Stuffed mushroom, greens and potato wedges

I made green beans from Nigella Feast (green beans in herbed yoghurt - although I had no fresh herbs that day) which is my favourite way of eating them.

Potato wedges were also inspired by Nigella Feast and seasoned with salt, paprika and chilli pepper flakes. 1 hour at 210'C/Gas 7. (I also left them on a lower shelf while the mushrooms were cooking).

I stuffed field mushrooms with a mixture of pesto, tomatoes (seeds removed), garlic, onion, salt and pepper, then topped with cheddar. They were baked in the oven for about 20 minutes at 200'C/Gas 6.

Mushroom Stroganoff and baking joy

We had our wedding anniversary recently and we're both very keen on mushrooms and so the choice fell on a most delicious dish, Mushroom Stroganoff. I turned to my very favourite cookbook - Nigella's Feast - and to the tried and tested Mushroom Stroganoff recipe in the 'Meatless Feasts' Chapter. I didn't get the chance to take a photograph when it was all dished up, but took one as it was bubbling in my beloved Le Creuset buffet pan. You can find the recipe here: http://www.cookstr.com/recipes/mushroom-stroganoff-with-basmati-rice Next up is Floyd's Daily Bread: http://www.thefreshloaf.com/recipes/mydailybread Made with a poolish it has lovely flavour and the high hydration gives a great texture.

This is my favourite Focaccia from Ursula Ferrigno's Truly Italian. That book is a real gem and a must have for any lover of the Italian Cuisine in my opinion.

I first saw this cinnamon pull apart bread on Joy the Baker's blog. http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/03/cinnamon-sugar-pull-apart-bread/

I admit that I didn't follow her recipe, but used my usual sweet dough recipe and copied her way of layering the dough.. although to be fair, hers is a little bit prettier.. what can I say, I am a rustic baker! As usual I didn't pay attention to the order I uploaded the pictures, but I think you can see what is the finished product.

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Cowboy Stew

This is a dish I remember from my high school years and I was introduced to it by a class mate who had learned it from her mum. I dont cook it very often, to be honest I dont cook the same dishes often but rather I tend to try as many different things as possible to broaden my horizon. Think of all the food still out there to be discovered!! It's a never-ending journey. Luckily. But whenever I do make this stew I really enjoy its comfort and how easy it is to prepare.

What you need is

Beef mince

Red pepper

Mushrooms

Garlic (optional.. I am a garlic person, but I have made it without too and it is still as delish)

Baked Beans

Single or Double Cream

Salt

Pepper

Big pinch of stock powder

Brown the mince and when it's done add red pepper and sliced mushrooms and fry until cooked. Add minced garlic (if using) and season. Then you tip in your can of baked beans and add the cream and let it bubble for about 10 - 15 minutes. Check seasoning. I normally serve this with either plain rice, potatoes or mash, with a side salad and sometimes broccoli.

I havent specified any amounts here, just because it depends on the size of your family. For 2 adults, one 10 year old and a baby, I use 300 g mince, 1 pepper, handful of mushrooms, 1 can of baked beans and 150 - 200 ml cream.

It an easy dish, admittingly not very sophisticated or particularly charming, but it is tasty and warms you up on a cold day.