Third Helpings of Nigella Lawson’s Kitchen

Red Velvet Cake

Next instalment of cooking from Kitchen Recipes form the Heart of the Home by Nigella Laswon. I’m still happily cooking from it, so do expect more in the future!

Sweet and Sour Chicken
I’ve made this one several times now, it a fast route to sweet and sour chicken, easily done on a busy weeknight. This is not least because the sauce is just stirred together in a jug before actually cooking it. It’s not the same as Ching-He Huang’s one that I make, but then it in turn isn’t as easy for a weeknight either – so they both have their place in my kitchen

Baked Seafood
I just did this with prawns, because that as what looked best on the day I made it, think I’ll add in some salmon next time too. It was good, the pan juices really made it.

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake
Well I don’t suppose it’s much of a surprise that we loved this one given our liking for the pairing of chocolate and orange. It disappeared quickly – not even a slice left for next day.

Cheesy Chilli
Wouldn’t make this one again. It didn’t work for me on three levels, the chilli itself was not flavourful enough, the cheese was bland here, and it in turn made the whole chilli a bit water-y. Can’t love them all.

Bolognese Risotto
This one by contrast was absolutely superb. The mix bubbles ferociously when the meat sauce is added, and do watch it doesn’t spark you, as I got a little burn. Still, it is so worth making, I used beef stock and missed out the anchovies- and it was so just so good.

Risotto Cakes
I had a bit of leftovers so made the risotto cakes appended to the recipe, and although they weren’t as good as the initial risotto (but that would have very hard really), they were a nice supper to use up what was left.

Bacon and Egg Salad
I’ve been making this for ages, a go to lunch. Nigella’s method for boiling eggs works a treat, they are a good texture. I do my boiled eggs a la Nigella now.

Franks in Blanks
Don’t make these if you are on a diet – they are oddly compulsive. Nigella does warn us of this in her introduction, and it’s true. I’ve made (although assembled is more like it) these so many times both with full fat puff pastry and also the lower fat puff that has appeared in the shops recently. Both were good. We did try the mustard dipping sauce, but it blew my head off with its fiery intensity. On two or three occasions I did try watering the heat down a bit, but in our house Heinz tomato ketchup is the order of the day apparently!

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheesecake
This is very very rich. Too rich for my tastes, and I’m not averse to butter and cream. It did have a lovely texture though. Hubby really disliked it, so won’t do this one again.

Korean Keema
Oh how I’m addicted to this. I’ve surprised myself, being a self confessed chilli wimp. If I haven’t made this for a couple of weeks I feel I must have it again. Pretty healthy too.

Chorizo and Chicken Bake
This one is very easy and full of flavour. A green vegetable and your are set for a feast.

Red Velvet Cake
I’ve posted about this recipe as cupcakes before, and this is it in cake form. I made for a Birthday cake, as was requested, and it’s just as good in cake form. You can really see the red this way. I decorated it with sprinkles and edible glitter, would be nice as a Christmas time party cake too. I thought it was beautiful!

Next Up: Cake Slice Bakers, very excited to be baking with this group!
Followed by my Next Review : The Hairy Bikers new one: Mum’s Still Know Best by Si King and Dave Myers. I've made a few recieps from this one already, and looking forward th sharing with you.