A load of Cobblers

As we move with wistful enthusiasm into what is now hopefully spring, it hardly seemed appropriate to be cooking a hearty winter reapas ! Watching Paul Hollywood's bread program on TV the other night however inspired me to cook this dish. I had never cooked a cobbler before but it combines a beef stew ( I used my Daube recipe ) and bread, two things I love , so I thought i'd give it a go before the slightly warmer weather gets everyone in the mood for lighter, simpler delights. It turned out to be a real crowd pleaser, serve with just a crisp green salad or as we did with some buttered spring greens. You'll find the recipe here

super soda

Lightly spiced Carrot & Parsnip soup with homemade soda bread.

This made a perfect Saturday lunch and used up some excess Carrots and Parsnips that had been lurking in the bottom of the veg box. I don't need to tell you how to make soup now , do I ? So here's a list of ingredients: carrots, parsnip, leak, onion, chicken stock , toasted cumin, coriander  & fennel seeds and finished with some fresh coriander.

I've always loved soda bread but had never made it before. So, having seen it on an episode of Masterchef; of all places, I thought i'd give it a go. To be honest it couldn't be simpler and if you're fresh out of bread, happen to have the ingredients in the cupboard and have a spare 35 minutes then this is perfect.

175g self raising flour
175g wholemeal flour
tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp salt
290 ml of buttermilk
porridge oats

Simply combine the flours, bicarb and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk, stir together quickly to form a dough and then turn out on a dry surface and kneed for just a couple of minutes to bring everything together. Form into a rough shape, roll on the oats and bake in the pre-heated oven 200c for about 30 mins. Done.