NO BAKE FRUIT AND NUT CHRISTMAS FUDGE

Dates, nuts, Madeira wine, cinnamon and all spice, they're all things that instantly remind me of Christmas time. Combine all these yummy ingredients to make a delicious no bake fudge and you have a festive nibble that's perfect for tucking into around the fire on Christmas Eve whilst you wait for Santa to come down the chimney! They also make a fantastic little gift to wrap up little bags and give out to friends and family. That's if you have any left to spare after you've munched on a cube or two. Or three. Or four!!!

CHEEKY VEGGIE CHORIZO AND CHICKEN CASSEROLE

That's right, you read that correctly. This is a veggie chicken and chorizo dish. How is that possible? Well I'm using Quorn products of course. Their chorizo sausages are a delight and perfect as part of this vegetable packed winter casserole that I whipped up yesterday adapting a classic Mary Berry recipe.  It has hints of cayenne and paprika from the chorizo, thyme for that herby note as well as a good glug of Madeira wine just to ramp up those Christmas vibes and quite frankly a little booze in anything at Christmas time is kind of the law really isn't it! 

CHEZ LE COQ LIVERPOOL (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

 

A Rotisserie chicken restaurant in Liverpool! Well I just had to check that out didn't I? Chez Le Coq situated on the currently booming Bold street has been making waves for a while now and last month I finally managed to take a trip down there to see if the claim on their website that their rotisserie chicken is the "finest" around was true! With all the recent restaurants open on Bold Street in Liverpool over the last 12 month it's becoming the place to be for hungry Scousers everywhere so you need to stand out from the crowd. With its name and the large cockerel emblazoned on the glass exterior it's pretty clear what Chez Le Coq is all about making it easy to grab the attention of any peckish pedestrians passing by who may be on the mood for some chook! 

"NOT LIKE SCHOOL" APPLE AND RHUBARB CRUMBLE

I used to think that rhubarb was vile. This assumption was based purely on memories of vile crumble we used to be served as dessert smothered in lumpy custard at primary school. Now that I'm more older and wiser (just!) I can see that these crumbles were never going to be amazing having been mass produced and baked to death however if you the plunge and make your own delicious version from scratch with the best homemade ingredients you might've pleasantly surprised to find yourself falling in love with this old foe! 

BECAUSE YOU KNOW I'M ALL ABOUT THE (THAI SEA) BASS

I'm not really a fan of fish but having sampled some delightful sea fare whilst on holiday in Sardinia I'm becoming a bit more adventurous. I am a big fan of Thai flavors so by combining those with two beautiful Sea-bass fillets this weekend I create a little taste of the east that is slowly pushing me over toward the side of full blown fish foodie fanatic. It's quite simple really! All you need is some butter, garlic, chili, ginger, spring onion and a big juicy whole lemon and your on you're way to Sea-bass parcel paradise!

BAKED "SOUTHERN FRIED" BREADED CHICKEN BREASTS

If you love chicken then you probably love southern fried chicken! Frying chicken can be a right faff though if you don't have a deep fat fryer like I don't. Getting that oil temperature just right and then handling super hot oil can get messy as well as dangerous. So how about a more healthier, baked version to sink your teeth in. Yes, it doesn't have that heavenly dirtiness that deep fried southern fried chicken has but it's so much more straight forward to make, better for your waistline and is still a super tasty treat!

LIVERPOOL PIZZA SLICE (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

When I get in late from work I don't need persuading to go for the easy option and get in a takeaway. Liverpool Pizza Slice situated in the Aigburth area of the city has just opened and begun to deliver so we decided to stray away from the big pizza giants and see what this local independent had to offer instead. So yes, this is a review of a takeaway. Don't worry, I haven't gone mad. This is a food blog designed for getting good food out there so let me say this from the off, Liverpool Pizza Slice delivered me one of the finest pizzas I've had not just in Liverpool but in the whole of the U.K. Let me tell you why:

"ACCIDENTAL" CHUNKY RANCH SLAW

I love a good homemade coleslaw, whether it be trying to emulate my Nan's classic slaw or a minty chili version, they always taste so much fresher than the stuff you buy in packets from the supermarket. This chunky ranch slaw was never meant to be a recipe on here but came about by accident hence the name. We thought we had a bottle of ranch dressing that we were going to use to coat our slaw but upon finding it had in fact been binned we had to create our own. The result was too good not to share with you all!

TRIPLE P CHICKPEA CHICKEN

Triple P Chickpea Chicken? Whats that all about then? Well let me tell you. I love a roast chicken for my Sunday dinner and I'm always looking for ways to jazz it up. This weekend I had a look in the cupboards and I had some pepperoni, roasted red peppers and a little bit of paprika. "That would make a nice stuffing" I thought and then when I stumbled across a tin of chickpeas well, that's when I had my "Eureka" moment and my Triple P Chickpea Chicken was born. Quite frankly I find it to be the most sexy bird I've ever had in my house.

THE BAGELRY LIVERPOOL (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

So it's noon and your peckish, where does one go to grab a spot of lunch in Liverpool's bustling city centre. Well if you're in the Chinatown area you might of noticed the Bagelry. This little cafe which specialises in (you guessed it!) bagels got my attention on social media recently so I decided to nip up Duke street and check them out!

CHAI SPICED STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

Doesn't really get any more British than a sticky toffee pudding really does it? That piping hot dessert of a chopped date based sponge slathered in decedent toffee sauce is the perfect way to round off any meal. Can it be improved in anyway? I've tried it in the past with my Nutty Version but I think I may of done one better with my Chai spice infused version I'm about to share with you below. The hint of those Indian spices adds additional flavor and intrigue that, if there is any room left, will have you going back for a second bowl in no time.

CHAOPHRAYA LIVERPOOL (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

With the continual growth and regeneration of Liverpool city centre and the addition of more and more food outlets opening every month you sometimes forget about those guys who have been slogging it out in the area for years. One such venue is Chaophraya Thai Restaurant. We've been to this established restaurant several times in the past but had been a while since we had been through it's doors. Looking for somewhere to dine one evening, we decided it was time to go and check them out again and see if they can still hold their own against the new kids on the block.

GARLIC AND THYME ROAST TATER CUBES

There is no finer tradition in the whole of the UK than a Sunday roast served with oodles of the humble roast potato. I think for most people it evokes memories of Sundays all sat with loved ones around the family dinner table, laughing, joking and relaxing after a long and busy week. The perfect roast potato can be a bit of a faff when you need to prepare them on mass. Therefore, when you want to whip up of a batch of crispy tater treats on the fly, you can't go much wrong with these garlic and thyme cubes. Simple and delicious!

DONT WASTE YOUR PUMPKINS: NO BAKE PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

So now that you have not let those pumpkin seeds go to waste by roasting them up good, what do you do with the flesh. It's simple! Bang them in the oven to roast so that the flesh is nice and soft, turn said flesh into a puree and then use it as the filling to this delicious no bake cheese cake. With its ginger nut base and pumpkin seed topping to create a touch of crunch, this super sweet dessert is flavoured with cinnamon, all spice and ginger to give it that autumnal/christmassy vibe that is perfect for this time of the year. 

DONT WASTE YOUR PUMPKINS: ROASTED CINNAMON PUMPKIN SEEDS

Now that Halloween has been and gone there is probably a whole hoard of carved pumpkins dotted around the houses of the nation or you may see supermarkets furiously trying to sell off the remainder of their stock now that everyone starts to neglect this incredibly seasonal piece of produce. Don't worry, I have a couple of recipes to stop all these pumpkins from going to waste starting with this super simple guide to turning the seeds into a yummy little snack for nibbling on in front of the TV or they look really pretty as a topping for a sponge or cheese cake! All you need is some oil and cinnamon and a spare hour just to whack them in the oven. Simples.

AUTUMNAL ASIAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

The clocks have gone back this week and the nights are chugging along, getting earlier each day. On these cold evenings sometimes all you crave for dinner is a hot bowl of delicious soup. With Autumn in full swing, the butternut squash is at its best right now and makes for a fitting star to this delicious broth alongside some roasted red peppers, chili and coconut milk. The Asian touches in this recipe will help you too cling on to those memories of summertime and if you are British, your going to need as much help with that as possible.

GRILLA LIVERPOOL (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

Back out and about in Liverpool last week and upon suggestion from my gig going buddy, we decided to take a trip down to Grilla in Liverpool. Located in the centre of the vibrant Hardman Street area of the city centre, I had never heard of them and neither had any of my work colleagues when I mentioned I was going that day. I was interested then to find out weather I had stumbled across a little hidden gem all for myself so and entered with a little hint of giddy excitement!

BRILLIANT BRUSCHETTA (VIA A FOODIE TOUR OF LIVERPOOL'S BOLD STREET)

Here is another delightful Sardinia inspired recipe for you too try. I've talked before about the quality of the tomatoes and basil on the island but the olive oil is also out of this world. Who would of known that by mixing these three ingredients together and using it to top griddled bread rubbed with garlic would create a thing of such beauty. When it comes to something as simple as a bruschetta it's all about the quality of ingredients that you use. If you want to make your bruschetta brilliant you need to step away from the supermarkets and explore.

CAPRESE-FIED GNOCCHI GRATIN

One of the finest lunches I had whilst on holiday was a delicious Caprese salad. Creamy mozzarella and beautifully vibrant and sweet tomatoes with fresh basil leaves all drizzled with olive oil, it was like someone had sent it down from heaven. I decided to take those flavors and add them to a classic Nigella Lawson recipe for gnocchi gratin and this is how my Caprese-fied gnocchi gratin came to be. I know you should have favorites when it comes to your children but this is definitely of my babies that I'm most proud of.

SARDI-INSPIRED MELANZANE ALLA PARMIGIANA BAKE

Well I've just got back from a week away in Sardinia and I've had a blast. The food has been amazing and I've come back with tonnes of ideas I hope to put into my recipes. My first Sardi-inspired dish is this aubergine and tomato bake. The tomatoes in Sardinia were out of this world and by just adding a few bits to this classic ingredient you can really make them shine.  So whilst making a fresh tomato, garlic and chili sauce and pouring it some sliced aubergines might not sound like the most complex dish ever, it sure is a quick and simple tasty meal.

GATWICK ORIENTAL (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

It can be quite a boring experience having to stop at an airport over night. The remote location can make for a long, restless night. Luckily, the Sofitel at Gatwick airport has the Gatwick Oriental to keep you fuelled but is it good enough to match the luxury surroundings of the hotel that houses it?

GORGEOUS GUACAMOLE

It's Fajita night at MattyB Towers tonight. What better way to use leftover chili from earlier in the

week then getting your fajitas out, whipping some delicious sides and creating some yummy finger food for the weekend. A great way to get stuck in with friends or family before the weekends festivities begin. Every fajita needs guacamole! These are the rules! But don't be buying shop bought stuff. No no no! Grab some avocado on the way home and you can make my beautiful fresh version in less than ten minutes.

LEEK, POTATO AND THEN SOME SOUP

Some soups are just never going to die. Tomato, minestrone, mushroom, they are all classics that are always going to be loved for century's to come. One other such classic is the leek and potato soup. A winter warmer that is always going to put a smile on your face during the cold latter part of the year. That doesn't mean it needs to be boring and to prove it, here is my version which adds in a few little extras to elevate this humble dish is to something a little bit more special. 

EASY PEASY MUSHROOM AND ONION GRAVY

You may of noticed the gravy on some of my recipes recently. In my eyes you can't have a Sunday Roast or Bangers and Mash without lashings of mushroom and onion gravy. Now the best chefs out there would tell you that the best gravy uses all the cooking juices from your roasted meat and two veg but not all of us are Michelin star chefs so for those of us who would rather reach for the tub of gravy granules, here is my simple guide for turning a humble vegetable stock into something a little bit more special.

GORGEOUS GLAMORGANS

If there is one thing I have always wanted to try and make from scratch it is veggie sausages but I was always scared to do as I've had a few failures in the past when comes to things that require frying. 9 times out of 10 they tend to just fall apart in the pan. However, with the success of my onion bhaji's the other day my confidence was at an all time high so I gave these Glamorgans a go and let me tell you; it was another winner! These cheesy wonders flavored with garlic, chive, thyme and mustard turn veggie bangers and mash into something truly wonderful.

IDIOT PROOF ONION BHAJIS

I love onion bhaji's and for years I have tried to make my own at home but every time I've tried they have either fallen apart in the pan or been too stodgy. Yesterday however I finally achieved it, a tasty and delicious bhaji that is so simple to make. All you need is some flour, onions, baking powder and spices. Whisk them together and then deep fry and depending on how quick you can heat your oil you can have 12 yummy crispy treats on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes! If an idiot like me can make them then I'm sure that you all will be able too as well!

ORANGE, ORANGE, ORANGE AND MORE ORANGE CAKE

I'm no marmalade fan. Something about the taste of it just doesn't appeal to me whatsoever so I've

never been able to partake in a traditional marmalade cake. That was until I discovered Robinson's squeeze orange fruit shoot jam. It's an orange jam that actually tastes like oranges! Well this was a revelation for an my first thought was "I have to make an orange flavored cake with this" and golly gosh it was yummy. Not only is there jam inside but also orange juice, zest and candied peel so if your not a fan of orange this really isn't the cake for you!

CHOCOLATE ORANGE MINI MUFFIN MADNESS

The other day I invested in a mini muffin tray in order to make some mince pies for work (in September! I know!). Obviously I had to use it for it's true purpose of making mini muffins first (you know just to test that the trays work!) and with an orange sitting in the fruit bowl acting as my inspiration, these mini chocolate chip and orange muffins were born. Chocolate orange is one of those flavor combinations that just works however you utilize it and these babies are no different. They are little nuggets of tasty goodness!

"READY FOR WINTER" VEGGIE HOT POTS

Can you believe that it's September already? It won't be long now until those cold early evenings start drawing in so its time to prepare those autumn/winter classics that are perfect for warming you right to the core. For me, it doesn't get more classic than the hot pot! Oodles of tender carrot, parsnip and mushrooms cooked in a herby, boozy broth with sweet chestnuts and quorn mince all hiding under a blanket of thin and crispy potato slices. When it comes to comfort food, this hot pot is pure bliss on a plate!

GRANNY TIGG'S WEDGES

This month Flavourly box came up trumps this month with the inclusion of a bottle of Tigg's Amazing original dressing. This unique sauce was created by Granny Tigg and can now be seen doing great things at markets and farm shops up and down the country. Its packed full of zingy tomato flavors and I decided to experiment and instead of just using it as a dipping sauce, I used it as a marinade for some of my famous wedges. The results were amazing and I just had to share my guide on how to make them with you, it would be a crime for me not too!

HERBY MUSHROOM MEDLEY PASTA

You don't always need to pile hundreds of ingredients into a dish to make it a stunner. Sometimes the simplest of concoctions can turn out one of the best meals you will ever eat. This mushroom pasta creation is one of those. It's literally a mix of chestnut and porcini mushrooms and herbs, fried in butter and then poached in stock until reduced. Mix in the pasta of your choice and garnish with a final flurry of fresh parsley leaves and in less than half an hour, a little plate of perfection is on your table ready to dive into! 

CURRIED CAULIFLOWER (NO CARB) RICE

Lots of people out there are always looking for ways to be more healthy with their diets and one of the latest crazes that I've seen on TV and in books and magazines a lot recently is cauliflower rice! By blitzing up a whole cauliflower into itty bitty pieces you can create the illusion of rice grains but without all those pesky carbs. It doesn't have to be bland and uninspiring though. All you need some coconut oil, curry powder and fresh coriander leaves and you can lift this simple side dish right up to the next level!

INTRODUCING: THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF LIVE!

The Cake & Bake Show is thrilled to announce a perfect partnership with the nation’s favorite baking show. With the current series pulling in record ratings, over ten million for the episode dedicated to bread-making aired 19th August 2015, The Great British Bake Off, created and owned by Love Productions, has become a television phenomenon.

PUFFY PORTUGUESE CUSTARD TARTS

When making my delightful egg custard tart this weekend I may of dropped a bit of a clanger by
making for too much filling for my pastry case. Not wanting to let leftovers go to waste, I decided to make Portuguese custard tarts which seem to of become more and more popular in the UK over recent years since being featured in magazines, books and on TV. These cinnamon flavored custard filled puff pastry tarts may not be as nostalgic in look and flavor as an egg custard tart but they do come a close second!

THERE'S NOWT LIKE AN EGG CUSTARD!

If you had to write a list of Great British baking classics, the egg custard will be up there on many peoples lists. Is there any better way to treat yourself on a dreary afternoon than popping into your local bakery and picking up a few egg custards to cheer yourself up? I know a lot of people in my family feel the same so I thought it was time to try and give this comfort food great the MattyB Bakes treatment. Pastry filled with egg custard and topped with nutmeg. Doesn't get much simpler but some times the simplest things in life are the best!

TABBOULEH TIME

To round off a week of mezze based treats comes the jewel in the crown! This stunning tabbouleh looks gorgeous but you won't believe how super quick and simple it is to whip up. All you need is to soak some Bulgar wheat, prepare a zingy marinade and chop up a few herbs and veg, whiz it all together and you have a middle eastern masterpiece ready to plonk on your table for everyone to dive into. Throw over some glistening pomegranate seeds to finish for a burst of fruitiness and you have the perfect tabbouleh feast!

CLASSICS REVISITED: HOORAY FOR HOMEMADE HUMMUS

I said it last time and I'll say it again, I really should make homemade hummus more often. The amount you can make for the fraction of the cost is amazing! My previous homemade hummus was a simple roasted garlic affair that perfect for whipping up in big batches to tuck into at your leisure. This time around I'm making a balsamic and caramelized onion hummus which you can top with herbs and spices and present as a sharing dish at a dinner or party alongside some of my fabulous garlictastic focaccia. A stunning centerpiece for any spread. 

BOOZY BLACK FOREST BROWNIE CAKE

After the Black Forrest Gateaux was featured on cake week of the Great British Bake Off 2015 my social media feeds exploded with people having a go at making their own version and posting their efforts online. Well, I wanted a piece of the action but wanted to come up with something slightly different and so my boozy black forest brownie cake was born. Essentially it's a brownie but dotted throughout are some gorgeous Kirsch soaked cherries that give this cake a very adult edge. It's gooey, rich and chocolaty. Whats not to love!

CLASSICS REVISTED: FABULOUS FOCACCIA / GARLICTASTIC BREAD

With bread week of the Great British Bake Off 2015 a few day away I thought it was time to test out my own bread baking skills but with a twist. With lots of dips being made in my kitchen recently a nice dippy bread was the order of the day and in homage to the demise of Glee on UK TV this week a mash up of my fabulous focaccia and Jon's Garlictastic bread seems most appropriate with this garlic and rosemary brushed focaccia. The best of both worlds, this lully loaf can be cut into gorgeous little strips perfect for a bit of dunking action.

QUICKIDY QUICK AUBERGINE DIP

To round off a trio of quickidy quick dips from this weekends mezzeathon here is my take on the classic Baba Ghanoush. A Middle eastern classic made from roasted aubergine (eggplant for my American chums!) blitzed with lemon juice, tahini, tomato paste, garlic and spices and topped with a handful of my new best friend the pomegranate seed. The only real work involved is roasting the aubergines but once that is done it's just a case of whizzing everything in a food processor and your done. Quick, simple and delicious!

QUICKIDY QUICK RED PEPPER DIP

It all went a bit mezze mad at MattyB Bakes this weekend what with my tzatziki and now this gorgeous red pepper dip. It is essentially blitzed roasted peppers, walnuts and breadcrumbs flavored with pomegranate molasses to give it a delicious sweet edge over the garlic and smoky spices. Finish off with a smattering of fresh parsley leaves and a couple of pomegranate seeds for a real fruity burst of flavor. You are going to fall in love with this delicious treat the second you take your first bite. I can you for sure that I certainly did!

QUICKIDY QUICK TZATZIKI DIP

Tzatziki is another one of those things that I really thought I didn't like, mainly because I'm not a fan of cucumbers. However when I made this Greek dip from scratch at home I was once again won over by an old adversary, it was delicious! I think the key is to remove some moisture from the cucumber before mixing it with the yoghurt, lemon, garlic, herbs and spices so that they have a bit of crunch and add texture to the tzatziki and preventing a sloppy mess. It certainly helped in making the only Tzatziki I've ever enjoyed!

CLASSICS REVISITED(ISH): BUTTER (NO) CHICKEN CURRY

One of the most popular dishes on my blog is my veggie and healthy "no butter, no chicken curry", a twist on the old curry house favourite. It's a fabulous recipe but it was most defiantly ripe for those who aren't too fussed about watching the calories and really want to spoil themselves to a delicious and unctuous classic. It's still veggie friendly but this time I'm including the butter and cream as well as adding some additional little flourishes to really lift this dish up to the next level. It's full of sin's but we all need to be a bit naughty now and then!

TIRAMISU TIME!

I'll be honest, I've never really been a fan of Tiramisu. I often found them to be soggy messes that are all mushy and nasty in your mouth. They are one of Jon's favourites though so I thought I bite the bullet and have a go at making my own and I have to say I have been converted. My version is like a delicious and moist tiered sponge cake with those beautiful booze and coffee soaked fingers layered with delicious marscapone and grated chocolate. Its the first time I've ever enjoyed a tiramisu so I think I must of done something right!

BOOZY BISCOTTI

It felt like a just the time for baking biscuits this weekend. It had been a while since I'd made some , crunchy sweet biscuit treats and even longer since I'd made some twice baked biscotti over two years ago when I gave them out as gifts at Christmas. With that in mind I took an old classic recipe and jazzed it up in the best way I could think of; by adding alcohol to the mix. These flaked toasted almond, amaretto and raisin biscotti are super crunchy and ideal for dunking into your tea on a wet Sunday afternoon.
nibbly

INSTANT COFFEE CAKE

When things are a bit hectic in your life but you still want to do something nice for friends, family or for the fantastic nursing staff at the Royal Liverpool hospital who have been looking after your poorly loved one, my instant coffee cake is the perfect recipe for you. Instant in that being an all in one recipe you can bung everything in a bowl, beat and bake and have a fantastic cake all ready in under 1 hour. Add a bit more time to make an instant coffee marscapone topping and you have a yummy treat for any girl on the go!

SUMMER SMOOTHIES: BREAKFAST ON THE GO

Next in my series of summer time smoothies comes this delicious oaty version that is brilliant for a breakfast time treat and ideal for whipping up the night before, leaving in your fridge and then grabbing in the morning if you don't have time to enjoy a proper sit down brekkie. This recipe is a simple strawberry and banana version with a smidge of honey for sweetness but you can experiment with different fruit to suit your own taste and create your very own individual and unique "Breakfast On The Go".

INGRID'S CURRY WEDGES

Our dear friend Ingrid commented on one of my posts recently suggesting I gave this a go. Curry powder, thyme and salt baked wedges! She said it was a right treat and she certainly was not lying. I've add some chili and garlic into the mix as well for extra oomph. I'm not sure if this is how she makes them but I've taking her idea, ran with it and given birth to these fluffy yet crispy bad boys and so I dedicate this recipe to her for giving me the inspiration. X 

DIRTY DEEP FRIED MAC AND CHEESE BALLS

Ladies and gentleman please feast your eyes on the most dirtiest, heaviest creation to ever grace Matty B Bakes. These balls of mac and cheese and chorizo dipped in panko breadcrumbs and deep fried are so incredibly naughty that if they didn't taste so absolutely awesome you would feel so guilty that you would be handing yourself into the police straight away for crimes against your waistline. They do take a while to prepare but trust me once you have your first, you will see they are well worth the wait.

2-4-£20 CAKE AND BAKE SHOW TICKETS

With the October Cake and Bake Shows are fast approaching here is an exclusive offer of 2-4-£20 tickets, great for those who haven't picked there's yet. What are you waiting for!