Zaatar Chickpea and Green Pepper Loaf

I made this Zaatar Chickpea Loaf yesterday.  I had not planned on it, but there was not much in the house in the way of fresh ingredients, so I was making the most of what we had at home in the kitchen cupboards and fridge. 

The Zaatar Chickpea Loaf actually turned out to be quite lovely.  Not dense, but packed with flavour and textures and surprisingly it also remained quite moist on the inside too.  

I served the Savoury Loaf with Zaatar Sweet Potato Chips that were simply baked in the oven. However, the plate still needed something else, shredded Brussels sprouts maybe, as that was the only green vegetable in my kitchen but I think I have had my fair share of sprouts for the year so gave it a miss.

For those of you who have not yet welcomed the New Year - What are your plans for the New Year celebrations?   I'm  staying indoors for the New Year celebrations with a plate of nibbles and a bottle of fizzy, so may I take the opportunity wish you all a Happy New Year for 2015. 2014 has been a better year for me.  A new home, a new job... but I look forward to 2015 and hope it will be even better.  May it be a kind one for all my lovely loyal readers too. See you in 2015. 

Harissa and Pepper Veggie Sausage Bites

Its been a while since I made veggie sausage rolls at home.  I was prompted to make some thanks to the lovely Johanna over at Green Gourmet Giraffe for tempting me, as variations of vegetarian Sausage Rolls kept appearing at her table, especially this time of year.

My version is completely different and is made mostly with store-bought ingredients, namely the vegetarian sausage-meat and the puff pastry.  

In my haste, or rather greed.  I forgot to slice the rather long sausage roll into bite size pieces before putting in the oven to bake, that is why they don't look aesthetically pleasing, but they tasted good that I can assure you.  Slight spice from the harissa and crunch from the peppers; and the puff pastry light and crisp.  Yum.  

My husband loved them and requested that I make them more often, so I will be making them again in the next few days. Perhaps even put some in his lunch box for work - the big kid.  

Christmas Came and Went

Christmas day came and went and before I knew it I was back in work.

I had some lovely gifts thanks mostly to my lovely husband like a gorgeous peacock T-shirt, a couple of DVDs, a CD amongst other things, but the two gifts that I want to share here are food related.  

I had two cookbooks on my Christmas wish list: Meat Free Any Day: Food For all Reasons by Sarah Beattie; and The Adventurous Vegetarian: Around The World In 30 Meals by Jane Hughes - my wishes was granted...Now to decide what to cook from them first?! 

And from my nephew - the oldest one that I am really really close too, I got a foodie hamper. 

I have never received an hamper in my life, so this was a lovely treat. 

He managed to stuff it with with additional sweet and savoury nibbles, a lot that you can't even see, so I will have to share that with you in my blog January In My Kitchen blog post, 

I hope you had a good Christmas with your family and friends, now we wait to welcome the New Year and what is may bring.