 


Give it a go! It's worth it ;) I found it extremelllyyy satisfying. But of course, I did leave room for the cake I made! 







Recipe; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-1312958/Jamie-Olivers-30-minute-meals-Piri-Piri-chicken-rocket-salad-dressed-potatoes-quick-Portuguese-tarts.html#ixzz1YZn7PI3c

Tuesday, 6 September 2011

The Most Simple Cake Award Goes to...



!The Lemon Drizzle Cake!

There are a few things about this cake that I love. 

First, it is gob-smackingly moist

Second, you can add/reduce the strength of the lemon by controlling the zest and syrup. 

Thirdly, it's SO easy, probably the easiest cake I have ever made and ever will make. 

The recipe is below, you definitely won't be disappointed. It's an easy crowd pleaser =)


This recipe is courtesy of good food bbc :o)




Lemon Cake


  • 225g caster sugar
  • 225g unsalted butter , softened 
  • 4eggs
  • finely grated zest 1 lemon
  • 225g self-raising flour

  • juice 11⁄2 lemon
  • 85g caster sugar

  • Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 
  •  Beat together the butter and sugar until pale and creamy, then add the eggs, one at a time, slowly mixing through. Sift in the flour, then add the lemon zest and mix until well combined. Line a loaf tin (8 x 21cm) with greaseproof paper, then spoon in the mixture and level the top with a spoon
  • Bake for 45-50 mins until a thin skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. While the cake is cooling in its tin, mix together the lemon juice and sugar to make the drizzle. Prick the warm cake all over with a skewer or fork, then pour over the drizzle - the juice will sink in and the sugar will form a lovely, crisp topping. Leave in the tin until completely cool, then remove and serve. Will keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
  • <3 It comes out of the oven, risen beautifully and gleaming with softness. After that, just step back and admire how simply beautiful and yummy this is. Oh and of course...DEVOUR<3