Wendy from A Wee Bit of Cooking is a teacher living in the Highlands of Scotland. She loves cooking food, growing food, finding food and eating food. She also has the cutest dog in the northern hemisphere.
A Wee Bit of Cooking
A Scottish food blog
A Wee Bit of Cooking 
cool!
Hi, I’ve just discovered your blog and it’s great! Also, a bit spooky… I too live in the area and teach in Inverness, have a fab Cocker and love, love, love food!! I’m looking forward to trying out your recipes and seeing more great photos. Kate
Hi I have just discovered your blog and we are new to this but I found it very interesting on what you are writing about and entertaining I love to cook so will be trying out some of your recipes as they look absolutely delicious.
Hi there. I’m new to this wild mushroom thing ( who says things don’t grow in the North Highlands!) and have just found a large bag of chanterelles picked by my better half. As we speak I have laid them on a sunny window ledge and will see if the 3-5 day thing works.
It is really is mushroom central up here – our self catering guests get very excited about the funghi/steinpilze/ceps, but as I am currently clean out of foreign guests to ask, your blog came in very handy. Thanks
help please….my tablet is fine,,,,the problem i have is, its not coming out the tray…..,,,i have lightly buttered it and heavy buttered it but still the same result…please can you suggest anything at all…many thanks…
Hmmmm. Did you slice it before it had properly cooled? Try doing that but leaving it in the tray until cool afterwards. Or you could line the tray with greaseproof paper?
hi,,ive sorted the tray problem…just another wee poser for you…how do i get the tablet darker/more brown?…
Hello,
just being nosey as Daniel mentioned to me that you had a blog and that Dave was being treated to delicious cooking on a regular basis. Say hello to Dave for me. Might be up in April with Graeme and Daniel for a Ceilidh (Dave may not have mentioned this)…
Hope all is well in Drumdevan Place!
Cheers,
Aly
Aly – Hello! Nice to hear from you. Hope Bethan and Findlay are well and that you had a lovely first Christmas together. Said hello to David and he’s perplexed about the ceilidh visit! Maybe give him a call sometime… 🙂
Hopefully see you in April! Maybe you could all come round for food one night if you’ve got time.
Wendy
Hi Wendy
I’m sure you already know all about Fairtrade but just trying to spread the word that Fairtrade fortnight is happening in the UK over the next two
weeks.
I’m asking as many food bloggers to spread the Fairtrade message as possible – to enjoy our food, knowing that it’s also helping communities
in developing countries to get a better life.
See my post here
http://heatheronhertravels.blogspot.com/2008/02/fairtrade-fortnight-coming-soon-to.html
and the fairtrade website here
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/
Do hope that you’ll be able to work it into your blog in some way.
Many Thanks
Heather
Heather – I will most certainly do so.
Love your blog!
When I saw the Haggis post, I remembered the evenings in Dalwhinnie, where we would serve haggis, neeps and tatties to the guests.
One of them would usually volunteer to read the ‘Ode to the Haggis’, if not, then it would be left to me with a Lancashire/Scottish accent!
I’ve added you to my blogroll…
hi,
i wanted to email you, but could not locate your email address on the blog.
blogsjam is a new web-based blog reader, organized by channels.
pl. check it out, and contact me at (ashishbaldua5@gmail.com), if you have any questions.
we also have a cool widget, that will not only help get more
distribution for your blog,
but it can also be used to feature fresh and contextual posts on your blog.
thx-
Ashish
Miss Lionheart – Hello! Sorry for the late reply. 🙂 Glad you like my blog and glad, also, that it brings back good memories for you.
Ashish – Will check it out. Thanks.
” kitchen chopping, peeling, wrapping, stirring, freezing, simmering, dicing, mincing…”
I am traveling Asia at the moment and have not been able to cook for 4 months! That description is making me eager to get to a kitchen!! x
Claire – I know the feeling! I always get like that when I’ve been travelling for any length of time. Actually, I get like that after a few days! Hope you’re having a blast. 🙂
BTW, I teach, too… I teach, write and cook. In varying order sometimes. I’m from Ann Arbor, MI in the States. Again, great blog!
Jen – Sounds like we have a lot in common! Am off to Google Ann Arbor now. 🙂
Hi i,m from South Africa and like to bake as a hobby,but since been in the UK i am having problems with my baking not rising,been a bit flat and stogchy.
Never had this problem in SA, could it be tha flour or chemicals in the water or altitude,can anybody help or give some advice,
thanks
kind
regaerds
andy.
Andrew – I don’t know much about baking, to be honest. The only suggestion I have is this: if the flour you used in SA was the same as American cakeflour then that’s probably the problem. UK flour is unbleached and not as fine. See this page for a possible solution – http://amerrierworld.wordpress.com/2007/10/28/a-question-of-flour/
Or ask for advice on this forum – http://www.realbakingwithrose.com/forums/-
these people know their baking!
Hi,
I found you through blogher and have thoroughly enjoyed sifting through your posts.
Keep up the good work.
Nice blog 🙂
Hi I found your blog by accident through the soup competition on Tinned Tomatoes and I have really enjoyed reading your blog and your recipes, will definitley come back for some more ideas.
Jessica – Thank you! You’re too sweet. 🙂
Chrisdi00 – Many thanks. 🙂
Fleur – Thank you so much! See you soon!
Hi,
I’m a finn living in Uk and as I was trying to translate some finnish recipes to my friend I found your blog. Very interesting and I love the pictures. 🙂
All the best.
Nina
Hi,
I randomly came across your blog. I love your style, the beautiful pictures and the adorable dog!
All the best,
-Iva
Hello Wendy,
Thank you for taking the time to post your intriguing, lovely pics and delightful recipes. They really are a joy to look at and read. Have not tried any yet but I do love to cook (and eat!). Am a seamstress for interior designers but my New Year’s resolution is to go back to school to be a humanities teacher. Best wishes for a happy Christmas wonderful New Year.
Ruth
Hello Wendy
Have stumbled across your blog as i am seeking inspiration to learn to cook. I can only do basics and would love to improve. This is my 2009 new year’s resolution.
Thought it seemed rude to read your blog without introducing myself. I look forward to trying some of your recipes.
Many thanks and Happy New Year!
Mandy
Good afternoon,
I hope you’re well. I look after the press office for Donald Russell, Britain’s premier online butcher and Royal Warrant holder, and I was wondering if you would like to review their Lamb Valentine Steaks for your blog? There’s is also the Double Steaks if you would prefer those.
It would be great if you could let me know if you would like samples, please find attached the full press release.
With kind regards,
Lucy
I saw when you was visiting me on my foodblog, that it stated that you were from Inverness. I have been there on holiday 3 years ago!! I just love Scotland!! I really like your COOL blog!! Many greets from Brussels, Belgium!!!
Hi there – your blog is lovely! I was looking for a tablet recipe and found it – I have too been making table for ages – experimenting and experimenting but i still crave that creamy table – you know the type that mums made and brought along to bring and by sales 🙂 did you or D acheive this with yours? Thanks for letting me know when you have a chance Wendy.
Carol Ann – Thank you! D is the tablet maker in the house and, yes, his batches do have that beautiful creamy taste reminiscent of jumble sales! It took quite a lot of practise to get it right, mind you.
Great blog, love the toad pic and your photographs are beautyful. Might have a go at making some of the veggie dishes. x
Hi Wendy
Many thanks for an excellent blog. Just one quick question, if you measure in cups what size “cup” do you use, or did you buy a measuring spoon set with a cup size as well as teaspoon, tablespoon etc…
Cheers
Minkbaby – Thank you! 🙂
Claire – I have a set of measuring cups. You can use a measuring jug instead though. 1 cup = 225 ml. Hope that helps!
Hi,
I discovered your blog three days before my final exam of my degree examination. I wish I hadn’t, since it took me half a day to read every single post…
Good stuff, thanks for cheering up my day!
And now back to other, not so inspiring, texts :-I
I will be back though, excellent pics and mouthwatering recipes!
Lotta – Not sure whether to say thank you or sorry! Hope the exam went well. 🙂
When I read the word “wee” at foodblogblog I thought “must be scottish”. What a wonderful surprise, it was scottish.
I went to Scotland in 1978 an stayed in Glasgow for some months. I love it here and I promise to read every single word written in this blog to refresh the memories.
Just read your lovely piece on making tablet. I used my Gran’s recipe which I had always assumed was easy because that’s how she made it look: perfect little trays of tablet dotted with blooms of sugar crystals. I now know it’s not easy but then we enjoyed eating even the batches that didn’t work.
Hi Wendy,
I stumbled upon your blog while googling “Kedgeree”. I’ve got a nice piece of salmon I was planning on smoking tomorrow (not a lot of haddock available in Winnetka, IL) and was wondering if there was a way to incorporate the finished product into a favourite dish from my childhood. You blog is GREAT! I’m going to pass on your blog address to my Mum – a Glaswegian transplanted to Atlanta via Toronto – although I’m sure she’ll claim that she needs no help recalling the recipe for tablet, oatcakes, etc.! If you’ve a good recipe for kidneys, I’d love to see it.
Cheers,
Peter
Jutta – Hello! Glad you’re enjoying the blog. 🙂
Sheila – It’s my boyfriend who makes the tablet in this house but being in earshot of his swearing and tantrums, I am well aware of how difficult the process is to get perfectly right.
Peter – Hello! Thanks for the kind words about my blog. I reckon a smoked salmon kedgeree would be absolutely amazing! I haven’t tried it (think I will though) but think I would follow a similar process to my original recipe but without poaching the fish. I’d use some light fish stock rather than the poaching liquid then just flake the salmon in towards the end of cooking the rice. We’ve been eating kedgeree recently with a poached egg rather than boiled. VERY good!
thank you for a lovely blog ~ i havent blogged before! found this while looking for what to do with some plums i found on a walk today!
interested to read you are a teacher and live in scotland ~ how lovely
i spent a week on the isle of harris in may ~ it was idyllic
i was teaching till this july but have just resigned ~ maybe more time for cooking?
I am at home feeling rough and Lamb Kathmandu from Cinnamon in Inverness…my most FAVOURITE curry ever …was all I could think about….(why is it when I am feel poorly a curry is one of the few things I can stomach? Odd!)
So did a google, found your recipe and it is now cooking away (albeit with beef not lamb…but needs as needs must as it was all I had in the fridge – and Cinnamon won’t deliver to Drumnadrochit!)
Just cooking it made me feel better! Fingers crossed it comes somewhere close to the unctious goodness!
And I LOVE your blog, the photos etc are fantastic!
I totally get the buzz you mentioned from entering the local show. We just had ours at Glenurquhart and there is nothing better then seeing the little white , blue or RED ticket by your entry! (although the cake police disallowed my chocolate sponge as I didn’t use the ‘correct’ shaped tin…grrrrrr …..next year a prize WILL be mine!)
If you ever want to hold cooking classes down the Glen in the school holidays or on an evening get in touch – We would love to host you at the Craigmonie Centre.
If you fancy it we could meet up in Inverness for a natter and a curry one day! (I have the famous Cinnamon 20% discount card…my most prized possession – lol)
Best Regards from a fellow Cinnamon fan.
Fran
Pippa – Thank you for the lovely comments. Hope you’re enjoying your non-teaching life and are finding lots of time to cook!
Fran – Hello. 🙂 Shall email you right now.
Hi Wendy
Ive just made your chickpea, carrot and cumin burgers ~ they were delicious and i shall be making them again. I didnt serve them in a bun but with a slightly spicy tomato sauce.
thanks also for the pictures of the hay making ~ lovely!
i do enjoy reading your blog ~ please keep it going, hope switzerland is as lovely as ever
any swiss recipes?
Hiya
I lived several years in Angusshire until I returned to Switzerland in November 08. Miss it dreadfully all this beautiful food and landscape.
Came to love seafood while I lived there. A nono for Switzerland normally – glad I could source some scottish salmon even here.
This Blog is fantastic – big congratulations on it – I have to nick a recipe or two and do a bit of show offing to my swiss friends.
keep going your recipes are inspirational.
Manou
Just stumbled on your blog and saw your picture of ‘papery’ seed heads. The plant is Honesty. Purple flowers in the summer. Once the seed heads burst and the seeds scatter, what’s left is this papery ‘membrane’ which looks wonderful indoors or out in winter.
Hello Wendy!
Just came across your site whilst researching the perfect way of making Tablet (trying to be brave here… be brave… I can do it… haha!)
I’m a German foodie & animal-lover, married to a Scot (had our wedding at Urquhart Castle last summer 😉 and living in Dubai – counting down the days, weeks and months before we move out of the desert and up to bonny Inverness!
Until then, we shall satisfy our homesickness with your great recipes and beautiful photos. Now, just have to work-up the courage to buy condensed milk, extra sugar and the vanilla essence… aaaah!
Hi Wendy!
I was just looking for some Scottish recipes (particularly red lentil soup, since I can now find them locally), when I came across your blog. All your recipes look great! I’m in the States, and always interested in new flavors. I look forward to following your blog for fun and for a taste of Scottish cuisine.
Hi Wendy,
There is a new bar/restaurant that offers a ‘Gate to Plate’ dining experience call Platform and I would like to invite you for our launch. Is this something that interests you? Please do email me at kathryn@handmade.uk.com and I will send you further information.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Kind Regards,
Kathryn
Wendy:
As per the email – I’m trying to find how to ask a blog question in the blog form. Hope I’m on the right track!
I’ve thought about blogging but don’t think I’m that interesting or do anything that anyone else might find of any interest.
If you had the time could you suggest a site I might look at?
In the meantime where can I find your recipe on Mackerel Pate?
Thanks – sorry if I’m a nusiance.
Stewart
Hello Stewart,
You can comment here or you can comment at the end of the post you want to ask a question about. At the end there is a link saying comment. Just click on that and it’ll take you to the comment box.
Do start a blog! Perhaps you could share your photographs? http://www.wordpress.com is the site I use to blog. You just sign up and then follow the instructions. They have tutorials to get you started. I learnt by experimenting.
And the mackerel pate recipe will be on the blog soon. It’s basically just mackerel, cottage cheese, lemon and dill all whizzed together.
You aren’t a nuisance in the slightest! Delighted to help!
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
I was just looking at other foodbloggers and found yours. A friend of mine in Glasgow just sent me her recipe for Tablet. I had never heard of it before one week ago and then saw it posted on your Blog. Small world.
I would love a recipe for vegetarian haggis if you have one. When I was visiting Scotland and really enjoyed it.
All the best,
Irene
http://bamitbach.wordpress.com
Hi Wendy,
I have been visiting your blog and just added it to my blogroll. My son spent a semester in Scotland and I had a chance to visit. It was beautiful! Anyway, just wanted to let you know.
All the best,
Irene
http://bamitbach.wordpress.com
Hello Wendy, It’s me again. The woman whose children called my Mum, Gaga Just wanted to say that your Vietnamese bowl looked scrumptious. I look at a cooking blog, “cookin; canuck”. There is a recipe for Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken. Very tasty, You might be interested Wendy, now that you are into Vietnamese food. I’ll try your recipe this weekend for my husband’s birthday dinner. Kiss that lovely boy, Marco. Mary.
I just came across your blog and have been thoroughly enjoying it. I live in the US, but have never felt more at home than when I visited the Scottish Highlands. I look forward to returning and to enjoying more of your blog.
Irene – Haven’t tried to make vegetarian haggis yet but it would be a great experiment. Shall try!
Isaiger – I love it too but then being my home, Im a bit biased!
Mary – Shall most definitely check that recipe out. Marco says thank you and sends licks back. 🙂
Melinda – Hello and welcome! Glad you’re enjoying the blog. 🙂
Hi there, I just came across your blog in my tablet-making quest (I’ve managed to make some today using a similar recipe to your post). Can you tell me if chocolate tablet is a Scottish thing or just a modern adaptation. And if so, do you just stir through some chocolate at the end of beating, just before pouring – would love to get to the bottom of it! By the way, I’m from New Zealand, don’t you love the internet!
Sandra – Hello! Chocolate tablet, I have never heard of so I can’t help I’m afraid. It sounds like something my other half would love though. Let me know if you’re successful! 🙂
Hi Wendy,
I love you blog! I am a Greek leaving in Finland for the last 4 years…So that you know you have a big fan from a country you love!
🙂
Terveisin,
Anna
I found your blog when searching the internet for new recipes for using the over abundance of tomatoes and basil in the garden this year. (I live in the Northeast US.) I plan to spend some more time here on your blog, checking things out. Thanks for sharing the pictures, recipes and a bit of your life!
I wish I had known about your blog sooner! It looks great. I’m an amateur chef too (although since starting my new faculty position I haven’t really done much cooking). A few cookbooks I personally love if you’re still looking to expand your collection:
The Best recipe (by America’s Test Kitchen/Cooks illustrated): my go to for pretty much anything. Never made a bad recipe from it. Ever.
The gourmet cookbook (complicated but impressive)
xo.
M.
Please can you add me to your list of email addresses to receive your blog.
Many thanks, Miriam
Oh wow… I love your site.. I was looking for crispy duck recipes, and google sent me to ‘a wee bit of cooking’. I am sooo pleased. I have fallen in love with your photos, recipes and blog. Please could you put all of this in a book so I can snuggle on the sofa and savour it all..
Hi there,
I’m from Perth, Australia. Love cooking and being on maternity leave having much more time to play and learn. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Siana
Hi Wendy,
I love your blog! I just stumbled upon it while looking up a recipe for a nut roast. I have spent the last hour ‘surfing’ over your amazing pictures of food and countryside. I am particularly enamored with your dog’s paws – they are so shaggy and cute!
If you are ever in Berlin, drop me a line. You may be curious to try out some of the ‘Nouvelle German’ cuisine that’s flourishing here.
Best,
Peta
Anna – Love Greece too. 🙂
Leslie – Thank you for the kind words!
Marie-Joelle – Loving the sound of these books. Only yesterday I was saying I didn’t need anymore cookbooks… 😉
Miriam – Hello. I’m not very sure how to do that but I’ll see if I can figure it out for you.
Dawn – You’re very sweet! Very happy you like my blog. 🙂
Siana – Sounds like you’re enjoying maternity leave! Have fun playing.
Peta – Hello. Very glad you like my wee space here. I love Marco’s paws too. They always smell so earthy! Shall keep your offer in mind if I ever visit Berlin. I’ve heard some great things about the city just recently. 🙂
Hi Wendy, My mother was from Greenock and I have lots of relatives that live in Scotland. We got to visit them years ago!-Anyway we are all very close. One of my favorite memories was the tablet! Thanks for posting the recipe. Lynda Tatrai
http://grapegoddess.blogspot.com
Hi Wendy
I really like your style of writing and of course the yummy food descriptions.
It’s the time of year when we are all full of good resolutions and I have created a resource to help people make their wishes come true for 2011. I have used it with with great success with my clients, and I would like to share it with a larger audience.
You can see it here: http://www.taraspringett.com/manifesting-your-dreams
I think your readers will resonate with my manifesting-your-dreams resource. It is free, new and very easy to put on your website. There is a simple line of code that you can simply copy and paste into the html of your website.
It would be lovely to hear from you,
Tara Springett
http://www.taraspringett.com
0044 (0)1435 874744
Just came across your site whilst researching the perfect way of making Tablet (trying to be brave here… be brave… I can do it… haha!)I’m a German foodie & animal-lover, married to a Scot (had our wedding at Urquhart Castle last summer and living in Dubai – counting down the days, weeks and months before we move out of the desert and up to bonny Inverness!Until then, we shall satisfy our homesickness with your great recipes and beautiful photos. Now, just have to work-up the courage to buy condensed milk, extra sugar and the vanilla essence… aaaah!
+1
Hi there, just found you through a wonderful book “Eat Your Yard”. It looks like lots of other people have found you too. I’m adding you to my favorites, because I would love to keep in touch and your recipes look really good! Jill
Dear Wendy
I run a PR business in London, focusing on premium food and drink brands. I’d really like to have a chat with you, when you have a moment. Could you let me have your telephone number please.
Thank you
Lindsay
Well Wendy, all I did was Google sauerkraut. Little did I know that smelly cabbage was the gateway to Wonderland. Brilliant blog, super snaps, and……
d’ye hae a recipe fur stoavies by ony chance?
What a fun vist!! Better thann Harry Potter!!
Hi Wendy,
What a fantastic blog you have….
We look after a top Scottish food brand and I want to get in touch to invite you to an exclusive food event for bloggers in Scotland. How can I reach you?!
Feel free to email me jodie.gee@cirkle.com if you dont want to leave your contact details.
Many Thanks,
Jodie
Hi Wendy
I have just found this blog because I am having problems with making tablet for my son’s wedding in 3 weeks time. My recipe is very similar to yours and I have used it for 50 years with no problem (got it from my P7 teacher) but I now just cannot get the sugar to dissolve. Have you any tips please.
Kathryn
Hi Wendy, I came across your site whilst looking for Tablet recipes. (I think it came out ok!) Your pictures and recipes are great! A wonderful site.
Hi Wendy
I have been in to Scottish food along my last 7 years living in America. I cook once in a while but sometimes I like to shop Scottish homemade food too. I love the meat pies, haggis and biscuits I find at http://www.stewartsscottishmarket.com I guess this could be a useful information for Scots living in América.
Best wishes!
Love your blog and styling ( and the gorgeous pup what a great prop!)
really enjoying your recipes too Cheers!
This is a beautiful blog! I’ve just started myself and am having fun exploring whats out there – this one goes on the list!
I started blogging about four months ago, and am enjoying seeing other bloggers’ perspectives on food, cooking and life in different parts of the world. Your blog is lovely … you now have a new follower! Mar
So glad I happened upon your lovely blog, a woman after my own heart, cooking, dog walking and living in the Highlands (I live in Inverness), my idea of a happy life.
I discovered your blog today and I can see I will be spending some time reading your previous posts. I will add you to my blogroll.
I just stumbled upon your site this morning and hours and hours have gone by before I looked up again. I live on the eastern coast of the US and our lifestyle is a bit more hectic than yours and I would give up quite a lot to live in such a beautiful place. I have added you to my favorites and look forward to reading all future blogs. This photography is lovely, the recipes look yummy but almost best of all is Marco!
I would just like to leave a little reply of thanks! I have been following your blog for many months now after accidentally stumbling across it whilst looking for a recipe! I am now addicted!
Your a fabulous cook, really love your recipes and your advice is easy to follow!
Keep up the great work!
PS., enjoy the holidays!
Hi, Just wondered into your blog and perused your recipes. They all look fab. I’m feeling slightly guilty that I will be making some yummy dishes and taking credit!! I will however mention where I have gotten the recipe. Looking forward to all the updates!
Carrie
My partner and I stumbled upon your blog whilst looking for a crispy duck recipe, we made it and it was yummy! Had a wee nosey at your site and saw that you are in NK, We are in Munlochy! It’s a small world 🙂 xxx
Hi, I’ve just discovered your blog and it’s great! Also, a bit spooky… I too live in the area and teach in Inverness, have a fab Cocker and love, love, love food!! I’m looking forward to trying out your recipes and seeing more great photos. Think I made a bit of a mess trying to post earlier, should have scrolled to the bottom sooner 🙂
Thank you for all the comments, everyone!
Vikki & Kate – Hello neighbours(ish)! Lovely to see some locals on here. 🙂
Hello Wendy, I’m going to make your tomato relish but I’ve had a problem finding the onion seeds. I tried my local health food shop and also our farmer’s market, but no luck. Any suggestions on an alternative. Hope you are well. Mary.
Hi Margaret, You use mustard seed instead. Enjoy!
Hi Wendy, are you on Twitter or Facebook?
Patricia – I’m on Facebook but only for friends and family, not as a blog. Not a Twitter user. 🙂
Hi Wendy, I just googled scottish italian food blog to see if my blog turned up in the search results, but by serendipity, I found your blog! I LOVE it! Your photography is amazing, but the bad thing is it makes me homesick!! 😦 I now live in Los Angeles. I so look forward to following your posts and hope you check out my blog too…http://christinascucina.blogspot.com 🙂
Through the magic of social media and leapfrogging from one page to another I have discovered your delightful blog. Among the many things I love are reading, learning and eating. I saw your list of favorite books and will be checking those out. Living in the United States you use terms I am not familiar with so have already used internet search engines to understand several ingredients you listed. Mostly, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the pictures you post; I frequently stop to take pictures of anything that strikes my fancy. You live in a beautiful part of the world and have a lovely way of sharing it.
I grew up between Inverness (Culduthel Rd) and Western Sydney, loved time at my grandparents, my gran was a fantastic cook/baker her tablet oatcakes, mince n tatties homemade jams/gooseberry brambles mmmm takes me back, found your blog by accident too so have shared on facebook :). Should be round the globe in a second. Haha
Hi, Wendy – Thank you for your wonderful blog…your photography is stunning and combined with food and travel adventures ( both with and without the charming Marco) creates a truly serene experience that I’m looking forward to following.
After reading your ‘pulled pork’ recipe, I wanted to send along the director, Robert Rodriguez’ recipe for Puerco Pibil. It was featured as an ‘extra’ on the DVD of his film, “Once Upon A Time In Mexico” (2004). My family and friends love this and just so you know, banana leaves are not absolutely essential – although they add a unique, authentic flavor. I’ve also prepared it with only one habanero vs. two or jalapeno as substitutes [check out the Scoville heat scale for peppers at about.com].
The recipe for Puerco Pibil is: 5T whole annato seeds 2t whole cumin seeds 1T peppercorns 8 whole allspice seeds 1/2t whole cloves Grind the above in a spice mill/coffee grinder. 2 habanero chiles, stems and seeds removed, chopped [use rubber gloves and thoroughly clean surfaces/knife with soapy water after chopping peppers.] 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup white vinegar 2T salt 8 cloves garlic Combine the above with the spice mix in a blender, and puree. Juice of 5 lemons (generous) splash good tequila 5 pounds pork butt, cut into 2-inch cubes Combine all ingredients in a zip-top bag and mix well. Line a 9×13 pan with banana leaves; add the pork mixture; fold over the leaves to cover, then cover tightly with foil. Bake 4 hours at 325F; serve over rice. N.B.: This dish is great if you serve and eat immediately. If you refrigerate and re-heat the next day it is a religious experience!
What a super lovely blog Wendy! Great to have found it! And the photos – beautiful!! And I am relieved to find no competition between Marco and Winston either, the latter being the most handsome (rather than cutest) dog in the northern hemisphere! Lina xxx
Thank you, sweetie! xx
Hi Wendy – are you familiar with Balmoral Bread? I remember eating it in England (I live in NY and Toronto) and have been trying to find a recipe, I believe it’s multigrain and seeds… thanks! Karen
Balmoral bread… I don’t know it but I’ll look up my books and see what I can find. 🙂
Thanks Wendy – I’ve since learned its from Chalmers bakery in Aberdeen… I emailed them but they cheerfully declined offering any information about it! 🙂 If you can shed any light I’d be most grateful – even a list of ingredients from a package (if you ever have time and come across one in your grocery shopping travels… so I can try to duplicate a recipe! Thanks so much for your help!
I worked for that bakery when I was a teenager! Will pick up a loaf next time I’m down in Aberdeen & let u know. 🙂
Wow – that’s amazing – thank you so much. Let me know if there is any Canadian or US products you’d like information on…
Hi Wendy – just wondering if you had come across the Balmoral Bread? Thanks, Karen
Hello Wendy. Was trying to see if you are on Twitter – I wonder if you have seen details of a new baking club in Inverness that I have jointly set up! You can see full details on http://www.letsbakeinverness.co.uk, do get in touch if you are interested or would like to know further details. As well as on Twitter there is a facebook page in which you can be kept updated!
Hi Susan. I haven’t seen this. Sounds fun! Life’s a bit too hectic just now but if it calms down I’ll give it a go!
Hi Wendy,
We’re looking for people who would like to go on either a Foodie Trail of Edinburgh or Perthshire, or on an exploration of Fife, and be paid to do so! If this sounds like something you might be interested in or you know someone who fits the bill, please get in touch! More information here: http://www.stvcreative.com/blog/a-call-to-all-who-love-this-wondrous-country
Thanks!
I am new to blogging and reading blogs and OMG your photos are just gorgeous!
Hi there! Just stumbled across your blog and found it’s interesting with nice recipes and photos!
Cheers!
Mila
What a charming blog. How have I missed this before?
Hi Wendy,
I can’t find an email so please contact me at ashanti@trafficsource.co.uk I’m really interested in working with you.
Cheers!
Hello Wendy! I am a prospective Waldorf Teacher from South Africa and I truly want to come and visit Scotland! Reading your blog has opened my eyes and I am now even more encouraged to start my travels! thank you for your inspiring blog! All the best for you!
Hi there. We have a wee event we’d like to invite you to – can you possibly message us your email address?
Hi there, I would like to chat to you about an opportunity with VisitScotland. Could you send me your email address please?
Hi Wendy!
I have a great opportunity which I would like to tell you more about. Please could you email me at community@gooutdoors.co.uk – I think it is something you would be very interested in.
Thanks so much and keep up the good work on the blog!
Abbi
Hi Wendy! Nice blog! My daughter lives in Keith and I was wondering if there is any indian grocery store which delivers there? I live in Singapore, my daughter misses indian food!
Good luck with your blog!
Sabina
Hi Sabine. I’m not aware of any in the Moray area. Has she tried online?
Just found this blog while I was trying to find a mushroom and egg recipe I saw on the Cooking Friends Facebook page. Found your version which is clear and sensible and can lend itself to all manner of flavoursome variations. The oven’s nearly hot enough. Best wishes from the Borders. Can’t find your Facebook page.
hi,when you say ,,slice it ?…how deep should it be sliced,ie!…half way or a wee bit.???
When the tablet is still warm but cool enough to touch, I use a cleaver or a flat edged scraper and push right down. Don’t drag the knife along, straight down.
got it now,,,many thanks…x
hi wendy,,,ive mastered the tablet now..lol.how can i get it darker….many thanks…x
sorry,,,also,the tablet sticks in the tray….is this because ,,,,,,not enough butter in the tray or to
much butter in the tray…?many thanks.x
hi wendy…..i’ve been making tablet and wonder if you can help me once again ,,what would be the best non-stick pot to use,,,,and,can i double up with the ingredients to get double the tablet..?
Double it up, absolutely! I just use a normal baking tray, to be honest. Sorry, I can’t advise. 🙂
many thanks for your replies…one more question please!…how long does homemade caramel cake last for before it goes pete tong…ingredients are…asda’s shortcrust pastry,,sweetened condensed milk (boiled),,granulated sugar,,lurpak butter,, milk,,and madagascan vanilla extract…sorry for pestering you …many thanks…
Hey Wendy,
Hope this finds you well and sorry for emailing out of the blue. My name is Niall and I am the assistant producer on Channel 4’s My Kitchen Rules UK – an exciting cooking competition with an emphasis on regional produce and cuisine. We are looking for foodies in Scotland to take part in a new series of MKRUK and just wondered whether you might be interested in taking part? I came across your blog whilst looking for people in Scotland who are keen to promote Scottish cuisine and produce. We want foodies who are proud of their local food and love to cook.
As well as a £10,000 prize, our contestants get the chance to represent their regions and be mentored by Michelin-starred chefs. It’s great fun to get involved in for anyone looking to do something different with their 2017 and last year we had some fantastic judges including Michael Caines, Prue Leith, Raymond Blanc, Jimmy Lee, Frances Atkins, Brad Carter and Allegra McEvedy. Last year’s contestants thoroughly the enjoyed experience and the challenge of My Kitchen Rules UK and some have used the show as a launch-pad for pursuing a career in food.
My number is 0121 464 1598. Please give me a call or drop me an email on niallbradnick@7wonder.co.uk if you’d like to know more. Would love to chat.
Best wishes
Niall
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Hi there 🙂 I am looking for a little bit of advice or a discussion on behalf of my place of employment – silver stag CiC.
we have a few whisky sauces and were wondering if you would consider reviewing them for us, they are very new and we only have a few flavours but would be very grateful if you would like to sample them and give us/your readers your feedback.
I do understand that this is quite a bold ask, but if you would like to discuss it further/want more details about what we do as an organisation please do feel free to get back in touch with me 🙂
ps. I am new to your blog, but I find it to be wonderful and look forward to reading it more.
kind regards,
David Grimm.
Assistant Project Coordinator
Silver Stag CIC
A Community Interest Company
Silver Stag of Scotland is what is known as a Community Interest Company or CIC for short. This means that we are a social enterprise and want to use our profits and assets for the public good. Our sole purpose is to help serve the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society.