Fab Foods

There are some foods that I go back to time and again, either because they're staples or, because they add a certain je ne sais quoi to the dish.  I enjoy cooking but truthfully rarely find the time these days to experiment and I'm definitely a 'savoury' cook rather than a baker or a 'sweet' chef.  Maybe that's because I don't really have a sweet tooth, but show me a packet of crisps or a cheese scone and I'm done for!  Here are some of my current favourite ingredients and some of the recipes I'm using:

                                                 Oranges for easy Morrocan Orange Cake
I love this cake, despite not having a sweet tooth!  It's dense and flavoursome and goes way too well with a cup of tea and a good book on the side!

Blueberries for Brioche French Toast with Blueberry compote

This makes a breakfast to die for - try it!

I LOVE eggs!  Scrambled, fried, omelettes, souffles - you make it and I'll eat it!  These Welsh Rarebit Muffins hit the spot and combine one of my other favourite foods - Cheese!

Sage! Wrap it around sausages and bake; use it in stews; fry in a pan for crisps or make this Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto with Pinenuts.  Risotto is always my standby food whether it be for a family supper or a speedy supper for friends, you can't go wrong with this.  The sage adds a smoky depth to the dish that can't be replicated by any other herb.

Sprouts! Now, I'll admit to even surprising myself with this one.  They're a bit like Marmite, you love them or hate them but I've come to rather love them.  Not boiled to death til they're soggy and taste of sweaty socks; but gently steamed, then sauted in garlic oil with some pancetta and a spritz of lemon juice right at the end; or thinly sliced and mixed with bacon, double cream and parmesan to make this Sprout Gratin.  Try it with grilled meats, it's absolutely delicious.

What are your favourite ingredients/recipes?