Stripey Omelette

Image Leave a comment 03/06/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Happy National Egg Day! (well in the U.S it is on 3rd June). I am helping them celebrate today my making myself eggs for lunch and a stripey omelette at that & why not! I do love experimenting with food…lol!

Eggs are so nutritious and filling, stored with lots of protein, about 13g in a large egg size. Eggs are also low in calories and full of vitamin D & B, so a good all rounder for any meal. I love eggs, you can scramble, poach, fry, bake, boil they are very versatile. Want to know even more, check out egg info here….https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_as_food

I get my eggs delivered straight to my door from McQueens Dairies. This omelette made from Scottish eggs from Beaton Farms in Inverurie, Scotland.

3 Eggs – Large

Spray oil

Seasoning

Start by separating the yolks from whites. Mix the yolks.
Heat a little spray oil in a pan on a low heat and pour in the yolks only, cook gently for a few minutes until cooked.
Using a knife gently & I say very gently as you don’t want to damage your pan, then slice into strips about 1-1.5cm thick and remove every 2nd one. (you can use the spare strips for another omelette or create a lattice design).

4. Then pour in the egg whites and cook gently on a low heat until the egg whites start to bubble.

5. At this stage if you are using a filling, lay it onto omelette and start to roll up in pan then decant onto a plate.

Serve. Yummy and Eye catching.

Avocado Pancakes

Image Leave a comment 28/07/2019 the wee caledonian cook

OMG! I do love Avocado’s & if you do too, you will love this little recipe. A good nutritious and healthy way to start your day. Creamy luxurious texture, full of good vitamins, healthy fatty acids, flavour and fiber, why would you not want to? Good on their own or serve with a poached egg or crispy bacon for a more luxury weekend treat.

Makes 4 large pancakes

1 Large avocado

100g Plain Flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp coconut oil – melted

butter for the pan

Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt & nutmeg in a bowl
Combine the avocado, milk, egg, coconut oil and vanilla in a food processor until smooth
Mix the avocado into the flour until blended
Melt the butter in a fry pan on medium to high heat, scoop the batter into the pan (whichever size you like) and cook for about 2-3 minutes per each side.
Serve. I put on a bed of Spinach with a poached egg on top, Yummy!

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Image Leave a comment 17/06/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Well what can I say apart from sweet, luxurious and low calorie count! Yes, you heard right, LOW CALORIE Count, this little pudding is just 233 Kcal. Trust me too, you won’t believe it is a slimming version, the taste is so delicious. Another great little find from PON, I adapted slightly to my own tastes.

Makes 4

75g Self Raising Flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp black treacle

3 tbsp light soft brown sugar

50g reduced fat butter

2 large eggs

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp maple syrup

Preheat your oven to 180 deg.
Put all of the ingredients into a bowl (except the honey & maple Syrup) and whisk them together until combined. Do not over whisk you want to keep as much air in the mixture as possible.
Evenly distribute the clear honey and maple syrup into ramekins and then top with the cake mixture (about half way, leave room for the cakes to rise)
Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, remove and allow to cool slightly.
Turn out on serving dishes and serve. I served with some low fat custard. Yum!

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!

Blueberry Muffins

Image 4 Comments 03/10/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Today I was off work and decided to have a chillout day……….well, that was before I started looking through all my recipe books. I came across a baking book that I hadn’t used for a while. Looking through I spied Blueberry muffins and thought that would be a nice wee treat with my afternoon coffee…….so off I went into my Kitchen.

They were absolutely delicious. I also made a healthier version too, check them out here.

Makes 6

150g Plain Flour

75 g Caster Sugar

Pinch Salt

1 tsp baking powder

75g Blueberries

25g Butter – melted

1 large egg

40ml natural yoghurt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to fan 160 deg. Case a muffin tin.
Mix the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar in a bowl.
In a separate bowl mix the egg, vanilla, butter, yoghurt together
Add the wet bowl into the dry bowl and mix together, should be slightly thick, if its too thick just add a little milk.
Then add in the blueberries and mix together.
Bake in oven for about 18-20 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
Devour with a wee cuppa. Yummy!

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!

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Image 2 Comments 17/06/2018 the wee caledonian cook

We have had a rather wet weekend here in Cumbernauld, Glasgow, so nothing better than getting in the kitchen and baking! Wanting to carry on with the summer, I decided that we were going to have an indoors picnic. I’ve been wanting to try this recipe from Jamie Oliver for a while now so today was that day. It was absolutely delicious, so refreshing and light, perfect for my picnic.

Serves 10-12

250g unsalted butter at room temperature

250g Golden caster sugar + 4 tbsp for syrup

4 large eggs

4 lemons

275g self raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

150ml milk

50g poppy seeds

Preheat the oven to 180 deg. Grease a 23cm cake tin and line bottom with greaseproof paper.
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs in 1 at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding each one.
Grate in the zest of 2 lemons then squeeze in the juice and combine.
Sift in the flour and baking powder and fold gently until combined.
Add in the milk and poppy seeds and mix through.
Pour mixture into the cake tin and bake in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean.
Leave in the tin for 5 minutes then remove and place on a wire rack to cool.
Meanwhile, slice very finely the other 2 lemons.
Put 4 tbsps water and 4 tbsp caster sugar into a pan, add the lemons and heat gently on a medium to low heat for about 15 minutes or until the lemons are translucent and you have a lovely syrup.
Spoon the syrup over the top of the cake and serve.

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!

Choux Bun Doughnuts

Image 2 Comments 27/05/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Looking for something nice to have with a coffee this afternoon, I decided to have a go at Choux Pastry again. The first time I tried they didn’t puff up, so I was so pleased when these came out lovely and airy. Thought I would try doughnut shape instead of the traditional way. Very tricky to eat this way but then again I did make extra large man size ones……lol! They were absolutely delicious. Perfect for our afternoon coffee.

Makes 4

115g Strong Flour

4 tbsp milk

80ml water

Pinch of salt

Pinch of caster sugar

55g unsalted butter

3 medium eggs

Filling

300ml double cream

100g icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract (or any other flavouring you wish)

100g Chocolate (if using on top)

Preheat your oven to 200 deg.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and flour
Put the water, milk, salt, sugar and butter into a pan and bring to the boil on a medium heat until the butter is melted.
Remove from the heat and sieve in the flour and beat vigorously until it forms a dough then cook on a very low heat for 5 minutes.
Leave to cool slightly. Beat the eggs then add in little at a time beating well between each egg. You want a smooth glossy finished dough.
Spoon the dough into a piping bag with a star nozzle and pipe 4 rings, approx 4 inch diameter onto the baking tray.
Bake for 15 minutes at 200 deg then turn down to 170 deg for 10 minutes or until they have risen well and golden brown. Remove and allow to cool on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, pour the cream and vanilla into a bowl and whisk until just slightly thickened, then add the icing sugar and continue to whisk until desired thickness. Spoon into a piping bag with the star nozzle.
Cut the cooked Choux in half and pipe the cream into the middle then place the top on. Dust with some icing sugar. If using chocolate, melt chocolate in a microwave for 2 minutes then spoon on top and refrigerate to harden (about 10 minutes). Serve.

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/

Avocado and Spinach Breakfast Muffins

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

A great way to start your day, or a fab brunch recipe. Nice and healthy and full of superfoods, what could be better?

Makes 4

4 eggs

Handful of Spinach

Handful of smoked pancetta cubes

2 tbsp of sweetcorn

1/2 avocado – chopped

Grated cheese – Handful

Salt & pepper to taste

Grease your muffin tin and preheat oven to 180 deg.
Roughly fry your pancetta cubes in a little oil and pat dry
Lay the spinach leaves at the bottom of your muffin tin
Then add in the pancetta, avocado and sweetcorn
Whisk the eggs and season with salt & pepper
Pour into the muffin tin then top with some cheese and chopped spinach.
Bake for approx 20 mins. 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!

Wee Scottish Brekkie Omelette

Image Leave a comment 21/05/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I love a full cooked Scottish breakfast but I also like to eat healthy……this little creation is only 240 calories and about 6g fat……you still get the full flavour without the guilty feeling. A win win all round. I just love breakfast times.

I source all my ingredients locally so everything is fresh and super tasty! Not joined a Food Assembly near you yet, sign up here:-

https://thefoodassembly.com/en

I’m also following Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and oh yes this is my omelette challenge entry too! Haven’t signed up yet? Here is the link below.

http://www.jamiesfoodrevolution.org/

Makes 1 omelette

2 eggs

2 slices of Black Pudding

1 rasher of low fat smoked bacon

1 mushroom

2 cherry tomatoes

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Tbsp of baked beans

Heat some low fat cooking spray oil in a pan and lightly fry black pudding (6 mins), bacon (3 mins), mushroom and tomatoes (2-3 mins).
Beat eggs together, add in salt & pepper, heat oil in a pan and cook omelette until slightly running on top still.
Add in the filling above and cook for further 1 min, then fold and serve with some baked beans. Yummy!

I also love it when you get a doubler…….maximum flavour too!

Brazilian Style Grilled Pineapple

Image Leave a comment 15/05/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I visited a Brazilian restaurant recently and was served cinnamon pineapple that completely transported me to Brazil….amazing flavour that I hadn’t tried before. Oh yes you guessed it…..I recreated it in my kitchen!

Brazilians traditionally use a spit roast, unfortunately I don’t have one of these yet so I used my good old trusty griddle pan .

1 x Fresh Pineapple

1 x Spray Coconut oil

Cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

Firstly prepare pineapple and cut into slices.
Spray little coconut oil into your griddle pan and heat to a high heat.
Rub some cinnamon and brown sugar onto each pineapple slice and place into griddle pan, cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until caramelised and brown.
Plate up and sprinkle cinnamon over and serve……..oh Yummy!