Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter Gratin

Image Leave a comment 17/03/2024 the wee caledonian cook

This little dish was super tasty and nutritious too, Sweet Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and a good source of fiber, vitamin B-6 and potassium. And like all vegetables, they’re relatively low in calories — one-half of a large sweet potato has just 81 calories.

Peanuts, they’re an excellent plant-based source of protein and high in various vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. They can be useful as a part of a weight loss diet and may reduce your risk of both heart disease.

INGREDIENTS

500g Sweet Potato – Peeled and sliced

3 Large Tbsps of Crunchy Peanut Butter

2 Tbsps Sunflower Oil

2 Clove Garlic, chopped or crushed

2 Chillies, chopped finely

150ml Double Cream

1 Lime & Lime Zest

Salt & Pepper

METHOD

Mix the sweet potato, chillies, garlic and 1 tbsp of oil in a large bowl until coated
Pour in the double cream and season with salt & pepper, mix well.
Beat together the peanut butter and 1 tbsp oil with the lime juice and zest
In an oven proof dish, lay 1 layer of the sweet potato mix, then dollop on top evenly the peanut butter mix.
Finish with a final layer of the sweet potato mix and pour over the remaining cream, season to taste.
Bake covered with foil in a fan oven at 190 deg for 20 minutes, remove foil and continue to bake for about 30 minutes until nice and browned on top.

Enjoy!

Beef & Hash Brown Casserole

Image Leave a comment 20/05/2022 the wee caledonian cook

Oh you are going to love this one! A cheeky little casserole dish that is full of flavour and great for the whole family. This is definitely a dish for my comfort food list.

Serves 4

500g Minced Scottish beef

1 Yellow onion, finely chopped

1 Tsp minced garlic

1/2 Tsp Cayenne pepper

Salt & Black pepper

2 Tsp flour

100ml Beef stock

150g Grated cheese

Handful of Frozen peas

4 Slices of smoked bacon, cut into bite size pieces

10-12 Small Hash Brown Waffles cut in half or quartered

Preheat oven to 210 deg.
In a fry pan add a little oil and fry the onions & bacon with the garlic, add the beef, season with salt & pepper and cook through until browned, add in the cayenne pepper and flour and stir then pour in the beef stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
Fold in the peas and half of the grated cheese, transfer to an oven proof dish then top with the remaining cheese and hash browns. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Image Leave a comment 11/11/2021 the wee caledonian cook

I’m feeling all Italian this week….lol! Do you ever get days or weeks where you just have certain cravings? This week it was Italian for me, with Bruschetta at the start of the week (check my classic recipe here https://cookingwithluce.wordpress.com/2021/11/08/classic-bruschetta/ ), and now this fab little pasta dish, I am feeling all Italian Inspired. I even made a cheeky Limoncello Cocktail to finish off (you can view my recipe here..https://cookingwithluce.wordpress.com/2021/07/31/limoncello-spritz-cocktail/ )

This recipe is so easy to make and is packed full of flavour, great one for the whole family, especially as you can adjust your own Chilli portions. I made it a lighter option too with the lower fat Philadelphia and it tasted delicious, you would never know it wasn’t full fat.

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts, diced into bite size pieces

100g Wholegrain Pasta

1 White onion, diced finely

1 400g Tin Tomatoes

1 Red pepper, diced

150g Philadelphia Cream Cheese

1 Tsp crushed red chilli flakes

1 Tsp of Italian Seasoning

Handful fresh Basil to serve.

Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook your pasta until soft (about 8-10 minutes)
Meanwhile, in a fry pan on medium heat, season with salt & pepper the chicken and brown, add in the onions and peppers & cook until softened (few minutes). Next add in the chilli and mix.
Pour in the tin tomatoes and Italian seasoning and mix though, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
Next add in the cream cheese and mix through until melted, then when pasta is ready, drain and add to the pan, mix through until coated and simmer for a few minutes.
Serve with some fresh basil. Enjoy!

Braised Scottish Steak with Root Veg Mash

Image Leave a comment 19/09/2021 the wee caledonian cook

I am always looking for healthier options but without compromise on flavour and enjoy sourcing locally. I started growing my own vegetables last year too and plan to grow more next year, so this recipe uses up homegrown tatties, onions and carrots from my garden (my swede are not quite ready yet).

My local butcher Forbes Raeburn in Huntly provided me with some delicious diced beef this weekend, my initial plan was to make a steak pie for Sundays dinner but having vegetables to use up, this little recipe was the outcome and definitely one I will make over and over again. End of summer is fast approaching and the colder days to set in soon, this recipe is a sure winner for all the family to warm you up from the inside. Very nutritional too as it’s high in protein, low in saturated fat and packs in your vegetable count.

Serves 4

For the Stew

1 Medium Potato, diced small

2 Celery Sticks, chopped small

2 Garlic Cloves, crushed

750g Diced Beef

1 Beef Stock Cube

1 Large Onion (or 2 medium)

1 Carrott, diced small

1 Tsp Dried Thyme

1 Tbsp Tomato Puree

2 Tsps Brown Sauce

2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Salt & Black Pepper to taste

For the Mash

1 Large Potato, chopped & peeled

1 Small Swede, chopped and peeled

3 Large Carrotts, chopped & peeled

Pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to Fan 160 deg.
Spray a casserole pan with low calorie oil on medium heat, add the celery, garlic and 3/4 onions and fry for about 10 minutes or until slightly caramelised. Meanwhile in a fry pan heat spray oil on medium heat, season the beef cubes and fry until browned.
Remove the casserole pan with the veg and add in thyme, tomato puree, brown sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock cube with 700ml boiling water. Puree using a stick blender then add to the casserole pan the beef, potato chunks, chopped carrot and rest of the onion, bring to the boil then cover and transfer to the oven to cook for about 1.5-2 hrs until tender, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile make the mash, put the potato, swede & carrot into a pan of water and bring to the boil, reduce to simmer and cook for about 45 minutes until tender. Drain and mash then season with pepper.
Serve on the side with the beef stew mix. Enjoy.

Chicken & Bean Bagel Nachos

Image Leave a comment 12/09/2021 the wee caledonian cook

A Healthier Twist to your normal Nacho dish. I had some Bagels left and decided to give this a shot, it worked perfectly adding that little bit of crunch to the bake. Easy to make to & just 30 minutes to bake in total which makes this dish a great quick family meal. I served it with a refreshing homemade spicy salsa which was a great accompaniment.

Serves 4

2 Large Chicken Breasts, cut into bite size pieces

2 Bagels, cut into bite sized pieces

Small head of Broccoli, cut into small pieces

400g Tin of mixed beans (or baked beans)

200g Tin of tinned tomatoes

2 Tsp Smoked Paprika

2 Fresh Tomatoes, diced

1/2 Red Onion, diced

Small handful or chopped coriander

1 Chilli, diced

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Lime

1 Avocado, diced

100g Mature Cheddar (lighter option to make it healthier)

2 Tbsp Oil or spray oil

Preheat your oven to 190 deg. Drizzle the bagel pieces with 1 tbsp oil and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 15 minutes tossing halfway to brown. Remove from oven.
Meanwhile, spray a fry pan with oil and heat to a medium heat, season the chicken and coat in the paprika then add to warm pan to brown, 10 minutes. Add in the broccoli and mix through for a few minutes. Next add in the beans and tin tomatoes, stir through. Transfer to a baking dish.
Top the chicken mixture with the baked bagels then top with the grated cheese. Place into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Meanwhile to make the salsa, put the diced tomatoes, chilli, onion, avocado, coriander into a bowl and mix, pour 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar along with half juice of lime and mix through.
Once ready serve with salsa and enjoy.

POTATO HASH WITH POACHED EGG

Image Leave a comment 07/07/2021 the wee caledonian cook

This quick and hearty brunch or lunch brings the best out of a good Scottish Tattie (potato). Fluffy potatoes are only made better by the perfectly poached egg sitting on top. Sometimes I like to keep things simple and with this dish I didn’t add too many flavours as a good Scottish Tattie is flavoursome in it’s own right. With the warming flavour of cayenne pepper and a dash of Tabasco sauce, this is sure to keep you satisfied all day.

Cayenne Pepper is also said to be medicinal as capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne peppers, is what gives them their medicinal properties. These peppers boast an impressive nutrition profile, which includes a variety of antioxidants that are beneficial for your health.

One tablespoon (5 grams) of cayenne pepper contains the following:

Calories: 17
Fat: 1 gram
Carbs: 3 grams
Fiber: 1.4 grams
Protein: 0.6 grams
Vitamin A: 44% of the RDI
Vitamin E: 8% of the RDI
Vitamin C: 7% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 6% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 5% of the RDI
Manganese: 5% of the RDI
Potassium: 3% of the RDI
Riboflavin: 3% of the RDI

It also gives them their hot taste. In fact, how hot a cayenne pepper is depends on its capsaicin content. The more capsaicin it contains, the hotter it is.

Serves 2

4 Medium Potatoes, (peeled or unpeeled it’s up to you) diced into bite size pieces

1 Large or 2 Medium Onions, sliced into wedges

1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper

Salt to taste

1 Tbsp Olive Oil or Spray Oil

2 Large Eggs

Tabasco to taste

In a fry pan heat the oil, medium to high heat, add in the onions and cook for a couple of minutes to soften.
Add in the diced potatoes, season with salt & cayenne pepper, mix and place a lid over pan reduce to a low heat and cook for about 30 minutes until potatoes are softened. Give the potatoes a stir every 10 minutes.
5 minutes before potatoes are ready, bring a pan of water to the boil then reduce to a medium heat, crack in the eggs and poach through.
Serve potatoes and onions onto a plate, place the poached egg on top and sprinkle a few dashes of tabasco sauce over, season if required. Enjoy!

If you prefer a bit more flavour, below are a few choices that I have tried.

Smoked:- Add chopped spring onions and some smoked back bacon.
Mediterranean:- Add some spinach, handful tomatoes with 1 tsp all spice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried coriander.
Spanish: Chopped chorizo, sweet potatoes, 1 tsp cumin, spring onions.

Slow Cook Iron Bru Chicken

Image Leave a comment 01/03/2021 the wee caledonian cook

This was absolutely yummy! Thank you to Scott Baptie @ Food for Fitness for this recipe. https://www.foodforfitness.co.uk/welcome/

I had seen this ages ago but never got round to trying it, this weekend was that time. After all it is Scotland’s favourite fizzy drink! Iron Bru is quite a sweet flavour which is hard to describe & I wasn’t sure just how sweet this dish would turn out but I was pleasantly surprised, it was really delicious and definitely would make again. I used the Iron Bru Extra which has 0g sugars so helped make this dish not overly sweet.

Iron Bru was launched in Scotland in 1901 and is still a closely guarded family secret recipe with 32 flavours.

It was back in 1901 in Glasgow that steel workers who were working on rebuilding Central Station in Glasgow were drinking too much beer! Yes too much beer! This is when local soft drinks experts AG Barr introduced them to the caffeinated drink to help get them through the night, and ‘Iron Bru’ was born! One of the most memorable adverts on TV ran for over 20 years with the slogan ‘Made in Scotland – from girders’ & the slogan stuck!

Go on, you know you want to….give it a try, trust me, you’ll love it!

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts, chopped into bite size pieces

1 Onion, finely chopped

1 Garlic Clove, finely chopped

15ml Worcester Sauce

1 Tbsp Tomato Puree

1 Tsp Smoked Paprika

300ml Iron Bru

1 Tbsp olive oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Tbsp Corn Flour (to thicken sauce after)

100-125g Cooked Rice to serve.

Heat the oil in a pan on medium to high heat and season chicken and add to the pan to brown for a few minutes. Remove, add the onion & garlic to the pan and saute for a few minutes until softened.
Add the chicken back to the pan along with paprika, tomato puree, worcester sauce & Iron Bru, bring to a low simmer, cover with lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours.
Remove chicken from pan to a plate, if sauce is too thin, add the cornflour mixed with a little water and stir through to thicken up the sauce, pour over chicken and serve with some cooked rice of your choice.

Delicious!

Mince HotPot with Sweet Potato & Carrot Mash

Image Leave a comment 27/02/2021 the wee caledonian cook

This is proper home comfort food and a dish that we love. Using simple ingredients, you’ll love the richness taste of this and with the sweet potato and carrot mash on top it is just packed with flavour! A great family dish that is simple to make that everyone can enjoy. Sometimes I love going back to basics, our ancestors would have cooked this all in one pot as back then there were no fancy cook tops with loads of rings.

We are lucky that we have access to a wide range of different foods and spices these days, so although sometimes it’s great to make classics, it’s also great to try out new flavours and ideas with them. This recipe surely does work with that little change.

If you make it, let me know what you think?

Makes 2-3 servings

250g Scottish Beef Mince (good quality is key)

2 Medium sized Sweet Potatoes, cut into small chunks

1 Red Onion, diced

1 Carrots, diced & 2 Carrots for mash (chopped)

1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

50ml Red Wine (I used Merlot)

1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

2 Handfuls of Frozen Garden Peas

300ml Beef Stock with 2 stock cubes

1 Tsp Mixed Herbs

1/2 Tsp Turmeric

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Tbsp oil

1-2 Tbsp Beef Gravy Granules to thicken sauce

Pre heat oven to 180 deg fan. Place sweet potatoes and carrot into a large pan of slightly salted water and bring to the boil, reduce to a gentle boil and cook for 20 minutes until softened.
Meanwhile, heat a little oil in a pan and cook the onions until softened. Add the mince to the pan and cook until browned. Add in the balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine, herbs, seasoning and beef stock, bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer for about 10-15 minutes, liquid should reduce by half.
Stir in the peas and cook for a further 5 minutes.
Add in the Gravy granules and stir to thicken.
Mash the sweet potatoes and carrot with 1 tsp turmeric
Place the mince mixture in a casserole dish, season with black pepper and top with the mash mix, cover with tin foil. Bake in oven for about 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove foil and bake for a further 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy!

Green Lentil Curry Tortilla Bowls

Image Leave a comment 26/02/2021 the wee caledonian cook

I am always looking to experiment in the kitchen and today was no different. Green Lentil Curry was on the menu but rather than serving rice or naan bread, I thought I’d try my hand at Tortilla Bowls. I’ve seen these on numerous posts & feeds and they look really good.

Green lentils, unlike their yellow and brown counterparts, hold on to their shape while cooking. I infused them with garlic, ginger, coriander, and cumin, for a dish that’s a perfect weekend meal. I love lentils, they are such a great source of protein and filling too.

Serves 2

For the Green Lentil Curry:

125g Green Lentils – Presoaked overnight

1 Tsp Garlic Paste

1 Tsp Ginger

2 Tsp Ground Coriander

1 Tsp Ground Cumin

1 Tsp Turmeric

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Onion, diced

1 Tbsp Tomato Paste

1 Carrot, diced

500ml Water

Salt & Pepper to taste

Handful Chopped Fresh Coriander to serve

1 Tbsp Creme Fraiche to serve

For the Tortillas:

4 Tortilla Wraps (I used Corn Wraps)

Tin Foil & 4 Ramekins (or something similar)

Add a little oil to a pan and add the ginger, garlic, ground coriander & cumin, mix. Then add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add the lentils, turmeric and 500ml water, bring to the boil then cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, add the carrot and season, continue cooking for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile for the Tortillas, pre heat the oven to 180 deg. Warm the tortillas in a microwave for 90 seconds, lightly grease the ramekins on the outside, turn upside down. Place the wrap over the ramekin and mould to the shape, secure with the tin foil and fold into the ramekin. Place upside down into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove ramekins from oven and gently remove the foil and tortilla bowl from the ramekin, it should hold it’s shape. If you are struggling to remove, use a blunt knife to prize the tortilla away from the ramekin. Place the tortilla bowls back into the oven turned the right way and bake for a further 8-10 minutes until slightly browned.
Serve the green lentil curry into the bowls and serve with the creme fraiche and fresh coriander.

Moroccan Chicken & Lentil Bake

Image Leave a comment 24/02/2021 the wee caledonian cook

Inspired by North Africa, this quick and easy one pan meal draws the warmth of cumin and rich depth of smoked paprika to beautifully layer with the peppery flavour of the lentils. Lentils are an excellent source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. They’re also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. To make this dish vegetarian, just omit the chicken and replace with you favourite vegetables.

Another great one pot meal that is not only quick but simple to make too. Very nutritious and filling.

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts, cut into large pieces (or you can use thighs)

4 Rashers of Smoked Bacon, chopped small

1 Onion, diced

2 Stalks of Celery, diced

100g Green Lentils (or Red if you prefer)

1 Garlic Clove, diced

1 Tbsp Cumin

1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika

8-10 Whole Cherry Tomatoes

300ml Chicken Stock

1 Tsp Chilli Flakes

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Small Handful of Chopped Fresh Parsley to serve.

Pre heat your oven to 200 deg Fan.
Add the oil to a fry pan on medium to high heat. Dry the chicken pieces with a piece of kitchen paper and season. Add to the pan and brown all over to seal. Remove with a slotted spoon.
If needed add a little more oil to the pan. Cook the bacon, onions, celery, garlic, cumin & paprika for 3 minutes. Add back the chicken, add the lentils and sprinkle the chill flakes, mix through.
Decant into an oven proof dish, add in the stock and tomatoes, bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
Turn on your grill at the end of cooking for a few minutes to brown the tomatoes.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley and Serve. Yum!

Chicken & Broccoli Bake

Image Leave a comment 24/02/2021 the wee caledonian cook

This is a great mid week dinner when you are short for time, easy to prepare and quick to bake. You can also make ahead and pop in fridge until ready or if you have a delay timer on your oven, pop it in the oven in morning and time for when you are due home. One of my favourite features on my oven is the 24hr programmable timer, I use it all time, I organise myself in the morning then I don’t have to worry about remembering to switch oven on later.

This dish is healthy and packed with protein and vitamins, it also provides a richness with the Gruyere cheese, what’s not to like?

Serves 3-4

300-400g Broccoli Florets (you can use frozen or fresh)

40g Butter

1 Large White Onion, sliced

350-400g Chicken Breasts, cut into bite sized pieces

100g Creme Fraiche (use light for a healthier option)

200ml Chicken Stock

30g Breadcrumbs (about 2-3 slices)

50g Gruyere Cheese, grated

1 Tsp Dried Chilli Flakes

1 Tsp Dried Mixed Herbs (or any herb of your choice)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 200deg. Bring a Saucepan of water to the boil and cook the broccoli for 5 minutes, Drain.
Melt the butter in a fry pan on medium to high heat and cook the onions until soft, remove with a slotted spoon.
Season the chicken and add to the pan and brown all over, about 3-5 minutes, set aside.
Add some butter to the fry pan and cook the breadcrumbs until slightly browned. Remove.
Layer up the chicken, broccoli and onions in an oven proof dish, season well. Pour over the chicken stock and creme fraiche, sprinkle the chilli flakes and herbs.
Sprinkle on top the breadcrumbs and finish with the grated cheese.
Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes until golden brown on top. Serve.

Quick Teriyaki Chicken

Image Leave a comment 18/02/2021 the wee caledonian cook

Although I maybe working from home during this pandemic, somehow I still don’t find the time to be preparing and making mid week dinners, so this recipe is a great quick throw together meal that is massively flavorful and satisfying. Only takes 20 minutes. I served it with some Egg Fried Rice. I do have a confession to make, it was microwaveable Egg Fried Rice, after all it only takes 2 minutes and to be honest is a great alternative when you don’t have time to make the real thing. Most brands now offer these ready packets such as Uncle Bens, Tilda, Blue Dragon and even supermarket own brands, they are are a great store cupboard essential or at least they have been during this pandemic lockdown period. Well, we all like to cheat sometimes, don’t we?

If you like it a little sweeter, you can add 1 tbsp of honey to the recipe. I use Heather honey which is a darker semi-sweet honey and delicious, it is made with the nectar collected from the tiny purple bell-shaped flower of the common Scottish Heather plant.

Serves 2

1 Packet 250g Microwave Egg Fried Rice

2 Chicken Breasts, diced into bite sized pieces

1 Tsp Minced Garlic

1 Tsp Oil

1 White Onion, diced

1 Tbsp Cornflour

150ml Good Quality Teriyaki Sauce

2 Tsp Sesame Seeds

1 Handful Garden Peas (I used frozen)

1 Tbsp Honey (Optional)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a pan on medium to high heat and fry the garlic & onions until softened.
Season the chicken, add to the pan and cook until slightly brown all over.
Add in the garden peas along with 150ml of teriyaki sauce & honey (if using) and about 100ml water, place lid on pan and reduce to a simmer for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. If the sauce is too thin, mix the cornflour with a tbsp of water and add to pan stir through to thicken the sauce.
Serve with some cooked rice (of your choice) and sprinkle over some sesame seeds for that extra crunch and nutrition. Yum! Enjoy!

Scottish Heather Honey Chicken

Image Leave a comment 10/02/2021 the wee caledonian cook

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Yes, I know what you are thinking, this isn’t chicken? It looks like Beef? That’s because of the soy Sauce and dark honey in the recipe marinating into the chicken.

One pot meals are always my go to when I am working, simply because they are easy and less washing up to do. I used some Scottish Heather Honey for this recipe and oh my……..this was a super tasty meal that I am so proud of. I had 2 recipes in mind to cook tonight, 1 was Honey and Garlic roasted Chicken and the other was a Soy Glazed Chicken, yes, you guessed it, I went for it and mixed it all up. I do love it when you change your mind last minute and get a successful NEW recipe!

Known as the ‘Champagne’ of all honeys, expertly gathered by bees that visit the legendary flower of Scotland, Heather. Scottish Heather Honey is dark and semi-set. A highly intense, distinctive, warm, woody and floral aroma reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. I use honey from Heather Hills Farm, they are a family run business based in Blairgowrie, Perthshire since 1945. Click to their website for more details :- http://www.heatherhills.co.uk/.

Pure honey is full of natural antibacterial and antimicrobial goodness. As well as the high antioxidant qualities, manganese plays a role in helping to make and activate enzymes in the body involved in protecting tissues from damage and in the metabolism of nutrients. It also helps maintain healthy bones.

Serves 4

3-4 Large Chicken Breasts, cut into large chunks

1 Red Pepper, diced

1 Yellow Pepper, diced

2 White Onions, cut into wedges

4 Tbsps of Heather Honey (you can use clear honey if you can’t get this)

3 Tbsps of Dark Soy Sauce

2 Tsps Dried Garlic Granules

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

3 Tsps French Mustard

1 Tsp Curry Powder

Salt & Ground Black Pepper

Heat the oil in a pan, season the chicken, add to pan and brown.
Add in the garlic, peppers and onion and cook for a few minutes.
Mix in a jug or bowl the soy sauce, honey, curry powder and mustard. Season.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, add 100ml water and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on a low heat for about 2 hours.
Remove lid season if need and cook for a further 20 minutes.
Serve with some boiled potatoes or mash or anything you like. Enjoy!

Quick Chinese Chicken Curry Takeout-style

Image Leave a comment 17/01/2021 the wee caledonian cook

Due to the Covid 19 Restrictions most of us aren’t able to go visit our favourite restaurants to enjoy our best bites to eat or even get takeaways, so if you fancy a wee curry then this is for you. This 15 minute dish is quick and easy to make, and using staple ingredients that most of us have in our kitchen cupboards, its quicker than phoning a takeaway and can be made more healthier too by adding in your favourite vegetables.

This was a full flavour curry with loads of sauce, great for scooping up the rice. The flavours were so good that my other half said I needed to make this sauce again for his chips….lol! Yes, curry chips is his thing! If you make, let me know what you think.

Serves 4

2 Large Chicken Breasts, cut into bite size pieces

2 White Onions, cut into wedges

Handful of Frozen Garden Peas (optional)

2 Tbsp oil

1 Tsp Soy Sauce

2 Tsp Cornflour

350ml Chicken Stock

4 Tsps Curry Powder

1 Tsp Turmeric

1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger

1/2 Tsp Brown Sugar

Salt & Pepper to taste

50g per person of Cooked Rice (of your choosing) to serve.

Heat 1Tbsp oil in a pan or wok on high heat. Mix together the soy sauce and 1Tbsp oil in a bowl add in the chicken pieces and coat, sprinkle 1 Tsp of cornflour over to coat, season, then add to the hot pan and brown all over, remove with a slotted spoon.
Add the onions to the hot pan and stir fry until softened and slightly brown, about 3-4 minutes.
Add to the pan the Frozen Peas, Curry Powder, Turmeric, Ginger & Sugar, mix through for about 1 minute to release flavours.
Pour in the stock and bring to the boil, mix 1 Tsp cornflour with a little water and slowly pour little at a time into the sauce mix until it starts to thicken slightly. Add back to the pan the cooked chicken and mix through and simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
Serve with cooked rice. Enjoy!

Jamaican Chicken & Rice

Image Leave a comment 16/01/2021 the wee caledonian cook

With the weather being very dreich (dull & gloomy) recently, we wanted to transport ourselves to a warm sunny place & with that not being possible in these unprecedented times I turned to my Kitchen Cupboards to see what I could make for dinner. Having some tinned pineapple, beans and rice in the cupboard we decided on visiting the Caribbean. This dish has a great blend of popular Caribbean spices, such as ginger, paprika and allspice which transports you right onto the Islands.

Also a great dish for batch cooking as you could quite easily make a big pot and freeze for later. A very nutritious dish with the beans high in fiber and the chicken giving you a good intake of protein. A good filling meal for any family table.

Serves 4

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into bite size pieces

1 Red Pepper, diced

1 White Onion, diced

4-6 Spring Onions, diced (for serving)

1 Tbsp Oil for cooking

1 Tbsp Curry Powder

1 Tbsp Smoked Sweet Paprika

1/2 Tsp of AllSpice

1/2 Tsp of Ginger

200g Cooked Wholemeal Rice (about 50g per person)

Juice of 1 Lime

1 Tbsp Brown Sugar

1 Tsp Dried Chilli Flakes

1 Tin Pineapple Chunks

1 400g can of Black Beans, drained

Handful of Garden Peas

20-30g Cashews, chopped (for serving)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a pan on medium to high heat, season the chicken and brown all over.
Add the peppers and onion to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
Add to the pan the paprika, curry powder, ginger, allspice, brown sugar and chillies, mix through for about 1 minute to coat, then add the black beans, peas, cooked rice, pineapple and lime juice, mix through to combine.
If too dry, add 1-2 Tbsp of water and stir, put lid on pan and heat through for about 5 minutes. To serve sprinkle the spring onion and cashews. Enjoy!

Sweet Chilli Mixed Bean Tuna Salad

Image 1 Comment 12/01/2021 the wee caledonian cook

Healthier Eating is always at the fore front of my mind and especially this time of year, your body needs those extra nutrients & vitamins to function well and fight of those colds & flu’s. I know a salad doesn’t sound ideal when it’s minus degrees outside but trust me your body will thank you for it. I normally have a warm bowl of porridge in the morning, not only does that heat you up it also keeps you full for longer.

Choosing foods for your lunch or dinner that are rich in vitamin C, such foods like sweet potatoes, tomatoes, red peppers and citrus fruits, try adding these to your meals as vitamin C plays an important role in the immune system and energy levels, especially important if you regularly exercise.

During the winter months, we can come into contact with viruses that can cause colds or flu. So, it’s important that our immune system functions normally and zinc contributes to this. Foods such as shellfish, spinach and lentils are good sources of zinc.

Fish such as salmon, tuna & cod as well as milk, eggs and cheese, are a great source of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and also contributes to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue.

Spices like chilli’s are a good source of antioxidants and rich in vitamin A, as well as minerals such as iron and potassium.

This Superfood Salad bowl I have for my lunch, which gives me a good boost for afternoon working. It is rich in nutrients, flavour and vitamins so a good all rounder for the whole family. Serve with some wholewheat crackers for a more filling dish or serve as a side with some fish for dinner.

Serves 4 portions

1 x 400g Tin Mixed Beans

200g Baby Spinach – chopped

2 x Tins of Tuna (or fresh if you can)

100g Cherry Tomatoes, sliced into quarters

1 x Cucumber sliced into quarters

Handful of chopped mix nuts & seeds

3 Tbsps of Sweet Chilli Sauce (more if you want it sweeter)

2 Chillies, Chopped finely (optional)

Chopped fresh Parsley (Optional)

Drain the tin of mixed beans and decant into a large bowl, add the spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, tuna, chilli’s (if using) and mix through
Pour in the chilli sauce and mix ensuring everything is coated.
Sprinkle Nuts & Seeds (of your choice) and chopped parsley (if using) on top and serve into bowls.

MEDICINAL GREEN CURRY

Image Leave a comment 11/01/2021 the wee caledonian cook

This time of year (January) it is very cold, wet, windy and snowy, so your immune system can take a bit of a battering. We tend to reach for medications such a cold & flu capsules, ibuprofen etc, which can help, however, I am a great believer that you can repair your body and fight infections from within and eating right does play a big part on that.

This recipe contains the following, so it is the ultimate winter fighter food.

Chillies contain Capsaicin which helps clear mucus. Ginger contains natural antibodies & anti-inflammatory agents & the ability to clear congestion. Garlic has antiviral & antibacterial properties. Butternut squash & wholemeal rice is good for boosting Vitamin C for your immune system. Cashew nuts are good source of fibre & magnesium both good for bone health & energy boosting.

This is also a great dish for batch cooking. It really is a win win all round.

Serves 4

2 Large Chicken Breasts – cut into chunks

2 Tbsp Thai Green Curry Paste (1 used the Blue Dragon Paste, but feel free to make your own)

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil or Olive Oil for cooking

1 400g Tin Coconut Milk

1 Vegetable Stock Cube

1 Tsp Turmeric

300g Butternut Squash, cut into chunks

200g Cauliflower, cut into small pieces

150g Baby Spinach

1 Tbsp Soy Sauce

Salt & Pepper

Juice of 1 Lime

30g Chopped Cashews (to garnish)

Handful chopped Spring Onion (to garnish)

50g Wholemeal Rice per person, cooked as per pack instructions.

Heat the oil in a pan on medium to high heat, brown the chicken and remove with slotted spoon.
If needed, put a little more oil in. Stir fry the curry paste for about 2 minutes to heat through and release the flavours.
Crumble the vegetable stock cube into the coconut milk and stir, pour into the pan with the curry paste and mix through. Add 1 Tsp of Turmeric.
Add back to the pan the chicken, butternut squash and cauliflower, mix and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes, covered.
5 minutes before curry is ready, add in 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce, Juice of Lime and Spinach, mix through continue to cook for 5 minutes.
Serve with some wholemeal rice, spring onion and cashew nuts.

CHEESY BEEF MINCE PASTA

Image Leave a comment 04/01/2021 the wee caledonian cook

My meal plan somehow didn’t go to plan this week as I seemed to run out of store cupboard essentials like tin chopped tomatoes etc. This dish was the result of that, having looked a what I had and what needed to be used up I decided on a simple, quick and one pot dish. This turned out so delicious that I am sharing it with you, not only is it an easy to make dish but one that could be made ahead of time and frozen for later. The flavours in this dish can be enjoyed with the whole family. The good thing about this dish is that you can add whatever vegetables you like, to be honest anything goes here.

Serves 2 – 3

250g Scottish Beef Mince (you could also use minced lamb)

1 Onion, chopped

1 tsp Ground Garlic Granules or 2 Garlic Cloves

100g Frozen Garden Peas

120g Pasta (I used fusilli but penne will do too)

400ml Beef Stock

2 Tbsp Tomato Paste

1 Tsp Dried Chilli Flakes

1 Tsp Smoked Paprika

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Tbsp oil

100g Grated Cheddar Cheese

Handful of Chopped Parsley

Heat the oil in a pan on medium to high heat and fry the onions until softened and slightly browned
Add in the beef mince, season with salt & pepper & brown.
Add in the tomato paste, garlic, paprika, chilli flakes and frozen peas, mix through. Add in the pasta and beef stock, bring to the boil, reduce to a simmer and cook covered until pasta is cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.
Remove lid and sprinkle over the cheddar cheese and parsley, put lid back on, turn off heat and leave for 5 minutes. The heat in the pan will gently melt the cheese. Serve and Enjoy.

Chicken & Bean Tagine

Image Leave a comment 02/12/2020 the wee caledonian cook

This North African dish is named after the earthenware pot it is traditionally cooked in. I have used Chicken which is simmered with the traditional flavours of sweet spices and vegetables. A Typical Moroccan style dish would use beef which has always been their staple diet with sweet spices & dried fruit. I used my heavy Cast Iron Pot for this, which is great for slow cooking and low temperatures.

If you have read through some of my other recipes, you’ll see that I love One Pot Cooking, it is simple and good for batch cooking if you prepare meals ahead of the week. It also means less dishes to wash…lol!

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts – but into big chunks

6 Shallots

2 Carrots – chopped

30g Butter

1 Tsp Saffron

1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger

1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika

1/4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

200g Tin Broad Beans or Butter Beans (you can even use Chickpeas)

50g Dates (Optional)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Fresh Coriander – Chopped

Fresh Parsley – Chopped

Preheat a little oil in the pot on medium to high heat and brown the chicken.
Peel and chop 3 shallots into rings and 3 into quarters. Add into the pan with the carrots, butter and brown gently.
Pour in 400ml of cold water, just enough to cover the chicken, bring to the boil slowly and reduce to a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes.
Add in the saffron, ginger, paprika, dates(if using) and beans to the chicken pot, stir and put the lid back on, continue to simmer for a further 30 minutes. Season with Salt & Pepper.
Serve and garnish with some chopped coriander and parsley. For a more filling dish you can also serve with some couscous.

Bannock Bread (Traditional Scottish Bread)

Image 1 Comment 10/11/2020 the wee caledonian cook

In Scotland, before the 19th century, bannocks were cooked on a bannock stane (Scots for stone), a large, flat, rounded piece of sandstone, placed directly onto a fire, used as a cooking surface. Most modern bannocks are cooked in a pan or skillet and made with baking powder as a leavening agent, giving them a light and airy texture. Bannocks were known as flat cakes or bread baked from grains, although if you visit the town of Selkirk in the Scottish Borders their Bannocks are more like fruit loaves.

This is a very quick bread and great with any traditional soup recipe, especially a good Cullen Skink, which you can find my recipe here – https://cookingwithluce.wordpress.com/2020/11/09/cullen-skink/

Makes 1 small (6 piece) cake

120g of Scottish Oats – I blitz Scottish Porridge Oats into a fine flour.

80g Plain Flour

2 tsps Baking Powder

Pinch Salt

150ml Buttermilk

In a bowl or mixer combine the flour, oats, salt and baking powder
Slowly mix in the Buttermilk, little at a time until the flour has combined, lay on a floured surface and shape the dough to about 1″ thick and about the same circular diameter as your pan. Indent the dough about 0.5 – 1cm in, as if you were cutting a pizza shape.
Heat a little oil in a pan or skillet on medium heat (you don’t want it too hot or it won’t cook through properly), place dough into pan and cook gently for about 15 minutes on 1 side then flip over and cook for a further 10-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove and place on a bread board, allow to cool for a few minutes then serve.

I usually have this bread with Soup but you could also spread a little butter or Jam and would be just as nice.

Cullen Skink

Image 1 Comment 09/11/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Cullen Skink is an authentic Scottish Thick Soup from Cullen, North East Scotland. It’s main ingredients are Smoked Haddock, Potatoes and Onion, which makes a lovely home comforting dish that lasts through the years. It’s one of our most popular dishes in my household, especially in the Autumn/Winter Seasons. Traditionally it is served with bread.

Initially, Cullen Skink referred to a type of broth made with the scrapings of beef from the front legs of cattle, hence ‘Skink’ as this means shin. Hard times in the early 1890s left the Northern people unable to buy this product. By this time, Cullen Harbour (completed in 1819) had become the thriving centre of herring fishing and the village also specialised in the production of smoked haddock. With many families in the local villages having a fishing background, they turned to smoked haddock which was in plentiful supply. By using smoked haddock and various other products all put together, a distinctive delicious soup was made.

Makes 2 large bowls

2 Smoked Haddock Fillets

1 White Onion, Diced

1/2 Leek, sliced, white part only

350g White Potatoes, peeled and diced

300ml Milk

100ml Single Cream or Creme Friache

1 Bay Leaf

40g Butter

Salt & Pepper to taste

Handful of Chopped Parsley

Melt the butter in a pan and add the onion & leeks, cook for a
few minutes then add the potatoes and continue to cook for a
few minutes.
Add the milk, bay leaf & season. Bring to the boil then reduce
to a simmer. Gently add the haddock to the pot and simmer
gently for about 15 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon remove the haddock,from the pan place
onto a chopping board and remove the skin, break into
chunks, add back to the pan along with the cream and mix
through, heat through gently for a few minutes.
Remove the Bay leaf and sprinkle over the parsley then serve into bowls.

Lentil & Squash Dhansak

Image Leave a comment 30/10/2020 the wee caledonian cook

This quick and easy vegetarian meal is perfect for those Autumn and Wintry Days, a warming bowl of goodness in your tummy. Full or nutrition and good vitamins, with only around 300 calories per bowl is a great healthy option to a takeaway Curry. This is also a good recipe to batch cook with. You can serve with a toasted naan on the side for a more filling meal.

Serves 4

300g Sweet Potato – chopped and diced into 2cm cubes

300g Butternut Squash – chopped and diced into 2cm cubes

2 White Onions, diced

2 tbsps Mild Curry Powder

2 tbsps Garam Masala Powder

1 x 400g Tin Chopped Tomatoes

1 x 400g Tin Coconut Milk

1 x 400g Tin Green Lentils

200g Spinach – chopped

Sunflower & Pumpkin Seeds to garnish (yoghurt optional)

Steam cook the Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash, place in a microwaveable bowl with 2 tbsps water and cover, cook on medium level for 10 minutes. (you could always roast in oven for about 35 mins too)
While cooking add a little oil to a pan and cook the onions until softened, add the curry powder, garam masala powder and mix through. Add the tin tomatoes and coconut milk, bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
To the sauce add the sweet potato and butternut squash along with the lentils and spinach, season and mix through, allow to simmer for a few minutes.
Serve into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of seeds.

Harissa Spice Beef Soup

Image Leave a comment 06/10/2020 the wee caledonian cook

A Moroccan inspired recipe and perfect for coming into the Winter months, it’s hearty, filling and warming. It is also a great batch cook recipe, make the soup up to 3 days ahead, cover and keep in the fridge. Freeze portions in food bags for up to 3 months. Add a splash of water when reheating.

Serves 4

300g Scottish Steak Mince (or any good quality beef mince)

1 Red Onion – chopped

1 Garlic Clove – crushed

400g Tin Tomatoes

1 tbsp Gram Masala

2 tsps Harissa Paste

1 litre Beef Stock

250g Puy Lentils (I used the pre cooked ones from Merchant Gourmet, my fav)

1 tbsp Dried Coriander

150g Spinach, chopped

1 tbsp Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

Heat a little oil in a casserole dish on medium to high heat, add the mince with seasoning and brown, about 6-8 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon.
Add the onion and garlic and cook for a few minutes until softened. Add in the Gram Masala, Harissa Paste and stir, next add the tin tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes to reduce down slightly.
Return the mince to the pot with the beef stock, bring to the boil then simmer and cook covered for about 30 minutes.
Add the lentils, spinach and coriander to the pot and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
Serve into bowls.

Casserole pot of Harissa Spice Beef Soup

Chicken & Bacon Hotpot

Image Leave a comment 01/10/2020 the wee caledonian cook

It is my favourite time of the year, Autumn, the colours on the trees, the fresh crisp air, walks in the park, comfy jumpers and warming food. What’s not to like? After harvesting some of my vegetables from the garden today I decided to use them in this warming Hotpot. Nothing says home comfort food that a big pot a deliciousness & straight from the garden too.

The good thing with this recipe is that you can use just about any root vegetable and it will work just as good.

Some of my winter harvest this morning. Parsnips, Carrots & Potatoes

Makes enough for 2 large portions

4 Large Potatoes, cut into bite size pieces

2 Large carrots, cut into bite size pieces

2 Parsnips, peeled and cut into bite size pieces

1 Onion, sliced into wedges

6-8 Rashers of Smoked Bacon, sliced

2 Chicken Breasts, cut into chunks

500ml Chicken Stock

1 tsp oil

1 tsp Nutmeg

1 garlic clove, crushed

Salt & Pepper to taste

Cornflour to thicken sauce if needed.

1 tbsp flour

First coat the chicken with seasoning and the flour, heat the oil in a large pot or casserole dish then brown the chicken and remove.
Add in the garlic & nutmeg along with the onion and fry until softened then add the bacon and fry until cooked slightly, few minutes.
Add to the pan the potatoes, carrots, parsnips and mix, then add in the chicken stock & bring to the boil.
Reduce to a low simmer and cook covered for about 2 hours. Alternatively you can cook in the oven at 140 deg for about 2 hours.
Remove lid and if you like a thick sauce like me just add a little cornflour and stir through. 1 tsp mixed with water should be enough.
Serve with some lovely fresh crusty bread. Or if you are Scottish it has to be Plain Bread!

Chicken Curry with Almond Milk

Image Leave a comment 29/08/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Who doesn’t love a Curry? Especially when it’s a healthier version. This Curry came about when I was trying to use up leftover Almond Milk, nutritionally, store-bought almond milk (like Alpro or Almond Breeze) is a low-calorie product with about 56 calories per 100ml. It’s typically low in fat, with just 1.5g per 100g – all of which is largely unsaturated fat.

This Curry is a great family curry as its low in spice but with great flavour. It’s also great if you love batch cooking as you can make a hug pot and freeze into portions.

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into chunks

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & Pepper

1 tbsp Tomato Paste

300ml Almond Milk

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp Chilli powder

Handful of Cauliflower Florets (I used frozen)

Handful of Peas (I used frozen)

Curry Paste (see below)

Curry Paste:

1 Onion

1 tsp garlic granules

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp gram masala

Sea salt

Mix all the Curry Paste ingredients into a blender and mix until you get a smooth paste.
Heat a little oil in a pan on medium to high heat, add chicken, season and brown.
Add the Curry paste to the pan and heat through for about 2 minutes.
Next add the tomato paste, almond milk, cinnamon and chilli powder and mix through.
Reduce the heat, cover and simmer on low for about 1 hour. 15 minutes before serving add in the cauliflower & peas, mix through and cook for remaining time.
I served with some of my Chickpea Chaptai’s. https://cookingwithluce.wordpress.com/2020/08/29/chickpea-chapati/

My Best Beef Chilli Recipe

Image Leave a comment 23/08/2020 the wee caledonian cook

The weather was turning a bit colder this weekend & there is no better dish than a warm chilli to heat your soul. I decided to slow cook this time and it definitely paid off as the flavours were more intense and the sauce lovely and thick. Chilli is always good the second day too, so this can be made in advance. Some cooks swear by lots of different spices from mustard powder to even cinnamon & I’ve even heard of chocolate in chilli…..(not sure about than one…lol), this combination I found works for me.

Serves 2

250-300g Scottish Beef Mince

1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

1 Red Onion – Diced

1 Red Pepper – Diced

1 Garlic Clove – crushed (or 1 tsp garlic granules)

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp chilli powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & Black pepper to taste

1 tsp Herb mix (oregano, basil, coriander)

1 x 225g kidney beans

1 x 400g chopped tin tomatoes

1 Beef oxo cube

150ml water

Heat the oil in a casserole dish or large pan on medium to high heat & fry the onions with the garlic until softened. Add in the Red pepper and cook for a further few minutes until softened.
Add in the Beef mince, season and brown.
Add in the tomato puree, spices & mix through.
To the pot add the kidney beans and tin tomatoes & mix. Sprinkle over the beef oxo cube & the herbs, add in the water, bring to the boil, cover and simmer on a low heat for about 2-3 hours. If the sauce hasn’t thickened, remove lid and cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes to help thicken sauce.
I Served with Taco’s, Grated Cheese and sprinkled some fresh spring onions on top…yum! Also nice served with rice and soured cream.

Caribbean Beef Stew

Image Leave a comment 19/07/2020 the wee caledonian cook

When I think of Caribbean Food, I think beans, rice, peppers, sweet potato & tomatoes to name a few. This dish is a mix of all my favourites and I was using up leftovers too. I hope you enjoy. This dish would be lovely with Lamb too.

Serves 2

300g Scottish Beef Mince

150g Diced Butternut squash (or sweet potatoes)

1 onion, chopped

1 Red Pepper, chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 cm fresh ginger, finely chopped

1 tbsp sweet hot paprika

120ml Beef Stock

200g chopped tin tomatoes

200g Black Eyed beans

Handful of peas

Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat some oil in a large pan and brown the mince.
Add in the butternut squash, onion, red pepper, garlic, ginger, paprika and mix through, cook for 1 minute then add in the stock, tomatoes, peas and beans, bring to the boil then simmer covered for about 30 minutes. Season.
If using Lamb I would slow cook this so the Lamb in tender.
Serve on its own or with some rice.

Chorizo, Chickpeas & Spinach Chilli

Image Leave a comment 13/07/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Chorizo, Chickpea and Spinach Chilli with rice

I am now back to work after a long furlough period due to this Covid19 pandemic. Being back at work means that I prefer quick and easy cooking meals for mid week dining. Last thing I want is to finish a long work day and stand cooking for an hour, who’s with me?

This dish takes just 15 minutes, so its a quick throw together in one pan kinda dish, but packs flavour and spice. Good on its own or can serve with some rice. I also used freshly picked Spinach from my new veggie beds (furlough project).

Serves 2

200g chickpeas

200g chopped tomatoes

80g chorizo – sliced or cut into bite size pieces

1 brown onion – chopped

1 yellow pepper – chopped

Handful of Spinach – chopped

1 tsp chilli flakes

1 tsp garlic granules

1 tsp basil flakes or fresh leaves to serve if you have

Salt & pepper to taste

100g Wholemeal or Basmati Rice if serving. (cooked as per packet instructions)

Spray a pan with oil and heat on a medium to high heat
Brown onions in pan for a few minutes
Add in the pepper and chorizo with garlic and chilli flakes and cook for a few minutes
Add in the tin tomatoes and chickpeas, mix through, bring to the boil then cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
1 minute before serving, add in the spinach and basil flakes, mix through. Season
Serve on a bed of rice. Yum!

Lemon Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Image 1 Comment 13/07/2020 the wee caledonian cook

I recently harvested my first sweet potatoes, so decided to have a little quick potato lunch today. If you love sweetness, you will love this. I served with some crushed goats cheese for that extra creamy texture.

Serves 2

2 medium sweet potatoes – sliced into 1″ thick slices

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 lemon juice

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Pinch Salt

Preheat oven to 160 deg and grease a baking tin.
Mix the Lemon juice with melted butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon
Places the sweet potato slices in baking tin and pour over the mixture, cover with tin foil and bake for about 40-45 minutes.
The last 5 minutes, remove the tin foil to allow glaze to thicken and brown in oven. Remove and sprinkle some goats cheese. Serve.

Highland Hotpot

Image Leave a comment 18/06/2020 the wee caledonian cook

I am craving home cooked comfort foods these days, maybe it’s because we are all out of routine in life at the moment.

A traditional Highland Hotpot is normally made out of a Brace of Grouse (a brace is one male & one female grouse) and rabbit, however, my partner is not a big fan of these meats so I decided to make my version with free range chicken. This is a great slow cook one pot meal. Easy to make and delicious.

Makes enough for 2

2 chicken breasts – cut into cubes

1 tbsp flour

Salt & black pepper seasoning

1 white onion – cut into wedges

2 sticks celery – sliced

Cabbage – shredded

4-6 rashers of smoked bacon – chopped

spray oil

1 tsp white pepper

1 tsp All Spice (cinnamon, nutmeg & cloves)

1 pint of vegetable stock

2 medium potatoes – cubed

Preheat your oven to 160 deg on fan.
In an oven proof dish with lid, heat spray oil on hob at medium to high heat. Coat the chicken with seasoning and flour then brown in the pan, remove with a slotted spoon.
In the same pan fry the onion and brown the bacon rashers for a few minutes.
Add the potatoes & celery & mix through for a few minutes.
Add back to the pan the chicken and add all spice & white pepper along with the stock, mix & bring to the boil. Then add the shredded cabbage mix, put lid on pot and transfer to the oven and cook for about 2 1/2 hours.
The stock should have absorbed into the meat & veg. Serve. Yummy!

Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Curry

Image Leave a comment 18/06/2020 the wee caledonian cook

This is my best homemade curry yet! (as said by my partner) I have to admit this was very delicious. I do surprise myself sometimes with my combinations out of a hat…lol! We had just come back from a mini hike nearby so we were pretty hungry, the weather was scorching (now scorching in Scotland is about 21 deg of sunshine…lol!), we fancied something light and refreshing. Looking in my cupboards & fridge, I had coconut milk, chicken and spinach to use up, so a wee light curry it was. Perfect with a light beer too!

Serves 2

2 small or 1.5 large chicken breasts – chopped into bitesize pieces

1 jar roasted red peppers

1 can coconut milk (full fat for more flavour)

1 tbsp harissa paste

Spray oil

1 red onion chopped

1 tsp curry powder

100g Spinach – I chopped finely

Seasoning (salt & pepper)

Using a food processor, blend the roasted red peppers with the harissa paste and coconut milk until smooth.

2. In a pan heat a little oil, season the chicken and fry until browned. Then add the onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Add the curry powder and mix.

3. Pour in the Sauce mix and cook for about 10 minutes on a medium to high heat.

4. Add in the chopped spinach and mix through cooking for about 2 minutes.

5. If the sauce is still to thin, bring heat up to a slight boil to help thicken the sauce.

6. Serve with some brown rice or naan bread. I cooked some rice and added it to the pan mixture and mixed though.

This dish could be made vegan and gluten free by adding chickpeas instead of chicken and serving on its own.

Middle Eastern Beef & Rice

Image Leave a comment 01/06/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Having some Chickpeas to use up, I decided to spice them up with some Middle Eastern Spices. This dish was delicious & my partner agreed…..happy days!

I also love this dish as its a one pot cooking meal which means less washing up….lol!

Serves 2

250g Scottish Beef Mince

200g Tinned Chickpeas

400g Tinned tomatoes

200g Red Kidney beans or you can use Black beans

250ml Beef Stock

70g Rice (Basmati is good, but I had some Red and wild rice left)

1 tsp Dried garlic granules

1 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Ground Coriander

1/2 tsp Turmeric

1 tsp Dried coriander leaf (fresh if you have it)

1 tsp Dried parsley (fresh if you have it)

Spray oil

Salt & Pepper

Heat a little spray oil in a pan and brown the mince, remove with a slotted spoon, set aside.
Put Rice, Garlic, Ground coriander, Cumin & Turmeric into pan and coat the rice. Add the Beef stock, bring to the boil then simmer for about 15-20 minutes until rice is softened.
Add back to the pan the mince along with the chickpeas, tin tomatoes & kidney beans, mix through. Heat through uncovered for about 5 minutes.
Add the parsley & coriander if fresh to serve. If using dried, add with the beans etc.

Beef & Rice Balls in Chilli Sauce

Image Leave a comment 23/05/2020 the wee caledonian cook

My taste buds were swaying towards a Chilli tonight, but fed up with the same old serving of Chilli mince on top of a bed of Rice, I decided to try something a bit different. It worked a treat, a mix between meatballs and chilli….Yum! At under 500 calories per portion too this dinner is perfect and nutritious.

Serves 2 portions

For the Balls

300g Lean Scottish Mine Beef

40g Basmati & Wild Rice Mix (you can just use Basmati Long grain if you wish) Cooked

1 tsp dried Garlic Granules

1 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Dried Coriander

For the Chilli Sauce

200ml Beef Stock

1 Red onion – diced

1 tsp dried chilli flakes

200g Tinned tomatoes

200g Red Kidney Beans, chopped

Salt & Pepper

Few dashes of Tabasco Sauce

Cook your rice as per packet instructions and ensure it is very soft, once cooked allow to completely cool before added to your bowl of mince.
In a bowl, add Mince, Garlic, Cumin, Coriander and season with salt & pepper. Once Rice has cooled add to bowl and mix through.
Heat a little oil in a pan. With wet hands take small amounts of the meat mixture and roll into balls (you should get about 12 balls), place into your pan and brown all over. Remove.
Add the onions to the pan and fry until browned, then add the tinned tomatoes, chilli flakes, kidney beans and beef stock then season with salt & pepper. Bring to the boil then reduce and bring to a simmer. At this point add back the meat and rice balls and cook covered for about 15 minutes.
Just before you are ready to serve, add a few splashes of Tabasco sauce for that extra kick! (please take out if you don’t like it spicy hot)

Chicken, Leek & Potato Gratin

Image Leave a comment 12/04/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Wanted some home comfort food today and trying to use up leftovers this little dish was perfect, tasty & filling.

Makes 2 servings

1 1/2 chicken breast (large)

1 Green Pepper

1 Large Leek

3 large Potatoes

250ml chicken stock

50ml Cream or milk

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp dried garlic granules

Salt & pepper to taste

Grated cheese (I used cheddar but Gruyere is nice if you have it)

Paprika to taste

Pre heat your oven to 180 deg (or if you have a class 9 Hotpoint use the Potato Gratin function)
Heat a little spray oil in a pan and slice the chicken into small strips, season with salt & pepper & nutmeg then brown, remove with a slotted spoon.
Heat a little butter in the pan, slice the leek and gently saute the leeks with the garlic until slightly browned, remove with a slotted spoon.
Add the peppers are cook until slightly softened and browned. Remove.
Peel and slice thinly the potatoes.
Lightly butter a baking dish and start by layering the potatoes then the chicken mix with vegetables then potatoes then chicken mix then potatoes. Pour in the stock and milk and finally finish off with the grated cheese sprinkled on top. Then sprinkle with the paprika to taste.
Bake for about 50-60 minutes.
Serve…Yummy!

Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter Gratin

Image Leave a comment 10/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Oh Yum, this dish I found on the Whole Earths website, I just love their Peanut Butter especially the crunchy one….yum! My curiosity got the better of me because I wouldn’t have thought to put sweet potato and peanut butter together but wow, this was so tasty.

I also used my automatic setting on my Hotpoint Class 9 oven, the Potato Gratin setting. This was great as I didn’t need to worry about what temperature or oven function to set for a perfect bake the oven worked it all out for me.

This made 4 small servings (2 bakes in a 19cm x 30cm baking dish)

3 large Sweet Potatoes

2 tsp Crushed Chillies (or 2 chopped chillies)

100g Spinach – Chopped

300g Creme Friache

3 tbsp Peanut Butter, Crunchy

2 tsp dried coriander leaves

Salt & Pepper to taste

If not using automatic programmes, preheat oven on fan to about 200 deg then finish off under the grill to crisp and brown.
Peel & Slice the sweet potatoes to about 1/2 cm thick and place in a bowl, add the chopped spinach, coriander, chillies, salt & pepper.
Mix the creme friache and peanut butter together until smooth ad combined then pour into the sweet potatoes and mix until potatoes are coated.
Spray a baking dish with spray oil and then layer the sweet potato in the dish making two rows.
Cover with Tin foil and bake for about 30 minutes, remove the tin foil and continue to bake for the further 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are softened and slightly browned.
Serve.

Harissa Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry

Image Leave a comment 08/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

A bit of Meal prepping today while I have some time. I have been doing this for a few weeks now and have found it to be very beneficial to us. Sometimes I don’t get in till late from work and its always nice to have a healthy dinner ready for you. Also it means the 1/2 hour I save on making dinner means I can get some exercise in…..no excuses now.

Makes 4 Servings

1 tsp Ginger powder or 1″ piece fresh ginger minced

2 garlic gloves – minced

1 yellow onion – diced

2 tbsp Harissa Paste

Florets from 1 Caulifower

2 x 400g Chickpeas, drained

1 x 400g coconut milk

300ml vegetable stock

200g baby spinach

Salt & pepper to taste

Heat a little oil in a large pan, add the garlic, ginger and onions and fry until softened.
Add the Harissa Paste and coat the onions. Add in the Cauliflower and mix until coated.
Pour in chickpeas, vegetable stock & coconut milk with seasoning and mix through, bring to the boil then simmer and cook covered for about 25-30 minutes until cauliflower has softened.
Add the spinach and mix through, cook for a further minute or until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and either serve or allow to cool before freezing.
Serve with some Bulgur wheat or rice for a filling meal.

Mini Loaded Potato Jacket Bites

Image Leave a comment 08/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

I do love creating with leftovers, I always amaze myself what you can do with leftovers in your cupboards or fridge. Today was a quick, tasty & filling lunch. With potatoes to be used up, I decided on mini loaded jackets. Using my Automatic Jacket Potato setting on my Hotpoint Class 9 Combi Microwave too they were ready in under 16 minutes too!

I made 4 small Jackets

4 medium sized Scottish Maris Piper Potatoes

2 tbsp butter

handful spinach – chopped

20-30g Cheddar Cheese – grated

Cracker Black Pepper

Salt to taste

First wash potatoes and prick with a fork
Place onto the Crisperplate or Microwave dish.
Set to Automatic, Recipes, Vegetarian Dishes, Baked Potatoes, Set weight and Extra Done. Start. Turn half way through.
When ready remove and allow to cool slightly
Cut potatoes in half lengthways and scoop out potato and put into a bowl then mash
Place butter and spinach into potato bowl and mix through & season
Spoon the potato mixture into the Jacket Potato skins and sprinkle with cheese then place under a high grill for a couple of minutes until cheese is melted. Season with some Cracked Black Pepper. Yum!
You could also add in some chilli and paprika for extra flavour & spice. Really anything of your choosing.

Cauliflower Pakora

Image Leave a comment 07/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum! I still had some pakora batter left so decided to try these little bites….super good and tasty.

Pakora Batter

150g gram flour

200ml water

1/2 tsp chilli

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp gram masala

1/2 tsp Turmeric

2 cloves garlic or 2 tsp ground garlic

small handful coriander (chopped finely)

Pinch salt

1. Put all dry ingredients into a bowl and mix together, make a well in the middle and gently add water little at a time while stirring, continue to add water until you get a smooth batter, it shouldn’t be too thick or too runny. Set aside.

1 x Cauliflower, cut into small florets.

I steamed my cauliflower using my steam pot for about 6 minutes, but if you don’t have this, you can cook in a pan of salted water on a gentle heat for about 20 minutes then drain.

Dip into the pakora batter and fry gently at 180 deg in rapseed oil for a few minutes until golden. Remove and place onto some kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.

Serve. Yummy!

I served with my Pakora Sauce:-

Pakora sauce

50g tomato ketchup

2g Mint leaves (finely chopped)

100g Natural Yoghurt

Pinch salt and chilli

50ml milk

Mix together until smooth.

Sweet Potato & Butterbean Tikka Masala

Image Leave a comment 07/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum, this was absolutely delish! Another great low calorie option from Pinch of Nom

I don’t know why I don’t have butter beans more often, a meaty & creamy texture and filling too. This is a great healthier option curry for the weekend or mid week.

Serves 4

Low cal cooking spray

1 onion, diced

1 red chilli, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp ginger

2 tsp tomato puree

juice of 1/2 lemon

3 medium sweet potatoes, diced

250ml vegetable stock

1 x 400g tin tomatoes

Salt & pepper

1 x 400g Butter Beans

100g Baby Spinach

For the Spice Mix:

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp gram masala

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Spray a large pan with oil, add the chopped onion and chilli and cook over a medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger and spice mix and continue to cook for another minute.
Add the tomato puree and lemon juice and mix
Using a food processor or stick blender, blitz the onion mix to a smooth paste and return to the pan. Add the sweet potato and stir until coated.
Add the stock and chopped tomatoes and season. Stir, bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
Drain the butter beans and add to the pan along with the spinach, stir through and cook for about 3 minutes until beans are heated through and spinach has wilted.
Serve and enjoy! I served with some rice and some chopped fresh coriander.

Jambalaya

Image Leave a comment 07/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

This was a little dish I tried from Pinch of Nom’s Latest Cookbook. It was super tasty and low in Kcal’s too at just 398 per portion.

Serves 4

Low cal cooking spray

300g diced chicken

2 red peppers, diced

1 onion, diced

2 celery sticks, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp cajun seasoning (1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsps garlic powder, 2 tsps paprika, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp oregano dried, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

1 x 400g tin tomatoes

200g long grain rice

400ml chicken stock

1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

3 low fat sausages (I sliced them after they were cooked)

Spray a large dish with oil, add the chicken and cook over medium heat to brown.
Then add in the onion, peppers and celery, cook for a few minutes
Add in the garlic, cajun spice, paprika and oregano, stir and cook for a few minutes.
Add the rice, chopped tomatoes, stock & worcestershire sauce. Place the sausages in and bring to the boil then reduce to a low heat and cook covered for about 30 minutes.
Serve, Yum!

This is a great dish that you can batch cook with and freeze.

Vegetarian Cottage Pie

Image Leave a comment 07/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum, this little dish was delicious! Looking to be more healthier this year, so I decided on a veggie pie rather than meat. Super delicious and filling too.

Serves 3/4

1 onion, finely chopped
3 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
2 tsp tomato purée
3 tsp plain flour, 1 tsp thyme
Vegetable stock pot, made up to 200ml
2 x 400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 x 400g tin adzuki beans
1kg Potatoes peeled and halved
75ml milk
25g butter
75g mature Cheddar, grated
1 tbsp English mustard
75ml milk

To cook the Soffrito (A soffrito is a flavourful mix of diced onion, carrot and celery gently fried in oil. It forms the basis of many dishes, including soups, stews and sauces. Add chopped garlic or herbs for even more flavour, if you like.) Heat a little oil in a pan and cook the celery, onion & carrot for a few minutes.
Cut a piece of baking paper the same diameter as your pan and lay on top of the veg, cook for a further 10 mins. ( The circle of baking paper helps to keep the vegetables moist and retain their flavour as they cook. It’s also useful when cooking the base of curries, soups and stews, but you can do without if you don’t have baking paper.)
Add the tomato puree and stir through the add the flour and combine.
Pour in the stock, beans & thyme and bring to the boil then reduce and simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
Transfer to an oven proof dish and allow to cool. Preheat your oven to 170deg fan.
Meanwhile, to make the rarebit mash:- Boil the potatoes until tender and mash.
Stir in 75ml milk & 25g butter
In a separate bowl mix the 75g grated cheese and mustard together. Slowly stir in the 75ml milk, until smooth.
Stir in the cheese mixture to your potatoes.
Spoon the mash over the pie mixture evenly. Note: (The bean mixture should have formed a thin skin while cooling. Don’t stir it before adding the mash because this helps keep the layers separate while the pie bakes).
Sprinkle with some thyme and bake for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown. I have a browning setting on my oven and its great for things like this.

Cheesy Tomato Italian Mini Breads

Image 1 Comment 25/01/2020 the wee caledonian cook

This little recipe was from Hotpoints Website , a great little find, these were super tasty & I do love Italian flavours so was a perfect little lunch today.

I made the dough yesterday and left in fridge overnight so it was ready to use today.

Makes 6

For the Dough:-

400g Bread Flour

7g Dried Yeast

300ml Luke warm water (approx 35-40 deg C)

1 tsp caster sugar

1 tsp salt

Pour the yeast and sugar into the luke warm water and allow to activate, approx 10 minutes or until you see it frothing.
Sift flour into a mixer bowl with the salt and make a well in the middle. Pour the yeast into the flour and on a low speed start to bring together the dough. Knead in the mixer on low speed for approx 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic.
Put into a slightly oiled bowl and place in the oven on rising programme for 2-3 hours. (or leave at room temperature for a few hours or until doubled in size)
Remove from oven and knock back, separate into 2 or 3 batches if not making the full 6. I only made 3 and used 250g of dough which I put back into the oven to prove again for 1 hour. I put the other 2 amounts (approx 200g each) into an airtight bag and froze. You can freeze this dough for up to 3 months and use as pizza dough later.

For the Filling:-

8-10 cherry tomatoes – halved or quarted

Edam cheese – cut into cubes

2 tsps of Mixed Italian Herbs

2 tsps of olive oil

Salt & pepper

Place the tomatoes, oil, S&P & herbs into a bag (or bowl) and coat.
Spray a tin with spray oil and roll out the dough, not too thin, and press dough into the tin, allowing enough for the lid.
Spoon the mixture into the dough case and top with the Edam cheese, pull the lid over and seal.
Brush with a little milk and if you have any left over tomatoes press 2 into the top of the dough.
Bake in a preheated oven at 185 deg for approx 25-30 minutes.

Chicken Dopiaza (lower calorie option)

Image Leave a comment 19/01/2020 the wee caledonian cook

I recently purchased a new cookbook by Pinch of Nom, I loved their last one so had to get their new one. This is a recipe from their Fakeaway options and at under 400 calories per serving it is definitely my new takeaway at home. Super tasty no compromise on flavour at all. I served with a little Basmati and Wild Rice along with my homemade Sweet Potato Roti, a perfect Saturday night home takeaway.

Makes 2 Servings

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into small chunks

1 red onion – diced

1 garlic clove – grated

1 cm piece of ginger – grated

1 tsp chilli flakes or 1 red chilli- diced

1 tsp curry powder**

1 tsp mixed spice**

**(I used this as an alternative to gram masala as I didn’t have any)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 x 400g tin tomatoes

100ml chicken stock – 1 stock cube

1 red pepper – diced

1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander to serve.

Heat a little low fat spray oil in a fry pan on medium heat
Brown the onion, garlic, chilli and ginger together for a few minutes
Add the chicken and brown all over.
Next add in the curry powder, cumin, mixed spice, ground coriander and mix through until coated.
Add in the tin tomatoes, red pepper and stock and bring to the boil then reduce and cook on a low heat for about 15 minutes lid on, then 15 minutes with lid off to help thicken the sauce slightly.
Serve a sprinkle with some fresh coriander…..YUM!

Sweet Potato Roti

Image 2 Comments 19/01/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Looking for something a bit more tastier and a healthier more nutritious option to go with my healthier option curry tonight, having a sweet potato left over from last weeks shopping I decided to try this……and well, it turned out amazing, super tasty and the structure held very well too.

Makes 6

1 large Sweet Potato

1 cup of plain flour

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp chilli flakes

1/2 tsp cumin

Salt & pepper to taste

Start by steam cooking the sweet potato (I used my steam pot and steamed for 6 minutes by slicing into 1-2cm thick slices), do not roast as this will not give you the same flavour.
Allow potato to cool in a bowl then mash and add the spices and flour. With your hands bring to a dough.
Flour a surface a cut the dough into 6 pieces. Roll out each piece as thin as you can.
Heat a little oil (not too much or it will burn too quickly) in a fry pan on a very high heat and cook until you see the dough start to bubble, then turn over and cook for a further minute, remove & continue with the rest.
If you have any leftovers simply vacuum pack and store either in the fridge for later of you can freeze.
Yum!

Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Chorizo Chowder

Image Leave a comment 07/01/2020 the wee caledonian cook

It was Blowin’ a Hoolie here today (very windy) & that just calls for something warm and home comforting. This was a tasty quick option in my kitchen tonight and certainly hit the spot.

Makes 2 portions

150g Butternut Squash – chopped into cubes

150g Sweet Potato – chopped into cubes

1 onion – chopped finely

60g Chorizo – sliced

1 garlic clove – minced

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp dried sage

Salt & pepper to taste

Handful of chopped carrots, sweetcorn and peas (I used frozen)

300ml chicken stock

50ml cream

150g Spinach

Heat some low fat spray oil in a pan and fry the chorizo for a few minutes, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a kitchen towel.
Add to the pot the onion, garlic, sage & nutmeg and fry until onions are softened.
Add the sweet potato, butternut squash and vegetables and stir until coated.
Add the chicken stock with seasoning and bring to the boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes or until squash and potato are cooked.
Remove lid, add back to the pan the chorizo and spinach and stir in the cream allow spinach to wilt for a few minutes, stir through. Serve.

You could also sprinkle some nuts over for a more nutritious serving.

Chilli Skulls

Image Leave a comment 08/12/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I have seen Pizza Skulls on social media and gave me the idea to make these for my Horror theme Hogmany coming up. I changed it from Pizza filling to a Chilli Con Carne filling. These are amazing and so much fun too. I got my pan from Nordic Ware and opted for Black & Red dough too using Red Malt flour and Activated Charcoal powder.

Makes 6

For the Pizza Dough (I made extra, which I stored for later use)

3 x 350g Wholemeal Bread Flour (you can use strong white too)

3 x 1 tsp salt

3 x 1 tsp caster sugar

3 x 3 tsp baking powder

3 x 170ml warm water

20g Red Malt Flour, plus 1 tsp red food colouring for the Red

3 tbsp charcoal powder plus 1 tsp black food colouring for the Black

Mix everything using a mixer until it come together like dough, wrap in cling film and refrigerate for a couple of hours. Mix 3 lots ie: plain, black & Red
Once ready to use, cut amount you need and store the rest. Place on a floured surface and roll out, not too thing or too thick. It will be stretchy, just keep stretching it until you have the size you need. Approx 7 x 4″
Brush your skull pan with melted butter and lay the dough into each skull pressing gently. Place the filling in and fold over the excess dough, if you have too much just trim.

For the Chilli

350g Scottish Beef Mince

1 Red onion, finely chopped

1 Red pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp garlic granules

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp dried chilli flakes (omit if you don’t like it too hot)

2 tsp chilli powder

200g Tin tomatoes

200g Kidney beans

200ml beef stock

light fry oil

Salt & pepper to taste

Grated Cheese of your choice.

Heat the fry oil on medium to high heat
Fry the onions and pepper with the garlic until softened
Add the beef and brown
Add in chilli powder, cumin, salt & pepper with chilli flakes (if using) mix through to coat
Add in the tin tomatoes, kidney beans and stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes cover. The uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken sauce. Allow to cool.

Once skulls are filled, refrigerate for 30 minutes then bake at 200 deg for 25 minutes. Serve.

Lasagne

Image Leave a comment 25/11/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I first saw this recipe on Pinch of Nom site, I got their first book and have preordered their second, its full of healthier option recipes that do not compromise on flavour. This Lasagne was both delicious and lower in calories.

Makes 4 portions

400g Scottish Mince

1 Carrot, chopped

1 Onion, chopped

1 Red Pepper, chopped

2 tbsp Tomato Paste

1 400g tin chopped tomatoes

2 Oxo cubes

1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 tbsp Mixed Italian Herbs

2 tsp Dried Garlic Granules

For the White Sauce

350g Natural Yoghurt Fat Free

1/2 tsp Mustard

120g Low Fat Cheddar

2 eggs

Lasagne Sheets – I made my own but you can buy ready made

Heat pan with a little low fat spray oil. Fry onion, carrots, pepper and garlic for a few minutes until softened.
Add the mince and brown.
Add the Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce and stir through
Add in tomato paste, oxo cubes, tin tomatoes and 200ml water and mix through until combined.
Put lid on and simmer for 30 minutes
Spread a layer of the beef mixture into a deep oven dish and then layer the lasagne sheets, then another layer of beef mixture, then layer lasagne sheets until you reach near the top.
To make the sauce, mix yogurt, mustard, eggs & salt to taste with the cheese in a bowl until combined. (leave a little of the cheese to sprinkle on top)
Spread the sauce mixture over the lasagne dish and garnish with pepper and leftover cheese.
I baked using my Lasagne setting on my oven, or you can bake in an oven at 190 deg for about 30-35 minutes until browned.

Yummy!

Carrot, Cumin & Coriander Soup with Bulgur Wheat

Image Leave a comment 18/11/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Its definitely soup season, I woke to -5 deg this morning….very cold. Using up some leftovers in my fridge, mainly carrot and onion I decided to make a warming soup. This was delicious and hit the spot right. I used my steampot, so steaming the vegetables made this even more nutritious and flavorsome.

Makes 3 Servings

4 large carrots

1 large onion

500ml Vegetable Stock

60g Bulgur Wheat

1 tsp garlic granules

1 1/2 tsp Cumin

1 1/2 tsp dried coriander

Salt & Pepper to taste

Chop up the onion & carrots into chunks and place in the steam pot with 200ml of the vegetable stock and cook on steam setting for 8 minutes.
Remove steam pot lid and add in the rest of the stock then blitz with a hand blender until well blended and smooth.
Stir in the spices/herbs and bulgur wheat and cook on microwave at 750w for 3 minutes.
Remove and stir. Season and serve.

you can of course make a big batch and freezer for later.

Beetroot Hummus

Image Leave a comment 12/11/2019 the wee caledonian cook

In a bid to eat a bit healthier, this little dip was perfect as I love Beetroot and always looking for different ways to use it. I saw this from The Veg Space, a great website if you love vegetables, some great ideas too.

The great thing is you can freeze hummus, so I made a big batch and split into smaller portions for later.

Makes approx 600g

3 Large cooked Beetroots, diced

1 can 400g Chickpeas

2 garlic cloves, crushed

Juice & zest of 2 Lemons

4 tbsp tahini

2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & Pepper

Drain the chickpeas and keep the juice.
Put the chickpeas, beetroot, lemon juice & zest, tahini, paprika, garlic and seasoning into a blender or food processor and blitz to a smooth paste.
Gradually add about 1-2 tbsps of the chickpea juice until you get the consistency you want.

Serve as you please. Makes a great dip.

Healthy too at just 71 calories per 50g.

Moroccan Beef Pilaf

Image Leave a comment 11/11/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh Yum, the flavours from this were amazing. I got this recipe from Scott Baptie’s High Protein Handbook 5, full of goodness too. You can check out his website here.

Serves 2

1 tbsp olive oil

1 red onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

300g Scottish steak mince

1 tsp Chilli powder

2 tsp mixed spice

1/2 tsp turmeric

150g Basmati rice

300ml Beef Stock

100g frozen peas

2 handfuls of Spinach

Seasoning (salt & pepper)

Heat oil in a pan on medium to high heat
Brown onion and garlic for a few minutes
Add in the mince with seasoning and brown
Add the spices and cook for a minute, add the rice and mix through until coated.
Pour in the stock and simmer for about 15-20 minutes
Add the peas and spinach and cook for a further 5 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed.
Serve. Yummy!

Cheese ‘n’ Ham Omelette

Image Leave a comment 02/11/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I do love breakfast time, and one of my favourites is omelettes. They are very nutritious, packed with protein and have over 15 essential vitamins and minerals.

Cook eggs on their own, either scrambled, poached, boiled or fried, or use to make dishes such as omelettes, frittatas, soufflés, pancakes, sauces or cakes, or use to glaze breads and pies. The list is endless, I love it.

Makes 1

3 eggs

30g Gruyere Cheese, grated

30-40g Ham Hock shredded

1 tsp nutmeg

1 handful of spinach

Salt & pepper to taste

Heat some spray oil in a fry pan on medium heat
Whisk together eggs, nutmeg, ham & cheese and pour into pan. Season.
I put the lid on my pan and cook lightly until puffed up, 1 minute before ready lay on your spinach and cover again. (by covering it adds more steam and allows the omelette to puff up more)
Remove and serve. Yum!

Pumpkin & Bulgur Wheat Curry

Image Leave a comment 02/11/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Are you trying to use up leftover Pumpkin from Halloween? I am…lol! Came up with this one pot curry dish, super tasty and very filling too.

You can of course change the pumpkin for butternut squash or sweet potato and it would work the same.

Makes 4-6 servings

500g chopped pumpkin

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 onion – diced

1 tsp dried garlic granules or 1 clove crushed

thumb size piece of ginger, diced

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp cumin

2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes

2 tbsp tomato puree

1 400g can of coconut milk

1 400g can chopped tomatoes

400ml vegetable stock

150g Bulgur wheat

2 large handfuls of Spinach

Seasoning

Heat coconut oil in a large pan until melted.
Add garlic and onion with seasoning and fry for a few minutes
Add the rest of the spices with the ginger and tomato paste and stir
Add the pumpkin and stir until coated with the spice mix
Now add in the coconut milk, tomatoes, bulgur wheat and stock and stir, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for about 35-40 minutes
Add the spinach, cook for a further minute and serve.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Image 2 Comments 21/10/2019 the wee caledonian cook

It’s Halloween Season, my favourite time of the year, beautiful crisp air, colourful leaves on the trees, dark cosy nights, everything spooky and weird, and amazing food flavours around. To be honest this is my first time with Pumpkin, I’ve never cooked it before myself, I thought I would try steam cooking it for more flavour and making a creamy soup as it was a really cold day here today. Was delicious.

Makes 1 large portion

250g chopped pumpkin

30g sliced leek

30ml double cream

300ml vegetable stock

30g Bulgur Wheat

Salt & pepper to taste

Place the pumpkin and leeks with 100ml of the stock into the bottom of the steam pot and cook on dynamic steam for 8 minutes. Otherwise, place stock in a pan with pumpkin & leeks, & additional 100ml stock then bring to boil, reduce slightly & cook covered until soft.
Remove lid and pour in the rest of the stock and the cream, season with salt & pepper and blend with a hand blender until smooth.
If using pot its the same method as above.
Add in the Bulgur Wheat to the creamed soup and cook on microwave 900w for 3 minutes.
Or simmer in pan for 5 – 7 minutes.
Remove from microwave/pan and serve with some toasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of olive oil.
You can also add in some toasted croutons if you like.

Filipino Chicken Curry

Image 1 Comment 13/10/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I recently purchased the new High Protein Handbook No. 5 from Scott Baptie, and this little recipe was my first one I tried, I have to say it was super tasty and very nutritious too.

Serves 2

1 tsp coconut oil

2 Chicken Breasts – chopped into chunks

1 sweet potato – chopped into chunks

1 onion – chopped

1 tsp dried garlic granules

1 tsp ginger

1 red pepper, chopped into chunks

1 tbsp curry powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp fish sauce

200ml coconut milk

1 tsp chilli powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Melt the coconut oil in a pan, season the chicken and add to the pan to brown then removed with a slotted spoon.
Add the onion, pepper, sweet potato, garlic and ginger and brown.
Add the chicken back to the pan and add the fish sauce, paprika, curry powder, chilli and coconut milk, reduce to a low simmer and cook covered for about 1-2 hours.
Remove lid, turn heat up slightly and allow to cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Serve on its own or with some steamed wholemeal rice.

Vegetable Tagine

Image Leave a comment 02/09/2019 the wee caledonian cook

In a bid to get more vegetables into our diet, this little Tagine was simply super tasty and super healthy. One pot cooking too so nice & easy. I do love Moroccan flavours. Idea came from a recipe from PON and as usual I added and took out bits to suit my own tastes. Delicious!!!

Serves 4

Low calorie spray

1 Large carrot, cut into chunks

200g Turnip (swede), peeled and cut into chunks

2 large parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks

6 shallots – peeled and cut into wedges

1 red pepper, cut into wedges

200g peeled and deseeded butternut squash, cut into chunks

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tbsp Moroccan Spice Mix (1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp white pepper, 1/2 tsp mixed spice, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric)

1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes

250ml vegetable stock

1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained.

200g Baby Spinach

handful chopped fresh coriander

Spray a Casserole dish with low cal spray and place over medium heat, add the vegetables and cook for about 5-10 minutes until lightly browned.
Add the garlic and cook for a few more minutes, then add the spice mix and season ensuring all vegetables are covered.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and stock, bring to a simmer, cover and turn down low. Cook for about 1- 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the chickpeas and spinach and cook for about 5 minutes more.
Sprinkle with fresh coriander and serve.

Hunters Chicken with Saffron Bean Rice

Image 1 Comment 02/09/2019 the wee caledonian cook

This is a classic dish in the U.K, good British pub food, I was keen to give it a go. Easy One pot cooking and can be slow cooked too. Traditionally its served with roast potatoes, however, having loads of rice to use up in my cupboard this was my preferred choice.

Serves 4

For the Chicken

4 Chicken Breasts

4 Bacon slices (smoked)

3 shallots, diced

2 tsp garlic granules or 2 cloves

1 400g tin chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato puree

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp crushed chilli flakes

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tbsp hot sauce

1 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp sugar

80g reduced fat cheddar (healthier option)

For the Rice

150g Wholemeal Log Grain Rice

1 x 400g tin of mixed beans

Pinch of Saffron

300ml Vegetable Stock

75-100g chopped Chorizo

Preheat oven to 180 deg.
Wrap each chicken breast with the bacon slice and secure with a cocktail stick
Put all of the other ingredients for the chicken into an ovenproof casserole dish with a tight lid.
Place the chicken on top of the ingredients, put lid on and cook for about 1-2 hours.
Remove from the oven and remove chicken breasts from the dish, set aside. Using a blender blitz the sauce until smooth.
Place chicken into a dish, cover with the sauce and sprinkle the cheese over the top, place under a hot grill to melt the cheese.
Place the rice, beans, chorizo, stock & saffron into the steam pot and cook on Steam setting for 20 minutes.
Serve. Yummy!

Scottish Salmon & Sweet Potato Chowder

Image Leave a comment 27/08/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I do love my salmon. This was a last minute little dish as I was going to have steamed teriyaki salmon and sweet potato fries tonight for dinner, but changed my mind as I fancied a warming soup type dish. It was delicious and with the lemon zest added that extra bit of flavour.

Makes 2 portions

2 Salmon Fillets – cut into chunks

1 large sweet potato – cut in 1 cm chunks

1 cup sweetcorn (I used frozen)

1 cup baby carrots ( I used frozen)

1 cup garden peas (I used frozen)

1 onion – chopped finely

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp dried dill

Salt & Pepper

200ml water

2 tbsp flour

150ml Milk

Grated Lemon zest and juice of 1 lemon

In a large pot, melt the butter and saute the onion.
Add in the sweet potato, sweetcorn, peas, carrots, dried dill, salt & pepper and mix.
Pour in the water and bring to the boil, reduce and simmer covered for about 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
Whisk the flour into the milk and slowly add to the pan while stirring through.
Add in the chunks of Salmon, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes or until salmon is opaque. Be gentle but stir every now and again but watch not to beak up the salmon pieces.
Squeeze in lemon juice and grated lemon zest. Serve with a turn of rainbow peppercorns.

Slow Cook Mexican Beef Mince Tacos

Image Leave a comment 27/08/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I have been wanting a Cast Iron Casserole Dish for a while now and my best friend came to the rescue, just out of the blue she gave me this lovely pot, so I just had to come up with a recipe to use it this weekend.

Serves 2

1 small onion chopped

1 can black beans, drained

1 can sweetcorn, drained

1 can chopped tomatoes

2 chopped peppers

300g Scottish beef mince

Mexican mix – 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt & pepper.

200ml beef stock

Pre heat your oven to Slow Cook Setting or around 90 deg.
Brown the onions in a little oil, then add the peppers and brown, remove from pan
Add the Beef mince and brown all over, adding salt & pepper to taste
Add back to the pan the onions & peppers along with the sweetcorn, beans, tomatoes, seasoning and stock. Mix through and cook in oven for about 5-6 hours.

Corn Tacos & grated cheese to serve.

Egg, Smoked Paprika & Spinach Breakfast Boats

Image Leave a comment 18/08/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Love these little baked egg boats, such a super simple dish for a lazy breakfast morning. Nutritious, tasty and low in calories and fat.

Makes 2

1 1/2 Wholemeal Sandwich thins (or you could use bread)

knob of butter melted

2 large eggs

small handful of baby spinach

Seasoning

1 tsp smoked paprika

Chilli flakes

Preheat your oven to 180 deg
Spray a baking tin with a little low fat spray oil
Brush the thins with the melted butter, both sides & mould into the baking tin, bake in the oven for 5 minutes
Place the spinach into the boats and whisk the eggs, pour into the boats, sprinkle with chilli and paprika and season.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes until set and browned.
Serve. Yummy!

Black Bean Tacos

Image Leave a comment 04/08/2019 the wee caledonian cook

This is a very simple and quick satisfying dinner & a healthy nutritious one too. The added crispy onions on top just give it a lovely little crunch. I used Corn Tacos for extra flavour.

Makes enough for 6 tacos.

1 can Black Beans, rinsed (400g)

150g sweetcorn (fresh or frozen)

1 red pepper, diced

1 tsp dried chilli flakes or chilli powder

1 tbsp cumin

1/2 tsp onion granules

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Sour cream

Chopped Coriander

100g baby spinach

1 Lime

6 Corn Tacos

50g grated cheese (any of your choice)

4 tbsp crispy onions (for recipe click here)

Heat a little oil in a fry pan on medium to high heat
Add in the pepper and sweetcorn and cook for about 5 minutes
Add in the black beans, chilli, garlic, onion granules, cumin and pinch of salt, mix through and cook for about 5 minutes
Add in the baby spinach and 2 tbsp water, cover and let spinach wilt for about a minute of 2. Mix through. Finished with 2 tbsp coriander and juice from 1 lime.
To serve, heat up the corn tacos under a grill (or tortillas if using). 2 tbsp of bean mix, top with sour cream, cheese and crispy onions. Yummy!

Broccoli Fritters

Image Leave a comment 30/07/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum! I wanted to try broccoli rice in my new KitchenAid mini Food Processor and then decided to turn it into little fitters, these were super tasty and so nutritious. These are freezeable so you can make a large batch for later in the week.

Makes 8

200g Broccoli – fresh

1 egg

80g Gram Flour (Chickpea Flour), you can use almond flour or plain flour too.

30g shredded cheese (I used Le Gruyere but parmesan would be nice too)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp mixed pepper

1 tsp onion granules

1 tsp garlic granules

In a bowl add flour, salt, pepper, paprika, onion and garlic granules, cheese, flour and egg, mix together
Blitz the broccoli in a food processor and add to the mixture, bring together. If its a little too sticky, just add in some extra flour.
Taking a ladle, scoop some mixture and place into a hot pan with a little oil or Crisperplate (if using), cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until slightly browned. You could also bake in an oven at about 200 deg for about 20-30 minutes.
Serve. Yummy!

Mince Beef Rogan Josh

Image Leave a comment 14/07/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I’ve had an Indian Superfood Cookbook for ages but for some reason never actually attempted to make anything from it. So today was that day it got opened. I wish I had opened it up sooner, this dish was super tasty and full of good antioxidants. I served it with a chickpea chapati, made from my original Chapati recipe, I changed the plain flour for Gram Flour.

Serves 2

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp ground cardamom

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp salt

1 onion, sliced thinly

1 tsp garlic granules

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp gram masala

1 400g can chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

2-3 chillies chopped or 1 tsp chilli flakes

250g scottish beef mince

225g can of chickpeas

Small handful of Fresh coriander to serve.

Heat the oil in a large fry pan
Add in the onions with the cardamom, cumin, garlic, ginger, salt, turmeric, gram masala & chillies. Cook until onions are slightly browned and softened.
Add in half of the tin tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes or until the excess juices have dried off.
Add in the mince, mix well and cook until mince has browned all over, about 5 minutes.
Add in the remaining tomatoes & chickpeas, bring to the boil, cover & simmer for about 30 minutes. If the consistancey is too thick just add a little water.
Season with the fresh coriander and serve.

Roasted Squash & Chicken Laksa Bake

Image Leave a comment 11/07/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yummy, I was going through all my cookbooks and found this dish from Jamie Olivers Superfood Book. Was easy to make, very filling and very delicious. Fresh flavours and so nutritious. Squash is packed with Vitamin A which helps us see in the dark. Laksa originates from Southeast Asia, it is usually a noodle based soup with coconut.

Serves 2

2 sticks of lemongrass

2 cloves garlic

10cm piece of ginger

2 fresh chillies

3 spring onions

1 bunch of fresh coriander

80ml coconut cream

Splash white wine vinegar

Splash of Fish Sauce

Chicken Stock Cube with 700ml water

150g brown rice or wild rice

1 butternut squash

2 chicken breasts (or thighs)

1 tbsp Sesame oil

1 tbsp unsalted peanuts

1 lime.

Preheat your oven to 180 deg.
Bash the lemongrass and remove outer layers, peel the garlic and ginger and chop the spring onions and chillies roughly. Place all in a blender. Add the coriander, (reserving a few leaves for garnish) coconut cream, vinegar and fish sauce, blitz the mixture until smooth. This is your Laksa paste.
Crumble the chicken stock cube into your oven dish and add 700ml boiling water to dissolve. Add in the rice.
Cut up the butternut squash into 4 rounds off the bulbous part, removing the seeds.
Cut the chicken breasts into large bite size pieces. Cover the chicken and butternut squash pieces with the Laksa paste. Place them into the oven dish with the rice & water. Drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over the top.
Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Before serving, toast the peanuts and chop into small bits, sprinkle on top with the coriander leaves and squeeze the juice from lime over the top. Serve.

Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Image 9 Comments 08/07/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Love home comfort food? This is a great little dish that never fails to satisfy. Easy to make, economical and very filling. Using the Gruyere cheese gives it a lovely rich flavour and the panko breadcrumbs give it a lovely bite.

Serve 2

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into bite size pieces

200g broccoli florets – fresh

1 tbsp butter

1 brown onion, sliced thinly

100ml creme fraiche

200ml chicken stock

40g panko breadcrumbs

55g Gruyere Cheese, grated

Salt & pepper to taste

Pre heat your oven to 200 deg.
Bring a saucepan of salted water to the boil and add the broccoli, cook for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan and cook the onions until browned and softened, about 4 minutes.
Layer the broccoli, onion & chicken in an oven proof dish and season well with salt & pepper.
Pour over the stock and creme fraiche, mix through.
Using the remaining butter in the pan from onions add the breadcrumbs and cheese and mix through, only heat for about 1 minutes until panko crumbs go slightly brown and cheese is combined.
Sprinkle the panko crumbs and cheese over the chicken in the dish and bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy!

Chilli Bean Stew

Image 1 Comment 08/07/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Home comfort food, there is nothing better sometimes than a big bowl of a warming hearty stew. This was absolutely delicious and so filling.

Serves 2

Low calorie Spray oil

1 red onion chopped

1 tsp garlic granules or 1 clove crushed

1 red chilli (chopped) or 1 tsp crushed chillies

225g can of red kidney beans

225g can of cannellini beans

225g can of chickpeas

1 tbsp tomato paste

350ml vegetable stock

1 red pepper, chopped

225g can chopped tomatoes

90g fresh broad beans

1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

paprika to garnish

Soured cream to serve

Heat the oil in a fry pan and add the onion, garlic & chilli and fry until softened.
Add the kidney beans, cannellini beans, chickpeas and tomato paste and stir through.
Pour over the stock and bring to the boil, reduce and simmer for about 15 minutes. Then add in the pepper, tomatoes and broad beans.
Cover with a lid and simmer for about 20 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add in 3/4 of the coriander and mix through.
Serve into bowl and top with 1 tbsp sourced cream, sprinkle over some paprika and remaining coriander.

Cabbage & Chorizo Filo Roll

Image 1 Comment 25/06/2019 the wee caledonian cook

This was a recipe I put together trying to use up leftovers in my fridge. It was absolutely delicious, if I do say so myself. Next time, I would probably use 2 less filo sheets though and maybe omit the panko breadcrumbs.

Makes 1 roll (about 8 slices)

6-8 filo sheets

1/2 a large white cabbage – finely sliced

1 carrot – shredded

2-3 orange sweet peppers – finely sliced

60g chopped chorizo

small handful of panko breadcrumbs

Salt & rainbow pepper to taste

1 tbsp butter – melted

1 tbsp dried onion granules

Preheat your oven to 190 deg. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
Heat a little spray oil in a pan on medium to high heat and add in the onion granules, cook for about 30 seconds.
Add in the cabbage, peppers and carrot and stir through for about 10 minutes.
Then add in the chorizo and continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until everything is softened and slightly browned. Allow to cool.
Meanwhile, unroll the filo pastry and with the melted butter brush lightly on 1 filo then sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs, then lay another filo sheet onto, then brush with butter, then sprinkle some breadcrumbs over, then another filo sheet on top and so on and on until you have used all the sheets.
Take the cooled cabbage mixture and place in the middle of the sheets, leave about a 2″ border all the way and brush with melted butter.
Take the 2 short ends and fold into the mixture
Then gently roll up the filo pastry, place onto the baking tray and bake for about 30 minutes.
Remove, slice and enjoy. (Beware, it is very crumbly..lol)

Spicy Peanut Slaw

Image Leave a comment 24/06/2019 the wee caledonian cook

This little dish is so refreshing. It was a lovely sunny day here this weekend so decided I wanted something cool and refreshing & this done just that job. I served with my pulled peanut butter chicken and was delish.

Makes enough for about 4 people or 8 smaller side portions.

1/2 large white cabbage – sliced finely

100g or more of peanuts – chopped

5 spring onions – chopped

3-4 sweet peppers sliced – various colours

1 large handful of coriander – finely chopped

Salt & pepper to taste

For the dressing:–

2 tbsp Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp sweetener (I used a low calorie option)

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp Hot Sauce (less or more if you like it spicy or not)

3 tbsp toasted peanut oil

In a bowl mix up the dressing thoroughly until combined.
Place all the slaw vegetables in a bowl and season
Pour over the dressing and mix to combine.
Serve immediately or keep in fridge for up to 1 day.

Quick Chow Mein

Image 1 Comment 24/06/2019 the wee caledonian cook

This is really quick and east to pull together and tasty too. Quicker than phoning out for a chinese takeaway…lol.

Serves 2 portions.

100ml oyster sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 clove garlic minced

2 tsp fresh grated ginger

1 tsp of Hot sauce or Sriracha

300g Rice Noodles or any kind of thin noodles

4-5 Spring onions, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

2 Pak Choi – chopped

200-300g Beansprouts

In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and Hot Sauce and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok over medium high heat. Add noodles and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes, set aside.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the wok. Stir in pak choi until just wilted, about 1 minute.
Stir in noodles and oyster sauce mixture until well combined, about 2 minutes. Stir in bean sprouts and spring onions.
Serve. Yum.

Cajun ‘Dirty’ Rice

Image Leave a comment 16/06/2019 the wee caledonian cook

This recipe is so easy to make and a great quick and satisfying classic. The word ‘Dirty‘ comes from the fact it looks dirty with the colour of the minced beef. Made with rice and vegetables this is so healthy too, at only approx 300 Kcal per serving.

Serves 4

150g Long Grain Brown Rice (or white if you prefer)

1 Chicken Stock Cube – (300ml water if steaming, using Steam pot)

400g Scottish minced beef

1 red onion – chopped finely

4 bacon medallions – diced

3-4 tsp Cajun seasoning (depending on how spicy you like it)

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 carrot, diced

1 red pepper, diced

100g gardens peas

200ml beef stock

1 beef stock cube

bunch spring onions, sliced

Cook the rice as per packet instructions. I used my Steam pot, decant rice into pot, add the frozen peas and chicken stock, cover and cook on Auto Rice setting for 18 minutes.
Meanwhile, spray a fry pan with low fat cooking spray, brown the mince, onions and bacon.
Add in the Cajun seasoning, salt & pepper, worcestershire sauce and stir. Then add in the carrot, peppers and beef stock. Simmer for a few minutes until peppers are softened.
Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix through. Finish with the spring onions and serve. We served with some Corn Folded Flatbreads. Yummy!

Chorizo & Bolognese Bake

Image 1 Comment 15/06/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Yummy little dish, I got this recipe from Pinch of Nom and added my own stamp to it. I do love one pot cooking and especially slow cooking too, it is sometimes so good just to put something in the oven and carry on with your daily tasks. This was slow cooked for 5 hours and was delicious. A really good simple throw together meal.

Makes 2 large servings

300g Scottish beef mince

350g passata

300g tin tomatoes

60g chopped chorizo

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 carrot, diced

1 red onion, diced

1 red pepper, diced

1 stick celery, diced

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

1 beef stock cube crumbled

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried rosemary

100g dried wholemeal pasta

150ml boiling water

40g low fat cheddar

Salt & pepper

Set your oven to slow cook setting if you have one, if not this can be done in a slow cooker on med-high setting.
Firstly brown the mince in a pan with salt, pepper and garlic then remove and place into an oven proof dish
Next add in all the other ingredients with the exception of the pasta, cheese and boiling water, cover and bake for 4.5 hours
Add in the pasta and boiling water to the dish and mix through, bake for a further 30 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.
10 minutes before ready, sprinkle on the cheese and allow to melt through.
Serve. Yummy!

Healthier option Sloppy Joes

Image 3 Comments 02/06/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Sloppy Joes is a traditional United States Dish and usually served on a Brioche Bun, but as I’m always looking for healthier options, this little alternative was simply superb and still very very tasty without the carb guilt. Thanks to PON again for another fab recipe.

Serves 2-4

1 onion finely chopped

2 garlic cloves finely chopped

1 green pepper, finely chopped

400g 5% fat scotch minced beef

1 tsp mustard powder

3 tbsp worcestershire sauce

3 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

120ml water

sea salt & rainbow pepper

1 red pepper cut lengthways

1 yellow pepper cut lengthways

40g reduced fat cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 200 deg.
Spray a fry pan with a little oil and heat to medium heat.
Add the onion, garlic & green pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes
Add in the minced beef, turn up heat slightly and cook mince until browned
Then add in the mustard powder, worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, red wine vinegar and water, turn heat down and cook for about 5 minutes, season with salt & pepper
Divide the beef mixture between to pepper halves, scatter the cheese over and bake in oven for about 10 minutes.
Serve. Yummy!

Cod in Soft Corn Tacos

Image 4 Comments 02/06/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I love this recipe, another great find from PON

Quick & Easy to make, full of flavour, refreshing, light and only 190 Kcal per serving, whats not to like. We had these for lunch with a cheeky wee low cal beer. Yummy!

Serves 2

2 small Fresh cod Fillets cut into strips

1/4 tsp mild chilli powder

1/4 tsp garlic granules

1/4 tsp ground coriander

Salt & rainbow pepper

Handful of mixed leaves (I used watercress, spinach & rocket)

2 spring onions – finely chopped

4 small corn tortillas (or low calorie ones)

2 x Wedges of lime

4 tsp Low fat greek yoghurt

1 tsp chilli flakes

Heat a little oil in a pan on high heat.
Sprinkle Chilli powder, garlic and coriander over the fish slices and add the fish to the pan, cook for about 4 minutes then flip and cook for a further 3-4 minutes until slightly browned & crisp.
Meanwhile, heat your tortillas as per packet instructions and place the green leaves, chopped spring onion and a little coriander onto the tortilla.
Once fish is cooked through, place onto the green leaves, season with salt & pepper, add a dollop of yoghurt, sprinkle with chilli flakes and squeeze lime juice over, Serve. Yum Yum!

Cuban Beef

Image Leave a comment 29/05/2019 the wee caledonian cook

OMG! Super tasty meal, super healthy & low in calories, at only 417 Kcal per portion. Another thanks to PON for this recipe. The meat is so tender due to the slow cook match with cuban spices this is a real treat.

Serves 4

500g stewing scotch beef (fat removed)

Salt & pepper

2 onions sliced

240ml beef stock (2 stock cubes)

1 x 400g tin tomatoes chopped

2 green & red peppers, cut into strips

4 garlic cloves – crushed

2 tbsp tomato puree

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

1 tbsp fresh coriander

50ml red wine (or you can use a stock pot for less calories)

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

Cooked rice to serve (corn tortilla wraps optional)

Season the meat well and brown over a high heat in a pan, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add the onions to the pan and saute for about 3-4 mins
Add the remaining ingredients to the pan and the browned meat
Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover and cook on low for about 2 hours. (Or in an oven at 140 deg fan for 2.5 hrs)
Pull the meat apart with 2 forks, serve on a bed of rice or with a low calorie corn tortilla.

Egg & Spinach Egg Baskets

Image 1 Comment 15/04/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Monday morning breakfast was a case of trying to use up leftovers. I had some fresh bread and spinach that needed to be used, so decided on some easy breakfast cups. Quick and easy to make. There are so many flavours you can use for these too.

Made 3 with left overs

1 piece of bread per cup – crustless

Eggs

Baby Spinach

Cheddar Cheese (low fat – optional)

Salt & pepper to season

chilli flakes – optional

1 tsp paprika – optional

1 tbsp butter – melted

Firstly preheat your oven to 180 deg.
Brush your bread with the melted butter both sides and cut diagonally, place the bread into the muffin tin overlapping and making sure the bottom is covered.
Bake the bread in the oven for 5 minutes and remove
Place the spinach & cheese with seasoning and chilli into the cups and then crack the egg into them. Sprinkle with paprika and bake for a further 15 minutes. A bit less if you like your eggs really running.
Scoop out with a spoon and devour! Yummy.

Chicken Enchilada Rice

Image 1 Comment 14/04/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I got this recipe from Food for Fitness , a great site for everything healthy and fitness. I’m still on my journey to find a better balance of nutrients and this little dish packs loads of protein. At only 500 calories approx per serving it’s perfect for a tasty healthy dinner.

And my favourite part, yes it’s one pot cooking (if you’ve a oven ready hob pot). This is still on my wish list.

Serves 2-3

2 large chicken breasts – chopped into bite size pieces

1 onion – finely chopped

1 red pepper – chopped

1 garlic clove – chopped

50g chorizo – chopped

100g brown rice

300ml chicken stock

10-12 cherry tomatoes – halved

70ml tomato passata

200g tin kidney beans

50g low fat cheddar

1 tsp coconut oil

Mexican seasoning mix – (1 tsp chilli powder or flakes, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ¹⁄_{2 tsp} crushed red pepper flakes, ¹⁄₂ tsp dried oregano, 2 tsps paprika, 1 ¹⁄₂ tsps ground cumin. ¹⁄₂ tsp sea salt)

1. Preheat your oven to 180 deg.

2. In a pan heat the coconut oil, add the chicken and season with salt & pepper, once browned remove and set aside.

3. Then add in the garlic, onions, pepper & chorizo, cook through for about 5 minutes.

4. Add back the chicken with the mexican seasoning, tomatoes, passata, rice, stock and kidney beans, mix everything through. 20190413_163811

5. Cover with a lid and cook in oven for about 20 minutes. Or transfer to an oven proof dish and cover with foil.

6. Remove from oven and sprinkle the cheese over the top evenly, return to oven and cook for a further 25 minutes.

7. Serve. Yummy!

Slow Cook Pulled Chicken & White Bean Stew

Image Leave a comment 08/04/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh this was rather tasty too, another recipe spied on the Eating well website. Again I slightly adjusted flavour to my own liking & this was very filling and healthy.

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts

1 can 400g cannellini beans – drained

400ml chicken stock

1 white onion – sliced

1 carrot – sliced

1 yellow pepper – sliced

100g kale

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 tsp Italian Herbs mix (thyme, basil, oregano,red bell pepper, marjoram, sage, parsley)

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt & pepper to taste

Heat a little oil in a large pan and gently fry the onions and pepper
Add the chicken breasts and brown all over for a few minutes.
Add in the beans, chicken stock, seasoning, rosemary, italian herbs and mix, bring to the boil then reduce to a very low simmer. Simmer with lid on for about 4-5 hours.
1/2 hour before serving take 2 forks and shred the chicken, next add in the kale and continue to simmer.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into pan mix then serve with some lovely fresh bread.

Beef Ragout

Image Leave a comment 08/04/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yummy! I’m still trying to look for alternative healthier options to my meals and this recipe I came across on Eating well website. A few tweeks to suit our own tastes and voila it was super tasty and quite filling too.

Serves 2

400 g Scottish Steak (cubed)

1 red onion – cut into wedges

1 clove garlic – minced

400ml Beef Stock

1/2 cup of Red wine

70g sugar snap peas

1 red pepper – sliced about 0.5cm thick

8 cherry tomatoes – halved

Cornflour to thick sauce – I used about 2 tbsps

1 tbsp tomato paste

Salt & pepper to taste

80-100g pasta (I used wholewheat as a healthier option)

Heat a little oil in a large pan, add in the steak and brown, season with salt & pepper. Remove with a slotted spoon once browned all over.
Fry the onions and red peppers with the garlic and tomato paste.
Add back to the pan the steak, red wine & beef stock bring to the boil then reduce to a very low simmer and slow cook with lid on for about 4-5 hours.
Just before serving cook your pasta as per packet instructions, drain then add the the pan along with the sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes. Cook for a further 5 minutes.
If sauce is still watery, make up your cornflour and stir in until you achieve the desired thickness of sauce.
Season some more and serve.

Oat & Banana Pancakes

Image Leave a comment 05/04/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum! These were so tasty and so healthy. Waking up this morning to cold and wet rain outside I fancied something warm for my breakfast, so looking in my cupboards I had some scott porridge oats, a banana left and some Maple Syrup in the fridge………so yes, you guessed it, pancakes it just had to be.

My first time at oat & banana and they were pretty tasty.

Makes 4-6

30ml milk

1 egg separated

1 small banana

30g scotts porridge oats

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings:- I had crushed hazelnuts and Maple Syrup, but you could have yoghurt and fruit which would be nice too.

Put oats, baking powder, milk, egg yolk, vanilla extract and banana into a processor or blender and mix until you get a smooth consistancey.
Whisk the egg white until you get stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the pancake mixture.
Heat up a non stick fry pan with a tsp oil and drop about 2 tbsps of the mixture into the pan and cook on a medium heat until you start to see the bubbles appearing, then flip and cook for a further minute or 2.
Serve.

Steak & Chorizo Slow Cook stew

Image 1 Comment 25/03/2019 the wee caledonian cook

We do love a good stew on a Sunday, this is a little change to the normal traditional stew and super tasty with loads of flavour. All you need is some good fresh bread to douk (dip in) and scoop up the gravy. Yummy!

Makes 2-3 servings

400g good scottish steak (diced)

75g-100g chorizo (diced)

1 x 400g can tin chopped tomatoes

1 x 225g tin chickpeas

1 x 225g tin red kidney beans

300ml beef stock

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 clove garlic minced

100ml red wine

1 tbsp worcester sauce

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 red onion – chopped

Coriander – chopped to garnish

Salt & pepper to season

Heat a little oil in a pan and gently fry the steak until browned, then add in the chorizo and onion until softened.
Sprinkle on the cumin, paprika, garlic, sugar, cinnamon and tomato paste and mix through to coat beef. Season well.
Add in the chickpeas, kidney beans, tin tomatoes, stock and worcester sauce, mix and bring to the boil. Add in the red wine.
Reduce to a low simmer place lid on pan and cook slowly for about 2-3 hours or until meat is tender.
Serve with a sprinkle or coriander. Yum.

Cheesy Mexican Beef

Image Leave a comment 24/03/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh wow, this little dish was super tasty and lower in calories too at only around 480 per serving. I got this from Food for Fitness High Protein Cookbook, Scotts cookbook is brilliant and loaded with amazing recipes.

You know me….I do love a good one pan meal and this is another for favourites list.

4 Servings

500g lean scottish beef mince

1 tbsp coconut oil

2 cloves garlic minced

1 red onion, sliced

1 red pepper, sliced

250g rice

400g chopped tomatoes

500ml beef stock

2 tbsp mexican seasoning (1 tbsp chilli powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 1/2 ground cumin, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper)

60g low fat cheddar

Fresh coriander chopped to serve.

Heat the coconut oil in a non stick pan
Add the garlic, red pepper, onion and fry for a minute. Then add the beef and fry until browned (few minutes). Add in the seasoning and coat the meat.
Add the rice (uncooked), tin tomatoes and stock bring to the boil then reduce to a low simmer, cover and cook for about 30 minutes until rice is cooked and stock is absorbed.
Top with the grated cheese, allow to melt then sprinkle the coriander and serve.

Harissa Spice Veggie Tray Bake

Image Leave a comment 11/03/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yummy…….I had some left over Harissa Paste and some veggies in the fridge, and yes, you guessed it……Harissa Tray Bake it was. I have to say this was super tasty and also super healthy…..I even got my boyfriend to eat veggies, which believe me is no mean feat….lol!

Great as a main dish or a side dish. I decided a main dish and served with some of my homemade Chapati’s

Serves 2 (main dishes)

1 large sweet potato – cut into small chunks

1 large red onion – cut into wedges

2 Carrots – cut into small chunks

1 x red & 1 x yellow pepper – sliced thickly

1 Cauliflower – cut into small florets

2 Parsnips – cut into small chunks

4-5 asparagus

1 x 400g tin chickpeas

1 x 200g tin tomatoes

2 large heaped tbsps of Rose Harissa Paste

1 tbsp oil

Coriander

Salt & pepper to season

Place all vegetables into a food bag or bowl, then add the harissa paste and mix thoroughly to coat all the veggies. (this can be stored in fridge for later if need be)
Preheat oven to 200 deg and oil a baking tray.
Empty the vegetables (except asparagus) from the bag onto the baking tray and make sure they are spread evenly. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
Now add the chickpeas and the asparagus to the tray and bake for a further 15 minutes or until evenly browned all over.
In a microwave bowl add the chopped tin tomatoes with salt & pepper to season and warm thought for about 1-2 minutes.
Pour tomato sauce into a serving dish, empty the vegetables from the baking tray into the serving dish and mix through.
Serve with some sprinkled coriander. Yummy!

Meatball & Chorizo Spicy Pasta

Image 4 Comments 10/03/2019 the wee caledonian cook

This little dish was super tasty with a little kick, perfect for a Saturday night dinner. My ultimate favourite is 1 pan cooking (well kinda..lol), don’t you just love throwing everything in to 1 pot, easy cooking, less washing up….lol!

We served this with a glass of Chardonnay and it went perfectly well.

Serves 2

6-8 Beef Meatballs (sliced in half)

150g pasta (I used wholewheat Fusilli)

200g tin tomatoes

75g chopped chorizo (good quality, we love Picante)

1 red onion (chopped)

1 red pepper (chopped)

1 carrot (chopped)

1 garlic clove (crushed)

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried basil (I would recommend using fresh, but unfortunately I didn’t have any)

1 chopped chilli or 1 tsp dried chillies

1 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 tsp sugar

Salt & Pepper to season

Parmesan to garnish

First bring to the boil a pan of salted water and cook pasta for about 8-10 minutes, Save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain pasta and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add the meatballs & chorizo and brown all over. When browned remove with a slotted spoon and put to the side.
Heat 1 tbsp oil and add the peppers, onions, carrots, garlic and thyme and gently cook until slightly tender.
Return the meatballs and chorizo back to the pan, add the sauce and bring to a simmer for a few minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
Then add the pasta to the pan along with the remaining pasta water and simmer for a further 5 minutes to warm through.
Serve with some grated parmesan and chopped basil. Yummy!

Overnight French Toast

Image Leave a comment 17/02/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Well…O.M.G! This little dish is soooooooooo tasty, sooooooooooo moreish, soooooooooo naughty, but it is so good! I’ve been wanting to try this for a while now, so this weekend was that weekend. Happy Sunday morning breakfast. Inspired from Lil luna

Makes enough for about 4 large portions or 6 smaller portions

70g butter melted

140g light brown sugar, 30g from sprinkling

Bread with crusts cut off (I used plain bread)

5 eggs – medium

300ml milk

1 tsp vanilla essence

cinnamon as per your taste

2 tbsp butter (not melted)

Icing sugar for decoration (optional)

Maple Syrup

Add the melted butter and brown sugar together and mix thoroughly
Take a casserole dish approx 8 x 12″ and spread the sugar mix over the base
Add a layer of your bread slices
Whisk eggs, vanilla and milk together in a bowl, pour 1/2 the mixture over the bread.
Sprinkle about 15g of the sugar and some cinnamon over
Add another layer of bread slices and butter the slices.
Pour the remaining egg mixture over and sprinkle with leftover sugar and cinnamon.
Refrigerate overnight
In the morning remove from fridge and bake in a preheated oven at 180 deg for approx 45 minutes.
I popped under grill for a minute to gently crisp up and brown a bit more (optional)
Drizzle a little icing sugar and Maple Syrup all over and devour!

Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Spinach Curry Burgers

Image Leave a comment 16/02/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum. In my aim to be eating a bit healthier this year, I took my hand to these little nutritious burgers, they were so delicious and very filling too.

Makes about 6

200g butternut Squash – sliced

200g Sweet Potato – sliced

1 medium onion – finely chopped

1 clove garlic – crushed

1 tsp dried chilli flakes

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried coriander

100g Spinach

Salt & Pepper to taste

Cook the butternut Squash and mash up. (I steamed cooked mine using my steam pot for about 6 minutes)
In a bowl mix the butternut squash, wilted spinach, onion, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt & pepper, chilli flakes & garlic.
Place a cutter onto a sheet of greaseproof paper or plate and fill the cutter with the mixture making individual circles. Approx 2 cm thick.
Heat up the Crisperplate for 2 minutes and cook on Crisp setting for 6 minutes, turn then cook for a further 4 minutes (depending on how well you like them cooked, you can cook for a further 2 minutes for extra brownness) Alternatively, fry in a pan for about 6 mins on medium heat each side with a little oil.
Serve. Yummy!
I added some potato wedges to my crisperplate at the same time for a one pan meal.

Irish Potato Cakes

Image 1 Comment 16/02/2019 the wee caledonian cook

After my recent visit to Ireland and just had to try a proper Irish Potato Cake. They are also known as Fadge or Farl in Northern Ireland and Tattie Scones (potato scones) in Scotland. These are a traditional breakfast item.

Makes about 8

4 potatoes (preferably a starchy potato, such as russet)

3 tbsps plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

Salt & pepper to taste (I use rainbow peppers, more flavour)

1 tsp onion powder

30g melted irish butter

30g irish butter to cook with

Cook and mash potatoes, leave to cool
In a bowl mix the potatoes, flour, baking powder, onion powder, melted butter, salt & pepper into a soft dough like ball.
Flour a work surface and gently flatten to about 1cm thick
With a 3″ cutter, cut out circles.
Heat up a fry pan with the butter or preheat the crisperplate for 2 minutes then add the butter.
Place the potato cakes onto the plate or pan and cook for 3 minutes each side if using a fry pan, or 3 minutes on crisperplate, turn, then a further 2 minutes.
Serve with breakfast items or with a delicious poached egg on top.

Steamed Cod & Spicy Butternut Squash Curry

Image Leave a comment 30/01/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum! A lovely little healthy warming dish on a very, very cold day today.

Makes 2 servings

2 x cod loins

Salt

Rainbow Pepper

2 tsps Parsley

Butternut Squash – chopped into cubes

1 onion – finely chopped

1 clove garlic – crushed

1 tsp dried chillies (or 1 red chilli chopped)

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp dried coriander

1 tsp turmeric

1 400g can chopped tomatoes

2 tbsp water

100g spinach

Season the cod loins with salt, pepper & 1 tsp parsley each. Steam cook for 6 minutes in Steam pot or steam oven.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and fry the onion with the garlic for a few minutes, add in the chilli, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, 2 tbsp water & tin tomatoes, bring to a boil then reduce and simmer and cover for 20 minutes or until butternut squash has softened.
Remove lid and place spinach into pan, do this in 2 batches, it will wilt down in a few seconds, simmer on low for a further 5 minutes.
Serve with the steamed cod. Lovely healthy quick mid week meal.

Chilli Steak Cheesy Fries

Image 1 Comment 26/01/2019 the wee caledonian cook

O.M.G! This little dish was delicious, rich and very tasty. Saw this on a social media video, my salavating at the video simply meant I had to give it a go. Changed the recipe slightly to suit our tastes.

Makes for 2

2 sirloin steaks – sliced into 1cm strips

2 tbsp plain flour

Salt & pepper to taste

1 large red onion

2 garlic cloves crushed

1 tsp chilli flakes

200ml beef stock

100ml red wine (I used shiraz)

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 large handfuls of grated cheddar

2 large handfuls of french fries

Heat a little oil in a fry pan to a medium to high heat
Place the steak strips into the pan and brown all over, add the flour, salt & pepper until coated and soaked up the juices then remove and set aside.
Place another tbsp of oil in the pan and cook the onion with the garlic until softened.
Add in the tomato paste, chilli flakes, beef stock & red wine, gently bring to boil then reduce to a very low simmer.
Add back to the pan the beef strips and cook slow for about 1 hour (pan covered).
Remove pan lid 10 minutes before serving and bring heat up a little to thicken the sauce if needed.
Meanwhile, cook the french fries as per packet instructions.
Place the fries on a plate, top with the cheese and melt under a hot grill for a few seconds then top with the beef strips….Serve. Oh so yummy!

It definitely makes a difference if you’ve got some good quality meat and cheese.

Avocado, Spinach & Pea Mash – served with steamed teriyaki salmon

Image 2 Comments 22/01/2019 the wee caledonian cook

My healthier eating continues this month. I got some lovely bits of Scottish Salmon recently so came up with this idea of a healthier mash using whatever I had in my fridge. It was delicious. Best bit, it only took 6 minutes to cook and put together.

Makes enough mash for 2-3 people

80g baby spinach

1 avocado

50g garden peas – cooked

juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp Sea Salt

Garlic clove – minced

1 tsp coriander – dried

1 tsp olive oil

(optional if you like spice, add in 1 tsp chilli flakes)

Place everything into a blender and mix until just combined.
Serve. Simple as that!

I steam cooked some salmon that I marinated in Teriyaki Sauce overnight. Yum!

Curried Cod

Image Leave a comment 27/12/2018 the wee caledonian cook

This is a tasty little dish and so healthy too. I’m always trying to get more fish into my meals (hard when my partner isn’t a fish fan!), but even he loved this one. Result!

Easy to make and full of protein and iron.

Makes 2 portions

1 tsp oil

1 onion, chopped

2 tbsp curry powder

1 tsp ground mixed spice

2 garlic cloves or 1 tsp dried garlic

1 x 400g chopped tomatoes

1 can chickpeas (optional)

100g Spinach (optional)

1 packet of fresh green peas

2 cod fillets

zest of 1 lemon

handful of chopped coriander to serve

Heat oil in a large pan and cook onion & garlic over a high heat until softened and slightly browned. Stir in the curry powder and mixed spice, mix through.
Add in the tin tomatoes, chickpeas and green peas with seasoning to taste.
Cook for about 10 minutes until sauce starts to thicken slightly.
Add in the cod and cover, continue to cook for another 10 minutes until fish is cooked through.
Squeeze on the lemon zest and coriander then serve. Yummy!

I served with some curry roasted parnsips and carrots.

Butterfly Chicken Pizza

Image Leave a comment 01/12/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Friday night is mostly pizza night in our house, but as I’m on my Detox this week it was finding an alternative for me and why not Butterfly chicken? I have to say this dish was so delicious and very healthy and nutritious too. Win, win for me!

Makes 2

2 x Chicken Breasts

1 onion – chopped

handful of sweet peppers – chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried chilli flakes

1 tsp Italian herbs

1 tbsp tomato paste

Salt & pepper to taste

30g Goats Cheese

Butterfly your chicken and flatten the thicker part so it will cook evenly.
Add the chopped onion, peppers, chilli flakes, olive oil and all seasonings into a food bag and make sure all are coated.
Take 1 tsp and spread onto each chicken breast evenly
Next add the onion & pepper mix and spread evenly
Preheat your Crisperplate for 2 minutes on crisp setting then place the chicken breasts on and cook for 5-6 minutes (depending on size of your chicken)
Remove crisp plate and crumble on the goats cheese evenly, put back into the oven and cook on crisp for a further 3 minutes.
Serve. Yummy!

(If you don’t have a crisper plate, bake in oven at 200 deg for about 15-20 minutes)

Curried Butternut Squash, Red Lentils & Spinach

Image Leave a comment 28/11/2018 the wee caledonian cook

This was so delicious and filling. Best of all very healthy & nutritious.

I think I am starting to enjoy this Detox week….lol!

Makes enough for 4 portions.

1 onion

200ml vegetable stock

2 tsp dried garlic

1 tsp dried chilli

1 tbsp ginger

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp coriander

1 tsp turmeric

1 tbsp olive oil

1 can chopped tomatoes 400g

300-400g butternut squash – peeled and chopped into chunks

200g Red lentils – cooked

200g Spinach

Blend onion, veg stock, garlic, chilli, ginger, tomatoes, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric and coriander into a paste.
Heat the oil in a pan and cook the paste for about 5-10 mins.
Add in the butternut squash and cook on a medium heat for 20 mins.
Meanwhile cook the lentils as per pack instructions.
After 20 mins mix in the lentils and spinach to the squash mix and heat for a further 5 minutes.
Remove and serve. Yummy!

Banana Omelette

Image Leave a comment 26/11/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I am starting my Detox Plan for the week and this was my breakfast, I have to say it was absolutely delicious.

Makes 1

3 eggs – whisked

1 banana – sliced

1 tsp olive oil

1 tsp cinnamon

Salt & pepper to season

Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat
Place the sliced banana in the pan and cook for a couple of mins until soft.
Pour in the egg mixture and season, cook until coming together, sprinkle with the cinnamon and flip over.
Cook for a further minute and serve.

Yummy!

Puff Pizza

Image Leave a comment 17/11/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I know, I’m going to tell you all about my Crisperplate again….lol! Just 7 minutes bake time for these quick and easy puff pastry pizzas, compared to an oven bake (20 mins), the Crisper does it in more than half the time with the same results.

One my own this afternoon I just wanted a quick lunch, so this was perfect. I decided to use up things in my fridge, so I went for this combo, but you can make any combination you like. (times may vary)

Makes 2

1 roll puff pastry (use half if making 2) – cut in half or quarter if making 4

2 tbsp tomato paste

Seasoning

Grated Mozzarella

Mushrooms – I used Chestnut

Little olive oil

Pre heat your crisper plate for 2 minutes
Roll out pastry and with each half, score a 1cm border all the way around.
Score a couple of diagonal lines in the middle (do not go right through) then place onto crisper plate.
Place grated mozzarella into the middle, evenly but not too thick. Season.
Then place the mushrooms in a layer evenly and drizzle a little oil over. Season
Cook on Crisper setting for 7-8 minutes or until your desired brownness level.
Yummy!

10 minute pineapple cake

Image Leave a comment 17/11/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Oh I know I keep going on about it, but this Crisperplate is just magical, it has saved me so many minutes in my kitchen and has given me perfect cooking results every time. This time it was a little afternoon treat.

Makes a 12″ cake

150 g Caster Sugar
225g Self Raising Flour
100ml milk
110g butter softened
2 eggs
1 tin of pineapple rounds (drained)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipping cream to serve
1. Mix everything together (except pineapple) in a mixer until smooth
2. Preheat Crisper for 2 mins, then pour on batter evenly
3. Place pineapple on top
4. Bake on Crisp setting for 10 minutes.
5. Serve with a large dollop of whipped cream.

Mini Christmas No Bake Puddings

Image 2 Comments 17/11/2018 the wee caledonian cook

These are perfect for a little bite size treat at Christmas and they look the part too. I first saw this recipe from Madaboutmacarons and just had to try.

I added a little orange liquor for a different flavour and they were delicious. (optional)

Makes about 12

50g raisins
40g dried apricots, finely chopped
40g dates, finely chopped
5 tbsps orange juice (or 2 tbsp orange liquor and 3 tbsp orange juice)
60g desiccated/shredded coconut
60g caster sugar
40g Scottish oats
40g candied orange peel, finely chopped
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

50g coconut oil – melted if solid

2 tsp Christmas Spice – See below for recipe mix.

(Spice Mix:- 2tbsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp ground ginger, 2 tbsp ground all spice, 1 tbsp nutmeg, 1/2 tbsp ground cloves, pinch black pepper) This can be stored in an airtight container.

50g White Chocolate – melted.

Put all dried ingredients into a large mixing bowl, then add in the coconut oil and orange juice and mix to combine.
Taking small amounts roll into a ball and place on greaseproof paper on a baking tray and refrigerate.
Melt 50g of white chocolate in a microwave for about 1.5 mins and drizzle over the puddings. To decorate add a cranberry and edible holly decorations. (or you can cut some icing or marzipan for this)

Yummy!

Steamed Mexican Rice

Image Leave a comment 15/11/2018 the wee caledonian cook

You know by now that I love my One Pot meals and this is another that is so easy & so tasty. I decided to use my Steam pot and it cooked perfectly in just 20 minutes. Yummy Spicy flavours and full of nutritious benefits.

Makes 2 large portions or 4 side portions

1 can black beans

1/2 can red kidney beans

1/2 can sweetcorn

1 red onion – finely chopped

150g wholemeal brown long grain rice

300ml veg stock

2 heaped tbsp chopped tomato

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp dried chillies

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp cumin

salt to taste

Place everything in the steam pot and mix together. Put lid on.
Place into your combi microwave and select Recipes, Pasta & Rice, Rice then programme 20 minutes.
Perfectly cooked mexican rice dish. You can serve this on its own or with some pitta breads or even in a wrap.

Steamed Wild Rice with Butternut Squash, Chestnuts & Pancetta

Image Leave a comment 14/11/2018 the wee caledonian cook

This dish is so yummy with a little kick. Perfect for Christmas dining as you can make as much as you need. I do love 1 pot meals.

Makes about 4 large portions or 8 smaller side portions.

1 x Butternut Squash – cubed

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chilli flakes

100g cooked chestnuts, quartered

½ small pack sage leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

8 slices of pancetta – chopped

2 shallots, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

150g basmati & wild rice mix

300ml veg stock

Parmesan to serve

Heat oven to 200 deg.
Toss the squash with 1⁄2 tbsp of oil, chilli flakes and some seasoning on a large roasting tray. Roast for 15 mins, then add the shallots, garlic, chestnuts and nestle the sage and pancetta around the squash so that they touch the baking sheet.
Return to the oven for 10-15 mins until the pancetta and sage are crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.
In the Steam pot place the Rice with the 300ml stock and steam for 20 mins on rice setting. Or you can use a pan on the hob, bring to boil the stock , add rice, cover, reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
Remove steam pot and add the ingredients to rice and mix through to warm through.
Serve with grated parmesan.

Fluffiest Omelette

Image Leave a comment 02/09/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I saw this idea on the KitchenAid Recipe FB site and decided to give it a try. Oh my…..it is by far the fluffiest and lightest omelette I’ve ever had. Great idea of using the Mixer and separating the eggs.

Makes 1 omelette

3 eggs

1 tbsp milk

Salt & pepper to taste

Dill or chives (your preference)

Choice of fillings (again your choice) I used sweet peppers and spring onions.

Handful of cherry tomatoes to serve – grown in my own garden.

Seperate the eggs and whisk until fluffy with. Pour the milk into the yolk mixture. I whisked on power 6 for 3 mins, the 4 for 2 mins.

2. Gently fold the yolks into the whites and season.

3. Heat 1 know of butter in a non stick pan. Gently fry off the peppers and spring onions.

4. Once browned pour the egg mixture into the pan and gently cook for a few minutes on eash side.

5. Remove onto a plate, cut in half the tomatoes and gently brown in the pan for a few minutes and serve.

Spicy Sausage, Bean & Lentil Stew

Image Leave a comment 29/07/2018 the wee caledonian cook

This was originally a slimming world recipe I found but thought it needed more flavour so I added my own spin on it. It was very delicious, if I do say so myself, and very filling.

I made some wholemeal baguettes to go with it too which went perfectly for soaking up the left over sauce on the plate.

Serves 2

6 Chorizo Style Sausages

3 sweet peppers – chopped

1 tsp garlic granules

1 tsp dried chillies

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

500g passata

150ml chicken stock

250g red kidney beans (or any other bean can be used)

4 spring onions – chopped

150g red lentils

knob of butter

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Spray a large pan with little oil on medium to high heat, gently fry the garlic, peppers and onion for a few minutes.
Add in the sausages and brown all over, about 5-10 minutes
Meanwhile put red lentils into a pan and add about 5cm water, bring to the boil, once boiling remove the white foam then add the knob of butter and mix through, remove from heat.
Add into the pan with sausages and vegetables the chilli, paprika, worcestershire sauce, passata, stock, beans and lentils then mix through. Gently bring to boil then reduce to a medium simmer for about 20 minutes.
If sauce is still too runny, bring to boil and boil gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Slice the sausages diagonally into thirds.
Garnish with some parsley and serve.

Stir Fry Spicy Beef Noodles

Image Leave a comment 28/07/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Delicious quick Friday night dish, or any night for that matter. I do love a good stir fry. Good thing with this dish, is that you could add any type of spice and it would work.

Serves 2

400g good quality beef – cut into strips

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

3/4 spring onions, chopped

1 bag a pre mixed stir fry vegetables

1 bag a fresh egg noodles

2 tsp dried chillies

Marinade the beef strips in the vinegar, soy sauce & worcestershire sauce for about 1/2 hour.
Heat a tsp oil in a pan, add the beef and brown all over then add in the chillies
Add in the noodles and cook for a few minutes adding in the remaining sauce mix.
Then add in the stir fry vegetables, along with the spring onions, cook through for about 5 minutes. Serve. Yummy!

Chickpea, Potato & Spinach Curry

Image Leave a comment 28/07/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Oh Yum…yum…this wee dish was so tasty. Using up my home grown potatoes this little throw together dish was perfect and healthy too.

I made some of my homemade Chapati’s , which went perfectly. Oh…and a wee glass of Chardonnay too! lol!

Serves 2

1 can chickpeas

6 charlotte potatoes, cut into cubes

100g baby Spinach

1 can plum tomatoes

1 tsp cumin

1 onion, chopped finely

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp dried garlic

1 tsp chilli seeds

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp gram masala

1 tsp dried coriander

1 tsp olive oil/fry oil

Heat the oil in a saute pan, add the onion and cumin fry until the onion is golden. Add the garlic, ginger, chilli’s, coriander, turmeric, gram masala and chilli powder and cook for five minutes.
Add in the cubed potatoes and fry until potato is slightly browned, season.
Add in the plum tomatoes, chop up and mix thoroughly.
Now add in the chickpeas and mix through, simmer for about 20 minutes.
Throw in the spinach and cover with a lid to help wilt down. (roughly 5 minutes)
Serve with Chapati or some rice.

Patatas Bravas with Chorizo in Red wine sauce

Image 1 Comment 13/07/2018 the wee caledonian cook

As you know I recently harvested my tatties (potatoes), so my brain got working on some tattie (potato) recipes. This one is a classic spanish dish, mostly a tapas type dish. I also recently purchased some new Kitchen Aid Skillets (pans), so I was keen to start using them, I have to say they are fabulous, very robust and non stick so I don’t need any oil when cooking…perfect! This dish was a quick 25 minute dinner. I do love quick and easy meals.

Serves 2

6 charlotte potatoes – cut into small chunks

150g chorizo – cut into 1 cm chunks

1 red onion – diced

1 green pepper – diced

2 tsp dried chilli flakes

1 garlic clove – crushed

100ml red wine (I used cabernet sauvignon)

2 tsp dried parsley (fresh is better, but I didn’t have any)

400g tin plum tomatoes (I find you get better flavour from plum than chopped)

Bring to the boil a pan at slightly salted water and boil the potatoes for about 5-6 minutes. Drain and leave to cool slightly.
Heat the chorizo in the pan on medium to high heat and add in the potatoes, cook until slightly browned all over. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Put the onion, peppers and garlic in the pan and saute. Add the red wine and reduce. Then add in the dried chilli flakes and stir through.
Add in the tin tomatoes, cutting them up, stir and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add in the potatoes and chorizo, mix through and cook for a further 5 minutes.
Serve and sprinkle the parsley on top. Yummy!

Chicken, Bacon & Spinach cheesy pasta

Image Leave a comment 16/06/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum….that’s all I’m going to say.

I do love one pot meals, quick and easy cooking, especially on a Friday…..you’ve just finished work, weather is awful outside and you just need some home comforts and home comfort food. This is one of my go to recipes just for that occasion. Serve with a chilled glass of chardonnay and its perfection friday.

Makes 2

100g pasta – I used pasta twists but you can use any type

2 chicken breasts – cut into bite size pieces

200g Smoked Bacon Lardons

100g Spinach

1 white onion – chopped finely

salt & pepper

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 tsp spiced red pepper

low cal spray oil

1 cup milk (about 150ml)

1 large handful of grated cheese (I used cheddar), it is also delicious with parmesan.

Spray a little oil in a pan. Fry off the bacon until slightly crispy, add the onion and fry until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Fry the chicken until browned all over.
Add back to the pan the bacon and onion, add the garlic, red pepper, salt & pepper and mix through.
Add in the spinach and mix until slightly wilted
Pour in the milk and bring to the boil, then reduce slightly and simmer until pasta is cooked about 10-12 mins.
Add in the cheese and mix through until melted.
Serve.

Delicious!

Smoked Herby Cod & Chorizo Tray Bake

Image 2 Comments 28/05/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Oh I do like a nice piece of fish. I picked up some lovely smoked Cod from my fishmonger and decided to do a tray bake with it.

This dish was so delicious and full of flavour. I mixed up the Chimichurri sauce by adding rocket leaves….delicious!

Makes 2-4 portions

4-6 Smoked Cod portions

6 Charlotte potatoes – quartered

1 red pepper – sliced

1 red onion – cut into wedges

100g chorizo – cut into 1cm cubes

Salt & pepper to season

For the herb crumb

2 tbsp dried parsley

1/2 tbsp dried oregano

1 slice of white bread

1 tbsp olive oil

For the Chimichurri dressing

2 tbsp dried parsley

1/2 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp dried coriander

1 garlic clove

1 tbsp dried chilli

handful of rocket leaves

Juice of 1.2 lemon

3 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp water

Preheat the oven to 180ºC fan.
Toss together the potatoes, seasoning and 1 tablespoon of oil in a large roasting tray. Bake for 12 minutes, then add the chorizo, onion and peppers and roast for a further 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the fish. Blitz together the parsley, oregano, bread and remaining oil to form coarse breadcrumbs. Brush the top of the fish fillets with a little extra oil and press on the breadcrumbs.
Give the roasting tray a good shake, then place the fish and tomatoes on top and roast for a final 15 minutes, until the fish is cooked.
Meanwhile make the chimichurri dressing. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blitz to combine. Drizzle over the tray bake to serve.

One Pot Chicken & Lentil Dhansak

Image 2 Comments 13/05/2018 the wee caledonian cook

My partner always orders a Dhansak from our local Indian Takeaway, so I thought I would try a homemade version! He thought it was delicious! Result! Not only was it so tasty it was also less calories and more protein. A much healthier version of his favourite takeaway. I made my homemade Chapati’s to serve with it too. Perfect Fakeaway dish.

Makes 2 Servings

1 red onion – chopped

2 garlic cloves – crushed

1 tsp ginger

1 tbsp light brown sugar

1 red chilli – finely diced

1 tsp mustard seeds

4 cardamon pods – crushed

2 tsp mild curry powder

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp ground cinnamon

100 g red lentils rinsed

2 chicken breasts

4 tomatoes – chopped

1 tsp tomato paste

300ml vegetable stock

Juice 1/2 lemon or lime

fresh coriander to garnish

salt & pepper to season

Heat a little oil in a deep pan, fry the spices, ginger and chillies for a minute or until mustard seeds start to pop.
Lower the heat and add in the onions and garlic, cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
Add the red lentils and mix.
Then add the stock, tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar, bring to the boil. Gently lower the chicken breasts into the sauce. Lower the heat and simmer covered for about 1 hour.
Add the juice of the lemon or lime. Take 2 forks and shred the chicken breasts, stir and cook uncovered on a higher heat for a further few minutes. If the sauce is too runny just bring to the boil to thicken for a few minutes or add cornflour to thicken.
Remove the cardamon pods and serve onto plates. Garnish with coriander. Serve with the Chapati’s.
This recipe also tastes even better the day after. Yummy!

Dhansak is a popular Indian dish, originating among the Parsi Zoroastrian community. It combines elements of Persian and Gujarati cuisine. Dhansak is made by cooking mutton or goat meat traditionally with a mixture of lentils and vegetables.

You could try this recipe also with prawns or lamb. Yummy too!

Bacon, Egg & Hashbrown Bake

Image Leave a comment 13/05/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I love breakfast time, my favourite meal of the day. I am always looking for new things to try with my Crisperplate and this little recipe was delicious and baked in just 15 minutes too.

Makes 4 servings.

4 Charlotte potatoes – grated with skin on (more flavour in the skin)

8 slices of smoked bacon – back or rashers either is fine

Cheddar cheese – grated (amount to your preference)

6 green spring onions – chopped

6 large eggs

1/2 cup of milk

1 tbsp flour

salt & pepper to season

Grate potatoes and squeeze out excess water, pat dry and sprinkle the flour over to soak up any water.
Preheat the crisper plate for 2 minutes then evenly lay the grated potatoes onto plate and season. Leave some spaces on the plate as this allows the potatoes to crisp up better. Cook for 6 minutes
Place the bacon onto the potatoes and cook for 3 minutes or longer if your prefer extra crispy bacon.
Meanwhile whisk the eggs with the milk and season
Evenly spread the spring onions and cheese onto the bacon and potatoes then pour over the egg mixture and season.
Bake for about 6 minutes or until desired browness.
Serve. Yummy!

Spicy Chicken & Lentil Curry

Image 1 Comment 14/04/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I first saw this recipe on Food for fitness, Scott Baptie is a Sports nutritionist, Director of Food For Fitness. Online trainer. Speaker. High protein cook. Magazine cover model & fitness writer. He specialises in fat loss, muscle gain and nutrition. His recipes are delicious and so nutritious, so when I seen this recently I had to give it a try. At only 164 calories per portion (without the chicken), who wouldn’t? I used green lentils and added chicken for a more filling meal.

Makes 4 portions

Spray oil with coconut oil

2 onions, diced

10g ginger, crushed

10g garlic, crushed

200g green lentils (or red) rinsed

350ml vegetable stock

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp gram masala

1 tsp dried chillies

400g chopped tomatoes

400g coconut milk – reduced fat

2 chicken breasts

Seasoning

Fresh coriander, chopped

Heat spray oil in a large pan.
Add the diced onions with garlic and ginger and cook until softened. Remove from pan
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan with the gram masala, chillies and cumin and cook until chicken is browned.
Add the onions back to the pan with the lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil then gently simmer with lid for about 30 minutes.
Remove lid and continue to cook for 15-20 minutes or until sauce starts to thicken.
Serve with some fresh coriander. Yummy!

Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes

Image Leave a comment 14/04/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I just love fresh pasta, ever since I got my new pasta attachment for my Kitchen Aid Machine I’ve never bought dried pasta again. Having to use up some pesto I had left, this little dish was the result. The sun dried tomatoes just added that little extra flavour.

Makes 2-4

For the pasta:

275g ‘OO’ Grade Pasta Flour

3 large eggs

Sift the flour into the large bowl on Kitchen Aid mixer or work surface.
Make a well in the middle. Crack one egg in and whisk gently.
Gently with your hands start to incorporate the flour starting at the bottom, once it starts to come together crack the 2nd egg, then the 3rd until it becomes sticky.
Using the dough hook on the mixer, knead together until you get a smooth like dough. Remove, cover with cling film and leave for about 1 hour.
Attach the pasta attachment, cut the pasta dough into 4 sections.
Flatten dough with hand then feed through the pasta maker, No. 1 x 5, No. 3 x 2, No. 5/6 x 1
Change attachment to fettuccine and feed through. Hang until ready to cook.
Heat a large pan of slightly salted water and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Strain

For the toppings:

2 chicken breasts

1/4 jar sundried tomatoes

3 tbsp green pesto

Handfuls of Broccoli & Baby Spinach

I steam cooked my chicken, broccoli and Spinach. (8 minutes for chicken, 3 minutes for veg)
Slice chicken into bite size pieces.
Place pasta into a bowl with chicken, broccoli, spinach and sundried tomatoes, spoon the pest into the bowl and mix through until chicken and pasta is coated.
Serve. Yummy!
For extra spice you could add in some chilli.

Pesto Potatoes

Image Leave a comment 04/04/2018 the wee caledonian cook

If you have read my last few posts, you will know I got a massive 2.5kg bag of potatoes for 29p last week……I know right….so cheap! So my task this week was to use them all…lol! Today I had to use up some leftover vegetables so I decided on pesto Potatoes……this was so delicious, nutritious and a filling meal.

Serves 2

4 Maris piper potatoes – cut into bite size pieces (I left skin on, more flavour)

Handful or Broccoli

Baby Spinach

Salt & pepper

Green Pesto – 3 tbsps (see recipe below)

Pesto Recipe

clove of garlic crushed

Fresh Basil – large bunch

handful of pine nuts – about 100g

Parmesan Cheese – grated

Olive oil

Lemon juice

Place garlic and basil leaves in a blender and pulse until chopped
Add in the pine nuts (toasted) and parmesan and pulse to blend
Slowly add in some olive oil, just enough to bring it all together, then squeeze in the lemon juice. Serve.

Potatoes

Cook potatoes through until soft, you can either boil or steam cook, 4 minutes before you think they are ready, pour in some peas to the potatoes and simmer.
Meanwhile, Steam cook your broccoli and spinach for 3 minutes.
Drain potatoes and put into a large bowl, add in the spinach and broccoli
Spoon 3 heaped tbsp of pesto and mix through, season
Serve into a bowl or plate and top with some pine nuts for extra crunch.

Red Pepper Chicken with Crispy Potatoes & Steamed Vegetables

Image Leave a comment 02/04/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Don’t you just love quick and easy cooking? Sometimes, especially on bank holiday Mondays when your relaxed, you just don’t feel like cooking but still want something healthy, nutritious, flavoursome with hardly any washing up? Oh yes, you’ve guessed it……out comes the little Crisper plate, this little dish is so easy and quick with perfect results. I also used my new Steam pot too for extra nutrition. I just love Gadgets that work for me.

Makes 2 servings.

For the Crisper Plate:-

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into large bite size pieces

2-3 potatoes – cut into bite size chunks (skin on)

2-3 sweet peppers – cut into wedges

1 red onion – cut into wedges

Handful of plum tomatoes

Salt & Pepper

Red Pepper Chilli flakes

Garlic & Parsley seasoning

Pre-heat the Crisper plate for 2 minutes on Dynamic Crisp
Place all above ingredients (except the tomatoes) into a bowl or food bag and drizzle with a little oil, shake to coat chicken, potatoes and veg.
Place onto the Crisper plate and cook for 12-15 minutes (depends on thickness of potatoes and chicken or how crispy you like it)
After 6 minutes, add in the plum tomatoes and cook.
Serve…..Yummy!

For the Steamed Vegetables:-

Your choice of vegetables, I choose broccoli, asparagus and spinach.

Place broccoli and asparagus onto the steam pot grid and fill the pot with 200ml water. Place into the oven and select sensor steam, cook for 5 minutes.

2 minutes before cooking is due to finish, place the spinach in the pot and continue to cook.

Chilli Chips

Image Leave a comment 02/04/2018 the wee caledonian cook

So after my bargain purchase of potatoes, I decided to make some homemade chilli chips using my crisper plate. You know how much I love this little Crisper plate don’t you? lol! You can find more information here:- Crisper Plate Technology

I decided on a bit of spice today, so I seasoned the chips with salt, pepper and chilli flakes…..soooooooo Yummy!

Wash potatoes and cut into desired chip length and width. Approx 1-2 cm cube is perfect.
Pre-heat the Crisper plate for 2 minutes on Dynamic Crisp setting.
Coat chips with a little spray oil and season, then place onto plate & cook for 12 minutes. Perfect little chips.

Sausage and Potato Stew

Image Leave a comment 02/04/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I picked up an amazing bargain recently in Aldi’s….29p for 2.5kg bag of Maris Piper potatoes…..Yes I know…..right…..29p!! So after picking up some lovely scottish beef sausages at my local butchers I decided a Stew was the perfect match for these potatoes.

A warm comfort filling dish.

Makes 4 servings.

8 Scottish Beef sausages (or any of your choice)

4 potatoes – washed and cubed (skin on)

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato puree

300ml chicken stock

2 garlic clove – crushed

1 tbsp olive oil

2-3 sweet red peppers – sliced

1 red onion – quartered

1 tsp crushed chillies

1 tsp hot smoked paprika

salt & pepper

1 tbsp worcester sauce

1 tbsp mixed herbs

Gently heat up to a medium heat a fry pan with oil.
Gently fry the peppers and onion with the garlic, chillies and paprika until softened, remove from pan with slotted spoon.
Put your sausages into the pan and gently brown on all sides.
Once sausages are browned add back to the pan the pepper mix, tomato paste, tin tomatoes, chicken stock, potatoes, salt & pepper, worcester sauce and mix. Bring to the boil then simmer for approx 25 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
A few minutes before ready add in the mixed herbs, and cut the sausages into 3 sections, then serve. Yummy!

Spicy Sausage & Bean Stew

Image Leave a comment 26/03/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Sundays are all about Stews……good home cooked food. Sundays are my chillout day and also my home comforts day, so there’s nothing better than a tasty Stew. This one was full of flavour, very spicy and full of protein too. I served it with some homemade crusty baguettes.

Serves 2

6 Sausages (to your own taste. I used Black pepper Beef sausages) you could use low fat sausages to make it even healthier.

1 Cal cooking Spray

1 red romano pepper (the long pointy ones), deseeded and cut into 1cm strips

1 clove garlic crushed

1 tbsp hot chilli powder – less if you don’t like it too spicy

1 tbsp hot smoked paprika

1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

300g passata

100ml chicken stock

200g cannellini beans, drained

200g red kidney beans, drained

6 spring onions, finely chopped

chopped parsley to garnish.

Spray a non stick fry pan and heat on a medium heat.
Gently fry the spring onions, pepper and garlic then add 3 tbsp water and cover. Cook on a simmer for about 5 minutes until soft.
Meanwhile, gently brown sausages in a fry pan with spray oil.
Once browned, remove and cut into 3 diagonally.
Add chilli powder, paprika and worcester sauce into the pepper mix and stir, then add the passata, chicken stock, sausages and beans, bring up to a boil, then simmer for about 10-15 minutes uncovered.
Serve in a soup bowl and garnish with parsley. Serve with some fresh crusty bread. Yummy!

Spinach & Refried Bean Quesadillas

Image Leave a comment 25/03/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Looking for healthier and more nutritious alternatives are always on my to do list, I came across this recipe from The Kitchn , I changed it up a little to my own flavours but this was truly delicious and filling.

Serves 4

Spray fry oil

1 bag (100g) baby spinach

1 Clove of garlic, finely chopped

1 tsp chilli flakes

pinch salt & pepper

4 large or 8 small tortillas

1 tin (400g) of refried beans (I always use Old el paso…I just love them)

1 Red Pepper, finely chopped

1 small tin of sweetcorn, drained

150g Cheddar Cheese, Grated

Heat the oil in a large fry pan over a medium heat. Add the red pepper and sweetcorn with the garlic and chilli and cook for a few minutes.
The add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season.
Remove from pan. Heat through the refried beans for about 4 minutes then remove from pan, set aside.
Place the tortillas on a flat surface and start to assemble. Spoon the refried beans on covering half of the tortilla, then the cheese, then the spinach mix the fold in half.
Wipe the fry pan with a dry cloth and place each tortilla in pan a cook on each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy. Repeat until all cooked.
Remove and cut the quesadillas in half and serve. Yummy!

Steamed Chicken Meatballs with Peanuts on Spinach

Image Leave a comment 11/03/2018 the wee caledonian cook

So delicious! If you love peanut butter, you will love this.

With my new Hotpoint oven came a Steam pot so I’ve been trying to experiment with steam cooking, not only is it more nutritious but also so much more healthier. First, since food is cooked by direct contact between steam as well as the movement of the hot vapor through the food, no fat is needed to conduct the heat. This makes steaming a lower-calorie, low fat cooking method. Food stays moist, too, since it is being bathed in water vapor. Also, since water soluble nutrients (namely Vitamins C and B) don’t leach out into vapor, steaming preserves up to 50% more nutrients than other moist heat cooking methods.

Just because steaming is a healthy way to cook doesn’t mean it has to be bland. There are many ways of adding extra flavor to steamed food during the cooking process. You can bring extra flavor to your food by adding all sorts of complementary herbs and spices to your cooking liquid. Further up the flavor by substituting stock, fruit juice or wine for water. The additional flavors will permeate the food as the steam cooks them.

Makes 9

2 Chicken Breasts

1 shallot

1 tsp garlic granules or 1 garlic clove

1 leek

40g whole peanuts

1 tsp salt & pepper

350ml chicken stock

1 tbsp peanut butter

spinach

1 tsp peanut oil

Slice the Leek, using a bit with the green on
Peel and slice the shallots
Shell and peel peanuts (if not predone), blitz in a blender until fine
Cut the chicken into small pieces and season
Add chicken, leek, shallots, garlic and seasoning to the peanuts in blender and blitz together.
With your hands roll into meatballs and place on a greased baking tray, then refrigerate for about 1 hour.
Pour the chicken stock into the steam pot and then place the meatballs onto the grid and place in pot, cover with lid. Set steam time to 10 minutes.
2 minutes before ready place the spinach in the pot also.
When ready remove the chicken stock from the pot and place in a pan on hob. Reduce by half and then emulsify 1 tbsp peanut butter and 1 tsp peanut oil until sauce thickens. (about 1-2 minutes)
Serve meatballs on the bed a spinach and pour sauce over. Yummy!

Beer Battered Square Sausage

Image Leave a comment 09/03/2018 the wee caledonian cook

O.M.G…..I just had to try this. A Glasgow based Chippy called The Kents advertised beer battered square sausage a few weeks ago and it went viral, so yes of course, I had to try my own version. You really don’t get any more Scottish than this. It was surprisingly delicious.

Makes 8

For the Batter:-

125g Plain Flour

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp garlic granules

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

250ml Beer or Lager (I used Tennents to go all Scottish)

Sausages x 4 – preferably from your local butcher

4 tbsp flour to dust

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl then crack in the egg.
Gently start to whisk together and slowly add in the beer/lager little at a time until you get a nice smooth, lump free batter. It should be runny but not too thin.
Heat some oil in a pan. To tell the right temperature, drop a little of the batter in and if it gently starts to cook and turn brown then its hot enough.
Dust each sausage with a little flour then dip into the batter.
Gently drop the sausage into the oil and cook for about 8 minutes, don’t over cook or it will go rubbery.
Serve on a lovely Scottish Morning Roll. Yummy!

Spanish Chorizo Tortilla

Image Leave a comment 23/02/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Looking in my fridge I had to use up my leftover chorizo, so this was my Friday night quick dinner creation. Very filling, loads of flavour and loads of goodness too. I decided to use my Crisper plate instead of a fry pan then oven and was so glad I did as it only took 15 minutes to cook and more importantly 1 dish to wash up….lol!

Serves 4 (or 2 hungry people)

2 white potatoes

1 sweet potato

Chorizo – I used 1/3 of a 225g ring

1 red onion

6 eggs

1 large handful of kale

1 garlic clove or 2 tsp garlic granules

Salt & ground black pepper to taste

Place a knob of butter on plate and pre heat Crisper Plate on Dynamic crisp setting for 3 minutes.
Slice the potatoes and red onion about 1/2 cm thick
Slice up the Chorizo not too thick.
Whisk the eggs into a jug/bowl and season.
Place the potatoes onto the crisper plate a start to layer up then season each layer with salt, pepper and garlic.
Cook on dynamic Crisp setting for 8 minutes
Remove then add on the red onion and chorizo, cook for a further 5 minutes
Remove plate then add on the Kale and pour egg mixture over evenly. Cook for a further 3 minutes.
Gently remove and serve. Yummy!

Fresh Pasta

Image 1 Comment 03/02/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Oh I do love new gadgets that work for you. I got my new pasta attachment for my KitchenAid machine last year and this is the first chance I’ve had to use it. I have to admit I was like a child at Christmas today….lol!

I decided to use the Fettuccine one and make a pasta bake for dinner, I was so pleased and amazed at how easy it is to use. Although I have decided that I need a pasta stand to dry the pasta…….as I use my kitchen doors….lol! #quickthinking

Makes enough for about 4 servings

300g ‘OO’ Pasta Flour

3 eggs

1 tsp olive oil

Pour flour onto a clean dry surface and make a well.
Crack eggs into the well and gently whisk with a fork, then add the olive oil.
Gradually start to fold in the flour to the eggs until you have a dough
Cover with cling film and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
Break up into small handfuls of balls and flatten out with your hand.
Attached the Pasta Roller first, lightly sprinkle with flour, on speed 1 and level 1 roll the pasta through about 5 times.
Change the level to no. 3 and roll through about 2 times
Change the level to no. 6 and roll through about 1 or 2 times or until the pasta becomes slightly see through. Put to the side and continue with the rest of the pasta.
Change the roller attachment to the Fettuccine attachment and roll the pasta through……voila! Perfect Fettuccine.
Leave to dry out then cook in slightly salted boiling water for only 4-5 minutes.

Rose Harissa Chicken

Image Leave a comment 28/01/2018 the wee caledonian cook

This little dish is now becoming another go to dinner in my house, it so easy to prep, has a lovely taste and using my crisper plate is ready in under 15 minutes. I do love easy cooking sometimes.

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts

1 tbsp Rose Harissa

4-6 charlotte potatoes – halved

3-4 sweet peppers

1 red onion – cut into wedges

1 clove garlic – crushed

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

Cut chicken into large bite size pieces and place in a bowl with the harissa, mix to coats evenly.
In a separate bowl place the potatoes, onion and peppers with garlic, pour 1 tbsp olive oil then season with salt & pepper.
Preheat your crisper plate for about 2-3 minutes on dynamic crisp setting
Place the chicken and potato mix onto the crisper plate and cook for a further 12-14 minutes on dynamic crisp setting.
Mix and serve. Yummy!

Omelette Pockets

Image Leave a comment 21/01/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Have I ever told you how much I love this Crisper Plate by Hotpoint, LOL!, and have I ever told you how much I love breakfast time? Well my saturday morning was a case of up and out so I need something quick but filling, this little omelette pocket only took 4 minutes to cook and so tasty and filling. Mission accomplished!

Serves 2

6 eggs

50g Spinach

5-6 slices of smoked cooked ham

handful of grated cheddar cheese

Salt & pepper to season

Chives (optional)

Preheat the crisper plate for 2 minutes
Beat eggs together with seasoning
Pour onto crisper plate, lay evenly the spinach, ham, cheese and season to taste (you can of course use any combination of filling you like)
Cook on dynamic crisp setting for 4 minutes or until eggs have set.
Cut in half and fold over, serve. Yummy!

My perfect Saturday morning Brekkie…..:)

Cajun Spiced Scrambled Eggs

Image 1 Comment 13/01/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Told you I was on a mission to eat healthier without compromising on flavours! Another cracker of a wee dish, I had this for brunch today (I needed a lay in..lol!) Bonus:- Under 400 calories!

Serves 2

4 eggs

75ml Light Single Cream

Low calorie Spray

1 red onion – finely chopped

1 green pepper – finely chopped

50g kale – shredded

50g Spinach leaves – I used baby

2 tsp Cajun spice mix (1/2 tsp garlic, 1 tsp all spice, 1/2 tsp thyme), (my all spice mix was:- 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 3 cloves)

salt & pepper to taste

Beat together Cream and eggs with salt & pepper
Heat spray oil in a fry pan on medium heat and cook through onion and green pepper (3-4 mins)
Add kale with a splash of water, cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle on the Cajun mix and add seasoning, then add in the spinach, cook until spinach has wilted.
Spray the mixture with some spray oil and add in the egg mixture, allow to sit for 1 minute then stir through until you have scrambled egg effect. Serve immediately.

Pea & Ham Pasta (Low calorie version)

Image Leave a comment 13/01/2018 the wee caledonian cook

O.M.G!…this little dish was amazingly tasty and even better, it was under 500 calories too! I am on a mission to eat a bit healthier this year, I generally do, but I’m making more of an effort this year….( I know, I hear you, we all say that in January….lol!) It was also so quick to make, in just 10 minutes my dinner was ready, a great mid week or quick Friday night dinner. Bonus:- Under 500 calories and full of flavour!

Serves 2

150g Wholewheat Penne pasta

6 slices or Parma Ham – chopped

1 red onion – thinly chopped

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 chilli – chopped or 1 tsp dried chillies

60ml creme fraiche

1 handful of frozen peas

small handful of chopped parsley

small handful of chopped mint

Grated zest of 1 lemon

2 ladel’s spoonfuls of pasta water

Spray oil – low calorie

Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook pasta for about 8-10 mins or follow packet instructions.
Gently heat spray oil in a fry pan on medium heat
Add onion, parma ham, chilli and garlic and cook through. Half way add 2 ladle’s of the pasta water.
When pasta is ready, drain and add to the pan along with the peas, cook for 2 minutes to heat peas through.
Add creme fraiche, parsley, mint & grate lemon zest and stir through, only for 30 secs. Ready to serve.

Turmeric Stir Fried Eggs with Tomato

Image Leave a comment 13/01/2018 the wee caledonian cook

New Year, New Recipes, New ideas, New ways of thinking and so on………..yes we all do it in January and this one was no different. I am trying to look for new ways to add health benefit spices to my food, so thought I would start with Turmeric, a spice rice with anti-inflammatory effects, powerful antioxidants which protect our body from free radicals, know to improve brain function, lower your risk of heart disease, prevent cancer, it even has anti-ageing benefits (I so on this one…lol). So why not?

This little dish was so tasty, I will definitely be having it more.

Makes 2 portions

4 eggs

spray oil

2 tsps turmeric

Salt & pepper

6 cherry tomatoes – cut into quarters

2 tsps parsley (dried or fresh) – I used dried

Heat oil in a fry pan on medium heat
Gently heat through tomatoes until slightly soft
Whisk up eggs and pour into pan, add turmeric, parsley and salt & pepper, allow to sit for a minute then gently mix through until you have a scrambled egg consistency. Serve immediately.

Pearl Barley, Leek & Bacon Casserole

Image Leave a comment 13/01/2018 the wee caledonian cook

This is a proper little winter warmer dish. While away in our Xmas holiday cottage it was a chilly -3 with frost on the ground, while we were feeling cosy in our warm cottage we wanted something filling and warm in our bellies, so using up some of my store cupboard ingredients this little dish was perfect. (p.s. don’t forget the glass of chardonnay…..perfect match, I think…..lol!)

Makes 2 servings

1 tsp olive oil

1 large leek, thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

150g pearl barley

2 carrots, cubed

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

500ml Chicken Stock

2 Chicken Breasts – chopped to bite size pieces

150g savoy cabbage, finely shredded

100g smoked bacon, chopped

Black pepper and salt for seasoning

Heat the oil in a large pan and gently fry the leeks, bacon, chicken and garlic until browned.
Add the pearl barley, carrots and mustard, then pour over the chicken stock. Season with plenty of ground black pepper and simmer for 20 mins, stirring occasionally.
Add the cabbage and cook for 5-10 mins until cabbage is wilted and tender.
Serve. Yummy!

Satay Chicken skewers

Image Leave a comment 11/12/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Decided to have a chinese nibble tonight, and you can’t have chinese without peanut satay….I just love peanut sauce. Having my Crisper plate I decided to try this plate instead of on my griddle and yip it cooked the chicken amazingly well, in only 8 minutes too….browned on both sides.

Made 6 skewers

2 Chicken Breasts cut into large strips or small pieces

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp squeezed lime juice

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp Sriracha sauce

2 tsp ground ginger

2 cloves garlic minced

Put all of above ingredients (except the chicken) in a bowl and mix together.
Add in the chicken and toss to coat, leave in the fridge overnight preferably or for at least 4 hours to marinate.
When ready soak the wooden skewers and thread the chicken onto the skewers.
Preheat the crisper tray for 3 minutes, then place the skewers onto the plate and cook on crisper setting for 8 minutes…..no need to turn.
Serve with some Peanut Dipping Sauce. (I used shop bought)

Pulled Chicken Massaman Curry

Image 2 Comments 10/12/2017 the wee caledonian cook

After visiting a Thai restaurant a few weeks ago I was inspired to try my own version, so I decided on a Thai Massaman, absolutely delicious! (if I do say so myself..lol) I just love the freshness and spice at the same time. You could of course cook this with beef also, which would be nice. I decided on chicken as I had loads in my freezer to use up. So here goes:-

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion, diced
2cm piece of ginger, peeled and minced
1 stalk of lemongrass, finely chopped
1 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons massaman paste – I use a medium heat one.
1/2 block (100g) creamed coconut or 1/2 can coconut cream
1 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Handful of peanuts
1/2 cup fresh or canned pineapple pieces (optional)

Heat up the oil in a fry pan and add the diced onions, with the ginger, lemongrass and garlic until browned and aromatic.
Add in the massaman paste and cook for about 1 minute
Put in the chicken and brown on all sides
Add in the rest of the ingredients, stock, coconut cream, sugar, soy sauce, cinnamon, and tamarind paste and mix. Gently bring to the boil and reduce to a low heat. Cover with a lid and slow cook for about 3 hours.
30 minutes before ready add in the pineapple (if using) and peanuts, stir.
If there is too much liquid just gently boil for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens or add in a tbsp of cornflour mix.
Before serving gently with 2 forks pull the chicken apart and mix through.
You can serve with rice but we went for my Chapati’s instead…..ideal for soaking up the sauce.

Braised Red Cabbage

Image Leave a comment 05/12/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I was inspired to give this a try after seeing and tasting it at a Kitchen Aid event I attended recently. Beautiful flavour, and perfect for my New Years Day steak pie. So I gave it a trial run…..delicious! I even went all out and made proper Goose fat roasties. Mmmmm.

Makes enough for 10-12 people

500g red cabbage – sliced

250g onions – chopped

250g cooking apples – peeled, cored and chopped

1/2 garlic clove

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 heaped tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

15g butter

Preheat your oven to 150 deg
Shred the cabbage then start to layer your dish, cabbage, seasoning, onions, apple, spices and sugar. Continue to layer up.
Now pour in the red wine vinegar and top with the butter.
Put a lid onto the casserole dish and cook for about 2.5 hours.

This is great as any leftovers you can pop in freezer for a later date or even use through a pie.

Harissa Chicken with Sweet pepper & Potatoes

Image Leave a comment 05/12/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I so love this little Gadget that Hotpoint have invented, this little crisper plate is used with the Combi Microwave to cook/bake food in a fraction of the time but with oven ready results. The Chicken is still succulent, vegetables cook perfectly and potatoes nice & soft without par boiling. It is great for quick meals, especially during the week when your busy with work etc.

Come in from work today hungry and couldn’t wait, so this was the outcome tonight & in just 12 minutes………….YES…..just 12 minutes!

2 Chicken Breasts – Cut into 1 inch cubes or you could do strips

2 tsps of Harissa Paste

1 onion – cut into wedges

Selection of mini sweet peppers – cut in half

4 Charlotte potatoes cut into wedges

Salt & pepper to taste

Season the chicken with salt & pepper then spoon the harissa paste into a bowl with the chicken and coat.
Lightly oil the vegetables and potatoes then season
Place everything onto the pre-heated crisper plate and cook for 12 minutes.

Hash Browns and baked eggs

Image 1 Comment 04/11/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Breakfast at the weekends are my favourite……..long lazy mornings, the smell of fresh coffee, listening to some morning relaxing music on the radio, (oh I sound old…I should say Spotify!….lol!) a good homemade filling breakfast that sets you up for the day……sound perfect? It’s even more perfect when you have a gadget that simply works everytime, and only 1 pan to ever wash up….now that sounds perfect….does it not?

I’ve made hash browns before using a fry pan on hob, but thought I’d try on my crisper plate and wow, so easy, cooked to perfection, no oil used so therefore its healthier, no turning over and non stick………I’ve said it before but I love this little plate.

Makes 2

2 Potatoes – I used Maris Pipers with skin on, all the flavour is in the skin – don’t peel

Salt & pepper

Knob of Butter

Choice of spices or herbs (I used Turmeric for this one, 2 tsp) I’ve also made it with crushed red peppers for some spice and also a little curried powder.

Wash potatoes then grate using the large holes on a grater
Preheat the crisper plate on dynamic crisp for 3 minutes, remove from oven and put knob of butter in to melt.
Sprinkle the potatoes over the plate, leaving small gaps (like a spiders web), this allows the steam to escape and the potatoes to crisp up nicely
Season with Salt & pepper & your spices or herbs
Bake on dynamic crisp setting for 6 minutes
Remove from oven and crack 2 eggs on top of potatoes, put back in and bake for 1m30sec for runny and 2m for hard egg.
When you slide it off of the plate it should all stick together like a web.
Serve….yummy…yummy!

Crispy Parmesan Potato Slices with egg

Image 2 Comments 01/11/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Having some left over potatoes, I wanted something filling for lunch so decided on these little tasty bites. Again using my crisper plate they were ready on only 12 minutes. Quick lunch. Tasty lunch. I added a couple of eggs too for protein.

300g charlotte potatoes

50g parmesan cheese – hard

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp oregano dried

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

Firstly grated the parmesan into a bowl, add in the oregano, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic powder and mix
Wash and slice the potatoes, I cut approx 1cm thick or just under. Pat dry with kitchen paper and toss in the olive oil to coat.
Put the potatoes into the parmesan mix to thoroughly coat
Preheat the crisper plate on dynamic crisp setting for 3 minutes, remove and empty the potates onto the plate
Bake on crisper setting for 12 minutes. If adding in the eggs….remove plate with 2 minutes left on clock and crack in the eggs. Cook further. If you like runner eggs, add in at 1.30 mins left.
Remove and serve…..yummy!

Italian Sausage Dinner on Crisper

Image Leave a comment 01/11/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I can’t tell you how this little crisper has changed my cooking methods and even given me quicker cooking times too. It is used in my Combination oven by Hotpoint, the microwave heats up the crisper plate and maintains the heat to cook and crisp from the bottom while the grill comes on to cook and crisp from the top……genius.

Serves 2

4 Italian Sausages (of course you can use any sausage flavour) – cut into thirds

6-8 charlotte potatoes – cut in half

1 red onion – cut into wedges

1 yellow and red pepper – sliced

1 clove garlic

Seasoning:- Pepper, Salt and rosemary

Preheat crisper plate using dynamic crisp setting for 3 minutes
Put all ingredients onto the plate and season
Cook using the metal round stand for about 10 minutes then remove, shake (ensuring sausages are getting browned all round) and put back in for another 10 minutes.
Remove and serve, if you like your sausages well cooked then put back in for another 5 minutes.
Just keep your eye on them.

Yummy quick dinner, NO pans, NO baking trays….simple cleaning up too!

Sausage, Bean & Chorizo Stew

Image 2 Comments 15/10/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I love this time of the year, autumn colours outside, crisp fresh air, long walks, cosy comfort clothes, roaring fires, candles on, a good book and a really good one pot hearty warming meal. You really can’t go wrong with this little stew, filling, warm, comforting and easy to do. Oh and one pot…..yes we do like very little washing up in our house.

Makes for 2-4 (depends on how hungry you are…lol)

6 x good quality sausages

15cm approx length chorizo – (good quality like a picante)

1 tin of 400g baked beans (branston are our fav)

1 red onion

1 red pepper

2 garlic cloves

2 tsp hot smoked paprika

2 tsp tomato paste or puree

Salt & pepper

Coriander to garnish

Heat up a little oil in a fry pan
Firstly cook the sausages until browned and cooked, remove from pan
Gently cook the garlic, slice the chorizo, pepper and onion then add to the pan and cook until the red pepper is slightly soft (about 5-10 mins)
Cut the sausages in half and add back to the pan with the baked beans, paprika and tomato paste/puree, mix and gently simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with Salt & pepper.
Garnish with coriander and serve with either some crusty bread, crispy potatoes or rice, its entirely up to you. Oh and not forgetting a wee glass of red.

One Pot Chicken & Chorizo Paella

Image 3 Comments 08/10/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I love one pot meals, easy and hardly no washing up, if your sink looks like this after making a meal, then you need this in your life.

Sometimes I just want something quick and this little Steampot that came with my Hotpoint Combi oven is great for this, you just put everything in and cook.

Serves 2

150g Long grain and wild rice (you can just use long grain)

2 Chicken Breasts – cubed

300ml Chicken Stock

2 tbsp Smoked paprika

1 tbsp dried chillies

1 tin of garden peas (drained)

1 red pepper – chopped

1 white onion – sliced

Chopped Chorizo (my favourite is Picante)

Pinch of Saffron

Coat Chicken in the paprika
Place everything into the steam pot and place lid on
Cook on the Automatic Rice Setting for 18 minutes.
Perfectly cooked paella, the rice is amazing.

One Pot Mince, Bean & Pasta

Image 2 Comments 07/10/2017 the wee caledonian cook

This is one of my go to comfort foods, its warm, tasty and filling, great for this season. Sometimes I change it about and play with the recipe but anyway I cook it, it’s delicious.

Makes for 2

400g Aberdeen Angus Scotch Mince

75g wholemeal pasta (I use spirals…but you can use any you choose)

1 red onion – finely chopped

1 tin (400g) tomatoes – use plum as there is more flavour

1 tin red kidney beans OR you can also use baked beans (drained)

1 tsp dried garlic

100ml beef stock

1 tbsp dried mixed herbs

Salt & pepper to season

Splash of tabasco sauce to taste (optional)

Fresh coriander to garnish (optional)

Grated cheese to garnish (optional)

Gently heat up 1 tbsp oil in a deep pan and fry the mince until browned, add in the garlic, salt & pepper
Add in the onion until browned
Pour in the tomatoes, beans, stock and pasta and mix thoroughly, bring to the boil
Sprinkle the mixed herbs and mix, reduce to a simmer, then cover and cook for approx 20 minutes.
Remove lid, turn up heat slightly and cook until the sauce becomes thick, about 10-15 minutes.
If you don’t have non stick pans, stir every 5 minutes or it will burn to the bottom.
Serve with a sprinkle of coriander, a dash of tabasco sauce, handful of grated cheese or simply a slice of crusty bread…..it is entirely your choice.

Oh Yummy…..yummy!

And 1 pot to wash up………my kinda cooking!

Slow Cooker Scottish Beef Brisket with Caramalised Red onions

Image Leave a comment 10/09/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I do love a good roast on a Sunday, my choice today was a good beef brisket. I haven’t tried this piece of meat before and decided to slow cook. It was so delicious.

1 x Beef Brisket – I used 1kg size

2 Red Onions – sliced into wedges

150m Beef Broth

2 tbsp Worcester sauce

1 tbsp Soy sauce

3 garlic cloves – minced

Salt & pepper to season

1 tbsp oil

Saute the red onions in a little oil on medium heat for about 20 minutes, remove from heat
Pat dry the brisket and rub salt & pepper all over
Heat a little oil in a fry pan to a high heat and sear the meat on both sides until browned.
Mix together beef broth, Worcester sauce and soy sauce.
Place the beef into a casserole dish (or slow cooker), pour the garlic and the red onions over the meat the pour the sauce mixture.
Place the casserole dish in the oven on the Slow Cooker Setting for approx 8 hrs.
Remove from oven and slice up meat or pull apart, serve with onions and sauce.

Meatball Burger

Image 3 Comments 08/09/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I am watching Jamie Olivers new 5 Ingredient Cook programme just now and every week I’m like….I really need to try that. So this week it was Meatball Burgers…just the name sounds amazing.

Its a friday night, you come home from work and want something quick, easy and filling but tasty too…..this is the go to recipe. It was so tasty and so quick and easy to cook. The sauce that you can dip your burger in just made it….yum!

Makes approx 14 meatballs

500g Aberdeen Angus Mince

Pesto with basil

1 tin Plum tomatoes

1 ball mozzarella

Rolls – make sure they are crusty, if you use soft rolls they will fall apart.

Mix the mince and 2 tbsp pesto together in a bowl and season
Preheat a fry pan with a little oil, spoon with a dessert spoon some of the mixture into your hands and mould into a ball. (best to have wet hands when doing this)
Place into fry pan and cook for about 10 mins turning to brown all over.
Empty the plum tomatoes into the pan and season with salt & pepper.
At the same time slice the mozzarella and place 1 slice over the top of each meatball, cook for about 2 minutes or until the mozzarella starts to melt.
Spread 1/2 tbsp pest onto each roll
Place about 3 meatballs onto each roll
Dish out the sauce either into a bowl on on your plate. Devour!

Slow Cook Peanut Butter Chicken

Image Leave a comment 03/09/2017 the wee caledonian cook

O.M.G……if you love peanut butter and chicken you will love this…….even more so when the chicken just tears apart after being slow cooked……..melt in your mouth heaven.

Makes 2 servings

2 chicken breasts

2 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or crunchy…your choice)

1 tsp honey

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp chilli paste

1/2 cup almond milk

1 red pepper – chopped

Salt & pepper to season

handful of coriander finely chopped for garnish

2 tbsp chopped peanuts for garnish

Add peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, garlic, chilli paste and almond milk to an ovenproof dish or slow cooker and whisk until sauce is well combined.
Place seasoned chicken breasts and peppers into dish and cover with the sauce. Cook on Slow Cooker setting for about 7.5 hours.
Remove from oven and shred chicken with 2 forks, then return to the oven for a further 1/2 hour.
Serve with your favourite rice and garnish with coriander and peanuts. YUMMY!

Vegetable Quiche

Image Leave a comment 03/09/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I love quiche and with this little magic crisper plate of mine I just had to give it a try. Amazing results in just 16 minutes with a lovely crusty bottom. I also got my creativity on and designed little patterns with the vegetables…….I just love playing around with food…lol!

1 x roll of puff pastry (shop bought)

2 eggs

2 large spoonfuls of ricotta cheese

1 large spoonful of parmesan cheese

1 tsp nutmeg

pinch salt

handful of grated Mozzarella cheese

1 tsp oregano

1 courgette

1 red pepper, green pepper

1 carrot

1 red onion

tsp olive oil

Roll out pastry and place onto preheated crisper plate. (or tart tin)
Mix together, eggs, all cheeses, nutmeg, salt, oregano in a bowl
Slice courgette and carrot lengthways and wide, slice onion finely and peppers into circle shapes.
Spoon cheese mixture into the pastry tin or plate evenly
Sprinkle the red onion evenly over, place the pepper circles into mix.
Roll up your courgettes and carrots and place into the cheese mix to decorate evenly.
Glaze with olive oil on top of vegetables
Cook on Dynamic Crisp setting for 16 minutes or in an oven at 190 deg for 45 minutes
Serve…..yummy!

Crunchy Peanut Butter Chicken

Image 2 Comments 21/07/2017 the wee caledonian cook

If your anything like me……I Love peanut butter, so when I saw this recipe being executed on TV I just had to try it. I have adjusted the ingredients slightly to suit our tastes and I have to admit it’s bloody lovely! This will soon be a staple recipe in my household I think.

You can serve it with some rice for a dinner, or even just on a toasted open baguette (which we done) or even as a filling in a wrap for lunch, its very versatile.

Makes enough for 4 people

For the Chicken Thighs and marinade:-

500g chicken thighs cut into strips

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp cornflour

1 tbsp peanut oil

For the Sauce:-

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (good quality one)

80g peanut butter – crunchy

1 tsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp sichuan peppercorns – toasted and ground (you can use rainbow peppercorns too)

2 tbsp peanut oil

2 red chillies – chopped finely or 2 tsp dried chillies

4 spring onions – finely chopped

2 garlic cloves – crushed

1 inch root ginger, finely chopped

For the marinade for chicken thighs – Mix the soy sauce, peanut oil and cornflour in a bowl, add the chicken and ensure coated evenly, allow to stand at room temperature for at least 1/2 hour.
Meanwhile for the sauce, combine together balsamic vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil and peppercorns until smooth.
Heat a wok or large fry pan over a medium to high heat, add the peanut oil to heat through until pan is coated, then add in the chillies, ginger and garlic cook for about 1 minute.
Add in the marinated chicken and cook until chicken is browned all over. Add in the spring onions and the sauce mixture coating all the chicken pieces, cook for a further 2 minutes.
Serve with your choice of accompaniment.

French Toast Parcels

Image Leave a comment 18/07/2017 the wee caledonian cook

OMG! These were absolutely amazing! I love sweet and savoury, I know its not for all but I loved this little creation.

4 slices of wholemeal bread (you can of course use white)

2 tbsps extra light philly (cream cheese)

1 egg beaten

salt & pepper

splash milk

1 tsp honey

2 tsp cinnamon

Mix cream cheese, honey and 1 tsp cinnamon together
Take a rolling pin over the bread slices to flatten
Spoon the cream cheese filling into centre of 2 slices of bread
Place the other slices over top to make a parcel
Using a circular pastry cutter, cut out a circle on the bread, remove the crusts
Whisk the egg, milk, 1tsp cinnamon, salt & pepper together and pout into a bowl
Using a fork press down the outer edges of the 2 parcels to seal the bread together
Dip the parcels into the egg mixture coating thoroughly
Preheat oven to 180 deg and bake the parcels for about 15-20 mins.
I sprinkles some icing sugar over top and some Maple Syrup for extra taste, this is optional.

So Yummy and delicious!

Omelette in minutes on Crisperplate

Image Leave a comment 18/07/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yes……my magic little crisper plate performs again with excellent results.

Thought I would try an omelette this time as it is a 50/50 chance I get the flip right in a pan……lol!

This crisper plate cooks right through without flipping in just 2 minutes…..oh yes just 2 minutes!

Makes 1 large omelette – 2 people or 1 if your hungry…lol!

5 eggs

Cooked smoked ham pieces

Grated cheese

Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat crisper plate on crisp setting for 3 minutes
Whisk together eggs and seasoning, pour onto crisper plate
Add on your fillings, for me this time it was ham and cheese. (spinach is another fav of mine)
Cook on dynamic crisp setting for 2 minutes. Yummy! NO FLIPPING! Perfect omelette.
Serve.

One pan dinner in 12 minutes using Crisperplate

Image Leave a comment 18/07/2017 the wee caledonian cook

When I got my new Hotpoint Combi Oven with this Crisper Plate, I didn’t realise just how much I would use it, I call it my magic plate as it cooks everything in a fraction of the time with tasty results.

We all want healthy meals in minutes these days and this little plate does it all. This was one of the first recipes I had seen and used, so tasty and in 12 minutes.

Serves 2 people.

1 large chicken breast – cut into large chunks

6 Salad potatoes of your choice – sliced in half

1 red & green pepper – sliced

1 red onion – wedges

1 garlic clove – sliced

Tomatoes on the vine – I used Piccolo (my fav)

1 tsp olive oil

Salt & pepper

I sprinkled my chicken pieces with some smoked paprika for extra flavour – you can of course use anything. I’ve also used rosemary.
Preheat the crisper plate on the crisper setting for 3 minutes
Place the potatoes, onion, garlic and peppers in a food bag and drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil in with salt & pepper and shake to coat.
Place all ingredients onto the crisper plate and cook for 12 mins on the crisper setting.
Its as easy as that………healthy quick meal in minutes.
The tomatoes turn very juicy while cooking for that length of time which gives you your juice for the meal, if you don’t like it too juicy, add the tomatoes after 6 minutes.

French Toast Baked Casserole

Image Leave a comment 25/06/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I had seen loads of recipes for this and keen to try it, so today was that day. It turned out really well and so delicious. I am a fan of Maple Syrup so anything with this ingredient I know I’m going to enjoy.

Makes about 4 portions

4 Slices of bread (you can use anything you like) – I used wholemeal.

4 eggs – beaten

150ml milk

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla essence

For the topping:-

1 tbsp cinnamon

3 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp nutmeg

pinch salt

3 tbsp Maple Syrup

1 tbsp butter

First oil a casserole dish.
Lay bread in casserole dish, layering up. I broke my bread into chunks.
Mix together egg, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt and pour over bread in dish
Leave overnight in fridge to soak or for at least 3 hours.
Next morning………..preheat oven to 180 deg.
To make the topping mix together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and 1 tbsp butter in a pan until melted together then pour over bread mixture.
Bake in oven for 40 minutes. It will rise slightly.
Serve with loads of Maple Syrup….Yummy!

Spanish Omelette

Image 2 Comments 25/06/2017 the wee caledonian cook

We decided to have a spanish afternoon and I was dying to try something different in my new Crisper Plate. Absolutely loved this recipe, healthy, tasty and only 12 minutes in my new crisper plate.

Perfectly served with some San Miguel…….we just needed the sunshine…lol!

Makes a 12 inch size – 4 portions

250g potatoes – sliced (I left skin on but it’s up to you)

4 eggs

1 tbsp butter or oil

Sliced onion (I used shallots – better flavour)

30ml milk

Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat crisp plate for 3 mins. Place butter on a allow to melt
Place potatoes onto plate.
Cook on Dynamic Crisp for 5 minutes.
Place the onion on top of potatoes and cook further for 3 minutes.
Meanwhile beat the eggs, milk and salt & pepper together then pour over potatoes.
Cook further for 3 minutes
Turn on grill and brown for about 2 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve. Yummy!

Peanut Butter Hummus

Image 4 Comments 11/06/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yummy…yummy…yummy! In a bid to try and eat a bit healthier, I decided to make some peanut butter hummus for my saturday night munchies, I got the original recipe from Nigella but tweeked it slightly.

Makes enough for a medium tub – about 400g

1 can chick peas drained

1 clove garlic – peeled

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp peanut butter

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp sea salt flakes

1 tsp ground cumin

3 tbsp greek yoghurt

1 tsp smoked paprika to serve

Place everything (except paprika) into a food processor and blitz until smooth. If its too thick still add more yoghurt.
Sprinkle paprika before serving. Tuck in with some fresh carrots or some healthy crackers.

Beetroot Hummus

Image 2 Comments 30/05/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Having some leftover beetroot and chickpeas in cupboard, it was an easy choice tonight to whip up a wee healthy snack after my gym session.

Makes a good size container – about 12 servings (depending on your serving size of course)

4 fresh beetroot – cooked and chopped

1 can 400g chickpeas – drained

2 tbsp tahini

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves – finely chopped

1 freshly squeezed lemon juice

pinch salt

2 tsp cumin

Put everything into a food processor and whip together until blended well.

Serve with some lovely crispbreads, crackers, carrot, celery the list goes on what this goes with.

Crisperplate Cheese & Bacon Quiche

Image Leave a comment 29/05/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I’m just loving my new oven from Hotpoint, it comes with a crisper plate which you preheat then cook directly on, great for crisping up food but also great for those crispy bottoms…..which means….no soggy bottoms!! lol!

I decided to try a quiche, normally you have to preheat your oven then blind bake your pastry, this little crisper plate eliminated all of that……..and in just 14 mins my quiche was baked to perfection with a crispy bottom. The plate is 12.5″ in diameter, so perfect family size too.

Makes 8 slices.

1 roll approx 250 g puff pastry

2-3 leeks – finely sliced

300 ml double cream

4 eggs

300 g grated Gouda cheese

8 slices of smoked bacon – chopped

Salt & pepper

1. Preheat your crisper plate (2mins) or your oven to 180 deg.

2. Fry the bacon on crisper plate for 3 mins (no oil required) OR in a fry pan with a little oil until browned.

3. Remove then lightly fry the leeks on the crisper plate with a knob of butter for 4 mins OR in a fry pan until browned slightly. Remove and put to side with bacon.

4. Beat together the cream and eggs then add in the cheese and mix

5. Lay the pastry over the crisper tray or basking dish if using the oven. (Blind bake pastry for about 10mins if using the oven)

6. Lay in the bacon and leeks evenly then pour in the cheese mixture evenly. Season with salt & pepper.

7. Trim off any ends for an even finish.

8. Cook on Dynamic Crisp setting for 14 mins. OR bake in oven for about 25-30 mins.

9. Serve….Yummy!

Split pea & Pearl Barley Curry

Image 2 Comments 12/05/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Oh……I do love a good curry on a Friday! Years ago it was always a takeaway or always had to have meat in it, not anymore. This little curry is a taste sensation, full of flavour and full of vitamins, more importantly nice n healthy too.

I served with my homemade Chapati’s too…..who says a curry can’t be healthy?

Serves 2

80g Green Split peas (if you soak overnight they will cook quicker)

80g Pearl Barley

100 g spinach – fresh

200g chopped tomatoes

1 red onion – finely chopped

1 clove garlic – finely chopped

1 tbsp Masala Paste

150ml veg stock

tbsp oil/spray oil

Method

Heat oil in a wok and add in onions and garlic, cook for about 1 – 2 mins until onions are soft.
Stir in masala paste and cook for further 1 min.
Stir in tomatoes, stock, split peas and barley, mix through and bring to boil then simmer for about 30 mins.
Stir in spinach and simmer for further 1 min
Serve with some chapati or which ever you like. Yum!

Love of omelettes

Image Leave a comment 08/04/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I just love omelettes, one of my favourite quick and healthy meals, breakfast, lunch or dinner its one of those versatile foods and always staple ingredients in your cupboard. You can pretty much put anything in an omelette and it’ll taste great.

This is one of my favourites:-

3 eggs

6 cherry tomatoes – halved

handful of spinach

1 mushroom sliced

Salt & pepper to taste

Lightly oil frying pan
Add in tomatoes, mushroom and spinach, cook for a minute
Whisk up eggs with seasoning and pour over, cook on medium heat for about 4-5 mins or until bubbling, turn and cook for 1 min more.
Serve. Yummy!

Here are my other favourites:-

Tomato and avocado

Ham & mushroom

Cheese & Ham

Spinach and bacon

Haggis and tomato

Spring onion & Feta cheese

Avocado and mushroom

Sundried tomato and Chorizo

Spinach Pesto

Image Leave a comment 18/03/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I had some Garlic Bread left over from dinner last night, so I wanted to try something different with it rather than just heating it up. I just love spinach, so why not? It turned out absolutely delicious….if I do say so myself. lol!

Makes 1 small pot – about 1 cup

2 cups of fresh spinach leaves or 6 rounds of frozen spinach

1/2 cup of fresh flat leaf parsley. (you could use basil also)

1/4 cup of walnuts or pine nuts

1/4 cup of parmesan cheese – freshly grated

2 garlic cloves

juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

Put everything into a food processor and blitz until blended together.

Serve up. I had mine on bread but you could use this as a base for pizza, in salads, so much more. Will keep in fridge covered for up to 3 days.

Satay Stir Fry Sauce

Image Leave a comment 13/02/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Another one of my must makes this year is Satay Sauce, and yay…I’ve done it! So simple and healthier than shop bought versions. I went for a mild version tonight, but I also think that adding a little chilli or tobasco could work just as good if you wanted a little kick to it.

Makes enough for 2 portions of stir fry.

3 tbsp Peanut butter – I used Whole Earth Crunchy as I like the bit of crunch, but you can use smooth and any brand you wish.

2 tbsp Soy sauce

1 tbsp Light Brown sugar

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp peanut oil

2 tbsp lime juice

Put everything in a microwave jug with 2 tbsp water and microwave for 1 minute. Stir and add to your stir fry.

As easy as that! Yummy!

Broccoli and Cheese Croquettes

Image Leave a comment 12/02/2017 the wee caledonian cook

One of my favourite meals is my waffle crusted chicken and Maple sauce, I thought I would try a more healthier accompaniment tonight.

I had some Broccoli to use up and decided on some little courgettes. These were really tasty and also low in fat.

Makes about 10 croquettes

1 large broccoli (about 3 cup fulls of florets)

2 eggs beaten

salt & pepper

1 small onion – finely chopped

1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs

1 cup of reduced fat cheddar cheese – grated

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 210 deg.
Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1 min, then transfer to cold water to stop cooking. Dry off excess water and chop broccoli finely.
Put eggs, cheese, onion, garlic, sat & pepper into a large mixing bowl then tip in the broccoli and mix through. Add in the panko breadcrumbs and mix again. Place in the fridge for about 1/2 hour to chill, this will help when making croquettes.
Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Take a small amount into the cup of your hands and shape into a croquette. Place on baking tray and spray with oil. Sprinkle a little paprika on each one and bake for 10 mins.
Turn over, spray with oil and bake for a further 10 mins or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve.

Yummy with my waffle chicken, you can find recipe here waffle chicken

Lentil and Spinach Masala

Image Leave a comment 12/01/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Having some left over Masala Paste from the other nights curry, I wanted to try something different and a bit more healthier but filling, which means only 1 thing to me Lentils!

Lentils are so healthy and include all these beneficial nutrients like fibre, protein, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain virtually no fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full and satisfied.

Makes for 2 large portions or 4 smaller portions if having with an accompaniment.

3 tbsp Masala Paste

1 tbsp olive oil

1 red onion – finely chopped

1 garlic glove – chopped

400g tin of chopped tomatoes

1 tin of coconut milk – I use the lighter option to make it healthier

160g Red lentils, in my house it has to be Great Scot!

1 bag of fresh spinach (about 300g)

100ml vegetable stock

Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion for a few minutes.
Add in the masala paste and cook for another minute
Add in the tomatoes and coconut milk then bring to the boil
Pour in the lentils and reduce heat to a simmer, cook for about 25 mins until lentils are soft.
Add in the stock, mix through then add in the spinach and allow to wilt for a minute.
Remove and Serve…Yum!

Breakfast Smoothie Bowls

Image Leave a comment 10/01/2017 the wee caledonian cook

Oh…. I do love breakfast time! New Year, new ideas, new breakfasts. Having some yoghurt left over I decided to try out some healthy smoothie bowls for my breakfast this week, and they we sooooooo delicious! A lovely smooth thick texture and full of healthy vitamins, whats not to like?

Here are 2 combinations that I tried and succeeded with.

1 x Avocado, 1 x Banana, 5 x Walnuts, 1 tsp vanilla, 4 tbsp natural yoghurt (low fat), 50ml milk, Mix everything in a blender or use a hand blender then top with 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tsp cinnamon to garnish
1 x Avocado, 1 x Banana, 6 Strawberries, 5 walnuts, 4 tbsp natural yoghurt (low fat), 50ml milk, Mix everything in a blender then top with 1 tbsp chia seeds and 2 strawberries to garnish.

I now have the urge to try more combinations, keep you posted!

Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower and Rice Soup

Image Leave a comment 10/01/2017 the wee caledonian cook

After coming down with the cold over the holidays, I was on a mission not only to eat healthier but to use food as a natural healer, so that means more antioxidants and vegetables. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

Serves 2

1 Cauliflower

2 garlic cloves

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp crushed red pepper

1 onion – chopped

salt & pepper to season

1 pint of vegetable broth

1/2 can of coconut milk

2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander

Pre-heat you oven to 230 deg C.
Chop up the cauliflower into small florets/cubes, add in the chopped garlic and oil into a bowl and mix through until all combined.
Place the cauliflower onto a baking tray and bake for about 25 mins.
Heat a tbsp oil in a pan and gently fry the onion, add the veg stock and bring to the boil, add in the cauliflower then cover and simmer for about 15 mins.
Add in the coconut milk and stir through, using a hand blender, blend until smooth.
Cook your rice separately then once ready add to the soup and mix through.
Serve in a bowl and garnish with coriander.

This was really tasty and so healthy and filling.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Image Leave a comment 10/01/2017 the wee caledonian cook

One of my favourites from my Chicken Cookbook.

Serves 4

4 Chicken Breasts – chopped into 2-3cm cubes

2 garlic cloves – roughly chopped

2.5cm ginger – chopped

400g can tin tomatoes

4 tbsp natural yoghurt

1 onion – finely chopped

2 tbsp veg oil

2 tbsp masala curry paste

salt & pepper to season

1 tbsp plain flour to thicken sauce

coriander chopped to garnish

Heat oil in a pan and fry onions until browned, then add in the masala paste and heat through for a minute.
Add in the chicken and brown, season with salt & pepper
Add in the garlic, ginger, yoghurt and tomatoes, stir and bring to the boil.
Mix the flour with a little water and add to the mixture to help thicken sauce.
Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, uncover and cook for a further 5-10 mins to thicken sauce.
Sprinkle over coriander leaves and serve immediately. So Yummy!

Potato, Cheese & Ham Souffle

Image Leave a comment 27/12/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Hope everyone had a Good Christmas!

With left over Ham I decided to make some potato Souffles with it and they turned out a nice wee delicious lunch treat.

Makes 2

2 medium size potatoes – boiled and mashed

4 Spring onions – chopped finely

Grated Cheddar Cheese – depends on your taste (I used a good handful)

Leftover Cooked Ham

2 eggs

1 Tbsp Flour to bind

butter to coat ramekins

Salt & Pepper

1 tsp Paprika

Add mashed potatoes, spring onions, ham and cheese to a mixing bowl and mix together.
Separate eggs yolks from whites and add yolks to mixing bowl and mix together with some seasoning. If mixture is too wet add a little flour to help combine.
Whisk up egg Whites until stiff peaks form.
Fold the egg whites into the mixture then pour into some buttered ramekins. Sprinkle some paprika on top.
Cook in a preheated oven at 220 deg for about 15-20 mins or until golden brown on top.

And serve….yummy!

Chicken and Lentil Curry

Image Leave a comment 20/11/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Yet again I amaze myself with an absolutely delicious curry, another one for my favourites list. So healthy too and filling.

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts

1 tsp curry powder

1 tsp gram masala

1 tsp Cumin

1/2 tsp turmeric

2 cloves

1 tsp salt

1 chopped onion

1 chopped chilli

2 tsp ginger

1 yellow and 1 red pepper – diced

1 tsp garlic powder or 1 fresh clove

250ml beef stock

1 cup lentils

200ml coconut milk

parlsey

salt & pepper

Put spices into a tub, turmeric, gram masala, cumin, salt, pepper, cloves and garlic. Dice the chicken and rub in the spice mix to coat.
Heat a tbsp of oil in a pan and add the chicken to brown.
Add in the chilli, onion and peppers and cook for a few minutes.
Pour in the beef stock and lentils bring to boil then simmer and cook for about 1.5 hrs.
Pour in the coconut milk and simmer further for another 1.5 hrs. If too watery, remove lid and simmer uncovered until sauce has thickened (about 15 mins).
Serve and top with some fresh parsley. Yum!

Smokey Tomato Salsa

Image 1 Comment 15/10/2016 the wee caledonian cook

This is so yummy and goes with just about anything I think.

Makes 4 servings

Chopped pancetta

Handful of cherry tomatoes – halved

1 onion – chopped finely

1 clove Garlic

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp tomato paste

Salt & pepper

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan – high heat, add the onion and the pancetta, cook until onion is softened down
Add in the cherry tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste, salt & pepper and sugar, mix through, cook for about 5-7 mins. Any liquid should thicken.

Cheesy Potato Pancakes

Image Leave a comment 15/10/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Another quick and easy recipe that always tastes great! I was having a lazy afternoon today as it was wet n cold outside, so this was a fab warm comfort lunch that just satisfied my craving for something warm and comforting. I made some of my homemade salsa which went perfectly with it.

Makes 4

2 medium potatoes – peeled and grated

3 spring onions – chopped finely

2 handfuls of cheddar cheese – grated

small handful of parmesan cheese – grated

1 egg

1/4 cup of flour

1 tsp chilli flakes

Salt & Pepper

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan
Peel and grate potatoes. Using some kitchen towel squeeze any excess water from potatoes.
Put potato, cheeses, onions, chilli, egg, salt & pepper and flour into a large bowl and mix through until combined.
Using an ice cream scoop, scoop mixture into the pan and flattened with back of spoon to make pancake like shapes.
Cook for approx 4-5 mins each side.

Serve with some of my lovely salsa. Recipe here:- https://cookingwithluce.wordpress.com/2016/10/15/smokey-tomato-salsa/

Pesto Chicken Spaghetti

Image Leave a comment 08/10/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Always wanted to make my own pesto sauce, so today was that day! Decided to pair with some chicken and pasta for dinner, very tasty if I do say so myself! lol!

Makes for 2

For the chicken pan:-

1 1/2 large chicken breast – cut into small chunks

80g Spinach spaghetti pasta

Handful pancetta

10 cherry tomatoes

1 red & 1 yellow pepper – sliced finely

1 onion – chopped finely

Salt & pepper

Italian seasoning

1 tsp chilli flakes

For the pest sauce:-

Large handfuls of basil

80-100g toasted pine nuts

1 garlic clove

Salt & pepper

Lemon Juice (1 lemon)

50g Parmesean cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano)

Olive oil (very important to use a very good quality oil)

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add the chicken, season with salt & pepper & Italian seasoning, brown all over.
Meanwhile bring a large pan of salted water to boil for your pasta, add pasta and reduce to simmer for 10 mins.
Add onion, pancetta and peppers to pan with chicken and cook until soft and slightly browned.
Add cherry tomatoes and chilli flakes cook for a few mins, stir through
To make the sauce, put everything into a food processor and blend until smooth, gently add the oil a little at a time until desired smoothness.
Drain pasta and add to the chicken pan, mixing through with the other ingredients. Tip in the sauce, mix and heat through for about 1 min.

Serve – Yummy!

Creamed Corn Pancakes with Salsa

Image 2 Comments 08/10/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I believe Creamed corn pancakes originally came from Australia, a popular brunch food on the menu, however, I think they call them fritters! I decided to give them a go, the weather is getting colder and I crave warmer filling food, so this is ideal either as a breakfast, brunch or lunch.

This recipe made 6 large pancakes:-

For the pancakes:-

100g flour

1 tsp baking powder

100ml full fat milk (or you could use buttermilk)

1 egg

1 can creamed corn

1 handful of fresh sweetcorn

handful of parsley

Salt & pepper

Whisk together milk, egg, creamed corn, sweetcorn, salt & pepper
Mix flour and baking powder together and add to the above mixture, throw in the parsley stirring through
Heat a large pan with 1 tbsp oil and then spoon into pan making a pancake shape (I love this bit, you always know when it’s homemade when it’s a weird shape and 2 are never the same….lol!)
Cook through for about 5-7 mins each side or until browned and cooked through (medium heat)

Meanwhile for the Salsa:-

Chopped pancetta

Handful of cherry tomatoes – halved

1 onion – chopped finely

1 clove Garlic

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp tomato paste

Salt & pepper

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan – high heat, add the onion and the pancetta, cook until onion is softened down
Add in the cherry tomatoes, garlic, salt & pepper and sugar, mix through, cook for about 5-7 mins. Any liquid should thicken.

I served mine with some mashed avocado also. Yummy!

Curried Pulled Chicken Bagels

Image Leave a comment 12/09/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Another one of my quick put together meals tonight, still had some chicken leftover and bagels from weekend so decided to give the pulled chicken idea a go. This was really tasty also low in fat and calories as I used the skinny bagels at 120 calories. A real Asian infused Spice dish with the fresh coriander makes a perfect Monday night dish!

Serves 2 or makes 4 bagels.

2 small chicken breasts (I cut into thick strips so that it would cook quicker)

2 tbsp of extra light philadelphia (spread for bagels)

1 Beef tomato – chopped into small chunks

1 onion – chopped into small chunks

1 red pepper – chopped into small chunks

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp Cumin powder

1 tsp Turmeric

1 tsp Gram Masala

1 tsp chilli flakes

Salt & pepper to taste

100g Creme Fraiche

300ml Vegetable stock

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp caster sugar

1 tbsp chopped coriander

Firstly heat the olive oil in a shallow pan.
Add in the chopped onion, red pepper, garlic and ginger cook on medium heat until onion and peppers are softened.
Now add in the tomato puree, cumin, gram masala, turmeric, cinnamon, chilli, sugar and mix through for a few minutes.
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock, bring to the boil then reduce to a low simmer.
Place the chicken into the sauce, cover the pan with a lid and simmer for approx 1 hour.
Remove the lid, mix in the Creme Fraiche and gently with 2 forks pull the chicken apart. Turn up the heat to medium and continue to cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens up.
Spread the bagels with the philly cheese and top with the pulled chicken mix……..so yummy!

Kedgeree

Image Leave a comment 20/08/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Always seen this but never tried it, really don;t know why as I love every ingredient that’s involved. This recipe was inspired by J.O., after watching him on TV I decided to give it a go and I have to say it was absolutely delicious. It is normally classed as a breakfast item however we decided to have it for dinner, yummy and so tasty and filling.

Makes enough for 2

2 x Smoked Haddock pieces

2 x eggs

2 x Bay Leaves

2 tsp mustard seeds

2 tsp turmeric

Thumb size ginger – chop small pieces or 1 tsp powdered ginger

1 Red Chilli – chopped

4 Spring onions – chopped

Handful coriander – chopped

150ml natural yoghurt

1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

1 packet of pre cooked wholemeal rice (used this for quickness)

Handful of peas

1 lemon

Bring large pan of water to boil, place smoked haddock, eggs and bay leaves and simmer for 10 mins.
Heat up a large fry pan to medium heat and add in mustard seeds, turmeric, ginger, chilli, spring onions, coriander and cook for few mins.
Add the precooked rice to fry pan, then add in the peas, squeeze lemon juice in and stir to mix through. Cook for 5 mins.
Remove fish and eggs from pan, remove egg shells and flake fish on a chopping board, the fish should easily come away.
Mix the yoghurt and sweet chilli in a small bowl and put to side.
Put the fish into the fry pan and mix through.
Serve kedgeree onto plates and slice egg in half and place onto of rice to serve. Serve with the yoghurt mix to the side as an option. Yummy!

Chocolate, Banana & Peanut Butter Shake

Image Leave a comment 11/08/2016 the wee caledonian cook

This is so moreish and so healthy, you can have as your morning shake, lunch shake, snack shake, pre or post workout shake…….oh yes this is good anytime of the day….so yummy! At only 200 calories its even better!

Makes 2 shakes

2 bananas – preferably frozen

4 tbsp of peanut butter – chunky

2 tbsp cocoa powder

250ml water

pinch sea salt

Simply put everything into a blender and wiz up until smooth. Divide into glasses.

Cauliflower Rice with Tuna, Tomato and Sweetcorn.

Image Leave a comment 02/08/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Always wondered what the cauliflower rice would be like and as I’m trying to eat healthier, I said why not give it a go. I have to say it is quite bland on its own, so I jazzed it up a bit.

Makes 2 servings

1 packet of Cauliflower Rice

1/2 tin of tomatoes

1 tin of tuna in spring water (or any you like)

1/2 cup of sweetcorn

1 tbsp soya sauce

1 tsp turmeric powder (classed as a superfood)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chilli powder

chopped parsley to serve

Heat some spray oil in a large wok. Add in the cauli rice then flavour with the turmeric, cumin, chilli and soya sauce, stir to combine.
Then add in the tuna, sweetcorn and tin tomatoes, stir to combine through and gently heat for about 4 mins.
Serve with some fresh parsley. Yummy! and Healthy!

Spiced Braised Red Cabbage

Image Leave a comment 02/08/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Having some Red Cabbage left over, I decided to try my hand at a spiced red cabbage as I’m having red meat tomorrow and think this will be the perfect side dish.

Makes a full 400g jar

1/2 large Red Cabbage – very finely sliced

1 bramley apple – very finely sliced

1 garlic glove – sliced finely

3 tbsp brown sugar

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

For the spice bag:-

5 cardamon pods

1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp cinnamon)

1 star anise (or you could use chinese 5 spice)

1 muslin bag (I didn’t have this, so I used a tea bag!)

First of all preheat your oven to 130 deg.
Place all the spice ingredients into the muslin and gather to tie together and make a bag. If you don’t have this you can use a Tea Bag, I emptied the tea out carefully by cutting the top off the T Bag, added in all the spices and tied with some thread. If using the T Bag you will need to cut up cinnamon stick or use powder.
Place the spice bag in a casserole dish. Then layer the cabbage, garlic, apple and brown sugar.
Then pour in the red wine vinegar. Place lid on dish and put in oven and cook for 3 hours.
You might need to stir half way through.
Once finish, remove and serve. Or let cool and place in fridge for next day or later.

Spiced Butter Chicken Curry

Image 5 Comments 03/07/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Amazing Curry! Inspired by Donal Skehan, but a healthier version. This was absolutely delicious, so fragrant and spicy. Yum!

Serves 2

2 x chicken breasts – cut into chunks

50g butter, melted

1 tbsp olive oil

For the marinade:-

150ml semi-skimmed milk (or yoghurt)

1 thumb size piece of ginger – grated

3 garlic cloves – grated

1 tbsp gram masala

1 tsp cumin

2 tsp coriander

For the sauce:-

50g butter

1 onion – chopped finely

4 cardamom pods

3 garlic cloves – finely chopped

1 thumb size ginger – grated

1 green chilli – finely chopped

1 tbsp gram masala

1 tsp cumin

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tbsp smoked chilli powder

4 tbsp tomato puree

100ml Chicken Stock & remaining milk mixture from marinade. (if you used yoghurt, use 200ml chicken stock)

Sea salt & pepper to taste

Rice of your choice and Naan bread to serve

Place all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and add chicken, cover and marinade in a fridge for approx 2 hours or overnight.
Heat a large pan over a high heat and cook chicken until browned, baste with melted butter while cooking chicken. Remove and set aside.
For the sauce add the butter, once melted add in the onions and cardamom pods, cook until onions are browned and softened. Then add in the garlic, ginger and chilli, cook for further 2 mins.
Stir in the gram masala, cumin, coriander, chilli powder and tomato puree.
Lower the heat and gradually add in the stock and milk marinade mixture. Add in the chicken and season with salt & pepper. Cook at a simmer level for approx 20 mins or until sauce has thickened.
Serve over a bed of rice and some naan bread.

Strawberry, Banana Yoghurt Delight with little surprises.

Image Leave a comment 10/06/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum! Looking for something fresh and different for breakfast, I came up with this little Parfait, that was absolutely delicious! Once you take a spoonful you taste the strawberry yoghurt then you get the hit of the chocolate mint with the crunch of the oats, coconut and pistachio’s…….oh yummy!

Makes 1

4 tbsp Strawberry Yoghurt

4 tbsp Vanilla Yoghurt

4 Strawberries – sliced

1 small banana – sliced

2 tbsp toasted oats

2 tbsp toasted coconut

3 Chocolate mint leaves – chopped

1 tbsp of pistachio’s chopped

Place 2 tbsp of strawberry yoghurt in a glass, then top with 2 tbsp of vanilla yoghurt.
Place a layer of strawberries and bananas on top and sprinkle 1 tbsp oats and coconut on.
Sprinkle on the chocolate mint leaves
Then do above over again for a second layer.
Top with any remaining banana or strawberries and pistachio’s and serve! YUMMY!

Boil in the Bag Omelette!

Image 3 Comments 22/05/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Well…I have to say when I read about this I was a bit uncertain, but as per usual my curiosity got the better of me…….well what can I say…..it just went and worked didn’t it! A perfect folded omelette! Here goes:-

Makes 1

2 small to medium Eggs (if using large you may need to increase cooking time.)

1 Ziplock Bag – good one (cheap one might leak)

1 chopped mushroom

1 sliced small tomato

Handful of grated cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste

Spray oil

Spray inside the bag with oil to prevent from sticking.
Crack the eggs in….no need to whisk up.
Add in your ingredients…..of course you can add anything you like, I made it simple yet tasty.
Gently rub with your hands to coat all round and break the yolks. Remove any air from the bag gently and seal.
Bring a large pan of water to the boil and place bag in and boil rapidly for 8 minutes. Then reduce to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
Gently remove and open bag, roll onto a plate and serve…….oh WOW!

Mutton Spied Curry

Image 1 Comment 22/05/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I have to say this is the first time I’ve tried Mutton, I picked it up at the Glasgow Food Assembly from Harris Meat Farm, https://harrisfarmmeats.scot/ , https://thefoodassembly.com/en/assemblies/7907 , went with a spiced Indian flavour and some yellow lentils and oh my……absolutely loved it, rich, spicy, fragrant and so delicate, I slow cooked the meat and it just flaked on my plate…..absolute taste sensation!

Serves 2

500g Diced Mutton

1 onion – chopped

50g Yellow Split peas

350ml water

1 tsp Turmeric

1 tbsp Oil

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp garlic

1 Green Chilli – finely chopped

1 can chopped tomatoes 400g

1 tsp Red Chilli Powder

1 tsp Coriander

1 tsp Gram Masala

1 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Curry Powder

Handful of Kalette Leaves or Spinach

Firstly you want to marinade the mutton for around 1 hour, so in a bowl add 1/2 tsp Turmeric, 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder, 1/2 tsp Coriander, 1 tsp Gram Masala, 1 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp Curry Powder, add the mutton and rub through.
Meanwhile, Bring the 250ml water to the boil and add 1/2 tsp Turmeric then add in the yellow split peas, boil for about 10 mins then simmer for a further 15 mins or until the water is all soaked up. Spoon out onto a side plate for now.
In the same pan heat through the oil, gently fry the garlic, ginger, onion and green chillies for a few mins until onion has cooked through (slighty brown).
Then add in the mutton to the pan and brown all over.
Empty in the Tin Tomatoes, about 100ml water, put the yellow peas back into pan and sprinkle 1/2 tsp coriander in, bring to the boil, reduce to a very slow simmer and slow cook on hob covered for about 2.5hrs or until meat is tender.
A couple of minutes before serving, steam some Kalette leaves or Spinach and serve. Yummy!

I found that a Tempranillo based wine went really well, due to it’s Spicy, Herbal and Cherry flavour combinations. This however is up to your individual taste palates.

Avocado Ranch Dressing

Image 1 Comment 21/05/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I came across this recipe from fellow blogger http://thehomemakerslife.com/ , I loved the sound of it and simply had to try, and I’m glad I did, lively dressing for any salad, very tasty.

Makes enough for about 4 servings

1 medium-sized ripe avocado
1/2 lime
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1/2 clove of garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp ranch dressing
1 tsp fresh chives
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp almond milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Put everything into a food processor and blitz together until a smooth like consistency.
Serve over any salad of your choice. Yummy!

Tuna & Bean Salad with Lemon Balm.

Image Leave a comment 26/04/2016 the wee caledonian cook

This Monday I went to my local Food Assembly to pick up all of my lovely fresh meat, vegetables and eggs, I decided to try some of the Lemon Balm from Rhone Cottage, https://www.facebook.com/Rhone-Cottage-1532484203665299/ . Looking at what I could use it with I decided a lovely healthy tuna bean salad and the lemon balm leaves just added that lovely flavour of lemon, it was very fragrant and gave that extra zing.

Serves 2 Approx 350 calories per serving.

1 tin tuna

1 tin of black eyed beans

1/2 red onion – chopped finely

3 spring onions – chopped

1 yellow pepper – sliced and diced

Handful of fresh sweetcorn

Handful of fresh garden peas

1 tbsp red chilli pepper flakes (optional)

1 tbsp Olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp mayonnaise

small handful of lemon balm – chopped finely

Heat through the black eyed beans, approx 4-5 mins on medium heat, remove and allow to cool.
Meanwhile, mix everything else in a large mixing bowl making sure everything is coated.
Add the black eyed beans, mix through and then serve with a sprinkle of the lemon balm on top. Yummy!

Baked Courgette Boats with Tomato and Olive Quinoa

Image Leave a comment 19/04/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Want to get more veg into your life, eat healthy without compromising on flavour? This little creation ticks all those boxes, lovely little dinner after my workout at the Spin Studio.

Makes 1 serving.

1 x Courgette

50g Quinoa

50g Brown Rice

70g tin tomatoes

Black Olives – Small Handful (about 5 halved)

1 tbsp Black Olive Tapenade

1 tbsp Olive oil

Squeeze of Lemon Juice

1 tsp garlic

Ground Black Pepper

1 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Basil

Salt to taste

Pre heat oven to 210 deg.
Slice Courgette in half and scoop out centre, place on baking tray and bake for 30 mins.
Meanwhile cook Quinoa and rice as per packet, mix together
Add in tin tomatoes and mix through, heat gently
Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix through thoroughly.
Remove courgette from oven and spoon mixture into the boats…..Serve! Yummy!

Approx calories 241 per serving.

Chicken, Leek & Bacon Filo Pie

Image Leave a comment 17/04/2016 the wee caledonian cook

A Healthier and Lighter way for a truly scrumptious pie. Love this combination and love the fewer calories using filo. We do love our pie Sunday’s.

Makes 2 pies

2 Chicken Breasts – cubed

1 Leek – sliced finely

4 lean smoked bacon – sliced

300ml milk

1 Chicken Stock cube

2 tbsp flour

1 tbsp nutmeg

15g butter

Salt & pepper

Brown chicken in a medium heat pan, the remove from pan
In the same pan brown the bacon and remove from pan
Saute the leeks in the same pan and remove
Melt butter in the pan and gently stir in the flour to a smooth paste
Crumble the chicken stock cube into the milk and the slowly add to the pan little at a time stirring until thickened.
Add the chicken, leeks, and bacon, season and add nutmeg then simmer for 15 mins.
Brush the filo sheets with melted butter or a little olive oil.
Spoon the chicken mixture into an oven dish equally then scrunch each filo sheet and add to top of mixture in dish.
Bake in an oven 180 deg for 20-25 mins until golden brown.
Serve with some veg or potatoes….Yummy!

I always know I’ve made a perfect pie when my partner leaves nothing on the plate..lol.!

Three Bean Salad with Kalette Leaves

Image Leave a comment 13/04/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Inspired by the Kalette leaves flavour, I decided to use them in my bean salad today for lunch, and yep you guessed it my lunch tasted delicious and very healthy too!

Serves 2

75g Red Kidney Beans

75g Borlotti Beans

75g Cannellini Beans ( you can of course use any beans you like, even chickpeas)

2 tbsp sweetcorn

1/2 chopped red onion finely

Handful chopped parsley

Handful chopped Mint

40g Sliced Black Olives

1 tbsp Olive oil

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

Salt and Black pepper to taste

4/5 Kalette Leaves Chopped

Mix everything in a large bowl and serve…….Yummy!

Approx 120 Kcal, 1g fat, 11g carbs, 4g fibre, 3.5g protein per serving.

Mid week Spicy Superfood Seafood Stir Fry

Image Leave a comment 12/04/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I picked up some amazing Kalettes from my local Food assembly in Glasgow this week, they were kindly supplied by Donald from Rhone Cottage, (http://www.rhonecottage.co.uk/) they grow their own seasonal produce using only sustainable practises and no artificial fertilisers are used.

I decided to try and stir fry them with some seafood, and the flavour was amazing. Kalettes are a bit like a brussel sprout and Kale in one, also classed as a superfood. Below are the Kalettes.

He also kindly gave me the Kalette Top to try and the leaves are very nice, flavoursome and hold their texture. Here is the Kalette Top.

150g – 200g each Portion of Prawns, Mussels and squid

Slice of smoked Salmon – chopped

60g Red rice – cooked as per packet

Chilli – chopped finely

Parsley – finely chopped

Soy sauce

Handful of Kalettes

6 Kalette Leaves – cut in half

Warm through seafood mix for few minutes.
Add in the Kalettes and leaves with chilli and sprinkle with soy sauce. Cook for approx 2-3 mins.
Once rice is cooked through add into mix and stir through.
Top with smoked salmon and parsley.

Serve. Yummy!

Venison and Chorizo Casserole

Image Leave a comment 10/04/2016 the wee caledonian cook

On my travels back from Inverness this week, I stopped at the House of Bruar near Blair Atholl, they have an amazing Food Hall with everything Scottish and some. I picked up some lovely venison from Highland Game, Purveyors of fine foods in Dundee. With some Chorizo left over I decided this recipe, which was absolutely delicious and rich in flavour.

Serves 2

300g Diced Venison

75g Chorizo – sliced/diced

1 onion chopped

1 crushed garlic

1 tbsp smoked paprika

salt & pepper

250ml beef stock

100ml red wine (I used Merlot, perfect with venison)

1 Bay leaf

1 carrot sliced or you could use butternut squash

1 tbsp flour

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan, light coat the venison with flour and add to pan to brown all over. Season.
Add the Chorizo, garlic and onion and stir through for few mins until golden.
Sprinkle in the paprika and add the carrots, pour in the beef stock and red wine, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 2-3 hours.
I served with some wild rice but it is also lovely with boiled potatoes and green veg.

YUMMY!

Spicy Parsi Chicken Curry

Image Leave a comment 28/03/2016 the wee caledonian cook

This was inspired by Goats and Greens Blog (https://goatsandgreens.wordpress.com/), I loved the sound of the spices and decided to create for my dinner tonight, I didn’t have the potatoes so I left that out but I have to say it was absolutely delicious.

Here is my version:-

Makes 2 Servings

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into chunks

1 tin tomatoes

1 tbsp Tomato puree

1 white onion – sliced finely

1 Orange pepper – sliced finely

1 tsp Cumin

1tsp Gram Masala

1 tsp Garlic

1 tsp Ginger

1 tsp turmeric

1 chilli – finely chopped

200ml Chicken Stock

Salt & pepper to season

Put onion into a large pan and fry until golden brown, add in the cumin, gram masala, ginger, turmeric, chilli, pepper and tomato puree, stir through until blended.
Pour in the tin tomatoes and then add in the chicken, bring to the boil then simmer on a low heat for about 40 mins.
Serve on a bed of rice (to your choosing), or some lovely crusty bread. I used Camargue Red Rice which was delicious.

Yummy!

Beetroot Falafel

Image 2 Comments 28/03/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I love Falafel’s! Having some Beetroot that needed to be used up, I thought I would try it in a Falafel, these were not only a lovely Deep Red in colour but absolutely delicious! The good thing is you can make loads and then freeze them for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.

Makes 8

2 large beetroots – If buying fresh roast them in the oven first.

1 Can of Chickpeas – make sure you drain all the liquid and dry the chickpeas off

1/2 white onion

1 tbsp Roasted Red Pepper Spice

1 tsp Rapeseed oil or olive oil

1 tsp Garlic powder

1 tsp coriander

1 tsp cumin

Lemon Juice

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp chilli powder or 1/2 red chilli

salt

Mix everything in a food processor, if mixture is too wet add a little flour.
With your hands roll into small ball shapes and place onto a greased baking tin.
Place in a preheated oven 190 deg for 30 mins.
Finish off in a hot griddle pan turn for a few mins until slightly browned all round.
I served with goats cheese and chopped walnuts. Yummy!!

Sausage and Root Veg One Pot Delight

Image Leave a comment 18/01/2016 the wee caledonian cook

It was snowing outside and got down to -2 deg here at home in central Scotland and I was desperate for some warm home cooked Sunday Food (by Sunday food, I mean Hearty). I had sausages, winter veg and some harissa paste I needed to use, so this was my Sunday Meal and it didn’t half warm me up too. Happy Sunday!

The thing I loved about this was, it is a 1 pot wonder, chuck everything in 1 pot and cook, not only is it easier but it saves my boyfriend on the washing up…lol! We have a nice little agreement, I cook, he cleans……think I got the better deal! lol!

Serves 2

5 Scottish Beef Sausages (I used Beef, but you could use pork also if preferred)

1/2 White onion – sliced into wedges

1/2 Red onion – sliced into wedges

1 Parsnip – peeled and halved lengthways, then halved again (about 10cm length)

2 Carrots – peeled and halved lengthways, then halved again (about 10cm length)

1 Medium Sweet Potato – peeled and cut into cubes about 2cm sq.

1 Clove Garlic

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp harissa paste

3/4 pint hot vegetable stock

250g Tin of Chickpeas

250g Tin Tomatoes

Black pepper to season

Fresh Coriander to serve

Firstly prepare your vegetables.
Heat oil in a pan and brown the sausages then place to the side.
In the remaining oil fry the onions until browned and soft.
Add in the garlic, tomato puree and harissa paste and cook for about 1 min.
Add in the sweet potatoes, parsnip, carrots and sausages, pour over the stock and season. Bring to the boil then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Add in tin tomatoes and chickpeas and warm through for about 5 minutes
Remove from heat and plate up, sprinkling some chopped coriander on top.

YUMMY!

Nutrition Facts

Sausage and Root Veg one pot delight

Servings Per Recipe: 2

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 531

Total Fat: 25.9 g
Saturated Fat: 5.6 g
Trans Fat: 0.6 g
Cholesterol: 19.9 mg
Sodium: 1217.4 mg
Total Carbs: 123.3 g
Dietary Fiber: 31.3 g
Sugars: 31.8 g
Protein: 32.6 g

Superfood Chickpea & Mexican Tortilla Soup

Image 2 Comments 29/11/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Well I was Opting for a Spicy Weekend this weekend………………….(naughty…naughty!)……..and this polishes off my Sunday. Delicious and filling Soup with a bit of spice!

Serves 2

1 Sweet Potato

1 tsp ground coriander

4 spring onions

1 red chilli

1 tsp olive oil

Handful of tortilla chips (I used Doritos with a hint of lime)

15g fresh coriander

400g ripe tomatoes

2 gloves of garlic

1 can chickpeas (400g)

Feta cheese for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 200 deg. Wash and peel sweet potato, cut into 1cm cubes.
Season potatoes with salt, pepper and ground coriander, drizzle with oil and bake for 30 mins.
Meanwhile, chop the spring onions finely, slice the chilli and coriander, add to a pan with little oil and fry for about 2 mins.
Crush into the pan the garlic, cut tomatoes into quarters then add in to pot.
Tip in the chickpeas with juices and top up with 500ml of boiling water, bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 mins.
After 20 mins, remove from heat and mash up the tomatoes. Add in the sweet potato and crush in the tortillas, mix through, season well and serve. Garnish with fresh coriander and feta if chosen. YUMMY!!!

My first Malaysian Inspired Curry – Best Ever!

Image 1 Comment 15/11/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Sometimes I forget what I pin to my pinterest, after browsing the other night I found several recipes for Malaysian curries which all sounded amazing, however, my partner doesn’t like fish sauce or lime in a meal which most had so I have mashed together my version. I have to admit it is one of my tastiest curries EVER! My partner was looking for more after 1 serving…..that’s when I know I’ve made a masterpiece! lol!

Serves 2

400-500g Scotch Beef – cubed

1 tsp salt and pepper

2 tsp light brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp tamarind paste

40g desicated coconut, toasted in a dry pan (reserve 2 tbsp for the paste)

Spice Paste:-

1 red onion chopped

1 red chilli – finely chopped

1/2 inch ginger, roughly chopped

2 cloves of garlic – chopped

2 tbsp toasted coconut (from above)

1 tbsp olive oil

Curry Sauce:-

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp Gram Masala

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

3 tbsp soy sauce

1 can coconut milk 400ml.

Mix together the salt, sugar, tamarind paste in 50ml water in a bowl. Add the beef cubes with are seasoned with salt & pepper and toss to fully coat, sprinkle in 2 tbsp of toasted coconut and stir through to coat well, leave to soak for about 1/2 hour.

2. Put all the spice paste ingredients into a food processor and blend together until you get a smooth paste.

3. Heat the oil in a large pan, brown the meat, remove to a bowl.

4. Add the spice paste to the pan and the rest of the curry sauce ingredients with any remaining marinade mix from the beef and cook for a few minutes. (high heat)

5. Add the coconut milk and simmer for a couple of minutes, gently add back to the pan the beef.

6. Turn the heat to low simmer, cover and cook for about 2-3 hours until the meat falls apart.

7. Uncover, turn the heat up to high and boil for 10 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.

8. I served on a bed of long and wild rice and garnish with Coriander.

OH SO YUMMY!!! BEST EVER CURRY!

It also tastes amazing with a glass of Rioja wine.

Low Calories, loads of flavour Beef Stew

Image Leave a comment 01/06/2015 the wee caledonian cook

As I am now on my countdown to my weeks holiday in the sun I am now on the healthy low fat, low calorie options. The one thing I don’t want to do is compromise on flavour, this recipe is BIG on flavour but so low calorie it’s great.

Serves 2 Approx 240 cals, 7g fat, (1.5g saturated), 16g carbs

250g Scottish Stewing Steak

1 red onion, cut into wedges

1 garlic clove, chopped

sprig of thyme or parsley

1 bouquet garni

3 carrots cut in half and sliced chunky

250ml beef stock

1 tbsp sundried tomato paste

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp gravy granules

1. Preheat oven to 180 deg.

2. Brown steak cubes in a non stick pan until browned. (Save juices and add to stock for extra flavour)

3. Meanwhile add onion, carrots, garlic, herbs, tomato paste, vinegar and then add the steak to a casserole dish mix together.

4. Pour in the stock and sprinkle gravy granules push in the bouquet garni, cover and put in oven for approx 1.5-2hrs or until meat is tender.

5. Serve with your choice of sides. Yum!

Spicy Tomato and Basil Seafood Stir Fry

Image Leave a comment 22/05/2015 the wee caledonian cook

I do love Seafood Dishes, they are my favourite. Living in Scotland we have amazing Fresh Seafood delivered every day. We have a lovely local fish delivery once a week too. Perfect.

Serves 1

Handful of King Prawns

Handful of Mussels

Handful of Crayfish

100g Tin tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato passata

1 Chilli – diced

1 clove garlic – chopped

1 tsp Brown Sugar

1 splash of white wine (approx 30ml)

Handful of Basil – chopped

Wholegrain Rice Vermicelli

1. Heat some oil in a pan and heat through the prawns, crayfish and mussels for a few minutes along with the chilli and garlic.

2. Add in the tomatoes, tomato passata, white wine and Brown sugar reduce the heat to a simmer, and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile place Vermicelli in a bowl and cover with boiling water, let sit for 4 minutes.

4. Drain the vermicelli and add to the seafood tomato mix then add the basil, cook for a further minute.

5. Serve with a lovely glass a Chardonnay.

Chicken, Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Image Leave a comment 10/05/2015 the wee caledonian cook

I am always looking to make me meals healthier. By adding Chickpeas this dish certainly fills you up. Chickpeas are rich source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, they may offer a variety of health benefits, such as improving digestion, aiding weight management and reducing the risk of several diseases. Additionally, chickpeas are high in protein and make an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets.

Serves 2

1 400g can of chickpeas

1 chicken breast – cubed

1 white onion – finely chopped

1 red pepper – roasted and chopped

100ml passata

100ml Chicken Stock

1-2 tbsp curry powder (depending on flavour of your choice) I used 2, we like it spicy.

1 level tbsp cumin

1/2 tsp cinnamon

pepper taste

1 tbsp olive oil

2 handfuls of spinach

1. Brown the chicken in the olive oil for 5 mins

2. Add in the chopped onion and fry until brown, then add in chopped pepper

3. Add in the curry powder, cumin. cinnamon and pepper to taste, mix through

4. Add in tomato passata and chicken stock, bring to the boil and then simmer for 20 mins.

5. Throw in the spinach and allow to wilt stirring through, cook for a further 5 mins.

Serve on it’s own or with some rice of your choice. Yum!

Sweet Potato and Chicken Curry

Image Leave a comment 18/04/2015 the wee caledonian cook

I am loving Sweet Potatoes at the moment, full of flavour and a great source of vitamins and fibre.

Serves 2 – This is so tasty!

1 large or 2 small Chicken Breasts – diced

8 Cardamom Pods

1 onion, finely chopped

2 Garlic cloves finely chopped

1 tbsp root ginger, peeled and grated

2 green chillies, chopped finely

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

2 tsp ground coriander

250ml coconut milk

1 sweet potato, cut into small chunks

1 lemon juiced

salt to taste

1 tbsp olive oil to fry

1. Heat the oil in a pan, add the cardamom pods and fry over a medium heat for about 2 minutes

2. Add the onion, garlic, chillies and ginger and fry gently, while continuing to stir, for about 5 minutes

3. Stir in the turmeric, ground coriander and coconut milk. Season to taste with salt and bring to the boil

4. Add the chicken pieces, pressing them down into the sauce. Reduce the heat and leave to simmer for 5 minutes, covered

5. Stir in the sweet potatoes, cover and continue to simmer for a further 10 minutes

6. Uncover the pan, increase the heat slightly and cook for a further 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, the sauce has thickened and the sweet potato is tender. Stir once or twice towards the end of cooking time to prevent the sauce from burning.

7. Stir in lemon juice, cook for 1 more minute and then serve on a bed of rice or other preferred choice.

Scottish Stew with Kale

Image Leave a comment 13/04/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Using some leftovers, I made a stew and decided to have some Kale with it for a healthier option, I know a bit weird combination, but it really worked!

Serves 1 – Approx 490 calories

200g Scottish Stewing steak – cubed

Flour to coat

1 carrot – sliced

1 stalk celery – chopped

2/3 shallots halved

Handful of broccoli

2 Handfuls Kale

350ml Beef stock

Salt and pepper to taste

2 Bay leaves

1. Heat a little oil in a pan and coat the steak cubes with the flour, season with salt and pepper then lightly fry steak cubes until browned.

2. Add in the shallots and cook for a further 3 mins, add in the carrots, celery, broccoli, bay leaf and stock, bring to the boil and then simmer on a very low heat for approx 3-4 hours so the meat is tender. I used Setting No. 2 on my Induction Hob. You can also decant into a casserole dish and cook in a fan oven at 90 deg for approx 8 hours.

3. Approx 10 mins before serving, bring a pan of water to boil and put in Kale, reduce and simmer for approx 8-10mins.

4. Drain Kale, put on plate. Remove stew with a slotted spoon and place onto Kale, you don’t want to much of the gravy as the Kale would be soggy. Season with some cracked black pepper. Yum!

Chorizo, Sausage and Lentil Stew

Image 2 Comments 22/03/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Had some leftover Chorizo in fridge, so I decided to mix up my Lentil stew recipe. Please trust me…it tastes better than it looks..lol! Still learning my photography.

Serves 2

200g Brown Lentils

1 red onion chopped finely

1 carrot sliced

1 garlic clove

1 tsp chilli

1 tsp parsley

220g tin chopped tomatoes

250ml beef stock

1 bay leaf

pinch salt and pepper

50g-75g Chorizo

4-6 Aberdeen Angus Beef Sausages (halved)

1. Brown onions and garlic in a saucepan with spray oil or tsp olive oil until soft

2. Add in lentils, carrot, chilli, parsley, chopped tomatoes, stock, salt & pepper and bay leaf, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile brown sausages and chorizo in a pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil for 5 mins, remove with slotted spoon and add to stew, simmer for a further 25-30 minutes.

4. Serve with some crusty bread. Yum!

My White Chilli

Image Leave a comment 31/01/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Decided to try different beans in my chilli (as that’s what I had in cupboard…lol!), yummy alternative.

Serves 2 (422 cal per serving, 9g fat, 2g sat fat, 1.6g salt, 27g carbs)

2 x chicken breasts ( cubed )

1 tbsp olive oil or spray oil

1 large white onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tbsp of cumin

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp chilli powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1 x 400g chopped tomatoes

1 x 150-200g tin cannellini beans

2 tbsp fat free Greek yoghurt (optional)

2 spring onions, chopped

1. Heat oil in saucepan and fry the onion and garlic until slightly browned

2. Add the cumin, paprika, chilli and oregano and stir through for 1 min.

3. Add in the chopped chicken and stir for about 5-10 mins making sure the chicken is covered in the spices and beginning to cook through.

4. Add in the chopped tomatoes and simmer for about 20 mins until sauce thickens.

5. Add in the cannellini beans and heat through for about 5 minutes.

6. Taste, season and serve with a dollop of yoghurt and sprinkle chopped spring onions.

Yum…Yum!

Lamb and Bean Stew

Image Leave a comment 19/01/2015 the wee caledonian cook

I do love my Stews, especially in the winter. We don’t have Lamb much as my partner is not a fan but I love it, so I won today…lol!

Serves 2/4

1 tsp olive oil

350g lean lamb cubed

6-8 shallots

1 garlic clove or tsp dried garlic

1 tbsp plain flour

400ml lamb stock, made with concentrate

200g chopped tomatoes

1 bouquet garni

1 x 400g flageolet beans, drained

300g or handful green beans

200g or handful of cherry tomatoes

salt and pepper

1, Heat oil in pan, add the lamb and fry for 3-4 mins until browned all over, set aside.

2. Add the onions and garlic and fry until drowned slightly, approx 3-4 mins.

3. Return the lamb to the pan adding any juices, stir through the flour to thicken. Then add in the stock, tomatoes, bouquet garni and beans. Bring to the boil then cover and simmer approx 2 hours or until lamb is tender.

4. Add the cherry tomatoes to the stew and season well. Continue to simmer for about 15-20 mins.

5. Meanwhile place the green beans in a pan of boiling water for 3 mins then blanch cold water. Alternatively you can steam cook.

6. Divide the stew between plates and serve with green beans. Yum! You can also serve some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Yum Yum!

Low Calorie Chicken Tikka Masala

Image Leave a comment 09/12/2014 the wee caledonian cook

Oh Yum! This tastes just as good as the high calorie version, don’t believe me? Try it.

Makes 2 – 302 calories per serving (add 120 calories for 50g wholegrain rice)

2 chicken breast

1 tsp frying oil

MARINADE:

2 tbsp curry powder

1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp sea salt

10g chunk fresh ginger, grated

1 garlic clove, crushed

4 tbsp plain fat free yoghurt

SAUCE:

1 tbsp oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

10 g chunk ginger, grated

1 tbsp curry powder

2 tbsp tomato puree

2 tsp caster sugar

1 tsp sea salt

250ml cold water

2 tbsp single cream

1. Make the marinade:- mix curry powder, paprika and salt in a bowl, add ginger, garlic and yoghurt and mix well.

2. Cut chicken breast into chunks and add to marinade, mix well and leave for 1 hour in fridge at least or up to 12 hours.

3. To make the sauce: heat the oil in pan, tip in the onions and ginger and cook for 10 mins, cover. add the curry powder and cook for another 2 mins, add the tomato puree, caster sugar and salt and stir constantly for another 30 secs.

4. Pour water and simmer for 4 mins. Remove the pan from heat and blitz with hand blender until smooth.

5. Heat oil in pan, add marinated chicken and fry over medium heat or No. 7 on Induction Hob for about 5 mins until browned.

6. Pour into the chicken the masala sauce and add the cream, cook for 4 mins. Serve with some rice.

Low Calorie Chicken Bhuna

Leave a comment 09/11/2014 the wee caledonian cook

Alternative to one of my favourites from my Local Indian Takeaway. Full of flavour, lower in calories.

Serves 2 – 305 calories per portion (add 180 calories for 50g rice)

2 chicken breasts – cubed

1 red, yellow and green pepper – chunks

20g root ginger – cut into small pieces

1 medium onion – quartered

2 garlic cloves – peeled, cut into small pieces

1 tbsp mild curry powder

1 tsp garam masala

1/2 tsp hot chilli powder

1 tbsp olive oil

200 g can chopped tomatoes

300ml chicken stock (1 cube)

1 tsp caster sugar

1 tbsp cornflour or plain flour

fresh coriander to garnish (optional)

salt, pepper (seasoning)

Put ginger, onion, garlic, curry powder, garam masala and chilli powder into a food processor and whizz up until blended finely.

Heat oil in a pan, add the spiced mixture and cook on medium heat for 10 mins.

Pour in chopped tomatoes and cook for further 5 mins, stirring regularly

Add chicken and peppers and mix through for 2 mins

Add chicken stock and sugar, bring to gentle simmer and cook for 20 mins.

Mix cornflour with 1 tbsp water and mix into sauce to help thicken, season with salt and pepper

Garnish with some coriander.

Cook chosen rice as per packet instructions…..serve. Yummy.

Spicy Chicken and Rice

Leave a comment 22/09/2014 the wee caledonian cook

This is my go to one pot chicken meal. So easy and delicious.

A really good dish that the whole family will enjoy. If you don’t like spice, not to worry just take out the chilli.

SPICY CHICKEN AND RICE

Serves 2

2 x Chicken Breasts – cubed

100 g Long Grain and Wild Grain Rice (or rice of your choice)

1 Onion – chopped into wedges

Peppers of your choice – sliced/diced

2 Salad Tomatoes

1 Tsp Paprika

1 Green/Red Chilli – chopped finely

300ml Chicken or Vegetable Stock

1 Tbsp Mixed Herbs

Splash of Tabasco Sauce

1. Brown of chicken, onion and peppers in little frying oil and then set aside.

2. Meanwhile make a few cuts down the tomatoes and let sit in boiling water to help release the skin later.

3. Put rice, paprika and chillies into pan and fry for about 1 minute or until rice is coated in oil.

4. Pour stock into pan of rice and bring to boil, then simmer for about 10 mins.

5. After 10 mins, remove the skin from the tomatoes and chop.

6. Add back to the pan, chicken, onion, peppers, tomatoes and mixed herbs then stir and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until the juice has reduced and thickened.

7. About 2-3 minutes before ready add the the few drops of tabasco sauce.

8. Serve.

Smoked Haddock Chowder

Leave a comment 10/08/2014 the wee caledonian cook

I love my seafood dishes and a chowder is perfect for a cold day. It may not look and smell the nicest but it is definitely tasty.

Serves 2/3

2 Scottish smoked haddock pieces (dyed) – sliced approx. 1″

150ml single cream

500ml chicken stock

Diced smoked bacon (3 slices)

Cubed potatoes (3 medium size)

1 white onion chopped

1 carrot sliced or chopped

2 Bay leaves

1 teaspoon thyme

1. Brown onion and bacon in pan of oil

2. Add potatoes and mix, continue to brown for 3 mins

3. Add stock, haddock, carrot, thyme and bay leaves simmer for 15 mins

4. Add cream and cook for further 3 mins

5. Slightly mash and serve with some warm bread.

Slow Cook Chilli Chicken

Image Leave a comment 11/11/2013 the wee caledonian cook

Slow Cook Chilli Chicken (serves 2-3)

1 small tin (250g) red kidney beans

1 small tin (250g) of chopped tin tomatoes

1/2 packet of original Taco seasoning Mix

2 tablespoons of chilli powder (more or less can be added to personal taste)

1 chopped red onion

1 tablespoon of tomato sauce

2 x chicken breasts

1. Drain beans

2. Combine beans, onion, tomatoes, chilli powder, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning in a casserole dish and mix

3. Place whole chicken breast on top and cover with lid

4. Set oven to Multilevel and 90 deg C or use Slow Cook Meat in Intelligent settings and cook for approx 6 hours

5. 1/2 before serving take out breast and cut into chunks, return to dish, stir through and continue to cook.

6. You can top with sour cream, cheese, tortillas or have it with rice…..it’s your preference.

Beetroot and Butternut Squash Panzanella

Image Leave a comment 16/09/2013 the wee caledonian cook

Serves 4

500g beetroot cut into chunks (fresh)

1/2 butternut squash peeled and cut into chunks

2 tsp dried italian herbs

3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin or hazelnut for extra taste)

200g bread torn into chunks

2 garlic cloves, chopped finely

1 red chilli, chopped finely

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 red onion thickly sliced

handful of chopped fresh basil

50g -100g baby leaf salad (peppery for more flavour)

1. line a baking tray with foil. In a large bowl toss the beetroot, butternut, red onion, dried herbs and olive oil. Spread the mixture onto the baking tray and roast at 200 deg Fan for 25 mins.

2. Meanwhile toss the bread chunks, garlic, chilli and olive oil together in a bowl. After 25 mins remove the vegetables from the oven and scatter the bread mixture on top evenly, put back into oven a cook for a further 5 mins.

3. Meanwhile to make the dressing whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar and seasoning. Transfer the vegetable and bread mixture to a large bowl and pour over dressing. leave for 5 mins to cool. Once cooled then add in the salad leaves and basil and toss again, then serve.

One Pot Wonders