Egyptian dukkah aka nut and spice mix condiment

Dukkah is a North African aromatic nut and spice blend that has an infinite number of uses. The name literally means ‘to pound’, which is how you combine all the ingredients together in a pestle and mortar. It is traditionally served alongside flat bread which is dipped in olive oil and then into this nutty mix as a hors d’oeuvres or with vegetables as a snack. It also however, an excellent addition to many salads, eggs and even as a pasta topping. I use this interchangeably with za’atar, the other Middle Eastern condiment that has come very much into favour of late. It can be bought commercially, but when it is so easy to make, why bother. As with other spice and herb blends, put in a little more of what you fancy and little less of what you don’t and make it your own by introducing some other untraditional flavours.


What you will need
70g hazelnuts
2 table spoons sunflower seeds
1 tea spoon fennel seeds
1 table spoon cumin seeds
3 table spoons coriander seeds
1½ table spoons sesame seeds
½ tea spoon nigella seeds
1 table spoons chilli flakes (optional)
½ tea spoon sea salt
½ tea spoon ground black pepper
1 tea spoon paprika


Put the seeds and nuts on separate trays and roast them in a preheated oven at 250c for 5-10 minutes until they have browned lightly and begun releasing an aroma and their unctuous oils.

Put them together whilst still warm in a large pestle and mortar with the salt, pepper, paprika and chilli flakes and grind until they form the consistency of a crumble, not too fine. A blender might be used, but again, be careful to maintain texture and crunch.

 

 

You can keep the mix in an air tight jar for up to a month and as I stated before, sprinkle over your cilbir, manti (in place of pine nuts) or even green bean, beetroot and feta salad; in fact on any of my dinner in 10 minute specials!.

The Sparrowhawk, Crystal Palace, London

Not content with all the Christmas Eating and drinking and essentially at a loss for what to do on New Year’s Eve Eve, we headed to one of our many locals the Sparrowhawk for a libation and lunch.

 

 

We had booked ahead as the pub is usually teeming with diners. We took our seat, ordered a drink and perused the 7 at £7 lunch menu whilst we were waiting for the a la carte. It turned out in the end, that the 7 at £7 dishes were so enticing that we did not need to the other menu.

 

 

I decided to have the wild mushroom and truffle oil linguine whilst Gipsy Spread (who was hankering after chips) opted for the chicken and chips. We were both delighted with our lunches. It has been some time since we dined at the Sparrowhawk as I think I had been slightly disappointed on my previous visit; perhaps only because with a pub on each corner of the Crystal Palace triangle, the Sparrowhawk is the pricier option and I therefore expect more from it.

 

 

As if then by magic, the Sparrowhawk appeared on groupon for 2 courses at the price of one with a glass of wine. I think this was an introductory offer for those unacquainted with it, however, I took it as opportunity to return for the full menu.

 
 

We arrived and were seated at the same little corner table, which I like as I can keep one eye on Gipsy Spread and one eye on the passers by outside going about their business. The service as before was prompt and when we told them we had a groupon, we were pleasantly surprised that it meant that short of a supplement for the steak, we could order anything from the seasonal menu.

 
 

I wanted to be seasonal as the menu was, so I chose the jerusalum artichoke soup with truffle oil whilst Gipsy Spread had the special of crab fritters with aioli. My soup was rich, earthy and creamy, with the onion bread and butter. A suitably hearty and nourishing winter starter. Gipsy Spread’s dishes looked delightful and he thoroughly enjoyed his fresh crab starter, which was not scrimped on.

 

It was clearly a fish day for Gipsy Spread (perhaps after all the steak, gammon and turkey over Christmas) as he selected the sea bass for his main course with a potato rosti and salsa. Normally at £15.50 a dish, this groupon deal was really good value. The fish was cooked perfectly and even though he didn’t eat it, the skin was suitably crisp.

 

 

My main was massive. I normally have a starter followed by a starter portion for main, so I was assaulted by the size of my main of gnocchi with wild mushrooms and spinach in a cream sauce. This is not to say the size was undesirable, but rather that it did defeat me in the one sitting. The good news is that I sampled the delicious creamy and rich dish twice more over lunch at work as I was able to take it away.
 

 

So, for me, we had two excellent dining experiences at the Sparrowhawk over as many weeks. The recent groupon offer is great value for the uninitiated and of course, the pub is also a fantastic venue without the offer. It is a local stalwart, having arrived at Crystal Palace not long after we did. Keep up the good work The Sparrowhawk.

La Piazzetta, Petersfield

We had had the heavy Christmas period and with jaunting between my family in the Midlands and Gipsy Spread's in the South, we wanted nothing else on the 27th than to relax and have our feasting needs catered for. It was with this in mind, that we decamped with Father, Sister, brother and Mon-in-law Spread to this small Italian restaurant in Petersfield.


We had booked a table, which turned out to be lucky as the restaurant was heaving with families doing the same as us. It appeared fully booked to me, but our table was ready for us, if a little bit snug.


We sat down and ordered drinks. Whilst assessing the extensive Italian menu which includes pasta, pizzas primis and secondis etc., we were seductively lured in by the garlic pizza bread starter to share as there were seven of us. So lured in were we, that we ordered two. Suffice to say, it took us some time to get through this bread, whilst also speculating about the whereabouts of our main courses. It only struck us after we had almost finished that the staff were probably waiting for us to finish before bringing out our main courses.

 

 

There had been unanimous cheers around the table when the linguine all marinara had been sighted on the menu. We had three of these around the table, as well as the tagliatelle al salmon, two Caprino pizzas, and an order of veal.

 

Everyone was pleased with their dishes upon arrival and we were all thoroughly complementary about the food and the service. I for one thoroughly enjoyed the slight saltiness to the sourdough pizza base and the quality of the goats’ cheese on my pizza. It all seemed to provide value for money.


After that, whilst only three desserts were ordered around the table, I think everyone had a little taste of something sweet.

 

This little restaurant is located in an old part of the historic market down and whilst unassuming, is clearly in the local’s consciousness. It won the 2014 award for the best local Italian restaurant and punches well above its weight in terms of its menu, the quality of its food and the excellence of its service. We are all thrilled to have discovered this little gem and will most definitely be returning.

Sundried tomato, olive and parmesan frittata

I’m a huge fan of frittatas for a weekend brunch. They are so simple and satisfying, and any type of store cupboard ingredient can be incorporated. On this occasion I opted for an Italian themed frittata with my stash of fruity sun dried tomatoes and salty olives. This is a perfect meal at this time of year where rising late means that breakfast bleeds into lunch!

What you will need

2 small potatoes

6 eggs

2 handfuls of chopped sundried tomatoes

2 handfuls of sliced olives

40g parmesan cheese

A splash of milk

Fresh basils leave.

Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes. Place these on to boil for 5-10 minutes until cooked.

 

Meanwhile combine all the other ingredients with plenty of salt and ground black pepper.

 

When the potatoes are cooked, add them to a large frying pan with some oil, spacing out evenly. Pour over the egg mix and cook on the hob until the underside has cooked and you can see browning around the edges for about 4-5 minutes.

 

Next, place the pan under a hot grill to brown the top a further 4-5 minutes.

 

Serve with a fresh green salad or some crisp warm toast.

The Wolesley, Piccadilly, London

It was almost Christmas and as if there isn’t going to be enough eating and drinking, Gipsy Spread and I also had a wedding anniversary to celebrate. Whilst we don’t normally head out for dinner on Valentine’s day, the day of forced romance, we do like to head out on the 4^th December. So, it started with a kiss (of course), followed by a glass or two of wine at the exquisite 1707 Wine Bar at Fortnum and Masons, where we wiled away our time waiting for our table at the wonderfully decadent and over the top art deco space that is the Wolseley.

 

I have been here many times before, but usually only for afternoon tea or some variation of this topic and each time we discussed that we should return for dinner. So, wedding anniversary number three was the night for our reappearance.

 

We wafted through the heavy curtain that sits behind the door and were immediately assaulted by all the clinking and clanging that resonates through the high ceilinged venue. The lights bedazzled and the mirrors twinkled with gilt around the dining hall. We were expertly shown to our table and provided with menus. The good news is that there is a very extensive separate vegetarian menu. The bad news however, is that I had far too much choice and spent far too long deliberating.
 

 

I ordered a half bottle of the Pommery Brut Champagne, we were celebrating after all. We received a glass each and sipped slowly enjoying the tiny bubble and fresh crispness of the vintage. We then proceeded to order. Gipsy Spread chose the classic steak tartare with the egg yolk atop. I after much deliberation went for the aubergine and gruyere schnitzel out of curiosity.

It was whilst we were waiting for the arrival of our mains that the waiter asked us if we wanted the wine list. We both looked at each other curiously as two glasses of Champagne does not constitute half a bottle. We enquired and the order had been taken for two glasses, SO we given these on the house and an additional half bottle of Pommery was brought forth.


Our mains arrived and whilst Gipsy Spread thoroughly enjoyed his meal, I did not get was I was expecting and didn't find the meal particularly mind blowing, but rather average. This of course did not dampen our moods after a lovely time at 1707, and enjoying the Champagne and classic ambience of the current environs.

The service was second to none and as if by magic, we were brought some fantastic macaroons with a marzipan sign wishing us a happy anniversary. These were as good as I've had in France and an unexpected treat.

I shall most definitely return for dinner, however, I think I will steer clear of the schnitzel. I think I thought it was some kind of sausage!? The Wolseley is definitely one of the better places to visit if you wish to dine in central London. Its prices are more reasonable than the Savoy, however the service is comparably good.

1707 Wine Bar, Fortnum and Masons, Piccadilly, London

It was our three year wedding anniversary and as if we needed any excuse; we stepped out arm in arm for some fancy drinks and food in central London. Now, where else to go for that Christmas feeling than Piccadilly and Fortnum and Masons in particular. Fortnum and Masons is not just a fantastic food hall at Christmas, but also a fantastic venue to visit for some food, afternoon tea or even just simply some drinks. With this in mind we headed to the 1707 Wine Bar to sample from their extensive and exquisite wine list. The bar had generously allowed us to reserve a table for a drink before we headed off to our equally fancy dinner.
 

The bar itself is bijou with cosy wood panels and mirrors to add depth and height. It is surprisingly serene compared to the chaos as you enter the store at this time of year.

 

I, of course, am a red wine girl, whilst Gipsy Spread is a white wine boy. We both perused the menus and that's where I actually spotted my favourite Sancerre rose. Gipsy Spread also opted for one his favourite wines the Pouilly fume.  As you would expect, from the menu and the prices (let’s not forget), we both had considerably enjoyed our choices.

 

The glasses are small, but perfectly formed and if you are in this part of Town and want to take yourself away from the hubbub of the City, this is a wonderful recluse to head to and unwind in the knowledge that the world is a whirling dervish outside whilst you are in a sea of serenity.

Our additional gifting on this visit was the nibbles, as the olives we'd ordered with the wines didn't arrived and so the house treated us these along with a bowl of pistachios. Perfect before heading on for dinner on this cold December evening. This tiny wine bar really is a hidden gem worth exploring.

 

The Albion, Bankside, London

It is that time of year again, when restaurants force you to have a set menu of too much food at a price that is hugely inflated compared to the rest of the year. So this year my team took a stand. No Christmas set menu for us, just really delicious good food that we can get at all times of the year. With this in mind, we booked and decamped to The Albion in Southwark for a really wholesome and hearty seasonal menu.

 

We arrived and were promptly shown to our table for 10. We sat down and weren’t slow to order, having all keenly perused the menu on line for days in advance. We were informed of the specials which were Christmas dinner witht he works and the roast pork with crackling. This almost threw some of the party of kilter after having already decided on their meal. However, they mostly stood fast. In fact the array of dishes around the table was truly astounding. There was a traditional turkey dinner, a chicken roast, as well fish and chips, a game stew with dumplings and a shoulder of lamb.

 

The slightly less conventional all day breakfast was ordered by not one, but two of our group and I opted for the sweet potato, spinach and pumpkin seed bake with a side of green salad. I did not insist on taking photos of all the dishes as we were all ravenous at the time of our late lunch.

 

I can only really comment on my dish, but I can report that everyone around the table mmmmm-ed and ahhhh-ed that they thoroughly enjoyed their meal. For my part, my bake was very satisfying. I had though, not been prepared for the sneaky taste of some kind of blue cheese in there, which would have stopped me ordering it in the first place if known. However, it was cooked through the bake and I could not see the blue and I was therefore truly happy with my dish, which was a tad more interesting vegetarian dish than others I have come across.

So, we were all extremely thankful to the Albion for not forcing a Christmas set menu on us and for delivering excellent food and service ensuring we had a truly good and festive time together. Their parting gift to us was also a 20% off discount when dining there in January, which we have decided we will most definitely be doing to sample January’s seasonal fare.

Tas, Southbank, London

My time in my current office is coming to an end and with this little gem just around the corner, the team felt we needed just another outing (as if there aren’t enough in December!) to celebrate our time together. This lovely little family run Anatolian restaurant also does a fantastic set menu which is excellent value.

 

We booked a table, fearing the onslaught of christmas parties would make walking in unfeasible. However, we did not need to worry; they had tables of parties, simple lunchers and walk-ins alike.

 

I had had a late breakfast of toast from the canteen which is highly irregular for me so could face the set menu which did look delicious. I instead nibbled on the amuse bouche of bread, dip and yoghurt olives that was presented. Others chose the Greek salad, hummus and baked mushrooms. Each was generous in portion and looked and I am informed tasted fresh and flavoursome.

We did all in unison opt for the Turkish pizza known as pide. I, for my life couldn’t understand how I have not had this before? I am seasoned mezze muncher and holidayed in Turkey last year? Truly scandalous. Regardless, I opted for a simple sundried tomatoes and cheese pizza which was delicious. The bread was crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The classic combo of cheese and tomatoes was gooey and tangy.

Others had mince, but meat free pide, great for non-cheese lovers (I know, there is apparently such a thing!?) and aubergine varieties, which they reported were delicious. Once again, we were all extremely happy with our meal.

 

For those that had the set menu, and in fact some it was having the dainty little stuffed apricots to finish that informed their menu choice. I was lucky enough to share the portion delivered to a colleague. These sun dried apricots and fresh, slightly chewy and sweet, filled with cream honey and nuts. The perfect way to finish this meal.

 

So whether you work in the area or are just visiting as a tourist, this is a fantastic value eaterie in the high priced Borough area. I shall be returning.

Mexican penne aka mac n cheese

I spotted a Mexican mac n cheese on the menu of the Breakfast Club when visiting recently with work (review to follow). I did not order this, mainly because I thought I could make it myself, so that's exactly what I undertook to do this weekend. It was cold and wet outside and steaming hot, spicy pasta bake was exactly what we needed to warm the cockles.


What you will need
1 large red pepper
1 large onion
1-2 cloves garlic
2 jalapeño peppers
2 red chillis (optional)
1 large handful of sun dried tomatoes (c9-10)
300g penne/macaroni pasta
100g cheddar 
20g parmesan cheese
30g butter
30g plain flour
500ml milk


Start by slicing the peppers in halt lengthways, then again widthways. Slice each quarter into 1/2cm slices and set aside. Next slice the onion into similar 1/2cm slices. Add both to an oven tray with a table spoon of olive oil, salt and the garlic and roast in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 20-30 minutes until softened.

Next chop the chillies and sundries tomatoes and add to the peppers and onions and set aside.

Cook the pasta as advised on the packet and meanwhile turn to the cheese sauce.


Grate the cheddar and parmesan and also set aside.


Next, melt the butter in a large sauce pan, before slowly adding the flour, whisking all the time. After 30 seconds, slowly add the milk, making sure to whisk out any lumps as you go. They will cook out and thicken the sauce. After 3-4 minutes,  season with salt and pepper and add in most of the cheese, reserving a large handful for the top. Cook for a further 1-2 minutes.

Finally add all the vegetables to the drained pasta and stir through  the cheese sauce. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top and then bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 200 degrees.

Serve steaming hot, garnished with fresh coriander and with a delicious fresh green salad.

Wetherspoons, Petersfield

Wetherspoons. Really? You might ask. Well yes, I had dinner for the first time EVER here the other day.  Mother in law Spread likes to head here once a week for their bargain deal of £10 for a main course plus large glass of wine. So this is where she chose to go for her birthday dinner. Situated in Petersfield, this is not your usual Wetherspoons, my mind conjures up images of patterned carpets and older gentlemen in cardigans drinking cheap pints during the day or the young lads on a night out sinking shots at the weekend.

It was in fact full of a variety of sorts. This being Petersfield, the historic market town, the building itself is also made of the historic brick and the clientele represented the local make up.

It was Thursday, which was a curry night. However, being slightly suspicious of curries not produced by chefs I would consider specialists, I opted for the pub classic of (veggie) bangers and mash. My choice was much derided by my fellow diners who perhaps have this dish as a staple, however, much of what else was on the menu was more like my staple dinners.

As you can see, the portions were really hearty. My veggie sausages were delicious, my mash creamy and my peas crunchy and fresh. Just what you would expect from a good pub bangers and mash and delivered at a fantastic price. The carnivores went for various other options, including the large mixed grill, which could not be finished.

The hotdog, which was not advertised as foot long, because perhaps it was even larger than that, with chips.

The gammon, egg and chips were also another hit as the birthday girl's choice.

So, all in all, not a bad visit. Surprisingly hearty food, at great value. Everyone raved about the wine on tap, however as my dish did not come with a glass of this, I opted for the Faustino VII, which is a tried and tested wine, but never at the Wetherspoons price - what a bargain! I'll happily return for cheap and cheerful meal with swift service. Most likely to the cavernous Petersfield branch.

This is a formula that works, so who am I to comment on others motivations for visiting. It clearly meets the needs of a diverse range of people and good for it for doing so.