Classic Asparagus and Hollandaise Sauce

I had been waiting and waiting until the asparagus turned up at the Farmers' Market and last weekend it finally did. I had heard whispers and rumours that this fine vegetable had pushed its purple head through the soil but didn't want to get my hopes up until I saw it with my own eyes.

The first asparagus of the year I always find is the best. It comes at just the right time, after the snowdrops and daffodils have been out, as an indication that Spring has sprung. Its lovely flavour and delicacy has to be enjoyed, at least once in the short asparagus season, with the classic partner...Hollandaise sauce. 

Easter Biscuits

A good biscuit is an excellent thing. Golden brown, buttery and crisp makes a good biscuit for me. I discovered this recipe when rifling through recipes with my Nana. It seems fitting to make Easter biscuits at this time of year! They are so easy to make, wonderfully simple and have lovely subtle flavours.

Chicken and Vegetable Pie

This is a perfect recipe for the long Easter weekend break. It's a celebration of Spring vegetables in the best wrapping of all...pastry. It is extremely versatile as you can change the vegetables depending on what is in season. It is also great for using up leftovers.
For this particular pie, I used 1 whole chicken, 1 large onion, 1 leek, 3 carrots and several large leaves of kale. In addition to this you will need a glass of white wine, 300ml double cream, 1/2 a chicken stock cube, bay leaves, ready made shortcrust pastry and an egg.

Granny's Millionaires Shortbread

When I was younger and there was a school holiday I would be with my Granny in her kitchen. We made everything together and it was almost always successful. We still make things together now and my Grandad still sits in the lounge wondering what on earth we will come out of the kitchen with next. He seems happy to be taste tester!

We had decided to make millionaires shortbread because I loved it so much and still do. The shortbread went in the oven and the waiting game began as the house filled with delicious smells. We were all licking our lips. The caramel was made all golden and creamy and got spread on top of the shortbread like a blanket. We waited some more. The chocolate was melted and spooned generously out over the top. Some more waiting took place.

With the chocolate set, the kettle was on. The tea was in the pot and the milk in the cups. My Granny had had the foresight to cut the shortbread into pieces before the caramel and chocolate had set and three glorious pieces were put on a plate. 

Smoked Trout and Potato Salad

I have been doing many things recently that I have not done before. I recently de-boned a chicken, which I was pretty apprehensive about because it was new to me, but I am pleased to confirm it couldn't have gone better. This recipe is another example of trying to do something I was thoroughly convinced was complicated and time consuming.