Kitchen Creativity

Next time you’re on the way home from work and think there’s nothing in the fridge, think again. It’s easier than you think to make something delicious from ingredients you have at home in the kitchen.

I’ve provided some simple recipes for you to make the most of ‘staple’ ingredients that can be found in the average fridge and larder/food cupboard.

I’ve also devised some handy hints and tips including a list of culinary ‘must haves’ to bring out the creativity in your kitchen.

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Please select a recipe suggestion from the menu below:

Must Haves for the Kitchen

Whether you cook once a week or twice a day, life is much easier by having a well-stocked kitchen. By stocking up on the right staples you can turn home cooking into a much more exciting experience!

Try my ‘must have’ staple ingredients for a start in your kitchen and you’ll be well on the way to exploring your capabilities as a cook - and finding out you always have something tasty waiting for you when you get home.

Cupboard

Soy Sauce
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Tabasco sauce
Good quality tinned tuna
Basmati rice
Aborio or canaroli rice
Honey
Good quality pasta, at least three different types (penne, spaghetti and fusilli for example)
One or two fresh herbs (Rosemary, basil or flat leaf parsley is a good start)
Pesto and tomato-based pasta sauces
Sea salt
Ground black pepper

Fridge

Radicchio, rocket, cos or other salad leaves
Cherry tomatoes
Eggs
Cheese
Good quality bacon
Limes and lemons
Olives

Handy hints and tips with your fridge and cupboard basics

For a refreshing pick me up, you can’t beat a smoothie. For a strawberry flavoured hit, take about 10 washed strawberries, one small tub of yoghurt, half a pint of semi skimmed milk and a pinch of granlated sugar. Whizz everything together except the milk. When the mixture is smooth, add in the milk gradually until blended in	For when you feel you need a detox, try a ‘cold carrot rush’ drink. Blend 3 peeled and chopped carrots, 2 peeled and chopped apples and a peeled orange together until smooth. Add ice and enjoy
Instant pasta sauces make meals in minutes, but there’s nothing to stop you quickly adding your own twist to classic flavours. Chop some bacon into small cubes, fry and add to a tomato sauce for extra taste. Add in more fresh herbs or chilli to taste or use a pasta sauce to bake something like chicken or salmon in	Risotto is one of my favourite meals. Always keep Arborio or Carnaroli rice handy as well as stock and some vegetables to whip up a simple yet impressive dish
Lime and lemon go with most things. Squeeze some over meat before the oven, or even into a sauce to wake up the flavour and give extra bite