It’s almost British Summertime although as I write this the wind is howling around the house and outside its feeling very much like mid winter. Yet The time seems to be whizzing by and it’s time for #CookBlogShare wk 12 on Recipes Made Easy. Last time I hosted #CookBlogShare I told you how I was beginning to revisit some of my older posts to update my early photography. I’ve re-shot a couple more but have yet to update the posts.
But I haven’t been completely slacking, I’ve given the blog a few tweaks to how it looks, a change of colour and an updated logo. It’s is still based on the original logo I had when I first became a freelance cookery writer and food stylist back in 1992. I had been working as Deputy Cookery Editor at Woman’s Realm, then a fairly major weekly magazine with a circulation of around 600,000. Recession struck and almost overnight out went the practicals department, including the cookery, knitting/crafts and home departments in ours and several of the other major magazines, including Woman, and Woman’s Own. I was made redundant, and in response to this devastating news the ever thoughtful MR.B sat down and designed a business card which included the logo of cookbook and cutlery within a day. Clearly he had no intentions of me ever becoming a lady of leisure!
The world of cookery writing has moved on since then, and so have woman’s magazines, Woman’s Realm among many others no longer exist. Perhaps my new logo should be a computer with cutlery either side now, but I have fond memories of that original card and logo. My son offered to update the basic design and change the colours to be a bit more contemporary, so how could I say no. He also chose the font. I like it What do you think?
Four International Recipes
As usual, there were some fabulous recipes linked up last week and picking just a few to feature here was no easy task. There are a lot of Easter themed bakes, but I have already written an Easter Bake recipes round-up for BritMums so I decided to pick four savoury dishes, all with an international flavour. My Easter bake round-up will go live on Britmums on 24th March. If you cant wait until then for some Easter baking inspiration why not check out Only Crumbs Remain’s 38 Easter Bakes – The Ultimate Collection this round-up features bakes from quite a few of the #CookBlogShare regulars.
I just want to let you know that I am taking a few days off to visit Barcelona at the end of the week, so can I apologise now to those of you who link up later in the week, as I will not be able to visit, comment and pin your posts until after my return, however, my co-hosts will still be helping out so at least one of them will try to comment during the week.
Crispy Chicken with Moroccan Spices
I love Moroccan flavours and this Crispy Chicken with Moroccan Spices from Co-host Monika at Everyday Healthy Recipes looks delicious. It’s easy too, so right up my street.
Roast Chicken Leftovers and Black Bean Enchiladas
Another chicken recipe this time with a Mexican Feel. I am not very adventurous with my leftover chicken usually opting for a risotto or fricassee of some kind but I think I shall be trying these Roast Chicken Leftovers and Black Bean Enchiladas from Jo’s Kitchen Larder, soon as I know my boys would love them (So long as I add some chilli).
Daal Masoor / Red Lentils
While I am a chilli wimp I do like Daal. I often order it when we go to our local Indian restaurant but I don’t make it at home. This recipe for Daal Masoor / Red Lentils from Simple Gluten Free Kitchen, looks easy and very tempting so I shall give it a go. It would appear I am not the only one updating old photographs lol!
Dry Curried Okra
Another Indian dish this time from Searching for Spice, Dry Curried Okra. While I am not a fan of Okra, possibly because I have never managed to cook it properly, I know a lot of people do like it. This dish certainly looks good. I wouldn’t mind doing the Indian Cookery course that Corina talks about; all the dishes she learnt look fabulous.
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food
I love the changes to the blog, Jacqueline! I’m with you: it still feels like winter, even though it’s technically spring. To make myself feel better, I’ve made a spring-y side dish and linked it up here: Asparagus Orzotto with Pancetta. This is a gorgeous roundup: I already had most of these on my “To-Make” list, but I hadn’t seen Jo’s enchiladas, which look spectacular. Thanks for hosting!!
Rebecca - Glutarama
I love the new look for your site, so fresh and bright. Your lucky to have a son keen to help, he’s done a fab job. Enjoy your break and thanks for the chance to link x
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Thank you Rebecca, I did have to pay him although to fair it wasn’t much.
Marilyn Lesniak
Thank you for hosting such a fun party each week. I think parties are the best social media strategy around!! I linked my Homemade Pizza Calzones, Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake, and a Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce.I hope you enjoy them. Have a happy week! #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThings
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
You’re welcome.
Helen - cooking with my kids
There are some delicious recipes there. I’m going to try those enchiladas the next time we have left over chicken, I’ve been looking for something new to do with it and those look soo good!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Yes they do look good I agree
Balvinder
Hi Jacqui,
Thanks Jacqui for including my dish in your round of International Recipes. I want to redo pictures that I took with phone. Some of them are so horrible that it makes me cringe to think I posted them in public
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
I hear you I have quite a few taken on my phone in the early days.
Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder
Great idea for a round up and thank you for including my “no chilli” enchiladas 😉 I am slowly working on my two rascals and hopefully one day I will be able to start adding all the chilli I fancy to the dish as I cook it as opposed to as an afterthought lol. One day…
Your new logo looks brilliant and so does the colour and the font. You’ve got very clever boys in your house that’s for sure 🙂 Have a fantastic break in Barcelona and I’m looking forward to some Spain inspired recipes after your return 🙂 x
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Now my boys like I chilli but I’m a wimp. The eldest is off to Mexico in a few weeks so he will be in his element. He also worked in a Mexican restaurant while living in Sydney.
Nickki
The new logo looks great! I remember Women’ Realm magazine – when my Mum was finished reading them, I would sit and cut out recipes I wanted to try!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Thank Nikki, I wonder if you cut out any of mine.
Monika Dabrowski
Thank you for including my dish in your international selection! I love the new logo, though I liked the old one too:) I’ll be back tomorrow to do some commenting and sharing. Enjoy Barcelona!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Thanks Monika, Im ok until Friday for commenting trying to stay on top of it till I go
Lesley Garden
Great round-up with some lovely recipes. I love any dish with a good hit of spice.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
I agree
Sadhna Grover
Thanks for hosting.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
You’re welcome
Cat | Curly's Cooking
Really like your new logo! Have a lovely time in Barcelona.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Thanks Kat
Jessica Cantoni
Thanks Jacqui for hosting 🙂 Have a wonderful time in Barcelona! xx
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Thanks I’m sure I will
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie
I’m not sure if I’ve said it to you before or not (and if I haven’t I am sorry…I did think it and mean to say it), but I LOVE your new logo and brand colours. It feels really contemporary and fresh, but yet somehow manages to convey authority and experience at the same time – very clever!! And very you – someone with lots of experience and knowledge but very much moving with the times too. LOVE IT!! Eb x
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Ah thanks Eb such kind comments. It helps having young adults about to stop me becoming too stuck in my ways.
Corina Blum
What a brilliant round up Jacqui! I love international food and all the recipes you’ve picked look perfect for me, and of course thanks for featuring my curried okra, especially as okra isn’t one of your favourite foods! I do like your new logo too and the font – It’s probably something I should do sometime soon as well.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
well I think we need to remember as cookery writers just because we don’t like something doesn’t mean others won’t. The course you did looked Fab
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain
Oooh I’m a huge fan of daal but have never made my own – I shall have to have a read of the recipe. Have a great time in Barcelona Jacqui – although I’m definitely not a city kind of girl it is actually one of the few cities which grabs my attention. Thankyou too for linking to my Easter round up post 🙂
Angela x
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Thanks Angela, I’m really looking forward to a few days away and hopefully some sunshine, not to mention the food.
Donna
Love the colour and font on your new logo! Looks fantastic!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Thank you Donna
Helen
What gorgeous looking food. I bet they all taste amazing!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
I’m sure they do.