Pea shoots are in season, and boy are they tasty. Right now Sainsburys and Marks and Spencer are selling UK grown pea shoots in 50g bags, washed and ready to eat, for under a quid. They have a delicate pea flavour and are a great ingredient for salads. Today I used them in a delicious warm salad along with pears, walnuts and stilton cheese.

To begin with peel the pears, I used approx 2 comice pears per person. Use a melon baller to scoop out the flesh of the pears, and add to it about one handful, per person, of walnuts. You could just chop the pears if you wish. Fry the pear balls and walnuts in butter for a few minutes, just enough to warm them through and the pears begin to colour.

Read the rest of this entry »

This is what I call comfort food, and if you’re having a week from hell too you should try this delicious simple exotic fruit salad with brown sugar syrup. It will really hit the spot!

You need to make the syrup first, take equal parts of dark brown sugar and water, place together in a saucepan and bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for around 10 minutes, or until you reach your desired consistency. I used 1/3 of a cup of each. This was enough for one. Pour into a bowl and leave to cool in the fridge.

Read the rest of this entry »