Arayes
Arayes are warmly spiced usually lamb or beef stuffed pitas. Originally from the Middle East, they hot pockets are meltingly delicious with a crisp exterior thanks to a stint in a hot oven or outdoor grill. They are quite possibly the most popular weeknight dinner, weekend lunch or afternoon snack around here. (How to say you have a houseful of teenage boys without saying you have a houseful of teenage boys).
But the proverbial icing on the cake here are the array of fridge basic toppings that work a treat to elevate these Arayes from delicious to spectacular.
Believe me when I say you need these in your lives.
One of my son’s makes a cameo appearance in this video, see if you can spot him!
Lemon Yoghurt Cake
This cake is as essential in your baking armoury as a pair of black trousers are to your capsule wardrobe. While it’s not a new recipe, I have made a little video for you to add alongside the original recipe and some baking tips and tricks. If this cake is not one you are not already making, or if it’s somehow fallen off the baking rotation (it happens), I am here to remind you of its sheer simple fabulousness.
Requiring only a bowl, a spoon and a yoghurt pot (ok, and a loaf tin), this classic recipe originally from the warmer shores of the Med never ever disappoints. I have slightly altered the order of things (a result of a happy accident) and add the olive oil at the end of mixing everything together which delivers a wonderfully delicate moist crumb and shiny exterior. Add berries if you like……..but most importantly make sure this is on your roster and in your kitchen available for all day snacking and impromptu guests.
A Loaf a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
In anticipation of Jim Lahey’s visit next week I have baked bread every day this month. I am so incredibly grateful for the reminder of the pleasure that it brings with a punctuation and a rhythm to my day and a smug sense of satisfaction. Not to mention I have finally impressed my children. Who knew something so simple as freshly baked loaf could bring such joy and even a compliment? There are only a few tickets left for our In Conversation together on the 30th October and I know its going to be an entertaining chat. There will be lots of bread too and Jim’s award winning 15th Anniversary edition book to buy so you too can get your hands in some flour and produce something magnificent.
Before I go…..
As October draws to a close, I’m starting to think about turkey season. I’ll be sharing my festive sides and tips from next month, but if there are any dishes that you would like to see, let me know and I will do my best to share my version. As always its such a pleasure to be here with you.