Nut roast.

Nut roast is one of my favorite winter treats. You can really use any nuts you like to make it- I was planning on using chestnuts in this one until I couldn't find any anywhere.

Normally though, for this recipe, a mixture of cashew nuts and ground almonds is used.

Most people don't seem to have tried nut roast before, but trust me, it is worth trying- just because its a vegetarian dish does not, by any means, mean it is lacking in flavour.

D.I.Y Improvised Little Pizzas.

I often feel like pizza. Now that's not surprising since pizza is delicious. However, takeaway pizzas are expensive, and shop bought pizzas can be unhealthy because of all the cheese. I have made pizza from scratch many times now- making the dough, sauce and topping; and it has turned out great. Making pizza from start to finish can, however, take quite a lot of effort and require your time- which sometimes you just don't have to give.

Never fear! A solution is here in the form of little homemade 'lets only go half the mile' pizzas.

I have made these before quite a few years ago- I made them on a whim at lunchtime one day in the holidays.

Homemade chicken nuggets.

Chicken in the form of crispy nuggets. Simple. (But an easy way to make juicy, tasty chicken)

Burgalicious.

I was quite happy with my first attempt at a burger- the meat was juicy and rich in garlic and herbs, with crunchy bread and melted cheese. The only change i would make, I think, would be the extra fillings. For example, to add a sauce with a bit more pop, or another layer of texture. I can always experiment with fillings though- maybe some avocado? Some rocket leaves? Slasa? Crispy bacon or chorizo?
Whatever the extra fillings, I think the actual meat of the burger was a winner here, and I will be repeating it again.

Tuna and Sweetcorn Fishcakes with roasted veg.

These fishcakes aren't exactly for the sophisticated pallet, but hey- what student can afford sophisticated fish?!
However, before you leave this page, shaking your head in disappointment with my lack of posh fishcakes, I should let you know that they are still rather tasty. You'll just have to wait till I get home to Devon before I can do something fancy with salmon.

You may have noticed that there are two types of fishcakes here: one with breadcrumbs, one without.
This may have been because I ran out of breadcrumbs, but never the less, it allowed me to experiment with different ways of

Gnocchi with peas and chorizo

The sweetness of the peas is really complemented by the complex smoky, garlicy flavours of the chorizo in this dish. What's more is its cheap!

Pasta Fazool (variation)

Another wintery, heartwarming dish that originates in Italy- pasta fazool was once a peasant's dish. Although created for the poor, it packs a full comforting flavor- perfect when sheltering from wintery evenings.

This is a one-pot dish, which, although requires little effort, does call for your patience. The overall cooking time will be approximately an hour at least, to allow all the flavours to mingle and grow. On the plus side, you don't need to be stuck to the cooker for the majority of this time- do what you like and allow the flavours to deepen with time. 

Ingredients (serves 3-4):

• 2-3 carrots, sliced
• 1 stick of celery, chopped
• One onion, chopped

Thick, smooth (easy peasy) chocolate custard from scratch.

Its chilly outside and you're in the mood for something warm, rich and comforting..what could be more comforting than a bowl full of temptingly smooth, thick chocolate custard?

Just what you fancy, eh?

Here's a recipe that's super easy and better yet, doesn't require any ingredients that will mean you need to take a trip to the shops.


Your ingredients list (serves one):

• 250ml milk
• 3 egg yolks
• Good quality hot chocolate powder
• 2 tsp corn flour

 The method: