Category: Recipe

  • COCKTAIL RECIPE | BLOOM Gin French 75

    COCKTAIL RECIPE | BLOOM Gin French 75

    Perfect if you like:

    Good quality gin based cocktails with a bit of party fizz.

     

    Ingredients.

    25ml BLOOM London Dry Gin, (BUY NOW)

    25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, (BUY NOW)

    10ml sugar syrup (1 part water : 2 parts sugar),

    top with good quality Prosecco or Champagne (BUY NOW)

     

    Method
    Shake the first three ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled champagne flute. Top with bubbles and garnish with pretty edible flowers.

    BLOOM London Dry Gin is available from: Amazon. Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Asda, Morrisons and Ocado. RRP: £24.00 for 70cl ABV 40%

  • RECIPE | Dairy Free Truffles

    © Food For Friends – Jordan Lohan

    These delicious dairy-free truffles make lovely little gifts or can be served after dinner for guests to graze on. The different coatings of cacao powder, pistachios and coconut provide variety whilst also being nutritious!

    Truffles – Makes 20-30
    Prep 30 mins
    Chill 3-4 hours

    Ingredients
    280g fair trade organic dark chocolate, I usually use a mix of both 70% & 85% cocoa content, chopped finely
    3 tbsp coconut oil
    240ml full fat coconut milk
    ½ tsp vanilla extract
    1 tsp rose water

    Decoration/Dusting:
    20g raw cacao powder
    pistachios, blitzed or finely chopped
    desiccated coconut (try it toasted!)

    Method

    1. Place your chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a large mixing bowl.
    2. Heat the coconut milk in a saucepan until it reaches simmering point.
    3. Pour the coconut milk into the bowl with the chocolate.
    4. Stir and combine very gently & slowly to avoid the chocolate splitting .
    5. Add the rose water and vanilla extract.
    6. Transfer to a Tupperware or lidded container and put in the fridge for a minimum of 3-4 hours.
    7. On individual plates place the cacao powder, coconut and blitzed pistachios ready for rolling the truffles in.
    8. Use a melon baller to scoop balls of the truffle mix and then roll in your hands to shape further. Place each ball onto greaseproof paper.
    9. Roll each ball in a selection of cacao, coconut and pistachios. These will keep in an air-tight container for 5-7 days stored in the fridge.

    This recipe is taken from my latest digital cookbook Food For Friends available for JUST £3.95 from TheGayShop.co.uk – Full of wonderful ideas this festive season.

  • RECIPE | Summer Pilaf

    Summer Pilaf

    CREDIT: Jordan Lohan

    Serves 2-3 people |  Prep 15 mins | Cook 30 mins

    After recently spending time in Kerala, I have returned curry mad! This mildly spicy pilaf gets its vivid colour from the super anti-inflammatory and uber healing spice, turmeric. Channel all the beautiful colours of India by serving alongside bowls of freshly prepared tidbits like; grated carrot, diced onion and tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and lemon wedges. Not only a pretty addition but those tidbits really crank up the medicinal properties of this dish. Add a dollop of natural yoghurt for some tummy loving probiotics that support digestion.

    Ingredients.

    100g white basmati, soaked for at least 30 minutes
    2 free-range chicken breasts (350-300g), cut into chunks
    1 tbsp coconut oil
    1 tbsp butter (just use another tbsp coconut oil if you avoid dairy)
    2 small onions, thinly sliced
    1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
    1 tsp turmeric
    1/2 tsp cinnamon
    1 tbsp mild curry powder
    10g fresh ginger, grated
    3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
    1/2 organic chicken stock cube, added to 200ml hot water

    1 red chilli, in thin strips
    1 spring onion, sliced diagonally

    Method.

    1. In a hob safe casserole dish or saute pan that has a lid, heat the coconut oil and butter and on a low heat, gently fry your onions and fennel for 8 mins to soften.
    2. Add your garlic, ginger, and spices and cook out for a minute, stirring regularly.
    3. Raise the heat to high and add your chicken to brown lightly for 4 minutes.
    4. Drain the rice that has been soaking and add rice to the pan, stir regularly and continue to fry for one minute.
    5. Add stock and once it reaches a simmer, place the lid on top and allow to simmer gently for the next 8-10 minutes. If you are having fresh vegetable tidbits, use this time to prepare them now.
    6. Lift the lid and stir everything around, if its looking a little dry then add a splash of water, if its looking overly saucy then give it a couple more minutes. Check the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender and remove from the heat. You could stir in another tablespoon of butter at this point.
    7. Season strongly with freshly cracked black pepper, scatter the spring onion and red chilli, and serve.

     

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  • RECIPE | Freekeh Za’atar Peppers

    Freekeh Za’atar Peppers

    Serves 6-8

     

    Ingredients.

    200g cooked chestnuts,

    roughly chopped 1 red onion,

    finely chopped 2 garlic cloves,

    sliced 6 sage leaves,

    sliced 1 tsp bouillon stock (added to 120ml hot water)

    2-3 pointed peppers,

    halved and seeded 250g freekeh (I use Merchant Gourmet and boil in the bag)

    Za’atar spice,

    2 tbsp 1/4 lemon, juice of

     

    Method.
    1. Preheat your oven to 200c / 180c fan / Gas Mark 6. Line a baking sheet with foil and place your halved and seeded peppers on top.

    1. Heat a little oil in a saute pan or similar, and begin to lightly fry the onion for a few minutes.

    2. On a low heat, Add the chestnuts and continue to cook for five minutes further.

    3. Add the garlic, sage leaves, and za’atar and cook out for one minute.

    4. Add the stock and reduce to lowest heat retaining a simmer.

    5. Cook the freekeh according to pack instructions (usually microwave 3 mins or on the hob in about ten).

    6. Stir in the cooked freekeh to the chestnut and onion mix and take off the heat.

    7. Spoon the mix into the peppers on the baking tray. Squeeze your lemon juice over the top of the now stuffed peppers.

    8. Cover the peppers with another piece of foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, removing the foil for the last remaining minutes. The peppers at this point should just be starting to singe slightly but still retain their shape and a bit of bite. 1

    9. Remove from the oven, give a good dose of freshly cracked black pepper, and adorn in pomegranate jewels, serving with extra lemon wedges for the table.

     

    MORE: Vegan Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes | Salads

  • RECIPE | Dukkah Goats Cheese Salad with Raspberry Basil Vinaigrette

    Dukkah Goats Cheese Salad with Raspberry Basil Vinaigrette

    Serves 6-8 people

     

    ingredients.

    Goats cheese:

    4 teaspoons Dukkah spice (available at most supermarkets)

    35g plain flour

    35g panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs would work)

    1 egg, beaten

    4 x 100g goats cheese rounds

     

    Salad:

    70-100g rocket

    10 radishes, sliced

    10 sundried tomatoes, sliced (Check out our recipe for Slow Beau Tomatoes on TGUK website)

    2 handfuls of Good 4 U Lentil & Bean Shoots (available at most supermarkets)

    2 handfuls spinach

    a handful basil leaves

    50g hazelnuts

     

    Raspberry & Basil Vinaigrette;

    180ml extra virgin olive oil

    65g fresh raspberries

    60ml red wine vinegar

    1 tsp dried basil

    2-3 fresh basil leaves

    2 tbsp honey

     

     

     Method.

    1. Set up three plates like a little factory line for each the; flour, egg and panko.
    2. Coat each goats cheese firstly in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coating in the panko. Sprinkle a teaspoon of dukka onto the top of each goats cheese piece and press down lightly with the back of a spoon. Set these aside in the fridge on a foil lined baking sheet, for at least half an hour, or you could even do this the night before.
    3. Blitz all the vinaigrette ingredients in a food processor and set aside in the fridge.
    4. Pre-heat your oven to 200c / 180c (fan) / Gas Mark 6
    5. Arrange your salad ingredients either on individual plates or serving platter.
    6. Place the goats cheese into the oven for 15-20 minutes, but do keep your eye on them to avoid the Dukkah spice from catching on the heat.
    7. Remove from the oven, and place on top of your salad and serve with the dressing on the side. Slice the goats cheese rounds in half for serving.

     

    MORE: Salad recipes

  • Have an Absolutely Fabulous drink sweetie

    The sun has finally started to shine through like the South of France, the new garden smoker has been lit, the guests are turning up… Twiggy… Kate Moss… Giorgio… so just what on Earth are you going to serve them? They don’t drink tap water… They’re not boring old, toilet going, tap water drinkers sweetie… no. They want a proper hard kick from something classy, sophisticated and absolutely fabulous.

    (more…)

  • COCKTAIL RECIPE | Blueberry Basil Gin

    COCKTAIL RECIPE | Blueberry Basil Gin

    COCKTAIL RECIPE | Blueberry Basil Gin

    (C) CREDIT: Jordan Lohan

    Ingredients.

    ¼ cup blueberries (BUY NOW)

    4 torn / shredded basil leaves (BUY NOW)

    45ml gin (BUY NOW)

    10ml lime juice (BUY NOW)

    10ml simple syrup

    Lime, to garnish

     

    Method.

    In a shaker, muddle the blueberries, basil, simple syrup, and lime juice. Add crushed ice and gin, shake it. Strain it.

    Drop in as many blueberries as you like (think of those antioxidants!). Garnish with lime and more basil, if you like.

     


    Buy these ingredients.

    Gin

    Lime juice

     

  • COCKTAIL RECIPE | Chambord Royale

    Giving a Royale twist to a  favourite.

    Chambord Royale

    Your favourite fizz topped with delicious Chambord, for a taste so good it deserves its own fanfare.

    Ingredients.
    Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur (BUY NOW)
    Champagne, prosecco or cava (BUY NOW)

    Method.
    Pour your favourite fizz into a flute glass and top with Chambord. Garnish with the all important raspberry.

     


    Get these ingredients delivered straight to your door.

    Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur

    Champagne

    As always please drink responsibly. If you need advice on alcohol consumption please visit drinkaware.co.uk

  • COCKTAIL RECIPE | Chambord Spritz

    A spritz cocktail perfect for summer.

    Chambord Spritz

    The hostess is only at her mostess when she is with her champignons. Do not waste time making complicated drinks when this light, fruity and refreshing drink does the trick.

    Ingredients.
    50ml Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
    125ml dry white wine
    Soda

    Method.
    Pour dry white wine into a large wine glass filled with ice. Add Chambord and then top with soda. Bon!

     


    Buy the ingredients for this recipe:

    Chambord Raspberyy Liqueur

    Echo Falls Pinot Grigio (75mls)

    Soda Water

     

  • COCKTAIL RECIPE |Chambord Vodka Lemonade

    Chambord Vodka Lemonade

    Chambord Vodka Lemonade

    Chambord Vodka Lemonade is the perfect cocktail recipe for the summer. It is a beautiful shade of pink, it is perfect to share and the sight of it makes the eyeballs smile.

    Ingredients

    25ml Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur

    25ml vodka

    Lemonade

     

    Method
    Pour Chambord and vodka into a long glass filled with ice and simply top with lemonade. Garnish with a slice of lime.

     


    Get these ingredients delivered straight to your door.

    Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur

    Vodka

    Lemonade

     

    As always please drink responsibly. If you need advice on alcohol consumption please visit drinkaware.co.uk

  • RECIPE | Brussels Brunch

    Prep 5 mins | Cook 30 mins | Serves 2

    It’s a little bit bubble and squeaky. It’s a little bit hashy. It’s even a little bit hair of the dog. But it’s definitely got the cure factor. Whether your shrouded in a hangover darkness you can’t seem to shake or if you just want a bloody good brunch with the boys- this is yours.

     

    The sprouts supply a fantastic amount of vitamin K to help your achy bones, and vitamin C / copper to give your immune system a kick in the right direction. On top of that, one medium potato on average will contain 20% of your recommended intake of vitamin C & copper, along with 31% B6, which helps the liver detox. Chorizo’s B-12 and thiamine will also pick up our energy levels for the day ahead.

     

    BRUSSEL SPROUTS – Around 155g of sprouts will supply you with the following of your recommended daily intake; 243% vitamin K (great for bones), 128% vitamin C, 23% folate, 16% vitamin B6, 16% fibre, 14% copper (good for immune system). To name a few. Glucosinolates are a plenty in sprouts, and it’s this that activates detoxification of carcinogens in the body. (SOURCE: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=10 ).

     

    BEER – Beer has small amounts of protein, fibre and B-vitamins. But what is going to work alongside the sprouts and the Vitamin K, is the silicon within the beer. Silicon is a compound to help maintain strong bones. Phosphorus and Magnesium are also in beer which are renowned for their healthy bone and teeth properties. (SOURCE: http://blog.cookingchanneltv.com/2013/09/23/health-benefits-of-beer/ )

     

    CHORIZO – One serving of chorizo contains 0.6mg of vitamin B1 (thiamine), which helps us convert our food into energy. Another great energy boosting benefit of chorizo is it’s 2mg per serving of vitamin B-12. The daily recommended intake only being 2.4mg. Chorizo is not only delicious but will certainly help us get the getup and go feeling much needed if you’re choosing to cook this on a hangover. (SOURCE: http://www.livestrong.com/article/466148-what-are-the-benefits-of-chorizo/ )

     

    Ingredients.

    ½ link chorizo, skin removed and sliced into rounds or wedges

    150ml beer

    240g trimmed sprouts (packet of), bottoms removed & halved

    2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

    2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

    2 shallots, finely chopped

    2 sage leaves (optional), finely shredded

    2 eggs

     

    Method.

    1. Get 2 pans of boiling water on the go and par-boil the potatoes for 10 minutes. Drain & set aside.
    2. In the other pan blanch the sprouts for 3 minutes, then drain and refresh by running under a cold tap. Set aside.
    3. Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large, deep frying pan over a medium to high heat. Cook the chorizo chunks for 5 minutes.
    4. Add the shallots and cook with the chorizo for a couple of minutes.
    5. Add the garlic and the sprouts and cook for 7-8 minutes. Stirring only occasionally. You want to get some crispy, charred bits on the sprouts. Don’t worry if it’s looking very dry as we will add beer in a bit. If the ingredients are starting to burn too quickly then reduce your heat.
    6. Add the potatoes to the pan with a bit of black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for a couple more minutes.
    7. Add the beer (and sage, if using) and let it bubble out undisturbed for a minute, then stir and have a go at any parts stuck to the bottom of the pan.
    8. You want all the beer to be absorbed before serving, and then let it continue to cook to get a bit of crisp on the potatoes. You can either fry an egg however you’re used to cooking eggs or you can follow my method which guarantees no broken yolks!

     

    Eggs Tip!

    Pre-heat your grill to high. Heat a dash of oil in a frying pan over a high heat, crack your eggs is so you cook the underneath of the egg, then shove the pan under the grill to cook the eggs on top. Once the egg looks pearly and cooked remove from the grill and use a spatula to pop on top of your chorizo hash on plates. A few drops of hot sauce if you like it spicy and you’re ready to gorge.