cooking up a storm at the edge of the world
Inspired by Shetland’s seafaring soul, this warming, smoky-sweet Scotch whisky cocktail celebrates the meeting of cold northern winds and Caribbean warmth. Like Bonfire Night itself — glowing against the dark — it’s a toast to explorers, smugglers, and storytellers who gather where land meets sea. At its heart is Nørn Aurora by Lerwick Distillery. The rum-finished richness …
Green beans almondine (amandine) is a classic French dish of green beans with almonds. Almondine is a culinary term for an almond garnish. This dish pairs very well with beef bourguignon and creamy mashed potatoes and is one of my guests’ favourite recipes at the Aald Harbour Hoose. It’s a green bean recipe for people …
Discover this delicious vegan twist on the classic mushroom bourguignon recipe, created as a vegan option for my Aald Harbour Hoose dinner guests. Prep Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy I must admit the vegan recipe offering on my website is decidedly lacking. I’m not a vegan; it’s not how I eat. …
Elevate your brunch with a humble bacon jam with cheddar omelette, a culinary masterpiece that requires little more than a few simple ingredients and a dash of flair. Serve with a glass of Barefoot California Merlot. This is a sponsored recipe post made in collaboration with Barefoot Wines. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed …
This traditional French yoghurt cake recipe is one of the easiest cakes to make, so much so that it’s often one of the first cake recipes French children learn how to make. This cake is light with a gorgeous crumb, and the lemon drizzle finish makes for a moist, zesty, lemony tea-time treat. This recipe …
This festive season, why not impress your dinner guests with a showstopping Turkey Wellington recipe? This recipe features a perfectly moist butterfly turkey breast wrapped in pork sausage stuffing flavoured with cranberries and toasted hazelnuts; all encased in a crispy, golden, mouthwatering puff pastry. Prep Time: 1 hour Cooking Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate An …
Huffsie (or hufsi) is a traditional Shetland tea loaf that originated on the island of Whalsay. The recipe I use is made with tea-soaked dried mixed fruit, brown sugar, and treacle, but there are many variations. Served ‘klined’ (Shetland dialect for ‘spread’) with butter, it’s a delicious teatime treat whether on land or at sea. …
A scramble up Helvellyn and Catstye Cam via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, voted one of the most popular walks in the Lake District, England. Duration: 5 hours Difficulty: Moderate OS Explorer Map: OL5 Helvellyn Helvellyn is a mountain in the Lake District. At 3,117 feet (950 metres), it is the third largest peak in …
MSC-certified sustainable king scallops and langoustines are the stars in this simple yet incredibly flavoursome recipe from Daniel Okroj, the head chef of the Busta House Hotel in Shetland. This article and recipe were originally published in 2014 in the online magazine Fish on Fridays, which no longer exists. In 2023, the article was updated …
This light and fluffy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is delicious, straightforward to make and keeps fresh for five days in the refrigerator. It has become a firm favourite with my walking tour guests at the Aald Harbour Hoose in Lerwick, Shetland (What? Where? Walking tour guests?! Subscribe to my newsletter to learn …
In this series of cookery lessons from BBC Maestro, Pierre Koffmann teaches the fundamentals of French cuisine through 24 of his best-loved recipes. This post has been written in collaboration with BBC Maestro, although all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. It’s Friday night. For the first time in 23 years, I am home, alone, …
Transform leftover stale bread into crispy, buttery croutons to top your favourite soup or salad. All you need is a few simple ingredients and half an hour of your time. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 – 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy The easiest homemade crispy croutons recipe I don’t know about you, but I …
The island of Fetlar, just five miles by two and a half miles wide, has 31 miles of explorable coastline, including 7 miles around Funzie Ness. Boasting more natural arches per mile than any other island in Shetland, there’s a dramatic scene around every corner. Duration: 2.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate OS Explorer Map: 470 Fetlar, the …
The Clean Greens organic superfoods blend from Rheal makes it easy for you to get your daily super greens with just one spoonful. Designed to support immunity and digestive health, this tasty blend contains 8 superfoods rich in natural vitamins and minerals. Read on to find out more! This blog post has been written in …
Oven-roasted chorizo meatballs, made with homemade chorizo sausage and leftover roast pork, combined with rich homemade slow-cooked chicken stock, dirty carrots, celery, local potatoes, Shetland kale and lashings of cream make for a perfect winter chowder. Best eaten outdoors. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Moderate Leftovers: another (wo)man’s treasure One of …
Neeans Neap is a wild and rugged cape located on the west side of the mainland of Shetland, Scotland. Situated north-east of West Burrafirth (south-west of the island of Vementry), it’s a pleasant coastal walk, especially if sheltering from a biting winter westerly. Duration: 1.5 hours Skill Level: Moderate OS Explorer Map: 467 Introducing #HikeShetland …
At 60 degrees North, midway between Iceland, Norway and the mainland of Scotland, you’ll find the wild and remote Shetland Islands. Our archipelago might only be 80 miles from tip to tip and 35 miles at its widest, but there are 640 miles of quiet, well-maintained roads and 1679 miles of wild and rugged coastline …
In this cauliflower cheese soup, cauliflower and garlic are roasted before being combined with potato, chicken stock, herbs and The Laughing Cow light creamy spreadable cheese for a lighter winter warmer without compromising on flavour. This recipe post has been sponsored by The Laughing Cow. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are our own. …
Your favourite pasta sauce brand, Dolmio, recently launched a new Dolmio 7 vegetables pasta sauce range. This sauce is your shortcut to flavour helping you create a quick tasty meal that has authentic Mediterranean flavours. Plus, there’s 2 of your 5-a-day in every serving! This recipe post, ready in under 15 minutes, has been written …
Harvey & Brockless are a UK producer and distributor of speciality foods. They work with artisan producers around the globe to supply consumers with a diverse range of sensational foods, perfect for picnics, staycations or cosy winter cheeseboards. This post has been written in collaboration with Harvey & Brockless although all opinions expressed are our …
