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TGFC are thrilled to introduce their newest offering designed to energise your team and foster a culture of health and vitality: Fresh Salad Boxes!  Our delicious and nutritious salad boxes are crafted to provide a burst of flavour and energy, keeping your team fuelled and focused throughout the day. Here's why our Fresh Salad Boxes are t...

At TGFC we offer many different dining formats to suit your occasion.  Bowl food allows guests to mingle freely without the formality of a sit-down meal.  Here's a delicious recipe for one of our popular choices  'Coq Au Vin'. Coq Au Vin Recipe Enjoy this comforting & warming classic with its rich flavour and wonderful aroma.&n...

TGFC visited Camden Market last week to cater at a client’s new property event and the team treated themselves to a Humble Crumble.  The simplest of concepts including 3 types of hot stewed Fruit including Apple & Cinnamon with various toppings of hot Custard, Frozen Yoghurt, Crumble, vegan Granola.  It has a huge Instagram foll...

We recently had the great pleasure of creating 1760 delightful canapés for The Cocktail Club in Reading. From Smoked Mackerel & Spicy Beetroot Spoons to Rare Beef & Salsa Verdi Croutes and Spinach & St Agur Tarts, each bite was a burst of flavour, ensuring a memorable evening.

'Forced rhubarb' or 'pink rhubarb', is a culinary delicacy celebrated for its vibrant colour, delicate flavour, and tender texture.  You can force rhubarb at home once its grown for 2 - 3 years allowing the crowns to develop.  In December/January cover the crown with a bell shaped terracotta cloche to ensure darkness, the result is a...

Introducing your neighbourhood artisanal bakery based in Holme Grange, Wokingham.  Indulge in freshly baked bread, from traditional sourdough to fluffy whole grain loaves, each one baked to perfection. Treat yourself to irresistible cakes, whether it's buttery scones perfect for a quintessentially British treat or indulgent Victoria spong...

These rolls make a perfect Christmas Canapé and a delicious alternative to a sausage roll. Lay a rolled out Jus Rol Puff Pastry onto a flat surface. Pop the following into a food processor: * 200g Chicken Breast* 150g Pancetta* 3 Spring Onions* 1 crushed Clove Garlic* 2 tablespoons chopped Coriander* 2 Birdseye Chilli* 1 teaspoon of Fish Sa...

TGFC were honoured to be asked to be part of a very special event at Windsor Riverside Train Station in November. A very unusual site for us, as we set up in a public area with Canapés & Champagne, with just an area big enough for 3 trestle tables, for 40 guests. With many interested passengers passing by, it kept us on our feet. We love...

It's great to have fresh thyme growing close to the kitchen so you can nip out for a few sprigs to enhance your dishes. You can grow Thyme from seed or buy a few Thyme plants from your local garden centre. They are quite compact in nature and only grow to around 30cm high so ideal for beds or pots. They do enjoy sunshine but require very little mai...

This family run fishmonger is a very welcome addition to our area! Supplying fresh seafood from Dorset & Brighton boats in addition to processed goods such as fish cakes and paté. Find their brand new shop in Pond Croft, Yateley. More about Henderson's here.

What a find! Cinnabon is a US import with 11 outlets in the UK - where else would you expect the infamous Cinnamon Bun to originate. Created by a father & son collaboration in Seattle in the 1980s, with a mission to create the world’s greatest Cinnamon Bun. They are a combination of warm dough, legendary Makara cinnamon, and signature fr...

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (pictured below), now until Thursday 21st December. Carefully selected high quality exhibitors in a stunning location. More info. Winter By The River (London Bridge), now until 1st January. This sounds fun! In addition to Christmas market stalls there are 2 pop up bars and themed karaoke rooms at the pier! Mor...

With Christmas party organisation in full swing for both private & companies - many are looking to take catering in-house for many reasons. For companies - it's a great way to socialise your teams within the workplace - it's why the US have their proms based in the school gym halls  - it adds to the atmosphere, it feels more personal, like...

Autumnal food is my favourite for the colours, sounds, smells that really do evoke a new buzz about cooking simple dishes from the best seasonal produce, & most importantly for us, it’s when the craziness of summer is calming down & we have time to breathe again. My staple go to "fast food” is the Baked Potato.  Straig...

We recently made a trip out to Nettlebed Creamery in Oxfordshire who are artisan producers of cheese, milk and kefir.  We particulary enjoyed their Witheridge in Hay cheese, you could really taste and smell the sweet, summery hay which the cheese is aged in.  It was somewhat diasappointing not to be able to view the workings of the Creame...

This mulled wine is a decadent autumnal warmer, bursting with berry sweetness.  The recipe was created by Edinburgh Gin who create a unique, award winning array of Gins and Liqueurs which we enjoyed very much during a Cocktail evening at The Crown and Cushion in Minley. 50ml Bramble & Honey Gin (by Edinburgh Gin)25ml Red wine100ml Apple j...

Sage is so easy to grow, its hardy and evergreen so ideal for pots near the kitchen.  Sage has a strong flavour so a little goes a long way, it marries well with pork, beef, duck and chicken recipes.  It also compliments Squash - which are currently in season, try this highly rated butternut squash and sage risotto recipe.

In Southern Andalucia retired Spanish fishing boats are filled with sand & Olive wood & used as BBQs in restaurants & on the beaches.  They are termed as Moragas & are used at night-time to add to atmosphere & also the TASTE of simple but delicious dishes.  The tastes are enriched from the smokyness of the olive wood w...

There are many different ways of serving food to suit different occasions. 1. Canapés & Bowl Food - work well for events that are fluid and guests are standing. 2. Formal Plated - sitting at a table with a knife and fork, with only the choice of the meal you have been served. 3. Buffet - serving a selection of dishes, gives you m...

Brother Marcus was created by three best friends, Arthur, Alex and Tas. They bring TGFC’s love for flavours and recipes of the Eastern Mediterranean to us here in London. They understand the food, drink and culture of the region after, like us travelling & living there - you get a real depth.  With many vegan and vegetarian opti...

In the UK our domestic food costs have soared & it’s exactly the same in catering. Expensive basics have increased like bread, cereals and chocolate which have caused the overall increase to 19.1% in the year to March.  This is the sharpest 12-month rise since August 1977.  It helps to understand why we are all feeling the squee...

A good friend of TGFC visited Hilltop Kitchen (nr Godalming) recently and wow this field to fork restaurant is a hidden gem! The restaurant is rustic and welcoming with a few tables under cover and many more outside to make the most of the stunning views across the rolling surrey hills.  The service is warm and attentive and it is clear t...

  Mint is such a useful herb and easy to grow from seed on your windowsill or pick up a few plants from your local nursery.  Mint enjoys full sun to partial shade and is a perennial which means it will come back year after year.  Grow in pots on your window sill or in your flower beds.  Treat it to a compost mulch in autumn and...

We've recently discovered Seed Leaf Micro Farm based in Yateley.  If you're not familiar with Micro Greens they're the young, tender seedlings of vegetables and herbs. Packed with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants, studies have shown that they can be up to 40x more nutritious than their mature counterparts.  As well as h...

My girlfriends and I recently enjoyed a wonderful day out in the picture postcard beautiful Cotswolds.  A real highlight of the day was our visit to Daylesford Organic which is a brand perhaps more familiar to Londoners as they have four shops across London.  Daylesford is a seriously impressive operation and the Cotswold shop is stunning...

I met this lovely lady whilst we were both working at The Open at St Andrews 2022. The hospitality industry is full of talented artistic individuals, and many of us have many strings to our bow. Beth has a natural talent with “soft tasty little kisses with alluring bite”. Her Macarons are as she describes “perfect tantal...

Last month we had the pleasure of catering for a beautiful Wedding at Ufton Court, a corporate Wellness day and a generous grazing table for those gathering to say farewell to a loved one.  Get in touch with any catering requirements from intimate dinners to big parties and everything in-between. 

Canapés are such a wonderful celebration of flavour and expression of creativity.  Here are some of our recent creations, from left to right: Vegan Wild Mushroom & Thyme Tarts, Beetroot Cones with Smoked Salmon with Dill & Mustard & Steak & Salsa Verdi Croutes. Gluten Free Tapenade & Goats Cheese Cream Canapé...

I love the fact that you can buy meals from great chefs & restaurants, all the way out here in the suburbs.  DishPatch is just that.  With a list of chefs/restaurants including Tom Kerridge, Michel Roux J & St Johns you can choose to stay home & dine theoretically as you would if you went to the actual places themselves. ...

Our brilliant Event Managers are a vital ingredient in our business, each one of them totally focussed on providing exceptional service.  We are enormously proud and grateful for their commitment and hard work which ensures that our clients can relax and enjoy their occasion in the knowledge that all guests are being looked after by our warm,...

We all understand the reason to buy British when it comes to food miles, it makes total sense, however there are many more reasons…..here is just one, I'll cover more at a later date but for now let's look at Seasonal. Eating seasonal fruit & vegetables is much better for you in terms of nutrients, minerals & trace elements. &nb...

Chard is a much under-rated vegetable, earthy & sweet it can be steamed, sauteed or younger leaves eaten raw. The leaves are green but the stalks can be a variety of colours. Heat 2 Tbsp Olive Oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add 400g tinned Tomatoes, 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, add a pinch of Salt and cook Tomatoes, until caramelised f...

The Earth menu at Heckfield Place is their pre-screening set 3 course dinner served in Marle their Michelin Green starred restaurant.  The Earth menu changes daily and features ingredients from Heckfield’s own biodynamic market garden and organic farm.  The earth menu includes glut ingredients in addition to those that may have ordi...

A city full of passion, especially for food & really the reason we visited, we wanted to understand more of the Nordic Food Revolution. The Nordics are taking an innovative approach & evolving the cuisine of traditional Scandinavian recipes for meat & fish & then building on the use of local products while reviving and adapting some...

What a super App!  The Nudge gives us the inside scoop on everything we need to know to curate the perfect day or night out in London, whatever the occasion. The beauty of this subscription App is the granularity of the bar/resturant selection process.  For example you select the desired character/ambience you want such as Quirky, Romanti...

Soak together 225g Cashew Nuts & 110g Macadamia Nuts for several hours.  Drain & whizz together with 1Tbsp Vinegar, juice of 1 Lemon & 60ml Water & blend until smooth. Transfer to a sterilised jar & cover & leave somewhere at room temperature overnight. The next day your Goats Cheese should be of crumbly texture, then m...

Oh my what a find, thank you to The Nudge. Forget that 90% of what we ate was Vegan, this vibrant, busy restaurant in Soho is PACKED with flavour.  It’s marketed as a Vegetarian Middle Eastern but also has many, many Vegan dishes. The exotic flavour combinations and gentle spicing techniques of Middle Eastern cooking showcase vegeta...

Ruthie’s Table 4Ruthie Rodgers is Founder and Chef at the River Café.  Her podcast takes you on a food journey around the world where guest celebrities share their food memories with Ruth and select their favourite recipe from a River Café cookbook. Really enjoyable. Monocle 24: The MenuFascinating insight into the world o...

Unholy Donuts - based in Molly Millars Lane in Wokingham, these guys are local boys that have created a great product - house-made Brioche Donuts with an ever expanding range of flavours. A distinctive recognisable brand, with constant instagramable social media presence.  Available in many bakeries, shops, markets, cafes in & around Berks...

This Vegan grocery store in Crouch End provide a packaging free shopping experience.  Simply take your own containers along and fill up with pasta, rice, oat milk, nuts, seeds, frozen produce and much more. A great initiative that more stores should adopt.   Find out more.

There's nothing better than UK classics with a twist. Port & Stilton screams Christmas, so let’s pop it in a Sausage Roll! Fry 1 small onion (top tip for quickness - frozen diced onion, just take out what you need, no need for crying) in oil for 10mins, pour in 4tbsp Port, simmer 3mins, cool.  Mix together 450g Cumberland Pork Sausa...

So I’ve been looking for a decadent Christmas Cocktail to drink alongside a Christmas Canape at a lunchtime gathering. And what better than the classic Bloody Mary but with a Christmas twist. Mix gently together in a cocktail shaker, and over 3 ice cubes - 60ml Whisky, 5ml Sherry (it already screams Christmas) 60ml good quality Tomato Juice...

Last week we were asked to create a Breakfast Brunch for the UK Real Estate Company SEGRO in their new office space in the Slough Trading Estate. They were looking for an Organic, Natural look with plenty of wood & moss surrounding a colourful, tasty Breakfast Grazing Table with healthy options.  They own & manage over eight million s...

A foodies favourite!  Go with an empty stomach and enjoy the incredible range of stalls including many artisan and niche producers.  Extended opening hours this Christmas and TGFC's top tip is go early!  Find out more here.

Heckfield Home Farm is the 400 acre estate providing fresh produce to the very exclusive Heckfield Place Hotel.  Their produce sales are a joy to the senses and showcase seasonal fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants in addition to wonderful locally produced artisan cheeses.  The farm's Guernsey herd produce deliciously creamy milk, butte...

Selby has always wanted to visit St John in Smithfields.  Opened in 1994 by Fergus Henderson & Trevor Gulliver, it's British, old school style & stripped back.  White walls & scrub tables. They pretty much created Nose-to-Tail, which in their own words mean all parts including the blood & guts which are an integral element...

In my life it's never too early to start dreaming, thinking, organising Christmas.  We have some great festive inspired menus that we would be very happy to discuss with you & to work with you so they suit your event, no matter the size or style - for home or corporate.  We have created a synopsis of a few styles to help you decide......

A very comforting dish with an added twist of yum! Saute 1 Red Onion in Olive Oil, once caramelised add 3 cloves of Garlic & a pinch of salt. Add 250g of Smokey Lardons and saute until cooked.  Add 2 tbsps of Dark Brown Sugar & cook out & add 2 Tbsps of Red Wine Vinegar.  Add 1/2 tsp of Oregano, Smokey Paprika & Urfa...

Oxford Artisan are a 'grain to glass' distiller and their tours are Trip Advisor’s number 1 thing to do in Oxford. You can choose either their Whisky Tour, which introduces you to their newest releases, or their Distillery Tour for Gin enthusiasts.  Oxford Artisan are the only distillery in the world to use populations of ancient he...

We recently enjoyed an evening of Gin Cocktail making at the Crown & Cushion pub in Minley. Our warm welcome from the delightful hosts - Charlotte & Tom included a delicious Mulled Gin which was moreish and full of autumnal flavour, it made a more interesting and lighter alternative to mulled wine. The Gin and Gin Liqueurs we enjo...

Pick & Cheese is the world’s first cheese conveyor belt restaurant in the heart of London’s West End. Choose from their regularly changing list of cheeses, all sourced from around the UK, and deliciously paired with individual condiments & small producer wines.

On our recent trip to Parma we were reminded how delicious a simple Panzanella salad can be.  We LOVE Panzanella at TGFC, so much so that it was on our own wedding menu in 2018, in SW France. It was such an amazing Mediterranean outside eating experience, on long linen covered trestle tables with lots of love & laughter with friends &...

U. Bakery started life with my love for food and not much has changed. After working 20 years in the software industry, I decided to follow my passion and become an artisan baker. Our menu is inspired by the food that I grew up eating and loving and is at the heart of what we offer. Travels to the vibrant city of Tel Aviv (my hometown), memor...

Many of our corporate clients are running Wellbeing Days for their employees.  A great way to get all teams back into the offices, to talk, brainstorm, support - this helps both the employees and the business.  With almost half of all work-related ill health cases in 2019/2020 being caused by stress, depression, or anxiety. Corporates ar...

Have you ever wanted to go and enjoy a few hours picking nature's bounty for free but don't know where to start?  We recently discovered 'Fred The Forager' who runs courses in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and beyond. Fred has a passion for food, conservation and connecting with the land through different experiences to help build a sustainable futu...

Studland Bay (pictured below) - Dorset, a TGFC favourite, several beaches all well kept by the National Trust, we always visit South Beach - it's just perfect!  Enjoy a stay at the Pig On The Beach while you're there. Devils Dyke - West Sussex, Britain’s longest, deepest and widest dry valley whilst surrounded by amazing views...

If you haven’t tried Village Maid cheeses before you're in for a treat!  These artisan cheesemakers are based just down the road in Risley and produce cheeses which are considered some of the very finest in Britain.  They produce cheeses from Guernsey cows milk which is deliciously creamy in addition to Ewes milk.  We love supp...

There are slight differences of how the UK presents the Greek Salad compared to the Grecians.  The ingredients are fundamentally the same - Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Red Onion, Olives & Feta Cheese however in Greece they leave the Feta as a large slice on top of all the other ingredients rather than multiple cube-shaped cuttings of Feta.The Or...

Ascot may have been cancelled &/or different in the last 3 years but wow wee it made up for it in 2022. Guests & clients flocked in high numbers, & there was certainly an excited vibe. Everyone was super happy to be amongst fellow lovers of horse racing at its best, in quite possibly the most prestigious location on the circuit. With th...

TGFC’s 1st Platinum Jubilee Party was for 200 employees at Becton Dickinson. We were asked to provide a decadent Afternoon Tea of Smoked Salmon & Seasoned Cucumber Finger Sandwiches, Homemade Cumberland Sausage Rolls. Followed by the classic Fresh Cream & Strawberry Victoria Sponge, Macaroons, Gooey Chocolate Brownies & of course...

Another business that caught our eye at Pub in the Park was Simply Grow who provide growing kits and organic seeds for microgreens.  At TGFC we often use microgreens in our catering and were inspired by how easy it was to grow microgreens at home and at such low cost. The term “micro herbs” describes any type of herb that is...

TGFC had the great honour to be part of the Wokingham Mayor Inauguration again this year, the 4th year running. This year was a slightly different format to the norm, but still a very busy event with many local dignitaries & the current Mayor, thanking & presenting gifts to their team and swearing in the new Mayor - a fabulous event, and so...

Grays Farm near Wokingham is a foodie treat and a fun outing for all the family! They have a great selection of seasonal produce to pick yourself or to buy ready picked in their farm shop. Find out more here.

Always a delight delivering food hampers to guests staying at Heckfield Place. It’s so stunning. They dined on a 2 course picnic including Sun Dried Tomato & Tarragon Pesto Chicken, Smoked Salmon with Coriander Lime & Capers, Greek Salad followed up with Summer Puddings & Clotted Cream.

Once again we visited Pub in the Park - Marlow, not once but twice this year!  Tom Kerridge has put together a winning formula of top class entertainment, a great selection of sensibly priced gastronomic delights to enjoy with a fabulous array of bars, whether your favourite tipple is a cocktail, craft ale or spirits.  We also enjoyed the...

One of our favourite Rum Cocktails is 'The Painkiller', simple to make and it transports you straight to the Caribbean, here's how to make it: Pour into a cocktail shaker over ice - 50ml Dark Rum, 100ml Pineapple Juice, 25ml OJ, & 25ml of Cream of Coconut and SHAKE. Strain into a Classic Rum tumbler and sprinkle with a pinch of Nutmeg...

Canapés are designed to be eaten in one bite & can be served hot or cold without the need for cutlery.  Canapés are a type of Hors d’oeuvre which are both essentially the supporting elements of a meal rather than being part of it.  Canapés specifically consist of a base layer (perhaps croute or cucumber...

Pan fry 300g of bacon lardons in a little olive oil until crispy, then cool slightly. Add & toss with 8 large handfuls of baby spinach & 200g of crumbled St Agur. Lightly toast 25g of pine nuts and add to the salad. In a separate bowl add together 3 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 9 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsp of runny honey, 1 tbsp Dij...

This colourful cluster of shipping containers in south London is a gastronomic wonderland, incorporating 21 different restaurants and stalls – including a few award-winning small-plate options which are sure to thrill any foodie!  Find out more here.

These guys have a great position in the square of Peach Place in Wokingham. When the sun shines you could be in a plaza in Southern Europe, a good location to just sit & watch the world. Hamlet is a local, vibrant, family owned restaurant offering tasty, good looking food with friendly & efficient service. The flavours are rich, & their...

Taste London - Regents Park 19 - 23 JuneSample signature dishes from London’s best restaurants, watch live demonstrations from Michelin star chefs or immerse yourself in a cooking masterclass. There are over 200 artisan food and drink stalls to explore! Pub In The Park - Venues Across the South May - SeptAt TGFC we are big fans of this...

Allow us to host your private dinner party in your home so you can be a guest. We get asked how it works - so here it goes: * We provide a quote for you to select a menu from* We arrive & provide all crockery, cutlery & glassware. We lay your table so it looks all lovely* We will greet your guests with your welcome drink and offer can...

Rudloe Arms is Marco’s family home and is set in 14 acres of beautiful mature grounds with stunning views across the Box Valley towards Bath.   It has all the trappings of a gorgeous getaway, food is outstanding, it just doesn’t make you feel totally at peace like The Pig Boutique Hotels (voted the best in the UK) but then it&rsquo...

When TGFC had our Street Food Van we were inspired by this London legend at Borough Market  -  Oozing Ogleshield, Montgomery Cheddar & Comte Cheese Toasted Sandwich with Caramelised Leeks within slices of fresh Sour Dough. Kappacasein’s toasted sandwiches are simply comfort at it’s best, it’s worth queuing. Recipe&n...

We recently learned about the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership who are a not for profit organisation helping people learn to cook, eat a healthy diet, grow their own food and waste less food.  They are an inspiration and are involved with numerous outreach programs including cookery classes for those living with dementia. They also run sp...

Another great find for brekkie, we enjoyed the Crispy Korean Chicken & Waffles. A beautifully sunny restaurant, it felt like we were on holibob, & a great deli with interesting cheese & butchers section.  Try it!

Healthy Food is the new Dirty Food.  And our abundance of ingredients from around the globe means we can pep up any buffet with interest, colours, staging, smells & tastes. Many businesses & corporates are offering their teams brunch instead of lunch - maybe that’s because of changing working hours, you can offer healthier o...

We all love Far Eastern flavours but how many of us really understand how to cook with spices?  Here's a great selection of cookery schools which specialise in spiced cuisine from traditional classics we are all familiar with to innovative street food dishes to wow your guests. Paya Thai Cookery - FarnhamEnjoy half day courses with authe...

Our little gem this month has been around longer than me.  My family bundle moved to Maidenhead when I was 4, and we started to visit the Italian Continental then, owned by grandparents & parents of school friends.  A tiny corner shop, that sourced the best ingredients from Italy has now successfully grown into a massive warehouse, am...

This Covent Garden institution now boasts 4 shops across London including Borough Market which makes a great foodie day out.  Neals Yard Dairy really do champion our great British cheeses and go to great lengths to select the very best suppliers.  If you can't visit the shop they also offer Cheese subscriptions which make a lovely gift fo...

Grazing tables create a social atmosphere at any event. To be honest the food isn’t any different from an Italian Anti Pasta or Greek Meze Table however the grazing table adds an extra level of STAGING.    Staging adds to the curb appeal - flowers for instance like eucalyptus leaves & fresh herbs such as rosemary &...

Our wonderful Greengrocer always keeps us abreast of the best seasonal produce.  Here are his top picks for produce we can enjoy in these dark winter months. * Lane & Navel Oranges. Seville & Blood Oranges are due to start soon * Forced Yorkshire Rhubarb any moment * Cox’s, Russet, Royal Gala, Braeburn cookers and Kissabel A...

What a find -  award winning Café Yoke in Reading serving breakfast and brunch all day.  It’s a very popular neighbourhood pit stop offering breakfast, pancakes and brunch burgers in a casual atmosphere, with queues around the corner, always a brilliant sign. It kinda makes me feel like I’m in New York again - niche ama...

The Wolseley was built in 1921 by the British Architect, William Curtis Green.  It’s a Modern European restaurant located on London’s iconic Piccadilly with grand art deco glamour.  At Christmas it comes into its own with such opulence & style.  Enjoy a crisp Gavi with the best snails with green garlicky sauce, &...

Bread Ahead - Borough MarketA wonderful range of courses to suit beginners to seasoned bakers!  This bakery are seriously famous for their Doughnuts and will teach you how to make them at home as well as courses on just about every bakery delight you can think of.  The Avenue Cookery School - LondonThis cookery school looks a lot of fun...

A festival for us adults that don’t want to queue, want to eat delicious morsels & listen to great live music. What a damn joy after 18months of forbiddenous, Pub In the Park was in Marlow in September. As a family of 5, ranging from 15 to 50 (& some) it ticked many boxes.  We delighted in small plates from The Hand & Flowers...

Flavour By Yotam OttolenghiOttolenghi is a TGFC favourite! This book is all about flavour, you’ll find innovative vegetarian recipes that expand on simple cooking principles to create exceptional dishes. It’s all about fresh, good food that will take your vegetables to the next level! Memories Of Gascony By Pierre KoffmannPierre K...

This post is really about “if you don’t use it, you will lose it” Our local area has been crying out for a gorgeous deli that serves great coffee, pastries & farm shop items.  And now we have The GreyHound.  Yayyyyy. Beautiful fresh vegetables & local artisan breads adorn the counter surfaces, & smells of str...

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice & add 50ml of gin, 30ml lemon juice & 1 tbsp sugar syrup and shake until chilled. Remove the Ice. Decanter over an old fashioned cut glass whisky tumbler of crushed ice and drizzle with 1 tbsp of blackberry liqueur so it bleeds down the inside of the glass. Garnish with blackberries & lemon slice.  &...

As soon as you pop on a train, boat or plane if feels like a holiday :-), well it certainly does this year.  So we took ourselves off to the Lymington Ferry and hopped over the water to Yarmouth, West Isle of Wight for 3 days of camping.  What a huge shift within the foodie industry on the Island in the last 3/4 years, starting I think wi...

We partner with some gorgeous venues in our business, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club being one of them. We recently provided a gorgeous champagne & canape party for 50, in and around a stunning sculpture & paintings exhibition.  Their vast estate is absolutley pristine and its clubhouse for upto 100 guests...

This was one of our most popular delivery dishes during Lockdown, & a more decadent twist on the mince based Chilli Con Carne.  This recipe serves 4. Whizz in a food processor to a Paste - 1 tbsp of Aleppo Chile Flakes, 2 Garlic Cloves, 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar, 1 tsp Ground Cumin, and rub into & marinate overnight with 800g of Diced B...

Pop 160g fresh mint in a blender with 150g lightly dry pan-fried toasted pine nuts, 80g grated parmesan, 1 garlic clove, zest and rind of 1 lemon, Maldon salt & ground black pepper. Start slowly adding 250ml olive oil until the pesto is a bit chunky still, about 2 mins. This can be used in SO many different ways but one of our most popular...

Our favourite and most versatile, Mint really is the king of all herbs.  It’s also a great source of vitamin A, which helps improve your eye health, brain function, immune system, and of course, stinky breath.  With over 600 different types across the world, and such a rampant growing herb, it’s easy for all of us to grow and...

Our beautiful Mediterranean inspired buffets are guaranteed to delight your guests with hot, cold and BBQ menus to choose from including dishes such as 'Shredded Duck with Ginger Marmalade Dressing', 'Chicken, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Tarragon Pesto' served with the most beautiful Ottolenghi style salads.  We deliver your buffets with all service g...

We'd like to say a huge thank you to our customers old and new who have supported us through such a challenging period, particularly with our Meals@Home service which we introduced in Lockdown 1 and have now bought to a close (at least while restrictions stay lifted).  We are delighted to now be able to offer our full range of catering service...

This gem of an artisan bakers based in Reading produce the most tantalizingly delicous treats!  Using only natural, organic and good quality ingredients this small scale bakers demonstrate a true passion for baking and the wonderful range of breads and sweet treats they create speak for themselves!  Pictured below a Lemon Meringue Cruffin...

Checkout our mouth-watering Gourmet BBQ menu which boasts a huge range of dishes to suit all tastes and dietary requirements including plenty of flavour packed Vegan options and beautiful desserts. View our menu here  - you'll be spoilt for choice!  Drop us a line, we'd be happy to discuss any event large or small cm@thegre...

Mix together in a large 2litre jug: 1 bottle pinot grigio 10fluid ounces mango rum 10fluid ounces peach schnapps 3 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons lime juice 3 tablespoons orange juice 20fluid ounces lemon & lime flavoured soda Pop in some fresh peach and mango slices and Ice - enjoy!

Companies are having to evolve & change more than ever since Spring 2020, with no colleague social interaction now turning into perhaps only working from the office 1-2 days a week, so the “working lunch” sandwiches in the office are for the moment a thing of the past.  At TGFC we have had to adapt to our clients' needs and th...

This Summer as we all ease back to some normality our chef has developed a range of Hot, Cold & BBQ buffets. These can be delivered to your home or workplace fully prepared and ready to serve or in the case of hot buffets - ready to pop in the oven with simple instructions.  We supply all platters, bowls and service gear.  Of cou...

These new pop up style woodland dining experiences have caught our eye.  What a lovely way to spend a summers day! Ritual Feast (pictured above) - Fire cooked banquets in beautiful New Forest locations. The Salt Box - Unique feasts over fire and cookery workshops. Based in their woodland glen or cosy barn on the Priory Farm Estate in South N...

Wellington Farm Shop For us at TGFC, Wellington Farm Shop is the perfect place to stop on our cycle rides. And what a place on the Hampshire border for a pit stop - the most delicious Toasted Local Wigmore Cheese & Cranberry Ciabatta & a warming Flat White. Wigmore cheese is a soft creamy cheese made from Sheep’s milk.&...

One of the best places in London to buy a coffee & the most delicious sandwich. They have 3 venues, including our favourite in Mayfair. And the brand where The Stumpy was born in 2007. It’s a penchant for drinking coffee in small glasses like a mini-flat white.  The glass is a Duralex Gigogne 5.5oz and the name Stumpy, where related...

Over the Easter period outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households will be allowed - hooray!! Our Easter Afternoon Teas are a perfect treat to share with loved ones.  Orders by email to cm@thegreatfoodcompany.co.uk. Adults Afternoon TeaPloughmans - Mature Cheddar with Radish & Celery, HomeMade Sausage Roll & Vine Tomatoes &a...

With pubs and restaurants still closed, our chef has put together a delicious 2 course Easter lunch/dinner to enjoy at home, a real gastro experience and no shopping, preparation or washing up for you.  Simple cooking instructions and timings provided so that the whole experience is completley stress free!       Main Cours...

In anticipation of increased demand for small scale al fresco gatherings we have put together some fresh & imaginative menus for BBQ Buffets and Hot & Cold Buffets featuring the most wonderful Ottolenghi style salads to compliment your choice of main dish such as Mediterranean Chicken with Tomato Confit & Roasted Red Onions, S...

It was founded over 40 years ago in Covent Garden, an artisanal cheese retailer now set in an old warehouse in Borough Market.  For us out in the sticks you can sign up for a monthly delivery of 3 surprise beautiful cheeses, with each cheese being matured & hand selected by the team at NYD.  TGFC firm favourites are the Montgomer...

Located in Crowthorne this Craft Beer & Coffee Shop is a great find.  They have 6 ever changing small craft beers on tap – which will be available to drink in, when restrictions allow in their smart bar/café.  Or just for refilling your Growler.  Also a great selection of Artisan Gins which make great pressies. They...

It was founded over 40 years ago in Covent Garden, an artisanal cheese retailer now set in an old warehouse in Borough Market.  For us out in the sticks you can sign up for a monthly delivery of 3 surprise beautiful cheeses, with each cheese being matured & hand selected by the team at NYD.  TGFC firm favourites are the Montgomer...

Mum's have been super heroes during the last 12 months whether they have been isolated, doing their best to support home schooling or shielding with limited opportunity to let their hair down or be treated.  We've put together a sumptuous Mother's day luncheon/dinner, all ready in oven proof dishes, so you just have to pop in the oven, with he...

Pop 1 carrot & 1 celery stick, chopped with 3 garlic cloves in a saucepan, plus ½ bunch of parsley & ½ small bunch that are tied together with a little string with some seasoning.  Wrap individually the 4 chicken breasts in clingfilm tightly and twist the ends up like a cracker.   Add to the saucepan and cover c...

We are keeping everything crossed that our route out of lockdown progresses as planned and that we can return to cater for all your celebrations and life events.  In anticipation of increased demand for al fresco gatherings we have put together some fresh & imaginative menus for BBQ Buffets and Hot & Cold Buffets featuring the mos...

It really is fantastic that all being well outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households will be allowed form 29th March.  We've put together delicious classic picnics so you can focus on catching up with loved ones.  Orders by email to cm@thegreatfoodcompany.co.uk.  Adults Picnic HandMade Sausage Roll, English Mustard &...

The Wolesley – perfectly situated in Piccadilly & Mayfair, the iconic hotel offers Modern European food within grand art deco glamour.  We are going to feel like spoiling ourselves, over & over again I think once Spring 21 arrives, and why not start with the perfect breakfast at The Wolesley. One of my favourite food critics A.A....

Our amazing local find this month was Fidget & Bob on Kennet Island in Reading.  A great find from their posts on Instagram, they are avid “posters” & nearly every post makes me drool. In lockdown I've embraced pedal power & have set myself the goal of discovering great cafes & artisans that we can cycle to.  T...

Our chef has created a delicious 3 course dinner which will be delivered to your door on the 14th, all ready for you to pop in the oven whilst you romance.  A real treat! All ready in oven proof dishes, so you just have to pop in the oven, with heating instructions. No shopping, preparation or washing up!  Valentines 3 Course Menu ...

This delicious starter is simple to make, fresh & full of flavour - the perfect start to your Valentines dinner.  Spilt 75g of smoked salmon between 2 plates. Mix together the juice and zest of half a lime. Add 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1/2 heaped tablespoon of capers and 1/2 chopped garlic bulb, 1/2 heaped tsp grain mustard, 1/2 h...

Delivered fresh to your door on Valentines day - a wonderfully delicious surprise! Valentine Tea Menu HeartShaped Sandwiches Smoked Salmon & Beetroot Infused Cream CheeseHeartShaped Sandwiches Seasoned Cucumber HeartShaped Sandwiches Free Range Egg, Cress & Homemade Mayonnaise HeartShaped Sandwiches Farmhouse Ham & English M...

Now on our third lockdown many of us are making a conscious effort to make heathier lifestyle choices.  We have long been advocates of the Seedlip Non alcoholic spirits and we love this Expresso Martini Recipe which complements our Valentines tea beautifully.  The gorgeousness of the cocktail but no alcohol - win, win! Pour 50ml of...

Our Instagram treat this month is The Mad Hatters Tea Party at The Sanderson Hotel.  Its inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland and highly recommended once we are allowed.  The tea is full of sweet treats and savoury delights to tantalise your taste buds.  To drink you can choose wonderful tea infusions, amazing...

Don’t forget that something special - we have partnered up with our florists - Funky Flowers, so we can deliver your choice of flowers with your food. Single RoseExpertly wrapped with a little fountain grass £7.50 A Dozen Large Bloom Columbian RosesThese are gorgeous brighter red roses grown in Columbia they have beautiful large bloom...

Every morning Cuppies n Cream bake fresh in small batches meaning their cupcakes are the BEST around. Their Gourmet toasties have become a lockdown favourite in Hartley Wintney!

On this week's menu we have brought back a few old fashioned & delicious classics - faggots & rissoles.  Great comfort food in this cold weather, with creamed mash & gravy. Our Winter Ploughmans was very popular, so we have that again on the menu, & our ever so popular cottage pies & slow cook beef steak chilli con carne....

Possibly my favourite chef - Ottolenghi. He has the ability to infuse strong flavours from his native Middle East with a modern twist. Many of his dishes are vegetarian/vegan, but not by effort but just because they are better that way. I feel that’s how we should live with less if not no meat. So his recipe that I’m suggesting you try...

Let’s introduce some delicious new healthy & exciting brekkie options in January. Our recipe is a combination of 2 classics - porridge & pancakes = banana oat pancakes.  Blitz in a food processor - 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt, 1 banana, 70g jumbo oats, pinch of Maldon salt & cinnamon. Heat a pancake pan & add a l...

We thought we would start the NY by giving you some great visual treats that would please even the busiest of instagrammers.  London has so many foodie places to photograph, & one that I really want to visit is Peggy Porschen in Chelsea. This beautiful cake parlour is pretty in blush pink, with a 5 meter patisserie counter filled with...

Our local Instagram treat is Gail's in Wokingham.  Their Cinnamon Rolls are mouth wateringly gorgeous with pastries that are soft, chewy, buttery & dusted with cinnamon sugar.  Well worth a visit when life returns to normal.

Plan ahead so that you have all ingredients to hand when you need them. Choose recipes that work well as leftovers in the fridge or freezer eg:  Stew, Chilli, Soup, Bolognese, Curry. Include plenty of veg that hold their shape or structure when thawed (broccoli, cauliflower and chunks of carrot). Helps to ensure you're getting your five&nb...

If its your new years resolution to eat more 5 a day - these companies deliver quality fruit & veg boxes to suit any size of household.  Abel & Cole Long established & offer a good range of fruit/veg boxes plus dairy, bakery & meat. Riverford OrganicOrganic fruit & veg either grown on their own farm in Devon or caref...

Our talented Chef has created a decadent taste sensation for your Christmas Dinner!  All fully prepared and delivered on Christmas Eve with simple step by step instructions and timings.  With the option of adding a luxurious Smoked Salmon pate starter and wonderfully indulgent Cheese course.  No shopping, no preparation = perfect!&nb...

Together with our exceptional wine merchants Milton Sandford Wines we are delighted to offer these new world favorites which will complement your Christmas dinner beautifully.  We can supply with pre-ordered Christmas dinners, delivered to your door. Malbec Casa Juanita 2019, Familia Barberis  Inviting aromas of bramble forest fruits, fo...

Our Meals@home service brings you a really scrumptious classic afternoon tea ideal for sharing with your bubble or for a fun alternative to the traditional office Christmas 'Do'.  These teas have extra sparkle for Christmas & a bit more of a wintery selection, packaged with love and delivered to your door! Our Classic...

Its certaintly going to be a Christmas like no other!  Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your festive season. Take it EasyTreat yourself to our fully prepared delicious Christmas dinners and teas.  Also our meals@home service will be delivering our chef prepared winter comfort food throughout December - ideal to pop in th...

Our Meals@home service brings you a really scrumptious classic afternoon tea ideal for connecting with colleagues over Zoom for an office Christmas party at home!  These teas have extra sparkle for Christmas & a bit more of a wintery selection, packaged with love and delivered to your door! Our Classic Afternoon Teas Turke...

So at TGFC we have created some delicious delights for you to enjoy whilst at home, ideal for autumnal evenings in.  We prepare both a 'clean' and 'dirty' version and this month we are focussing on the 'clean'. The Clean – a healthier snack box for 2 to share including homemade Pesto & Smoked Paprika Houmous with lots of health...

Lets spruce up the normal Christmas Bucks Fizz with a something a little different this year from Waitrose - The Strawbellini. Blend 4 fresh strawberries, 1 tsp caster sugar, & 2 tsp lemon juice into a smooth puree.  Pour into a shaker with 50ml of Prosecco, Cava or Champagne & some ice & shake very gently.  Pour into a...

A gooey garlicky dauphinoise potatoes which will partner perfectly with any Christmas dish. Infuse 500ml double cream 500ml milk & with 3 garlic gloves, bring to a simmer. Thinly slice 8 large potatoes & add to the simmering cream mixture for 3 minutes – stir so it doesn’t catch and helps to separate the potato slices.Use a...

Delivered free & fresh to your door within 5 miles of RG40.  To order simply drop us an email.  See weekly menus on our Facebook page.

Our Meals@home service is now bringing delicious homemade fresh fish dishes to your door.  We had seen a significant decline in stores where you can buy quality fish during and still after lockdown and saw a gap in the market where we could help.  Our early morning trips to Billingsgate Market guarantee the freshest catch! Beautiful fres...

Serves 4 Mix together 4 garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil. Trim the cauliflower so it can sit flatly in a casserole dish, cut a cross into the cauliflower base. Run the paste into the cauliflower, drizzle with ½ lemon & a splash of water, cover with foil (or lid) & roast for 45 minutes at 18...

Delivered free & fresh to your door within 5 miles of RG40.  To order simply drop us an email.  

Serves 4 Blanch 2 large cauliflowers (with leaves) for 2 minutes. Mix 120g melted butter, 110ml olive oil, 1&1/4 tsp red pepper chilli flakes (Ocado), 1&1/4 tsp Urfa chilli flakes (Ocado), ¾ tsp Aleppo chilli flakes, 2&1/2 tsp tomato paste, 90g rose harissa, 3 garlic cloves, 1&1/2 tsp caster sugar, 1 tsp salt. Put the caul...

So at TGFC we have created some new delicious delights for you to enjoy whilst at home, ideal for autumnal evenings in.  And there are 2 varieties:  The Clean – a healthier snack box for 2 to share including homemade Pesto & Smoked Paprika Houmous with lots of healthier snacks.  Savoury Gooey Cheese with HoneyCombe & P...

Meat does see seasonal price fluctuations, such as New season Lamb always increases due to demand however this year we have seen more price changes due to Covid. Steak meat has seen a 30% rise recently – includes rib eye, sirloin & fillet.  Possibly due to lockdown, and slaughter houses which now have to social distance increasing co...

It's so sad that it looks like most of us won't be going to sunnier climates this year, so let’s bring the essence of holiday to your home.  Let’s start around the Mediterranean Coast – starting with Greece.  Colours of Atzec blue & white spring to mind, with tastes of olive oil, feta & oregano.   Greek BBQ...

In a constantly changing world there are going to be some positives, which may not feel like it at first. Selby & I married whilst we lived in France, & therefore had to follow the Southern Europe way of getting legally married in the Town Hall before the big event. It’s the norm, so felt totally right, which we did with our nearest &...

It seems that we are all looking for a little indulgence at present, so why not treat yourself to a gorgeous afternoon tea & pair it with a cocktail.  These 2 cocktails work perfectly with the sweetness of the cakes and scones (see our Facebook page for our delicious home delivery cream teas). Rose MartiniMakes 1 - Mix all i...

Pop in a saucepan – 1 small bunch of mint, seeds from 2 vanilla beans, 600ml water, 200g caster sugar, juice & zest of 1 lemon.  Bring to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes, then add 1kg strawberries, bring back to simmer & then remove from heat & cool.  Rub 40g diced & chilled butter with 100g plain flour & pinc...

Since March we've been delivering delicious fresh meals to your doorstep.  Menus change weekly and include a wide choice of mouthwatering dishes suitable for lunch, afternoon tea & dinner. You can register to receive weekly menus by dropping us an email here.  We've been delighted with the feedback we've received which has kept us mot...

Our latest newsletter was published yesterday, check it out to learn some easy Christmas show stoppers & a few simple steps to helping your body's health! http://ow.ly/RmYI30mpLPE http://ow.ly/i/JcGS8 

As you know The Great Food Company is providing picnics at Ascot this year and other exquisite venues, so what makes our picnics so special I hear you ask?  This sample menu shows how delightful a catered picnic is with all the vibrant colors and tastes of the Mediterranean, all crockery, cutlery, and glassware is provided so you can...

We love a classic picnic with a twist at The Great Food Company – is there a nicer way to spend a sunny (always special when the sun shines) day in the timeless classic of the Private Enclosure at Royal Ascot Week, with a decadent picnic and a glass of crisp cold bubbly.   We recently hosted a tasting for the 4 day Ascot w...

Come on folks, there’s no need to go to Iceland or reach for the Philadelphia this Christmas. Canapes don’t have to be difficult, in fact with a few shop-bought items you can look like a pro’ and your bite-sized nibbles will taste infinitely better than anything you will buy in a foil tin ready to be “popped” in the o...

We are exceptionally excited and proud to be shortlisted finalists for the Caterer of the Year category at the Food Awards England 2016. We aim to delight in everything we do & to be nominated as a finalist for this prestigious award means the world to us!

HM Prison Reading opened recently for the first time to the public as artists, writers and performers respond to its most notorious inmate, Oscar Wilde. The Great Food Company were delighted to cater for the opening of the event, in such a resonant site, which showed through art & archive material how Wilde suffered. The exhibiti...

Our Cocktail of the month comes from a very enjoyable afternoon spent with my ladies at the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, in Laverstoke.  A stunning venue, very contemporary & we enjoyed the Gin Masterclass Cocktail Experience very much, however it still needs some tweaks… Being the World’s most popular brand of G...

One of our 2016 highlights was being asked to cater for The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Lord Sebastian Coe Charitable Foundation, supporting Cancer Research UK.  Lord Coe hosted a high-profile charitable fundraiser and first-class polo match with one-hundred high-society guests who dug deep into their pockets to support a great cause....

We all have a bottle (don’t we?) of tequila lurking in the back of our “cocktail cabinets” so let's marry up an old favourite with a new sensation – Prosecco Margaritas. Makes 4-6 cocktails 100ml Tequila 125ml Cointreau or other orange liqueur 125ml chilled simple syrup (see recipe below), or to taste 250ml...

This year The Great Food Company was asked to cater for one of the greatest tournaments for Polo’s top players and finest horsepower at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club in Windsor. This year marked the 30th Anniversary of the tournament bestowed to the club by its first member H.R.H Prince Charles. The lawn was adorned...

Summer entertaining need not be a chore. Fire up the barbeque for a laid back alfresco lunch with friends. Eating outside should be relaxed and enjoyable. If you prepare everything in advance you can spend all your time sipping sparkles with your friends instead of running to and from the kitchen. Keep your menu simple, marinate your fish or meat...

What a great morning Monday was this week. I was asked to co-present the Food & Wine show at Marlow Radio by my delectable buddy & fellow caterer Donna Minett. It’s always a pleasure, however, today the added bonus was meeting three great guests. Two of them were both amazing & inspiring head chefs from Tom Kerridge's Restaurants...

Dirty BBQ Pulled Pig. Thank you to Zan from the Sandhurst Bakery for getting the buns to my high spec’. Next week she will wring my neck when I need her to make Pan Cubanos for my Salt Beef, Pickles, and Swiss Chess experiments. Street food van coming soon and the mojo is fluent once more!The Great Food Company loves sharing. Great Food, G...

Although there are many variations of BBQ sauce in the United States, there are generally 4 main styles. These are South Carolina, Memphis Tennessee, Kansas City, and Texan. These are not exhaustive and sub-styles include St. Louis, Alabama, and Kentucky. Apart from the meat which is cooked in these different areas the style of sauce varies great...

Just sent off our 100th quote this month!

Its all about health on FoodMattersLive this morning, they have interviewed M&S, healthy food should be inspirational & available to all!

Today's gem - after years of thinking animal fats are evil, discovery shows that purer ones like Iberico pork fat are healthier than olive oil!

In April 2015 myself and Clarissa went for an adventure in the New Forest. “A restaurant with rooms” is one of the straplines on the clean, tidy, and easy to navigate website. The Pig in Brockenhurst is a glorious former hunting lodge (once owned by the Bowes-Lyons, cousins of the Queen) which has been fashioned into a quirky shabby c...

Ufton Court is a stunning Grade I listed manor house set in acres of picturesque grounds and woodland. Its 16th Century timber-framed Tithe Barn provides a blank canvas for you to create your dream Gothic Angel Wedding. The girls in the office were very excited in the fall of 2014 when Claire Pettibone released her Gothic Angel Collection “...

La Tante Claire was a restaurant in London owned and run by Pierre Koffman. It opened in 1977 and closed its doors for the final time in 2004, much to the dismay of its clientele. “Pierre the Bear” as he is known amongst his contemporaries was born in Gascony France. His cooking is inspired by Gascony and the dishes that he watched his...

Siren Craft Brew has been in Finchampstead now for a year, and need to be exposed as a beer lover's best-kept secret. On Saturday Clarrissa and myself along with friends Debbie and Gareth our Partners at Milford Sandford Wines, headed to Siren for a tasting. The young, charmingly dishevelled Steve gave us a warm welcome, Steve seemed to match the...

I am a big fan of Rick Stein, I dined at the Seafood Restaurant some 13 years ago and traveled 4 hours just to get there. It was nice! Would I go back, No. What would be the point? He wasn’t even in the kitchen 13 years ago, the chances of him cooking anything now are non-existent. I am not a Gordon Ramsey fan. Have I ever wanted to eat at o...

800g fresh spinach leaves 60g butter 60g flour 500ml milk salt and pepper grated nutmeg freshly grated Parmesan cheese Put a generous amount of spinach to one side and cook the rest very quickly in a covered saucepan (5 minutes). Chop Spinach very fine and keep warm. Make a bechamel sauce using the butter, flour, and milk, then dilute with...

It’s National Pie Week! Olive oil and butter to fry 350 ml beef stock 1 kilo butchers minced beef 1 large onion 3 crushed garlic cloves fresh thyme leaves 2 tbsp tomato puree 1 pint Guinness 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 3 tbsp Branston pickle 1.5 kilos mashing potatoes 125g melted butter handful of grated cheddar A rich savoury C...

These beautiful velvety morcels in their pearlescent shells are so easy to cook, but most go for the vacuum-packed tasteless ones. Here are a few tips to make it a little more straight forward. First and foremost choose fresh, living mussels and consume on the day of purchase, these critters don’t like hanging about. Rinse them through under...

Jucy Lucy or Juicy Lucy is a cheeseburger with a difference. Instead of having the cheese on top of the patty, you split the patty and put the cheese inside then crimp the patty closed again with your fingers. If the patties are thin enough you can use two and crimp together. The patty is then cooked melting the cheese inside. A word of warning, th...

Poulet a l’Ail Garlic Roast Chicken Can anything satisfy a family better than a Chicken in the oven with the smells permeating through every room in the house? Don’t be put off by the amount of garlic, it really isn’t that strong, just exceedingly delicious. 1 large chook 30 garlic cloves Rosemary, 1 lemon and parsley 2 tabl...

Scotch Eggs are so easy to make and yet we buy and eat thousands of them every year. To be honest the average shop-bought scotch egg tastes of nothing and you usually need some form of liquid just to get it down. Go to your local butcher and buy your sausages, these will be a good quality product. Our butcher does a whole range from Old English to...

The great restaurateur/chef Nico Ladenis said on his move back to England after 13 years, he doesn’t much like what’s happening in the restaurant scene, if like me you agree with Nico’s dislike for water baths, dots for sauce, foams, and smears, then head to Burchetts Green, just outside of Maidenhead. The ever so slightly eccent...

At last, a hue of blue to end the everlasting grey, a tinge of the sun to bless the skin, while the intense magnolia eases from its sensual pod and discards them to the fray. So our thoughts at The Great Food Company turn to outdoor celebrations and a very popular party piece at the mo’, is the hog. Roasting a hog is a tradition that goes b...

Pop up restaurants aren’t a new phenomenon in fact throughout the last decade opening up your front room to an array of strangers became positively de rigueur, customers would swarm in as if given a free ticket to enter Narnia through the wardrobe, bearing their own wine. Not wanting to be left out many top chefs have been taking advantage of...

Pasta So the season of goodwill has all but ended,…and the weather forecast is bleak for the next week or so. Let's do three things with Pasta. The Carbs will keep you warm. When thinking of what to do with Pasta I always remember the scene from Goodfellas where the wiseguys are in prison prepping the meal. Vinny uses too many onions...

Chorizo, (shoreezo) I love it, the Iberian pork sausage given its distinct flavour and colour by its main ingredient Paprika, the best from the baking hot Extremadura region. In the time of the Crusades, the Christians used to use chorizo to distinguish themselves from the Arabs. Hence, it became customary to use a little chorizo in just about ever...

You will find in my blog to follow, not recipes as such, but shared ideas. I don’t like measurements, tlbs, tspn, cl, ml, ltr, oz, all make my head swim and that is why I am not a pastry chef. I would consider that if you are reading this you already have an interest in food so with a little knowledge and a lotta love, ideas and recipes are a...