switch the fish: sesame seared japanese loch trout.

If you're a regular here on my little blog, you'll know that I do love my seafood. Salmon sashimi, king prawn tempura and light and crispy calamari to name a few favourites. Even though I'm open to all fish varieties, and love using sustainable coley, pollack and river cobbler in place of white fish, it isn't often enough that I create recipes with lesser known fish varieties. 

Sainsbury's are challenging food bloggers to create recipes with alternative fish offerings - a campaign aiming to broaden the choice of fish we all eat. If customers asks for one of the "big five fish" that make up 80% of the fish sales in the UK (salmon, tuna, haddock, cod or prawns) they will be offered a portion of either sea bass, coley or hake for free.

I went for loch trout and decided to put my favourite spin on a recipe - Japanese. Inspired by the fragrant flavours of Japan, this recipe features a zingy soy and sesame marinade, steamed veg, sticky sushi rice and lots of sesame seeds to create a donburi style rice bowl with seared sesame trout laid on top.

italian inspired pork pies.

My dad is a bloke of simple pleasures. Give him a Bird's pork pie or a pot of their famous pâté and he'll be a happy man. For those who aren't lucky enough to live into the East Midlands, Bird's is a family founded Derby bakery which opened in 1919 and sells the best sausage rolls, cobs and caramel doughnuts that you'll ever try. By 12pm the shelves will be practically empty after being cleared out by the local carb lovers. Fact. 

On the other hand, my dad loves Italy and the simplicity of their way of life, cuisine and flavours. For a twist on a pork pie recipe, I wanted to create one with Italian herbs and a hint of tomato. 

This method is a real cheat and a super easy recipe for pork pies. In other words, not the traditional way. Being from Leicestershire I should know better, but instead I've rebelled against the county of pork pies, Stilton and Red Leicester in favour of... the Italian inspired pork pie! 

big fish salmon review & recipes.

I'm a huge, huge seafood fan. Eating at least 4-5 portions of fish a week, I'm always looking for new flavours and recipes for salmon, trout, haddock, tuna and seabass. Mostly I tend to eat salmon, for which I'll buy a whole side, slice up into portions and pop in the freezer. With ice as nature's preservative, I'd like to think this is the most purse and eco friendly way to enjoy fish without wasting food or money. Enter: Big Fish Brand. With heritage dating back almost 100 years ago in the seaside town of Grimsby, I was delighted when I was invited to review their latest products and flavours.

afternoon tea at fortnum & mason, piccadilly, london.

Fortnum & Mason truly does exquisite afternoon tea. Think fluffy sandwiches, delicate patisseries and a plethora of tea blends to choose from. There's no doubt this will be a positive review, but couldn't wait to share this fantastic afternoon tea in London's famous F&M at 181. Piccadilly.