Kouign Amann (butter cake) is a traditional pastry speciality of the Brittany region in north-western France. Originating in the town of Douarnenez around 1860, this rich laminated pastry is prepared much like a croissant dough, with the exception that sugar is sprinkled on each layer as it is folded...
Read MoreSweet indulgence: Krantz cake
Normally for this column the theme of indulgence relates to the matter of eating, but today, it was entirely in the doing (well, almost entirely). I have been itching to make this chocolate krantz cake ever since I first laid eyes on its twisted beauty in Yotam Ottolenghi & Sami Tamimi's latest book, Jerusalem...
Read MoreMidweek Madness: Make it quick
Slightly disconcerting that I'm resorting to another round of Midweek Madness again already but here we are, so let me tell you about a couple of nice, speedy recipes that I came across this week. First up, these delicious baked herb and pistachio felafel...
Read MoreBook Club: The Kitchen Diaries II
The Kitchen Diaries II is the latest collection of musings by British food writer, Nigel Slater. Compiling recipes, notes and observations made throughout the years, what I enjoy most about this book is its seasonality, practicality, and insight into what a naturally talented cook gets up to in the privacy of his own home...
Read MoreSweet Indulgence: Bostock
Time once again for a little sweet indulgence and what I have for you this week is the Bostock, another fine example of French resourcefulness in not letting anything good go to waste. Much like croissants aux amandes it came about as an amiable means to make good use of day-old bread. Why it's called Bostock, I don't know. In France they're known as brioche aux sirop d'amandes et fleurs d'oranger, crème d'oranger, amandes effilées...
Read MoreSeasonal regional: Puckering up
While I suspect that winter isn't ready to leave us just yet a few milder days have hinted at the promise of spring. So, with the house delicately perfumed by jonquils and a desire to freshen things up, it felt like the perfect time to play with some of the more invigorating members of the Rutaceae family in cumquats and grapefruit...
Read MoreMidweek madness: A wintry hodgepodge
Unsettled times in kitchen TPB, so it's a random array of new delectations for you to devour this week...
Read MoreTechnical challenge: Pastéis de nata
On a recent trip for work I was fortunate to spend a couple of days in Lisbon, and while this was in no way enough time to begin exploring what seems an extraordinarily beautiful city, I did manage to squeeze in a quick bakery tour of Belém thanks to the fabulously delightful Célia and Filomena of Eat Drink Walk Lisbon...
Read MoreTraditions: Blood's Bonny Brown Bread
My grandfather had the most amazing hands. Larger than life they could, and did, do anything. They were clever and compassionate; holding both the power of knowledge, and the kindness of a genuinely good soul...
Read MoreSweet indulgence: Fruit galettes
Around this time last year I was lucky enough to enjoy a quick trip to San Francisco and while conference time took priority, a spare half day saw myself and some work colleagues taking in as much of this beautiful city as was humanly possible. Consuming our way across town we walked from one neighbourhood to another, ticking off plenty of shortlisted cafes and eateries as we went...
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