My Tiny Eclectic Kitchen

Many of my readers understandably have assumed that I have a mighty big kitchen, especially as I tend to cook from scratch a lot.  The fact is it is quite a small flat kitchen  Its about 6 foot by 6 foot.  When there are two people in the kitchen, it’s a bit of a squeeze shall we say. There have been many times, when I have been frustrated by the lack of space and its restrictions.  D has understood many of my frustrations and has done his utmost to make the kitchen space as functional as it could be. He utilised the space - height wise, so that I've been able to store cooking pots and jars, although I do need a step ladder to reach these.  However even with all his efforts, there are indeed still limits that hinder the experimental cook in me.  I've never been able to bake large cakes, decorate them with fancy piping and then leave them on the side to look pretty, as they would take up the only available surface that is used for food preparation. Also I cannot display the gadgets that I have accumulated over the years, moreso use them - such as the food processor, hence the reason I end up making shortcrust pastry by hand often...well you get the point I am trying to make - its a tiny kitchen. 

In spite of its size and my grumbles, this cooking space has served us well over the years and I have come to appreciate its individuality.  I made this short video about of my eclectic kitchen about 3 months ago.  Since then I have had to remove some of the decour.  The food related artwork, as well as the dangling things, such as chilli lights that may look messy to potential home buyers, but for me they have made the kitchen quirky and personal.    

Still like many homely cooks, I dream of that big open space (or even a country kitchen), when I will be able to leave out my kitchen gadgets and actually be able to use them! Be able to share the joys of cooking and baking with others in the kitchen space, and be able to open the door to my kitchen garden and pick fresh herbs…Oh I dream of my of my own space.  Part of this 'dream' has begun, as the house we will be renting offers some of these opportunities to me.  But before I say 'goodbye to this tiny space' this year.  I have to remind myself that I have made some delicious diverse world vegetarian cuisines here.

Here are some recipes from my kitchen in 2011.  Enjoy.

 Of course, I have to begin with these Welsh Red Dragon Chilli Shortbread.

 February - A Scottish recipe that I will always keep close to me - Potato Scones.

March -  Cauliflower and Red Lentil Cobbler

 April - Wild Garlic Oatcakes

 May - A new challenge for me - making Banoffee Curd and White Chocolate Roulade

 June - Radish Leaf and Root Tart.

 July - Savoury Seitan Faux Roast 'Meat' (vegan)

August - Plum and Almond Tart with Plum Syrup

September - Creamy Cabbage Pie - Perfect for those rainy Scottish days!!!

October - Another new technique to me - Sweet Potato Wontons Stickers with Sweet Chilli Sauce - absolutely delicious.

 November - Beetroot and Gingerbread Muffins

And finally,  December - Date and Coconut Bars.

Oh I should also mention, that I will not be returning back to blustery gale force windy Scotland with D later in the week. I had applied for a job in Wales and guess what I have an interview next week. Sounds promising and it may be a welcome start to the new year, so I have made the decision to stay behind. First for the interview, second for the outcome.  If all goes well, then it will be 'ready set go' for moving, if not...well I will blog about that later.  Anyway, whatever happens, You will have to forgive me in advance as there may be very little in the way of proper foodie (and growing) blogging until mid to late February.  So instead I thought that I would begin sharing with you some things from my kitchen - starting of course with the kitchen itself.