Sunshine time...

Every time the sun pops out to say hello I get excited, I think 'Yes! Finally the weather has turned we can start to enjoy some sunshine'. Only to be disappointed each time the clouds roll back in, along with the rain and even hail! Will our seasons ever return to normal? Will we get a proper summer this year, or the same dismal imitation of the sunny season that we have experienced for the last few years? Now, as a geographer I do understand the ins and outs of why the rain keeps pouring and the wind keeps blowing. However, that is a topic for another, rainier day. Instead, I am going to offer up a something that helps lift the spirits and remind you that just maybe summer is on its way.


Elderflower and Cucumber Collins...

I had something similar at Browns a little while ago, and this weekend whilst there was the tiniest bit of sun shining, these refreshing flavours were in order! As we always have a ton of homemade elderflower cordial overcrowding the fridge I couldn't think of a better way to use some up.

It took a couple of goes to get all the quantities right but ended up with something like this...

2 Shots Gin (50ml)

1 Shot Fresh Lemon Juice

1 1/2 Shots Elderflower Cordial

3 Chunky Wedges Cucumber

Ice-Preferably Crushed

Soda to top up

I used a cocktail shaker but thats just because it helped to get us in the summery mood, but it is definitely not necessary. You can just pour all the component into a glass and away your go.

1. I added the Gin, Lemon, Elderflower and Cucumber into the cocktail shaker and gave it a good old shake! The shaking dance is also optional!

2. Next fill up a glass with crushed ice.

3. Pour the shaken mixture over the ice and top up with soda water.

4. Sit back, sip and relax!

Fingers crossed there are a few more days like this on their way!

Prawn & Courgette Curry

When it comes to simple Indian home cooking I really don't think you can beat Madhur Jaffrey. This take on her Prawn and Courgette Curry is not only delicious, it is quick and fuss free. Unlike other curries it does not need hours of blipping away so the components all keep a lovely freshness of flavour.  A great midweek supper, and even better the next day so make sure you save a bit for lunch!


To make the Prawn and Courgette Curry for four people you will need:

2 Medium Courgettes

200g Raw King Prawns

1/2 Tsp Salt (to taste)

Vegetable Oil (or any other flavouless oil)

1/2 Pack Fresh Coriander

1 Green Chili

1/2 Tsp Tumeric

1 Large Tsp Cumin

1/4 Tsp Cayenne

1 Tin Chopped Tomatos

2 Inches Ginger

A Squeeze of Lemon (about 1 Tbsp)

1. First, prep all the ingredients so they're all ready to pop into the pan when their time comes.

2. So...chop the courgettes into your preferred shape, I like a good jardinier (that's baton shape to you and I).

3. Chop up the chili. I like a good chili kick but if you don't want it to be too spicy then you can de seed them first.

4. Grate the ginger. Now you're ready to get cooking.

5. Get a heavy based pan on a medium to high heat and add a good slug of veg oil.

6. Once the oil has heated up add the powdered spices, cumin, cayenne, tumeric and salt to cook through for a minute or so. Then add the ginger and chili.

7. Next add the courgettes and stir so they are covered with the spices.

8. In go the tomatos, and ripped up coriander. Bring everything up to the boil and then turn down to a medium heat for 3 minutes.

9. Add the prawns and let the curry gently simmer for 4-5 minutes. Once the prawns have pinked up, take the pan off the heat. The last thing you want is over-cooked rubbery prawns, they really do not take long to cook.

10. Finally squeeze in the lemon juice and check the seasoning, adding a little more salt if needed.

There, I said is was quick and simple!