A collection of twenty alternatives to mince pies; we never tire of traditional mince pies but still like trying something new.
Mince Pie Dessert – Easy Puff Pastry Pudding
Much easier than making mince pies – try this deconstructed mince pie dessert inspired by Carluccio’s.
Prosecco Spritz Cocktail with Appletiser and Brandy
Here is an easy Prosecco cocktail for Christmas parties. I am a fan of the fizz so every cocktail menu has my eyes skipping towards those made with sparkling drinks. Prosecco always goes down well at a party but for extra razzamatazz during the Christmas season I have concocted my own cocktail using Appletiser and brandy. […]
A Weekend in Barcelona
A weekend in Barcelona is not enough, we crammed in a lot but need to go back! Trip made as a guest of Travel Supermarket. It’s so easy to get to Barcelona it makes the perfect weekend getaway. It’s so easy and affordable you even hear stories of people commuting from Barcelona to the UK because […]
30 Minute Soda Bread
Make this easy soda bread recipe in under 30 minutes. No kneading, no proving required. Perfect for dipping with winter vegetable soups. Updated 2026 · Post originally commissioned by Glorious – references to an old competition have been taken out. Have you ever tried soda bread? It’s a dense wholemeal loaf that’s high on flavour and […]
Sunday Lunch at Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa Restaurant
Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa Restaurant in the City of London specialises in roast meat dishes so where better to enjoy a Sunday lunch? Review upon invitation from Barbecoa, who have since closed a few years after original publication of this post. Time flies. Here’s me thinking some day I must get around to trying Jamie Oliver’s […]
James Bond Cupcakes – Martini or Tuxedo Style
Shake and stir yourself for the ultimate James Bond party with these two easy James Bond cupcakes designs: 007 Martini Cupcakes served in martini glasses or more detailed white tuxedos. The 007 tuxedo cupcakes with chocolate bases and red icing, shown here alongside the Martini Cupcakes were originally commissioned by Bake With Stork – the […]
Chocolate Cookie Cups for Ice Cream
You can make these praline dipped chocolate cookie cups in advance, and fill them up with ice cream for an easy dessert. Updated 2026 · Recipe commissioned by Great British Chefs and Haagen Dazs. You know I am not a typical coffee drinker. I have written about this before. My preferred way to drink coffee […]
Plan Your Escape to Jersey
Have you ever visited Jersey? It’s been on my wish list for years. Post commissioned by Visit Jersey. Win your #EscapeToJersey! Click the link in our profile bio to create your escape and have the chance to win it. #FridayFeeling #TGIFriday A photo posted by Visit Jersey (@visitjerseyci) on Aug 7, 2015 at 1:32am PDT […]
Rye Toast with Bloody Mary Topping
Easy brunch recipe version of classic Bloody Mary cocktail on rye toast. Recipe commissioned by Ketel One Premium Distilled Vodka. This is quite an admission. I had never, can you believe drunk a Bloody Mary before this week. Neither had I drunk tomato juice. I’m immediately converted. Since avoiding sugar whilst I’m doing Weightwatchers, I am totally tuned […]
Vegetable Biryani with Cauliflower & Chickpeas
A quick easy vegetable biryani recipe packed with vegetables including cauliflower and chickpeas – ready in under 20 minutes, suitable for vegans too. Recipe commissioned by Veetee rice. I don’t know if it was an authentic recipe but my mother first introduced me to biryani rice shortly after we acquired a microwave in the mid […]
Bramley Apple Pies with Beetroot – Dairy Free Pastry
These delicious little Bramley Apple Pies with Beetroot are part sweet, part savoury. There’s no added sugar so you can forget the notion that cooking apples are sour. The pastry is dairy free using a vegan spread and spelt flour. Updated 2026 · Recipe commissioned by Bramley Apples It’s a very long time since I […]
