Don't like Christmas pudding all that much? Me neither. If you're more of a chocoholic when it comes to the festive season (or any time of the year...) then these may answer your Christmas wishes all at once. These baked, chocolatey doughnuts are made from a simple cocoa infused sponge and finished with icing and marzipan. All the chocolate. All the festive. Less of the dried fruit. Shopping list. ♥ 125g unsalted butter ♥ 125g caster sugar ♥ Two large free range eggs ♥ 50g cocoa powder ♥ 75g self-raising flour ♥ Icing sugar, marzipan/fondant and colouring to decorate. Cornflour to preven ..read more

A cosy Christmas drink featuring some of my favourite flavours; Nutella and coffee. Combining the perfect aromas of Kahlua coffee liqueur with indulgent chocolate and whipped cream, this is a real festive crowdpleaser. Top it off with a swirl of cream, edible glitter and a candy cane for and extra Christmassy touch. Cuddle up under your favourite weighted blanket (mine is from Simba) with a chunky knit - divine!  Shopping list. (Makes one Nutella and Kahlua hot chocolate) ♥ 2 tsp good quality drinking chocolate ♥ A splash of milk ♥ 1 tsp Nutella ♥ 50ml Kahlua coffee liqueur ..read more

A wholesome but light fish dish, perfect for the beginnings of Autumn. As part of my second recipe featuring Parma ham, I've put together a seafood and prosciutto ensemble, on a bed of black olive and tomato risotto. My first recipe, Parma ham, ricotta and basil bruschetta, showcased a delicate starter or canapé idea which would be perfect for party guests or a weekend lunch. This risotto recipe is particularly great for a dinner party main, where you can make ahead the monkfish wrapped in prosciutto di Parma, allowing the Mediterranean inspired risotto to bubble away on the ..read more

  Parma. Found in the Emilia-Romagna region, this Italian city is a must-travel for foodies, adventurers and history lovers alike. Before my trip, I lost track of the people asking me what I'd be doing in Palma, Majorca. But no, this is far from it's Spanish soundalike, this lesser known Italian haven is more familiar than first thought. Remember delicious platters of thinly sliced Parma ham, boxes of Barilla pasta or that twist of Parmigiano-Reggiano to finish your dish? Well, this is where it all hails from. And I'm not surprised why they're so proud about it.  As a gue ..read more

A tasty and wholesome dish for seafood lovers. Salmon, dill and beetroot go hand in hand, so I thought it was about time I made something with them again. When I have extra time at the weekend I love to slowly stir a risotto, simmering away. So I thought I'd bring these ingredients together in a vibrant risotto, for a recipe that is a great source of protein, iron, energy and also goes towards your five a day. Shopping list. (I made this for one but it's easy to double up) ♥ One white onion, chopped ♥ One garlic clove, crushed ♥ Low calorie spray or olive oil ♥ 50g risotto rice ♥ 200ml v ..read more

What better way to spend a weekend than a staycation? Even better when the breakfast is on point. Let the 5-star hotel luxury come to you with a perfectly planned brunch - without having to leave your bed to enjoy it. Here are a few breakfast in bed ideas (and a glowing review) that will have you diving back under the covers.  Simba have kindly sent me one of their Hybrid Toppers to try out. Made from an innovative combination of Aerocoil springs and a layer or open-cell Simbatex foam, the topper promises to transform your mattress into a super soft and breathable sleep ..read more

A really simple seafood recipe which is light, healthy and flavoursome. Above all, it's really easy to rustle up. There are lots of interpretations of the pilaf, ranging from Central Asian or Middle Eastern areas, namely Turkish to Persian. It's said that one of the best interpretations of a pilaf is found in the best Emiriti restaurants of Dubai, where saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, thyme and cardamom season the likes of machboos, shakshuka, pilaf and curries, with great recommendations from Square Meal UAE. In simple terms, what defines this from a Spanish paella or Indian bi ..read more

The Bank on College Green aims to serve a farm-to-table menu in an upscale, genuine and relaxed atmosphere. As the name suggests, this Dublin based restaurant has its settings in an old Victorian bank. Lavish, opulent and grand, the interior speaks of high ornate ceilings, stained glass, marble pillars and warm gold finishes. Square Meal IE describe the atmosphere as big, bold, dark and moody - and they aren't wrong. With an elegant bar and mezzanine the main focal point of the restored Irish bank, this restaurant instantly felt very special. After a friendly and immediate welcome ..read more

Say it with salted caramel this Valentine's Day. Treat loved ones to this indulgent puff pastry dessert featuring caramelised Pink Lady® apples as the star of the show. Whether for a breakfast in bed with a hot cup of tea, a decadent dessert to finish a romantic dinner or a sumptuous sweet for a girls' night in, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Buttery puff pastry, sweet apples and dusting of icing sugar, finish with thick double cream to contrast against the deliciously crunchy textures.  Plus, it's super quick to put together. What's not to fall in love with? Shopping list ..read more

A tasty treat that happens to be dairy free and egg free too! This melt-in-the-mouth vegan shortbread recipe is scattering with coconuts and baked before being drizzled with heavenly dark chocolate. A naturally vegan sweet recipe which is perfectly bitesize. Shopping list.  ♥ 60g dairy free butter or spread ♥ 30g caster sugar ♥ 90g plain flour ♥ 20g desiccated coconut ♥ 100g dark chocolate, melted Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C. Step one. Melt the butter in a saucepan and take off the heat. Step two. Stir in the sugar followed by the flour. Step three.  Take large ..read more