parmigiano reggiano crusted salmon with mozzarella, basil and tomato salad.

Beautiful Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese, an Italian inspired caprese salad and lightly seasoned salmon make this Italian style dish ideal for enjoying on these long Summer evenings. Enjoy with a cold glass of crisp Pinot Grigio to balance out the classic salty flavours of the cheese, aroma of basil and sweetness of the plump Vittoria tomatoes. 

Exclusively produced in the Northern Italian provinces of Parma, Modena Reggio Emilia, as well as parts of Mantua and Bologna, Parmigiano Reggiano PDO is a much coveted cheese. It hails from the plains, hills and mountains between the rivers Po and Reno, where the long and natural maturation makes for its distinctive fruity, nutty and yet salty taste with the crystallised texture. Cheese masters and inspectors actually say that cheese must pass “two summers”, as the transformations that determine the changes and flavour in Parmigiano Reggiano PDO are more intense in summer because of the heat.

The Parmigiano Reggiano crusted salmon recipe is simple, and would be lovely paired with potatoes, roast vegetables and your choice of salad alike. Here of course it had to be with mozzarella, basil and tomato salad, for that fresh flavour of Italy.

pan fried lamb steaks with rosemary & mint butter and cous cous.

Founded in the beautiful region of Tuscany, Bertolli pride themselves on their love of authentic Italian cooking and great quality ingredients. Their latest addition, Bertolli with Butter and Olive Oil, is a rich blend of butter and specially selected olive oil. From everyday cooks to seasoned chefs, the new addition to the Bertolli family is the ideal fridge staple. 

The high burn point makes it perfect for pan frying and making sauces - however you prefer to get creative in the kitchen! The versatile butter block gives the subtle taste of butter whilst being able to withstand hot temperatures without burning. So I put it to the test with a recipe which combines all of these – pan fried lamb leg steaks, buttery vegetable cous cous and a homemade fresh mint and rosemary butter to finish. So how did I get on

the wine list: a wine tasting experience, direct to your door. plus 30% off your first box.

Did you know that wine is the most popular alcoholic drink in the UK? According to The Wine List, half of adults actually drink it every month. From fans of Pinot to lovers of Lambrusco, ask someone who loves wine their favourite, and they'll come straight back to you with an answer. But perhaps they wouldn't be as forward with an opinion. I know I'm like that anyway, I know I love dry white wines and citrus flavours you'd find in a Sauvignon Blanc. I know that New Zealand varieties are said to be better. And if I'm enjoying a steak or cheese board, I'll have a fruity red, please. But like many others, I shy away when it comes to technical tasting notes, knowing all about aromas and the perfect pairings.

That's where The Wine List comes in. And with home-based experiences becoming increasingly popular lately, that's another big tick. The Wine List is essentially a wine course, at home. As well as receiving two premium bottles of wine (worth £16 each) a month and interactive tasting notes for £39. It's totally flexible too, so you can opt in for 12 months or just try it for one, with your first box at 30% off. The team sent me a complimentary first box to review and share my thoughts with you. So without further ado...

Get 30% off you first box here

CODE:  30%OFF

slow cooker pumpkin sponge cake with pumpkin cream.

An inviting Autumnal dessert for the darker days; this slow cooked pumpkin sponge really brings the best of the season together. Autumn is my favourite, so when I was invited to get creative for the Crock-Pot Crocktober Halloween Challenge, I couldn't wait to conjure up a cosy recipe. Made in the versatile and convenient Crock-Pot, the slow cooking of this pumpkin sponge really infuses the cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger spices into this dessert. leaving a moist and buttery texture.

This appliance really is deserving of its place on the kitchen counter. From dinner to dessert, the Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker can get to work steaming, roasting and sautéing whilst you get on with other everyday tasks. Although slow cooking lends itself to the colder months, you really get make anything all year round. Scroll down to see how this creation really is pretty much as easy as simply pressing a button.

pressure cooker tandoori lamb with coconut and turmeric rice.

From paellas to puddings and risotto to ribs, who knew there was so much you make in a pressure cooker? Long gone are the days of noisy pressure cookers squealing on your Granny's stove; they've come a long way since then. Safe and smart, the Prestige Smart Plus Pressure Cooker include a visual pressure indicator that raises to indicate when the cooker is at pressure, as well as a directional pressure regulator to ensure safe release of steam away from you.

They're a real time saver too, usually knocking off a third of your usual cooking time. The results are impressive too, keeping meat and seafood delicate and tender, rice fluffy and vegetables flavoursome. The lid seals in nutrients too, which is always a bonus.

A spicy tandoori lamb recipe with coconut and turmeric rice, all made in the slow cooker. All in less than15 minutes.

parma ham wrapped steak with parmigiano reggiano potatoes

When you add Parmigiano Reggiano to a dish, for me it evokes feelings of luxury and authenticy. Not many Italian dishes I make now don’t include it, whether it’s stirred into a glossy Carbonara sauce, shaved onto a salad or the finishing touches on my favourite pasta dishes. But I wanted to try something new, how would it fare alongside a beautifully cooked fillet steak, with juicy tomatoes and Parmigiano Reggiano roasted potatoes. And of course, Parma ham from the same region. Unsurprisingly, it uplifted the classic steak and chips to a new level, feeling like an indulgent date night dish, or one to try at the weekend or special occasion. 

If you aren’t already familiar, Parmigiano Reggiano is a traditional cheese dating back hundreds of years. But it was in 2008 that the European courts decreed that it is the only cheese legally allowed to be called Parmesan, down to it’s DPO status and Parma-Reggio origin. From the cheesemaker right through to the delis, the famous cheese is said to be “made” not “produced.” The time and care taken to create such a distinct flavour shows too - I rarely add salt to any dishes when I know I’m using Parmigiano Reggiano as an ingredient, as the salty and piquant notes sing for themselves.

heartier: tasty local produce by post.

Introducing Heartier, the convenient delivery box which promises to deliver proper tasty local produce from our favourite British Producers. Think of them as everyone's local farm shop. Whether you're cheese mad or a raging chocoholic, Heartier have a range of cheese, charcuterie and confectionary to suit all taste buds. Simply mix and match boxes, choose their pre-made parcels or make up your own with your favourite foodie bits. The choice is yours...

sesame teriyaki flat iron steak.

 

Japanese cuisine is a favourite in our household. Whether it's recipes passed down through tradition or an inspired take on a classic. When Sous Chef asked if I'd like to review the Sushi Collection Santoku Knife I couldn't wait to add this sleek and sophisticated tool to my knife block. Made in Japan, the knife is fully forged from high carbon stainless steel, with a magnolia wood handle – the traditional wood to use for sushi knives

As the description suggests, it's a very versatile knife which can be used for much more than just sushi. Santoku knives are especially good for three main preparation techniques – chopping, slicing and mincing vegetables. I thought that I'd try it out for meat slicing with this sesame teriyaki flat iron steak - which is super simply and yet looks pretty impressive as part of a Japanese inspired banquet.

balsamic strawberries and cream with fresh basil: celebrating british berries and bbqs with m&s.

From juicy British strawberries to brilliant quality beef burgers, M&S have Summer all set up with their latest ranges. Vibrant desserts, perfect pastry combinations and inspiring side dishes mean you can host a glorious garden party in style. So come rain or shine, at least it'll be easy to rustle up an impressive menu.

To celebrate their bounty of berries, they've come up with some great recipe ideas to showcase the fine British fruit. I picked balsamic strawberries, basil and ice cream to round off some tasty barbecue treats. If you fancy making the most of the rest of the season, scroll on for the recipe...

roasted basa in black bean & garlic sauce with udon noodles.

Create an array of authentic Chinese favourites in a flash with the latest stir-fry sauces from Lee Kum Kee. If, like me, you’re strapped for time in the evenings, these simple stir ins are just the ticket for an easy to use packet sauce that packs a punch. 

The classic stir-fry has long been a quick mid-week favourite and this new LKK range can be paired perfectly with a variety of ingredients including: fish, prawns, chicken, beef and vegetables – giving you a mouthwatering meal in minutes. 

Lee Kum Kee has over 130 years’ experience in sauce making and from Kung Pao to Honey & Soy, these sauces are ideal for some Eastern inspiration, at just 85p a packet - think how much you could save on takeaways! Ready to make a fuss-free Chinese banquet? Me too

I’ve created one for the seafood lovers - as well as those with very little time. The frozen basa fillets are easy to throw in the oven with the delicious sauce. You can then add your favourite size noodles - from thick udon to skinny vermicelli - to go alongside some colourful veg. 

baked caprese style risotto.

 

Bringing together two of my favourite Italian recipes - the iconic Caprese salad and the reliable risotto - this dish is a warming take on usually more summery flavours. You still get the bursts of tomato and fragrant basil coming through, whilst combining with a great quality mozzarella which oozes and turns golden as it bubbles in the oven. 

For this recipe, I'm working with the new Ciao Gusto range from Ocado, a place where fellow fans of Italian cuisine can find all the best, authentic ingredients. This wholesome dish features their Auricchio P.D.O. Buffalo Mozzarella Campana, which, like many Italian ingredients and good cheeses, is beautiful served simply on its own. 

homemade beer burgers with beerwulf.com.

Beer and burgers; no-one can doubt they make for a delicious combination. I love a homemade burger stacked up with my favourite toppings and served with skin on fries. Throw in an ice cold beer on a sunny day and you're on to a winner. I've recently teamed up with Beerwulf.com to try out the latest addition to their beer packs, especially for Father's Day. I thought it made sense to put their beers into some tasty burger patties, alongside various paired cheeses.

For those who aren't familiar with Beerwulf.com, they're an online craft and speciality beer shop with loads to choose from. You can discover something new with their variety packs or handpick your own box from your favourites. There are also some helpful reviews and tasting notes over on their site to help you pick the perfect box. At the moment they actually have an offer with the promo code discount5 which entitles you to £5 discount off a £25 minimum spend. 

saucy recipe ideas for fishcakes + offer and giveaway.

Enjoy them with rustic chips, skin-on wedges, some crunchy salad, garden peas, mushy peas, baked beans or even with an egg on top - everyone has their favourite fishcake recipe. Usually we just stick to the classic chips and peas combination, with a delicious haddock fishcake. Working with super fun The Saucy Fish Co. brand on their brunch campaign got my foodie ideas flowing though, when I made homemade sweet chilli salmon fishcakes with a poached egg, smashed avocado and tomato and chilli chutney.

This time they've challenged me to conjure up some recipes with their melt in the middle fishcakes, as well as let you know about their fantastic offer for fish lovers nationwide. The Saucy Fish Co.'s  fishcake products are currently on offer at Sainsbury's stores until 12th February 2020 - now just at £1.75 for two fishcakes. With potatoes, vegetables and rice costing just a few pennies, you've got yourself a bargain midweek meal there! The frozen fishcake flavours include the likes of Salmon and Cod with a Heavenly Hollandaise Centre and Smoked Haddock Fishcakes with a Delicious Vintage Cheddar Centre. Here are a couple

What's more, scroll on to enter my giveaway to win yourself some delicious goodies from the The Saucy Fish Co.

plant based kashmiri spice pizza.

As well as grab-and-go snacks, convenient vegan ready meals and delicious desserts, Co-op have added a pizza to their GRO range, their plant based options that have proved popular with vegans and omnivores alike.

Aside from the fact that it is totally plant based, I was intrigued by the Indian inspired flavours. Not to mention how these would work the the addition of cheese that is anything but paneer. The clever Co-op chefs have created a spiced cauliflower and chilli topping with Kashmiri-style sauce and stringy MozzaRisella - a well-known vegan cheese brand. So what were my thoughts?

vegan piña colada style smoothie.

Combining fruity flavours inspired by the Piña Colada cocktail, this tropical inspired drink features creamy coconut milk, wholesome banana and tangy pineapple juice to create a refreshing Summer treat. Simply whizz up the ingredients to create this dairy free, gluten free non-alcoholic Piña Colada style smoothie which goes towards your five a day. I've teamed up with the lovely lot at Wayfair to bring you a bright and bold smoothie idea, featuring their quirky mason jar glasses and rustic wooden holder. 

gro: lunchtime inspiration from the new coop plant based range.

Whether you're taking part in Veganuary, looking to switch to plant based plates one day a week or are follow a egg or dairy-free diet, you'll be pleased to know that your local Coop might be worth stopping by. I've been trying out their new GRO plant based range, which has a range of delicious dinner ideas, snacks and desserts at your convenience. In this post I'm trying out a few of their lunch options, which are great for on the go.

5 ways with picota cherries.

It's finally Jerte Picota Cherry season - where the glorious Spanish beauties are ready to be picked and enjoyed simply as they are or as part of a tasty Summer recipe. I've put together five deliciously decadent ways to enjoy cherries from some of my favourite fellow food bloggers. For those who love the mix of sweet and savoury, like to experiment with cocktails or make homemade jam - there's something for everyone!

The Picota Cherry journey starts in the stunning Spanish valley of Jerte, 200km from Madrid. The Picota Cherry blossom follows a completely natural season and harvest, which is why the arrival of the Picota Cherry changes each year. The area is known for the amazing and colourful annual blossom of over million cherry trees. For 2018, you can now get them in Sainsbury's, Morrison's, Tesco and Aldi from July - but be speedy, they may only be around until August!

fancy some mr kipling cakes this valentine's day?

Battenberg, Bakewell tarts and buttery shortcake biscuits with a strawberry filling... there's not much sweeter in life than a teatime treat. I might even go as far as to say I love a cuppa and a cake, whether with my other half, girl gang or one of my many sisters. Mr Kipling are always a go-to choice with your brew. So it's no surprise their perfect pastel pick-me-ups work so well over the Valentine's season too. Like their lovely Summer, festive or limited edition ranges, I've fallen in love with the illustrated pink packaging, as well as the tasty Flower Whirls. The new way to send flowers this season.