MINTY FRESH PASTA BAKE

This delicious dish (inspired by Jamie Oliver's "Kushari Al Forno") is a fabulous comforty meal that is perfect now that these spring evenings are getting warmer and staying brighter for longer! It has a carbalicious base of tomato, chili, rice, pasta and lentils topped with fresh parsley, mint and crumbly feta to create a hearty dish perfect when piled high on your plate flying solo as a main, dished up as a side with some salad or presented at a BBQ or party for people to help themselves too with their sausage and burgers. 

CLASSICS REVISITED: BOOZY BANANA LOAF

Banana loaf is always a winner in my eyes but is there anyway that you can make my classic Boozy Banana Bread recipe even better. Well thanks to my recent discovery of Coconom sugar I think I have! This fab new coconut based sweetener helps to create a gorgeous crunchy caramel like crust to the loaf which is to die for. I've also updated the recipe to make what I think is a much less simpler version that any avid baker will be able to whip up in no time. It might be simpler but it's still a beautifully light and fluffy loaf to die for!

MATTYS MOUSSAKA FOR TWO

Ever since I went on holiday to Rhodes a few years ago I fell in love with Greek food. The fresh salads and amazing cheese such as feta were delicious as well as the lamb produce such as their kofta kebabs and of course the moussaka. Being a half veggie household I decided to create this meat free version using Quorn mince in a herby tomato and  vegetable sauce covered in a cheesy white sauce and baked until golden and crisp. Perfect for two and super delicious!

ROJA PINCHOS LIVERPOOL (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

My quest to hunt out the best new places to eat in Liverpool continues with a visit to a tapas style restaurant with a twist. Whilst the city might be a little saturated with Spanish eateries, Roja Pinchos is (as it's name suggests) serving pinchos - small plates served on bread and skewered to hold it together. It sounded different so we thought we'd give them a try!

PRUNO LIVERPOOL (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

It's not just the blog which has been celebrating it's birthday this month but I myself have reached the ripe old age of 30 this year! With family wanting to celebrate with me I was tasked with finding a venue that could feed a hungry hoard of 20 people on a Saturday night in Liverpool. A quick Google and I stumbled across Pruno in Liverpool. I had driven past it before but never eaten in and after a quick look at the menu I thought it might be worth a go. 

JINJUU LONDON (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

Having really enjoyed chef Judy Joo's recent Korean Food Made Simple series on the food network we were delighted to see she had just open I new restaurant in London. With plans to head that way we booked a table to go and sample her delights for ourselves. The experience began before we had even left our Liverpool home when in the morning we received a call from Laura to confirm our booking. Having booked the table a couple months back it was great to get a call to reassure us that our table would be waiting for us. We could now make our journey to the capital with no worries.

SWEET AND SPICY HOT CROSS BUNS

Happy Easter everyone! Whilst you might be tempted to stick your face into all those Easter eggs over the next few days there is one thing that you can't have Easter without. Hot cross buns! These delicious bread buns laced with mixed spice are peppered with delicious dried fruits and adorned with that symbolic cross are a perfect treat for those looking to get away from the mountain that is properly in your house around this time. Glaze straight from the oven with more mixed spice wash and your glistening masterpieces are ready!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTYB BAKES

I can't believe it! My little blog MattyB Bakes is a year old today. When I started writing about my foodie adventures I genuinely thought I'd probably get bored and stop after a few weeks but here I am talking about its first anniversary. This blog has become a real passion of mine and sharing my recipes, tips and recommendations and seeing people's reactions makes me smile everyday. It's a good time to for me to get all nostalgic and look over the last 12 months!

"HONEY HONEY" FRIED CHICKEN BREASTS

Sometimes when your forced to get creative in the kitchen you can create something truly magical. Having wanted to make my Chicken Kiev's again last night I was dismayed to find I had no eggs to dip the breasts in to make the breadcrumb coating. "I need something sticky!" I thought and instantly thought of honey. Let me tell you; the sweetness it gives the coating around that juicy white meat is a revelation. I'm glad I didn't have those eggs! If your a fan of fried chicken, do yourself a favor and try it today!

MATTY'S MALIBU LOAF CAKE

Listen, I don't need an excuse for adding a little booze into my bakes especially when I'm baking something for a dinner with friends. So when I was raiding our drinks cupboard to see what I needed to get in for my next gathering a came across a nearly empty bottle of Malibu and I instantly had the inspiration to bake a cake with a truly tropical twist. Packed with orange juice and zest and of course that touch of coconut rum, this loaf cake is covered with chocolate cream cheese and sprinkles and dessicated coconut to really give you a taste of the Caribbean!

UMMMMMMAMI STIR FRY

Umami is described as the fifth taste sensation on your taste buds. It's a savory taste that is used widely throughout Asian cuisine. Us westerners are cottoning on to it and now you can find Umami paste sold in the UK. It's great in stir fry's such as this one. It is hard to describe the taste but if you are a fan of Asian food you'll recognize it instantly from restaurant made meals. All you need to know is that its yummy and when combined with a simple Asian sauce and the best fresh veg you can get hold of you are in for a right treat!

QUICKIDY QUICK CHILI GARLIC CHIPS

Today I really wanted chips. I'm not really a fan of them to be honest but today I just had a mad craving for them which is weird. It was at this point I realized that I had never tried to make my own chips. "Madness" I thought and set about rectifying this straight away. Boy had I been missing out. All I needed was to cut some potatoes, blanch and then roast them in some garlic and chili and I had some phenomenal crispy chippies with fluffy insides that taste so much better than a bag of frozen oven chips.

CHEEKY CHICKEN KIEV (WITH JONS SPECIAL BUTTER!)

When  you realize how easy it is to make a classic that you might just buy premade from a supermarket you wonder why you have never tried to do it before. Then when you eat it, you wonder if you'll ever buy shop bought again. That's what happened when Jon bought me some chicken and seasoned breadcrumbs this Sunday and prepared some special garlic butter so that I could have a go at making homemade Chicken Kiev's. Let me tell you; these cheeky little treats are incredible and you must, I repeat must give them a go immediately!

RHUBARB AND CUSTARD CAKE

I used to stay well clear of rhubarb. I think it stems from my old school dinners when they used to serve the most vile stewed rhubarb crumble that used to send shivers down my spine when they slopped it on my tray and poured over lumpy custard. It turns out that when it's prepared correctly it can be super delicious. So whilst its in season I decided I would transform that old horrible school dessert into this whopper of a cake, marbled with rhubarb and custard and sandwiched together with a custard filling.

MEET THE STARS OF THE CAKE AND BAKE SHOW 2015

MattyB Bakes is delighted to help announce the dazzling line-up of celebrity ambassadors appearing the Cake and Bake Show 2015. You won't believe the incredible guests they have in store for you!

SILKY CHORIZO, CITRUS AND SAFFRON STEW

When it comes to luxury ingredients, it doesn't get much more fancy dancy than saffron and having acquired a little pot of those delicious red strands I thought it was time to crack it open and create something that's perfect for when you really want to push the boat out for loved ones. This delicious dish simmers chorizo, peppers and an array of beans in an unctuous broth made from your saffron along with lemon and thyme to create a delicious silky and cirtusy stew that is totally to die for. Defiantly one for when you want to impress!

MATTYS POPPIN' PEANUT CUPS

Peanut butter based sweets seem to have finally made it over to the UK after being a firm favourite over the Atlantic for yonks. A treat brought back by those who had travelled over from the USA can now be enjoyed by us Brits but I always say homemade is better. Here is my recipe for my little chocolate peanut butter cups with popping candy topping. This recipe is so simple but it does require a bit of time as have to chill your chocolate cups to allow you to fill them with that peanut butter filling so make sure you have a bit of time before starting. 

"EPICURED INSPIRED" AVOCADO, MARMITE AND FETA BRUNCH

If you take a look at my review of Epicured Liverpool you will of seen this delight of charred bread spread with marmite and topped with deliciously seasoned avocado and sprinkled with salty feta. I strongly suggest you take a lunch time out to go and try it out. If you are not lucky enough to be in our fine city then here is my attempt to recreate this slice of heaven. I imagine it's something a little bit different that you may not of experienced before but once you try it, it's an experience you will want to repeat over and over again.

SUPER GREEN SOUP

I've got another super duper soup recipe for you and this one is for those who love their greens. Kale and spinach are the stars of the show today and whilst they can be notoriously bland and uninteresting when handled incorrectly this soup shows you how they can be turned into something magnificent. All you need are some chilli, garlic and chorizo to give your soup oomph and onions and potato to give it body and you have all you need for a brilliantly simple and delicious broth.

£3 OFF CAKE AND BAKE SHOW TICKETS (MATTYB OFFERS)

I'm very excited to offer all my readers an exclusive offer of £3 off tickets for any of the "Cake and Bake Shows 2015" All you need to do is quote the following code when booking tickets online:

CAKE313

I went to the show last year and really enjoyed my day which included watching a live demonstration by Paul Hollywood. Click read more below for more information on this fabulous foodie day out!

EPICURED LIVERPOOL (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

It's great to see Liverpool's food scene expanding especially those small independent eateries choosing to open their doors away from the crowds of Liverpool One. Strolling to work the other day I saw a sign urging me to walk up Gradwell street to Epicured. Describing themselves as an "independent, pocket sized and unique destination" for lunch I thought it would be a fabulous place to take breather from work and treat myself to a little me time. So off I popped. Literally a stones throw away from Hanover street I walked in to a warm and friendly welcome.

PATTERSONS LIVERPOOL (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

Anyone who loves meat has to love fried chicken. Well I know I do that's for sure! So when I heard Patterson's Chicken and Tunes bar had recently opened close to my work in Liverpool city centre, I knew I had to give them a try. So armed with an empty stomach, a friend and I headed off to see if the chicken described as "crispy, tender and so tasty" on their website stuck to its word.

LAMPLIGHTER DINING ROOMS, WINDERMERE (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

I've just returned from a rather delightful Hen weekend away at the Lakes. Saturday evening included dinner at the Lamplighter Dining Rooms in Windermere and what a treat it was. Having taken a look online after the meal it was repeatedly referred to as the "best meal in Windermere" and going by my experience, I can wholeheartedly agree.

"AMARETTIETTO" CAKE

Anyone that has been following my recipes for a while will know that I love the taste of Amaretto and I'll find any way to shoehorn it into any recipe I can. This cake is a double pronged attack. Not only is the sponge laced with boozy Amaretto but the centre of the cake is also lined with Amaretti biscuits across the centre which go deliciously chewy during baking as well as being crumbled over the top of some very naughty cream cheese frosting to give a crunchy finish to my most naughtiest cake to date!

VOTE FOR MATTYB BAKES TO BE "FLAVOUR OF THE NEIGHBOUR HOOD"

Exciting times at MattyB Bakes! I've been shortlisted for Hotel Indigo's "Flavors Of The Neighborhood" competition. They are searching for the nation's favorite local food hero and I really need all my readers support to help me become a finalist were the blog could receive a lot of regional and national press coverage. I'm always wanted to reach out the more people so please click on any of the links on this post or on the picture of one of the judges, Jimmy Doherty above to be taken to the "Flavors Of The Neighborhood" app and place your vote for my little blog (I'm on page nine I believe!). 

Voting closes on the 23rd February so there is only less than a week to vote but it will only take you a minute and I would really be over the moon if you take the time to read this or any of my blog posts and enjoy what you read to please support the blog and help me become a finalist.

Thank you, my wonderful, beautiful readers. We can do it!

HEALTHY DIGESTIVE BISCUITS (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

 

My good friend Sarah James, creator of the fantastic blog "Tales From The Kitchen Shed" has done it again. Not only content with creating the best bread roll recipe I have ever made (Ted's Rolls - check them out if you haven't already!) but she has only gone and gone one better with these "Healthy Digestive Biscuits". I loved the sound of them so I took advantage of a Monday day off to give them a whirl. Were they as good as they looked? By jolly they were and then some!

AFTER EIGHT DELIGHT

Check this bad boy out! I'm not normally one for going mad with cake decorations but my creative juices were really flowing yesterday when I created this delicious mint chocolate cake filled with delicious mint and lime curd and smothered with "After Eight" icing. Then by simply decorating with some left over mints and a few chocolate buttons you have yourself a masterpiece that is going to wow at any party or dinner table. If you a fan of chocolate (who isn't!) and mint then this is the celebration cake for you.

CLASSICS REVISITED: EASY PEASY BOLOGNASY

Yes, the recipe with the most cringy name is getting a revamp. My original recipe makes for a super fast, lower calorie version of the humble spaghetti bolognase. This new jazzed up version is still super simple to make but adds a few bits and bobs that might not be as kind to your waistline but you won't be thinking of that when your tucking into this Italian comfort food classic. If your looking for something that is going to take you right back to your mama's home cooking then this is going to become your go too recipe.

CAKE AND BAKE SHOW 2015 COMPETITION!

I had a great time visiting the BBC Cake and Bake Show in London last year and therefore I'm very pleased to help announce that the show will be back for 2015 along with a brand new competition! 

V-PUD, SAUSAGE AND CUMIN SQUEAK!

Veggies behold! Welcome to the wonderful world of the V-Pud, vegetarian black pudding. Created by "The Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company Ltd", this fabulous vegan friendly black pudding is (in my eyes) an absolute revelation and means that you can now make delicious veggie friendly meals which can traditionally use this British delicacy such as  "Bubble and Squeak". Potatoes, greens, veggie sausage and V-Pud fried up with cumin seeds and served with grated cheese and soy bacony bits - you are in for a right old treat!

RICE BOWL MANCHESTER (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

To have over 700 reviews on TripAdvisor and still be in the top thirty restaurants in a major city is no mean feat and The Rice Bowl in Manchester is currently rocking those statistics. I'd heard great things about this Chinese stalwart of the Manchester food scene however when a friend and I rocked up here just before Christmas to be turned away due to being too busy I knew I had to come back armed with a reservation. Somewhere this packed has to be doing something right!

HOORAY FOR HOMEMADE HUMMUS

I love hummus! Dipping in a warm pitta bread, spreading on a butty or scooping it up with tortilla chips, it makes for a more healthier snack compared to shoving a whole bar of chocolate down your throat. When I made my own at home I was blown away by the sheer volume that I produced, how simple it was to make, how much more delicious it tastes than shop bought and finally how much cheaper it is to make your own than buy those little tubs in supermarkets. When you factor all that in, whats not to love about homemade hummus.

MATTYB'S BARA B

With St David's day just over a month away it's time to get my welsh inspired bake on. When I went on holiday to North Wales last year I saw Bara Brith being sold in many of the bakeries and tea shops around the area and it really caught my eye. A yummy mixed spice fruit loaf made either with yeast (for the super traditional) or without, the dried fruit and candied peel used in the dough/batter is soaked in tea overnight before being added to really make this bake a great afternoon treat. Why not give my yeast free version a go this coming 1st March.

HAIRY BIKERS CHILI SALAD BOWLS (MATTYB RECOMMENDS)

Check these bad boys out! Don't they look incredible! They are crispy tortillas filled with lettuce, chili, fresh tomatoes, spring onion and grated cheese. They are one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten. I cannot take credit for creation of the idea though. That goes to the Hairy Bikers. If you have never seen any of their Hairy Dieters books then this is my public service announcement to tell you that you need to go and buy them immediately. Trust me, it'll be one of the best things you ever do with your life!

FABULOUS MEXICAN FRITTER

I do love Mexican food. That more subtle chili heat that you get compared to those blow your mouth off spicy curries you get in Indian cuisine and the use of all those fresh tomatoes, pepper etc that create in my eyes some of the best dishes in the world. However, as much as I have all this love for Mexican treats there is only so much chili con carne and tortilla based dishes a boy can take. So I've created this new Mexican inspired dish. A chili sweetcorn fritter topped with a fresh Mexican salsa topped with grated cheese. Simple, yet oh so scrummy!

MATTYB IS OFF TO BRUSSELS... AND NEEDS YOUR HELP

We are off on our holidays! I'm so excited to be going on my travels abroad for the first time in over two years and we are heading to the land of chocolate and waffles: Brussels!

This is where you come in - I love hunting out great new foodie hangouts in the UK but I can honestly say I have zero knowledge of the Belgian food scene.

Therefore I reach out to all the lovely people who take the time to read my blog and I ask for you hints and tips on great places to eat, drink and visit (food markets etc) in Brussels and the surrounding areas. Please leave your suggestions in a comment below and hopefully I'll be able to get to visit as many of your top haunts as possible and share my experiences here in the near future.

Thank you to you all!

LEFTOVER SPAG BOL PIZZAS

Remember those little frozen bread pizzas you can get that your mum used to give to you when you were little for dinner when she couldn't be bothered cooking. Boy they were delicious in a dirty kind of way weren't they. I loved them so when my eyes stumbled across a nice loaf we had bought and some left over spag bol from the previous night there was only one thing that crossed my mind: lets recreate these little guilty pleasures with fabulous fresh ingredients and mighty fine leftovers and see if you can lift them to the next level. 

KRAZEE KRANSEKAGE

I love everything Scandinavian. Not that I have ever been their (although it's on the bucket list!) but having watched many shows about the culture, beautiful natural landscape and their fabulous cuisine I was keen to try and bake my own little tribute to my Scandi neighbors. That was when I came across the Kransekage. A traditional ringed tower of spectacular looking sugary marzipan treats served by the Danish and Norwegians at special occasion, I've down sized them to little bite sized treats that will be perfect to serve at afternoon tea.

MATTYB BAKES IS BLOG OF THE DAY!

I'm please to announce that I will be the Onvation's "Blog Of The Day" on their "Blog Of The Day App" on the 22nd January 2015.

This fabulous app dedicates a whole 24hrs to a different blog each day and is a brilliant way to discover new and exciting blogs that you may not have come across before. Best of all it is completely free!

 I would like to thank them for helping me reach out to more people. I'm always looking to share this little hobby that's becoming a real passion of mine with as many people of possible.

Why not give it whirl and download the app here. Who knows who you will discover next!

MINTY SMASHED POTATOES

Earlier in the month I showed you how to show your spuds a bit of love with my salt crust baked potato recipe. They are amazing but what if one doesn't have the time or ingredients to make a salt dough? Well you still don't have to neglect your taters. Try this super easy alternative, smashed potatoes which you can cover in any delicious filling you like. I'm going to show you a delicious topping using my homemade mint sauce and a tub of creme fraiche. Incredibly simple but they will look irresistible when you present them at your table.

QUICKIDY QUICK MINT SAUCE

  I know I like to harp on about it but making your own sauces, dips and relish is so easy and they always taste so much better than shop bought versions. Today is Sunday which can only mean one thing. It's Sunday roast time! Whilst I may not be serving it with a big fat lamb shank, this super simple recipe for a fresh and fabulous mint sauce will work wonders when trickled over your roast potatoes. Try it next Sunday and see for yourself! I promise you will fall in love with this tangy treat.

CLASSICS REVISITED: PERFECT PEPPERY PICO DE GALLO

One of my early recipes was part of my Mexican trilogy, a delicious and fresh tomato and jalapeno salsa. It still holds it's own today and is much better than any shop bought version you could buy. Having educated myself over the last year of blogging and kitchen adventures I have learnt that the Mexicans would refer to this type of raw salsa as a "pico de gallo" and that there are many ways you can jazz up that basic pico base that made up my original recipe to give it an extra flavor punch. In my second revisited classic I have just done this that.

MATTYB'S CITRUS BURST CAKE

It had been so long since I last baked that I was getting withdrawal symptoms. Then along came a day off work and it was time to get back in that kitchen and do what I love best; bake a loaf cake. I love to experiment with my loaf cakes and this time I have gone for one packed full of citrus zing inspired by some oranges I had in my fridge. Be warned, if your not a fan of lemons or oranges then stay clear of this recipe but if you do love that citrus zing your going to love cutting into it and letting the lemon curd filling burst all over the place.

SCRUMPTIOUS SCRUMPY CHASSEUR

The cold winter evenings drive on and so does the need for a good warm meal in the evening. We can't spend all January eating soups though so what this calls for is a little cheeky chasseur but with my little twist. This veggie friendly stew is perfect for throwing in your favorite winter veg and contains oodles of a good strong scrumpy instead of the traditional wine (well they are both made from fruit at the end of the day so who's bothered). It's a yummy winter warmer that will have you all roasty toasty in no time!

"SORT YOURSELF OUT" BROTH

There is a lot of illness around at the moment I've never known anything like. I hate feeling under the weather, I think the term "man flu" was invented with me in mind. There is only one things for it! Its time to rustle up a huge pan of rustic homemade chicken and vegetable broth with a good old glug of red wine (for medicinal purposes of course). Packed full of carrots, kale, celery, mushrooms and beans, all you need is a couple of bowls of this pasta filled broth and you'll be back on your feet before you know it.

CLASSICS REVISITED: JALFREZI FRENZY

Having blogged for nearly a year now, I'm always pushing myself to try new things and I think my abilities at both writing and cooking have improved so much since then which always goes to show that practice makes perfect. I've been looking over past recipes and started thinking "I could really make some improvements on these". My original recipes will be great for kitchen novices but here is the first of my revisited classic recipes which add that little extra for more experienced foodies wanted to push themselves; my veggie jalfrezi.

SALT BAKED POTATO PARCELS

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the main part of a meal we often forget to lavish the same amount of attention on your sides. Spare a thought then for the humble jacket potato, thrown in the oven and told to get on with it. Well, give them a bit of attention by baking them in a salt dough and you'll have the finest potato ever to grace your plate. Not much to talk about here really, the recipe below will be enough to cover 2 medium sized jackets. Scale up the measurements as required and prepare to be amazed;

ROASTY SMOKEY CHORIZO AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

So Christmas is over and those chilly winter nights are getting colder. What this calls for is this delicious soup made with chorizo and butternut squash, roasted in the oven in an array of delicious herbs and spices and then garnished with a dollop of creme fraiche and onion chutney for a final little flourish. It's such a deep and warmly smoky tasting soup you will feel the worries of the day wash right away right after your first spoonful. I can't think of anything better to tuck into on a cold January evening.

SUPER SPECIAL SPICY SHAKSHOUKA

Some of my adventures in the kitchen come from wanted to making something delicious with a particular ingredient that I have lying in the kitchen. I take this one ingredient, research dishes which use them and then try and put my little twist on them. This recipe for Shakshouka came from wanting to use up some cooking chorizo that I had left over and I'm glad I found out about it as it was defiantly a super special spicy tomato treat. Its fabulously easy to make too and great for dishing up for breakfast, brunch or dinner.

MY DEAR MADEIRA CAKE

Spare a thought for the poor Madeira cake. Consigned to the selves of supermarkets in dense little tasteless prepackaged blocks and derived by many there must surely be a way to make this forgotten tea time treat something special again. My answer? Booze of course! As it's just after Christmas this is the perfect time to use those last little bits of leftover Madeira wine in your cupboards to breath some life into this classic British bake. It's super easy to make that you won't need to buy those nasty shop bought versions ever again.