Festive Baklava
In Istanbul's Grand Bazaar your eyes are dazzled by endless stalls piled high with gold and silver trinkets and the air is thick with the sweet sugary wafts from teetering stacks of Baklava and Turkish Delight, all infused by an underlying scent of freshly ground spices not mention the sound of a hundred shop keepers trying to attract your business. This recipe comes from there, with a little British nod. Ingredients For the Honey Syrup 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup cold water 1/2 cu


Turkish Treats
Inspired by our recent journey to Turkey, here are a few recipes to try out this winter. Balin embek. Istanbuls fish sandwich street food In the Emenou region of Istanbul next to the bosphorous you cant miss first the smell of frying fresh mackerel and second the endless stalls selling this staple of Istanbul’s street food scene Here is our take on it as one bite Flat bread. Ideally leavened(Tesco link), or tortilla will work. Fresh mackerel fillet. From fish row Red onion R


Khinkali,Churchkhela and Kvevri
Georgia was something of an unknown quantity for us before we visited. Influences by the Persian, Ottoman and Russian empires have given the cuisine its own individual identity. One dish which is popular across the whole country and seemingly something of a national obsession are the Khinkali dumplings, with some restaurants entirely focused on them. Traditionally made with fatty mutton now they come most often with beef and pork swimming in a lightly spiced stock. Pick up by


Kars, Turkeys cheese paradise
I have never really thought of Turkey as a cheese maker but its turns out it is and Kars in the far east of the country is the place to go for the best. The city cheese museum takes you through the processes required to make the many cheeses for the area. Notable examples are the Kashar, Gravyer and Checil which is stringy salty and when allowed to mould, quite the teste sensation. Left is an amazing breakfast we were served in Kars. Four types of cheese, black and green oliv


Kırmızı mercimek çorbası, Turkish red lentil soup
We love this soup. Such a great start to the day. Ordered plain or spicy and served with crisp fried breads, a small salad of fiery rocket, crisp lettuce, fresh chilli and a plate of crunchy pickles.


Cheddar and Poppy seed straws
Moreish cheese straws for Lucys birthday this weekend. The weather was so kind, wonderful party.


The Gurnards Head
We enjoyed a delicious sunday roast at The Gurnards Head, Cornwall this weekend. Highly recommend!


Naturally dyed soft boiled quail eggs
A selection of dyed quail eggs for a birthday party this weekend. They coincidentally matched the costumes at the party.


Ian and Aija sharing boards
Serving boards for Ian and Aija's wedding this weekend. Lamb meatballs with berber spice, lebanese style mushrooms, marinaded artichokes, dips and breads.


Bulgarian Feast
Had a lovely meal with smiling service at the Happy Duck, Borovets, Bulgaria. Love the mix of Mediterranean and Balkan influences on the menus in this part of the world. Recommend after a days skiing, free shots too!









































