Warming Dishes for Chilly Evenings

As much as I struggle to say goodbye to the last day of Summer, when I finally pack the shorts away after all the unexpected September sunshine, I am ready for Autumn and all that comes with it. The moment October rolls around, there’s something deeply satisfying about lighting the fire and cooking up with a bowl of something hot and hearty. This week, I’m embracing the cooler, darker evenings with dishes that warm you from the inside out, using slow-cooked meats, creamy mash, and just the right amount of indulgence to keep the autumn chill at bay.

Beef daube

Beef daube is the French answer to our Irish stew. Think melt-in-your-mouth beef, slowly braised in wine, with root vegetables and herbs, proper comfort food and ideal to cook ahead- it’s a dish which improves with an overnight stay in the fridge. The indulgent serving option here is Pommes Aligot. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s basically mashed potatoes whipped with enough cheese to make you question your life choices— you will never want potatoes any other way from here on out.

Get the recipe here.

Smoked fish, cheese & potato bake

Smoked fish and cheese might not seem like the most obvious of pairings, Italian’s may balk at the idea, but trust me on this one. This bake combines tender potatoes with creamy, oozy cheese and smoky fish for the ultimate comfort food. It’s a dish you can pull together easily, pop into the oven, and watch as it transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. It’s just as good for dinner as it is reheated for lunch the next day—if there are any leftovers, that is.

Get the recipe here.

White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Blackberries & Bourbon

For dessert a seasonal favourite of mine is this White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Blackberries & Bourbon. This bread pudding is a thing of beauty: creamy, custardy bread soaked in white chocolate, dotted with tart blackberries- particularly special if you’ve picked your own, and finished with a generous splash of bourbon. It’s like your classic bread & butter pudding with a glow-up for autumn. Serve it warm, and don’t be shy with the whipped cream or even some cold custard.

Get the recipes here.

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