How often in life have we been faced with a challenge where we have to strike out on our own? How often have we actually taken that chance? The moments arrive more frequently than we realise. A job that no longer fits. A relationship that has run its course. A creative project that calls to […]

With Wimbledon in full swing, I’m thinking many of you will be craving that classic strawberries and cream combo – but I fancied creating something a bit more indulgent. Enter my delicious Berry Lasagne. It’s got all the elegance of Centre Court but also satisfying with layers of creamy mascarpone and juicy summer berries between […]

If there is one thing I can do in the morning to save time later in the day, it’s prepping vegetables for dinner while my coffee brews. It takes maybe 5 minutes. While the coffee maker is doing its work, out come the veggies and I slice them exactly as they’ll go into the evening’s […]

This week marks the end of an era in our house. My eldest son leaves school on Friday for good with thirteen years of education behind him and a place at university waiting for him in September. I keep finding myself pausing, thinking about how it’s all gone by too quickly. Watching him move through […]

My first attempt at these roasted tomato and oregano scones was a bit of a disaster. Dense, heavy things that the chickens ended up scoffing for dinner. I’d focused on getting the flavours right but forgotten the basics of good scone-making. The second time, I did things differently. I made sure my butter was properly […]

I didn’t grow up in the countryside. Many years ago, when I moved to the Scottish countryside, I knew little about what wild ingredients grew when—the nettles, elderflowers, or wild garlic that flourished around me—or how to cultivate my own food from the land. The first summer taught me humility. Slugs ate the lettuce and […]

In a world that seems to shout at every opportunity, there’s something quietly revolutionary about subtlety. We’re surrounded by extreme flavours, bold statements, and experiences designed to overwhelm our senses. Menus often boast about “explosive” tastes and “intense” combinations. Social media rewards the loudest voices and most dramatic moments. Even our daily conversations feel like […]

Five ingredients, no ice cream maker, and the most luxurious dessert you’ll make all summer. There’s something magical about June when the air is thick with the perfume of elderflower blossoms. I love elderflower season and each year I make our traditional elderflower cordial recipe (which I shared in a previous post). This year, as […]

Beneath its sting lies a forgotten superfood that sustained nations through their darkest times – the humble nettle, nature’s nutritional powerhouse, quietly thriving and often overlooked. Using thick gloves to protect my hands, I ventured to the woodland’s edge this week, where nettles are growing in abundance. Primrose, one of my nosier chickens, followed close […]

As mum to 15 hen girls, I’m constantly looking for delicious ways to use up eggs. So I’ve created this velvety baked slice which is perfect for using several eggs in one recipe while creating something delicious to enjoy. I struggled a bit with what to call this recipe. It’s not quite a custard tart, […]