Cauliflower and Macaroni Cheese
Simple and warming - I used the BBC good food version. However, I did my usual and adapted it slightly. The original recipe states to add all the cauliflower to the cheese sauce and blitz it to a silky smooth texture. I kept several of the larger florets to add to the pasta as we both like cauliflower to eat. The sauce does take on an elevated texture and taste and this is how I'll do from now on. I have made it about four times so far and it keeps well and rewarms nicely the next day. General consensus it is a keeper!
Out of 10? definitely a high 8 or even a 9!
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Now. Say goodbye to your waistline and hello to 'pass me another slice please'! The full size recipe is quite generous so I reduced the amount to two thirds. If you are using uk ingredients make sure you use this treacle - not promoting it but I have made it with a different product and it was not nearly as nice. If you are in the US - have a read of this regarding treacle.
I used the Mary Berry version and like the macaroni cheese I have repeated it several times, including turning in into 'brownies'. I made the sauce a little thicker, cooking it a bit longer than the recommended time to thicken it and instead of using pouring cream, I used double and dolloped on a generous amount just before serving. Youngest has served his brownies with ice cream instead of cream and confirmed that that too is rather delicious. They are best eaten warmed.
This particular recipe is vastly more simple than the usual varieties making a rather soft and light 'cake' which is absolutely delish!!
Out of 10? Certainly a 9 or may be a 10 due to it being easy and quick and oh so tasty indeed!
Cheese Toasties (For Sandy)
These vary from family to family and it is one of those recipes that you can put your own stamp on - ours tend to be a simple one with a couple of slices of red pepper, mushroom, tomato seasoned well then doused in grated cheese. I sometime spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside, Youngest often uses green pesto and Himself likes to add sweet chilli mango chutney - so you see - 'you make them your own'.
I have added a couple of links HERE and HERE for different suggestions and HERE for a page full of rather posh versions.
We also have under the grill toasties (aka cheese melts or open melts) which although contain very similar ingredients are quite different.
The bread is toasted on one side only. On the untoasted side, pile on your chosen ingredients and top with cheese, season well and place under the grill until all melted and golden.
Both these sandwiches make brilliant lunches and when eaten with a thick homemade vegetable soup is perfect for a wintery weekend meal.
Thanks to Youngest for the toastie and brownie photographs.
#52newrecipes
I always use that treacle. Actually I don't recall seeing any other brand locally.
ReplyDeleteThe other brands tend to be smaller independent suppliers and definitely have quite a different flavour.
DeleteI didn't know that there was any other type of treacle. Thank you for sharing the recipes. The pudding looks especially tempting.
ReplyDeleteWe bought a different (organic) brand and it just tasted like liquid liquorice which is ok if that is what you are wanting but it made the pudding taste awful!
DeleteMy mum used to use this treacle when I was a child, there's never been any other version for me, it's the best :)
ReplyDeleteIt is the best tasting version I have to agree!
DeleteI couldn't imagine cauliflower cheese without the florets been left whole and not pureed, but then I am rather old fashioned. Sticky toffee pudding is definitely one of my vices, I think I would commit serious crime for one! As for cheese toasties I do enjoy them but always forget to let the tomato cool down when added, burning the roof of my mouth in the process!
ReplyDeleteAgree totally! You sound like my son when it comes to sticky toffee pudding - it is his absolute favourite and will scoff it down in double time!
DeleteMouth watering post Kate although I did skip rather quickly through the Sticky Toffee recipe. I really must not even consider it … yum! I am rather fond of using the BBC recipes as I always seem to find good ones there. I admit to tweaking most recipes a bit, usually because I can’t always find the same ingredients here. Macaroni Cheese is one of my favourite dishes unfortunately Sr P isn’t keen on pasta so I don’t often make it . This one looks deliciousssss! Oh dear me cheese toasties really scrumptious supper tasties! Thanks for these recipes 😊. Amanda x
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Amanda! I find I always end up tweaking a recipe, to adjust to personal preferences or to the lack of an ingredient in the cupboard - usually works out well enough to try again :)
DeleteI also couldn't imagine cauliflower cheese without good lumpy bits of the veg. DH has told me of Lyles products but we get CSR here which uses sugar cane from Queensland. Have you ever tried Mary Berry's Lemon Freeze in summer, it's very nice. I like grilled cheese toasties made with avocado, tomato & cheese. Thanks for the recipes, take care & hugs.
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of the Lemon Freeze, shall go and check it out.
DeleteWe had toasties with avocado and tomato when we were in Africa - definitely a warm climate version!
I will definitely be looking at these recipes. Your suggestions always go down well here :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad :) hope these do too xx
DeleteI could eat that cauliflower & macaroni cheese right now...yum! The BBC website has the best recipes! Great photographs, too. xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's good whatever time of day to eat it! The BBC website is a really reliable source of recipes - it is my go to 'cook book' these days 😊
DeleteThat all looks very moreish. We made the cauliflower cheese soup recipe from the BBC last week. Served with crusty bread it fed us for two nights and was very tasty. Arilx
ReplyDeleteStep aside savouries and make way for the sticky toffee pudding please! Delicious x
ReplyDelete