A Summers Meal on a Rainy Day....

I have to admit, recently I have been feeling in a little bit of a blogging rut. Lack of inspiration, energy and time has left me drumming my fingers on the laptop and searching my pantry aimlessly, waiting for something to jump out at me that will fill me with a delicious meal and a renewed enthusiasm to write and share. I think it happens to all of us at some point (whether you are a blogger or not), even the most diehard food enthusiast gets stuck from time to time on that age old question “what's for dinner”. Monday night was no exception. Wee One was fed and Hubby was away for the week so it was just me wondering what to eat. I scoured the fridge and decided it was time to use up the asparagus that had been sitting there for the best part of a week and so I decided to opt for a light and delicious Asparagus Soup this time adding a handful of fresh basil at the last moment for an extra fresh Summer flavour.....it got me thinking and my taste buds tingling. Unable to resist the idea of a soup that was warming and filling yet so light and summery I started looking at what else I had that I could eat with the soup and I came up with my new favourite Bruschetta! Grilled and lightly scorched ciabatta, soft, sweet and mellow roasted garlic topped with creamy Boursin cheese and fresh juicy vine-ripened tomatoes mixed with a crisp spring onion and lots of fresh basil. A little dried chilli added a touch of spice and I finished the whole thing off with a good pinch of Maldon salt and a drizzle of Crema di Balsamico.....heaven! It was just what I needed and so good that I knew I would be having the same thing for lunch the next day.....now all I need is a little sun and it really would feel like Summer!

Asparagus & Basil Soup

This is just my usual recipe for Asparagus soup (minus the cream) with a small handful of fresh basil leaves added in at the last moment before blitzing. The result is light, fragrant and completely delicious and the addition of the basil helps keep the soup vibrant green....win-win!

My new favourite Bruschetta

The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Day 9: Christmas Bruschettas

I thought I should probably take a break from all of the sweet treats I have been making for Christmas and my 12 Days of Christmas and post these delicious Christmas Bruschetta's. I'll be making these on Christmas Day to serve at lunch time (along with our Broccoli & Nutmeg Soup) but again they also make a fantastic starter. If it's easier you can grill the bread ahead of time so all you have to do is put on the toppings. Pretty, festive and very delicious!

Goats Cheese & Pomegranate

More pomegranate but I just can't resist its stunning sparkly gems and delicious taste. It works so perfectly with the tangy goats cheese and provides a wonderful refreshing taste and pop of flavour when you bite into it.

I haven't given precise measurements for any of these recipes since it depends entirely on how many people you are feeding and how much you want to make.

Ciabatta bread (or something similar)

Olive oil

Garlic, clove(s) sliced in half lengthwise

Goats cheese

Lemon zest

Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Pinch of Maldon Salt and black pepper

Pomegranate seeds

Slice the ciabatta into fairly thin slices (roughly 1cm thick) then drizzle with some olive oil. Toast the bread using a paninni press or under the grill until just golden then remove and rub a little of the garlic on it before allowing to cool.

While the bread is toasting, in a small bowl mix together the goats cheese with some lemon zest and a good sprinkling of fresh parsley. Season then mix together using a fork. Taste to check everything is balanced and adjust if necessary.

Spread the goats cheese over the ciabatta then sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds. Finish with a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil then serve and watch them disappear in a flash!

Gorgonzola, Bresaola & Rocket

For some reason, I always think of blue cheese as being fairly Christmassy. I'm not entirely sure why – whether its because we used to always get some lovely Stilton as a present (along with some delicious condiments and chutneys), or the fact that there is always a cheese board at some point over the Christmas period that always includes it.... I can't decide my reasoning but anyway, for me this Gorgonzola, Bresaola & Rocket Bruschetta is the perfect wintery, Christmassy Bruschetta!

Ciabatta Bread (or something similar)

Olive oil

Garlic, clove(s) sliced in half lengthwise

Rocket leaves (arugula)

Gorgonzola or other blue cheese of your choice

Bresaola ham

Spritz of lemon juice

Freshly ground black pepper

Extra virgin olive oil

Slice the ciabatta into fairly thin slices (roughly 1cm thick) then drizzle with some olive oil. Toast the bread using a paninni press or under the grill until just golden then remove and rub a little of the garlic on it before allowing to cool.

When ready to assemble simply put a little rocket on each piece of ciabatta then top with a slice of cheese. Spritz with a little lemon then top with a slice of ham. Finish with a grinding of black pepper (optional) and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This is a bruschetta not to be messed with!

Mozzarella & Chilli

This is just my classic Mozzarella & Chilli Bruschetta that I make in the summer, the only difference being I've used parsley instead of basil but I thought since it's a favourite of mine it has to be included at Christmas time – especially since the natural colours of the dish are perfect for Christmas time!

Ciabatta Bread (or something similar)

Olive oil

Garlic, clove(s) sliced in half lengthwise

Mozzarella

Red Chillies (or if you like you can use a mix of red and green), finely chopped

Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Maldon sea salt (or other finishing salt)

Extra virgin olive oil

Slice the ciabatta into fairly thin slices (roughly 1cm thick) then drizzle with some olive oil. Toast the bread using a paninni press or under the grill until just golden then remove and rub a little of the garlic on it before allowing to cool.

Tear the mozzarella into pieces then top the ciabatta with it. Finish off by sprinkling over the chopped chillies, parsley and salt then drizzle over a little good quality extra virgin olive oil. My favourite!