winter warmers #1

I am all for the one pot wonders, I have more cookery books on slow cooking and comfort food than anyone you probably know, so I thought I would share a few with you over the next chilly months to come. This recipe is so quick and easy and only requires one pan a hand blender and a few things you'll find in your larder cupboard. And seen as everyone will be trying to shed those extra festive pounds, it's super healthy but can still be classed as scrummy comfort food. 

Winter Warmers #1

Carrot & Coriander Soup

8 large carrots (more if you have a huge pan)

3 medium potatoes (half the amount of your carrots)

1 large onion

2 cloves of garlic

2 tbsps of ground coriander

2 vegetable stock 

Handful of fresh coriander 

Seasoning

Roughly slice the carrots, potato (I like to leave the skin on as it adds more flavour) onion and garlic cloves and throw them all into a pan. Cover the vegetables with stock, season well and add the ground coriander now bring to the boil. Let the pan simmer for about 15 minutes (or until the veggies are soft) Roughly chop and add in the fresh coriander then taste for further seasoning. 

With a hand blender whiz up the cooled vegetables until there are no large lumps.

For the tortilla chips simply brush some tortilla wraps with olive oil cut into eighths and put them in a pre heated oven for 10 minutes.

Laurie Rose xo

Radio GA GA

Being a vegetarian can often prove difficult when you live in a small town like I do. I will often find myself reluctant to eat out as most of the options are samey and unimaginative; processed meatless sausages or cheese pizzas and unlike most vegetarians the reason I don't eat meat is simple, I just don't like the taste or texture. Of course I am conscience about what I eat and would always buy 'happy' meat previously, but would often just cook meatless dishes.

Radio is a small family run cafe in the local town of Oswestry, with homemade treats and tasty tapas. The quirky interior and friendly staff give it a warm and welcoming atmosphere, so after a few too many glasses of wine the previous night we ventured out for a well earned Saturday brunch. It was market day, the sun was shining and the streets were lined with delicate cake stalls and haberdashery. The relaxed atmosphere was inviting and the quality selection of meals on the menu meant we were spoilt for choice. The vegetarian options were varied and there were lots to choose from, instead of having to order the only suitable thing on the menu. 

Gem and I ordered a pot of Earl Grey while we decided what to have. I finally decided on the homemade vegetable burger with sautéed, halved new potatoes and onion salad and Gem chose the vegetarian breakfast which may I add didn't have a meat substitute sausage in sight.

I munched every last morsel and didn't regret one mouthful. 

The homemade burger was made up of beans and vegetables and was packed with flavour, the sautéed new potatoes were delicious; all that was accompanied by a mouth watering tomato and onion salad with a balsamic dressing.

The young friendly staff were helpful and relaxed and the mix of customers gave it a unity. From small children to dogs, giving this small place a great quality of community, with our bellies full and a few extra pennies saved we worked off those carbs with a healthy dose of thrifting, I can't wait to venture out one evening to try their tapas.

10/10

Open on Friday & Saturday evenings for tapas so if you're in the local area it is a must and you can even take your own bottle of wine.

Laurie Rose