Hazelnut Frangipane Mince Pies
I think these may become a yearly bake for me. Golden, crisp, flaky pastry with nutty hazelnuts and a punchy, perfectly spiced mince meat. Let’s not forget the obligatory sprinkling of little crunchy demerara sugar too.
Autumnal Custard & Cardamom Plum Hand Pies
It’s such a treat to have something so rustic and beautiful bubbling away in the oven. With their rich buttery aromas wafting through the house, I can’t think of a more perfect excuse to spend the day tinkering around your kitchen. I’ve paired a silky vanilla bean custard and honey cardamom plum compote for a lovely seasonal filling. I’ve used Erin McDowell’s famous pie dough as you can’t beat it! I love these for breakfast, an afternoon pick me up or dessert.
Blackberry & Maple Pear No-Churn Ice Cream Profiteroles
Just because summer seems to have been here one day and gone the next, doesn’t mean ice cream season has to end so suddenly. I feel like everyone has been making this simple no-churn ice cream this summer and I understand why. It’s light, creamy, really easy to make and doesn’t require an ice cream machine. As much as I’d love one, my tiny flat isn’t very accommodating for my kitchen obsessions.
Butternut Squash, Mushroom & Gorgonzola Quiche
I grew up eating quiche. It evokes light summer dinners in the garden and a surprise piece nestled in my lunch box. My mum can whip one up in no time; a talent I'm yet to master.
This is my grown-up take, full of fresh rosemary and mushrooms. You can switch out the rosemary to sage for my favourite butternut squash herb pairing. I always hope it will last us a few meals but it seems to be devoured within a day or two!
Apricot, Honey & White Chocolate Choux Buns
These are like little morsels of sunshine. Zingy Apricot compote and smooth, vanilla-speckled honey and white chocolate whipped ganache. These flavours coupled with a crunchy choux bun make for a perfect bite.
Lemon Poppyseed Crullers
Sometimes all you need is a fresh doughnut, but sometimes you just don’t have the time or patience to make them. There’s making the dough, leaving it to rise, rolling, cutting and then leaving them to prove again. Here’s where the Cruller comes in: choux paste that’s fried to a deep golden before being dunked in a thin lemony glaze. Top with a sprinkling of poppyseeds and fresh lemon zest and they’re irresistible.