Hi, I'm Helen. I share easy, nutritious, seasonal, flexitarian recipes, often with a British-Jewish twist. Expect a weekly dose of delicious dinner ideas, news and positivity!
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An extra hour? Yes please!
Published 5 months agoΒ β’Β 3 min read
Hello there my friend!
Yes, it's that time of year again when the clocks change and all is turmoil for a day or two until things settle down again. This weekend, the clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday morning - here in the UK at least.
Which of course means that you have a whole extra bonus hour to do with as you wish. Since it arrives in the middle of the night, you may prefer to have an extra hour of sleep. Or, you can get up 'an hour earlier' and put the time to work by making progress on whatever job you have that really just needs a bit of extra time.
The third option of course is to reclaim an hour of 'me time' and spend those 60 minutes doing something just for you. Get stuck into a book, watch an extra episode of your favourite show, listen to music, go for a walk, meditate... Whatever you do, enjoy it!
It's about time
I often share recipes here that are quick and easy to rustle up when you're short of time and need to get dinner on the table pronto. Today, I'm doing the exact opposite! Below you'll find a selection of recipes that take at least an hour to cook - although usually most of that is passive time. Which means that while your food is resting, rising, roasting or whatever, you can relax in your cosy kitchen while it does its thing. Or knock some other job off your to-do list, if you prefer.
Many of these recipes also have the advantage of filling your home with delicious aromas while they cook, which is somehow even more inviting on a damp, dark, Autumn evening.
Slow food recipes for cosy Autumn meals
Below are some of my favourite recipes that can't be rushed. Enjoy!
Cheesy loaded breakfast focaccia (1hr50) A square of this delicious homemade bread, topped with caramelised onions, herbs, olives, cheeses and anything else you care to throw on, will certainly set you up for the day ahead! (No need to get up extra early, you can make it in advance!)
Thick onion soup with grains and melty cheese (1hr50) A real meal-in-a-bowl, this rich onion soup is thickened with nutritious grains, and topped with a layer of golden grilled cheese. Yum!
Grandma's 'stick to your ribs' soup (1hr5) A thick and filling vegetable soup with beans, pulses and grains, plus succulent 'meat style' chunks. Just like my Grandma used to make!
Mushroom, spinach and barley bake (1hr30) Filling, warming, packed with veg and absolutely delicious. What more do you want from a recipe?!
Fish pie with mustard mash (1hr30) I do love a fish pie, and this one's a corker. Creamy, mustard-laced mashed potato adds a boost of flavour that elevates this weeknight dinner into something extra special.
Gigantes plaki - Greek baked butter beans (1hr20) You can forget about these in the oven for longer than the recipe calls for (within reason) and they'll just get better and better! One of my favourite things to eat, just add buttered sourdough toast and you're all set.
Leek and potato kugel (1hr40) A delicious upgrade to a standard potato kugel, with crispy edges, a soft interior, and a wonderful flavour from the leeks.
Quince and apple sponge crumble (1hr10) I'm seeing quinces everywhere at the moment, so grab one and make this luscious hot pudding! A fragrant layer of soft quince and apple under a crumble-topped sponge. Don't forget the custard!
Looking for something else? Use the search box and drop down menus at the top of family-friends-food.com to help find whatever you're after.
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Shabbat Shalom!
I hope your extra hour this week is filled with only good things!
Wishing everyone a Good Shabbos - Shabbat Shalom! - and a week filled with blessings of peace, health, joy and deliciousness.
All my cooking, recipe-writing, photography, research - even this newsletter! - is fuelled by TEA! So every cuppa you provide is very much appreciated! π
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