Latest News & Events
The next part is to inspire you to get some cooking done at home so I have picked a few different recipes to try using the fantastic new product on the shelves Scotty Brand all you need to do is look for that wee Dog.. it really is from the wee dog not that I'm saying my readers are of a certain age but cast your mind back to the old jars of Beetroot you had many moons ago well Mr Bartlett used to make the beetroot for that jar in his bath.....(so I'm told)
anyway the bath is not used any more and Scotty Brand are going from strength to strength with so many fantastic products I've given the Kestrel tatties a wee recipe run, click on my recipe page and have a go at the simple suppers that are sure to keep the whole family happy its Tatties after all and yer man at The Grewars & Hugh Niven picked them just for you! so go on put some in your trolley this weekend.
Easter holidays are just over,so much has been going on I remember I just want to get back to the old routine..
I used to always hear that when I was young now I know what they meant...
Just before heading off for the break I worked all week with Science on a plate at The Edinburgh Botanics fantastic week with Chefs & Sciencetist got together when food meets science on a plate it makes for a very interesting week, I was joining Tom Kitchin, Nick Nairn, Steve Brown & Neil Forbes all puting on fabulous displays of Scotlands Finest Larder and the best Sciencetist that you could shake a stick at!!
Oh my goodness all this Twittering & FB is taking me away from the main reason behind,mental note must copy to website or vice versa...
All my early year demonstrations have come & gone and thats Mothers Day just past I had a great morning woke up to Coffee although weak,Toast although cold,but hey ho I was still in bed and there was not too much mess!
A box containing a Marble(In case I lost 1 of mine) A map(incase I lost my way) A piece of string (to fnd my way back) A balloon(to always reach for the sky) and a wee loveheart(To know I am always loved) absolutely priceless I guess the Brownies miniscul fee is so so worth it I was definitely impressed with that Mother day gift no dodgy flowers for me!
The next one an event at The Central hotel wednesday 21/03/12 for Up and coming chef/Hospitality stars a panel of Scotlands Best Chefs James Murphy The Central hotel, Jeff Bland The Balmoral & Billy Cambell The Thistle, Inspiring advising all the next genration what it is like to work at your next level all for Springboard Glasgow.
Saturday another wee demonstration in Sisters Jordanhill so if you got a voucher for Mother's day I will see you on Saturday morning!
Saturday afternoon I am off to Birmingham for The Food & Drink expo with Scotland of Food & Drink its all about the true taste of Scotland's larder, I can do that,well obviously with the help of Great Glen Game, Thistly cross, Seasons, Salaworkz, St Andrews cheese & Ramsays of Carluke of course as you know I say all you need is great ingredients the rest is simple !
Oh dont forget I am being Captured on the Clyde donate at www.justgiving/thesisters.co.uk and donate a wee bit if you can or I might run off with the captain or more than likely he will make me walk the plank... wee sis too!
Then 31st March at Science on a plate festival at The Edinburgh Botanics fantastic line up of chefs and sciencetist this will be so interesting come and see us its during the school holidays agreat day out for all the family.
From 4th August 2011
The Seafood festival was fantastic weather was very kind to us down at the Riverside museum 6th & 7th August and great chance to sneak in and see all the transport new home with the kids after my demonstration on the Sunday then on the friday it was www.foodiesfestival.co.uk which had a very wet start however nothing a pair of wellies didnt solve it was an Edinburgh Glastonbury type event with really Good Food we had the pleasure of The Hamiltons, Four poofs & a piano Tim Vine and our very own Mark Greenaway www.markgreenaway.com starring alongside www.JamesGalea.com the amazing magician and indeed there was some hocus pocus in the kitchen sadly for me he did'nt give a way "How did you do that?" even when i fluttered my eyelids!!
Schools started back and that was my wee fella starting on his next adventure in life and loving he is! A private cookery demonstration in Kelvingrove www.thesisters.co.uk to celebrate a birthday went down a storm was enjoyed by all... as they adheared to my rules elasticated waists and a driver to take them home.
A fantastic healthy eating day at www.glasgowacademy.co.uk there afterschool team is second to none, so they are all geared up for some great experiments for the October week the children will have fun, even the staff were intirgued by the sea monster section. lots of phones out taking pictures of Craig the Crab & Larry the Lobster! On the 1st September I was asked to do a welcome walk round at Kilmarnock Continental market, so delicious food & all made for me to taste and helping in some cases it was a fantastic event and one to go in the diary for the next time they head up our way.The www.dundeeflowerandfoodfestival.co.uk was that weekend with the lovely Gino D'Campo appearing some slight diva moments but nothing the accomodating burgh of Dundee couldnt pull together www.lovetoeat.co.uk and Scotch Lamb were on my menu and a great combination too, the local Dundee butcher was fantastic and very helpful as Dundee College head Big Russell used all my 10hr Braised lamb that I had brought up for my here's some I prepared earlier line so I had nothing left for my impromtu next demo and James came to the rescue. Also that week my sister & I changed our hairstyles and got some new photo's taken for the website & cards so a wee glam day for the girls without an airbrush may I add!!
www.braeheadfoods.co.uk www.thecookschoolscotland.co.uk had a chef day on Monday 12th September where Craig the big boss guy!! gives something back, as he always does and invites all the Chefs for a day at the factory filled with demonstrations of products loads & loads of tasting sessions yes that does include beer (well it is chefs we are talking about!) However they dont open the bar until Chef Joe Queen appears and they have all had a good look around The best bit for me was clay pigeon shooting sadly I missed them all, it clearly take mores than my new Tweed jacket to be able to shoot! maybe thats why Craig never take me to any of their Estates!!
Last Tuesday after my usual stint with www.FredMacAulay.com on www.bbcradioscotland.com which may I add I am delighted to be added on Radio Scotland's funny bits podcast this week!! a good cook & funny... I headed down to The Cook School at Braehead foods for a www.miele.com day to launch all the new appliances in the cook school, now Miele know how much I like my coffee, so for all my efforts I have been treated to an amazing Bean to Cup coffee machine at home now the only problem is my coffee intake has soared, I finished off September with some great times at North Berwick which you will know I spend alot of time there, we hired a fantastic wee cottage www.thecottageonthebeach.co.uk the weather was fantastic we caught loads of Crab with the kids sadly not big enough for tea but the www.lobstershack.co.uk took care of that! sadly they close for the winter next weekend so where will a girl get her Langoustine supper from now?? I am off to www.barwheysdairys.co.uk tomorrow to make more cheese for the day with a lovely bunch of Ayrshire Coos were it began from one called Dewdrop I am really looking forward to that. The Seafish event for cooking Fish in a Flash is next week in Edinbrugh followed by www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com I will be on the www.lovefoodhatewaste.com Winter kitchen then the last weekend is www.homesinteriorsscotland.co.uk then a wee wind down for November except the excitement and word on the South Side is Wholefoods Giffnock is opening on the 16th November http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/giffnock/ I am getting to cook in the coolest caravan in Scotland you wont be moaning if your stuck be hind this handsome van its an #Airstream yeehaa, Then are you believing it just getting ready to wind right back up for Christmas time woohoo. See you soon x
29th July 2011
What can I say it has been and interesting few weeks to say the least, The Gordon Ramsay bash in aid of Scottish Spina Bifida is past. its old news, oh my goodness all those busy days sleepless nights endless phonecalls I should be bored...
So 2 days later in between all those shifts I had planned a family holiday for 10days cycling in Belgium, keen cyclers in Scotland I thought this was a great option so bikes packed panniers bigger than humanely possible some say Saddle bags but we wont go there!! Off we went 5hr drive to Hull leave the van and the cycle began, crossing a it choppy but hey its the North Sea, arrival in Zebrugge and its teaming down, kids slightly bemused at having to put on water proofs not part of their summer holiday iteninary. cycling to a few towns down the Flanders coast torrential everything we have soaked. jump on a Tram yip they take bikes, so Ewan un hitches the kids Tandem tag-a-long and loads the Tram kids check 2 guy bike 1 tandem 1 Ewan jumps off to get my bike the doors close.. I in the most lady like manner I have, whistle loudly to the driver funnily enough he does not hear me I press the buzzer frantically to no avail ok so for sure Plan B, Jemma wailing like i had run off with her the wee guy asking wheres Dad? me trying to think of a solution when no one speaking any English so fine I plan to stay to where I intened on Tram he can jump the next one 10minutes its cool< My phone is in my bike bag Ewan's in his pocket me with one very large male mountain bike with no chance of getting my leg over! coupled with an attachement I stood no chance of towing, gets to the town by this time a kind gentleman assists, as You have to keep one foot on the step or door will close now he tells me! so we wait true to timetable one trundles along 10minutes later all re-united drama over pop onto a wee brasserie in AnZee 2 cheese on toast 2 pancakes 1btl water 55e ...
Ewan kindly asks what do you want to do now as the rain is battering the side of the conservatory GO HOME we check the weather heavy rain for next 7days now we obviously are not shy of waterproofs however this is not my idea of a well earned break, so back on the bikes cycle like crazy back to Zebrugge trying not to upset children, merely just looking for a sunnier part of Belgium, they bought that bit. Get back on the ferry and head home, Dock at 9am tuesday load the bikes up again just about have enough battery in Blackberry for my plan, ok Glasgow airport what do you have flying out tonight? Ibiza...6pm so reach home 2.30pm quick bag change & packed off to airport check in at 4.15pm fly out at 6pm arrive in Cala Tarida Beach at 11pm all booked from the back of the van on a wilting phone, kids delighted sun shining we even hired mountain bikes so not a total cop out of cycling, however slightly hillier on that Island than my flat plan, hey ho these things are sent to try us.
Now back fully recovered & refreshed ready for Riverside Seafood Festival what a stunning location.www.glasgowmuseums.com/riverside 6th & 7th August then Piping Live 8th August at Georges square http://www.pipinglive.co.uk/ then Foodiesfestival Holyrood park Edinburgh http://www.foodiesfestival.com/edinburgh/ August should be another good one September already shaping up to be busy.
2nd Sept Dundee flower & food festival http://www.dundeeflowerandfoodfestival.com/ then saturday Master Chef of Great Britain lunch at Turnberry http://www.masterchefs.co.uk/ Sunday St Andrews Hospice Come Dine with us http://www.st-andrews-hospice.com/ an amazing event Willie Pike Joe Queen Phil from the www.Braeheadfoods.co.uk /Thecookschool and me all having a large amount of banter & cooking on stage its sure to be a very entertaining lunch I will be posting more info on that busy month all very soon!!
7th July 2011
Well with exactly one week to go until the Scottish Spina Bifida Fundraising ball, www.ssba.org.uk its just all go, everything that myself & girls have been talking about has finally came to, ok we better start ordering the food, having said that the Prime Scotch Beef Aberdeen Angus fillet has been in for a few weeks just having and extra few weeks hanging time to make sure that its even more tasty Yvonne Noon from http://www.29glasgow.com/ is the girl behind doing the steaks I cant wait to go there for a perfect steak after all this when I only have enjoying my tea on my mind. All of the lucky guests who will be attending Mar Hall next Thursday www.marhall.com . it has been challenging to say to least, I now know the amp capacity of a generator and that Sheila from http://www.88eventscompany.com although a fantastic lady and the one to phone if you want an event to impress ....will not share a generator with me!! here was me thinking "Sharing is Caring" So now have our own seperate generators I'm sure there will be enough energy to power that wee airport a few miles away! equipment wise thats right we had to build a kitchen too, Multi tasking I tell you!! my man Gary Gallacher 01698 327467 Electrical Catering services & Stephen from http://www.catering-world.co.uk/ have made this pop up kitchen happen although Gary was intially delighted that I asked him and his wife Elaine to come as my guests he was none too pleased yesterday when she handed over just one of the receipts for the new frock...come on Gary you should know by now, Ewan(my husband) is delighted this time as all I need is a new Chef Jacket!! Don't get me started on the table decorations I am so excited, It is officially a Scottish Garden Party and we do obviously have them indoors in Scotland!( so we are bringing in the garden and thats all you are getting on that folks!) Beside all that the Scottish Lobsters are being landed on Monday night down at Ayr and will have a wee settling in few days at the tanks down there before coming up to us at www.braeheadfoods.co.uk/CookSchool/ where all of the food is coming from, Mark & Maggie from www.summerharvestoils.co.uk have donated all my oil for the salads Yes I have managed quite easily to convince 3 Michelin star Claire Smyth, Gordons Head Chef at Royal Hospital Road to use the best Scottish rapeseed oil for the dish she knows how caring I am about making sure this is all about Scottish produce, she doesn't have to pay for carriage now everything is just up the road!! As I type the Tulameen raspberries are being gently picked for the sorbet www.albert-bartlett.co.uk/scotty these fantastic Scotty soft fruits will make all the difference I will be delivering them down to http://www.equi-icecream.co.uk/ as they have very kindly offered to churn our sorbet for us with these tasty Scottish raspberries which will be part of an amazing Scottish soft fruit pudding although not giving too much away you know I like my puddings and this is a good one I promise not a glimmer of Puff Candy in sight!!I'll maybe I'll make GR a wee bag to take away with him... sweeten him up a bit! I will report after the event to let you all into the kitchen secrets No Nightmares here I hope!
17th July2011
Before coming back to you I am off for a well earned break, we are off to Cycle the lovely coastline of Belgium yes I picked it becasue its flat!! however the luggage paniers for the bike are slightly heavier than I thought, Ewan has the two kids attached to the back of his bike on a tandem tag a long bike yes they do pedal... & I have the clothes for the 2 weeks I think my bike is heavier there is a dispute though as Ewan begs to differ however in Belgium there are no hills like the crazy ones up to Balquidder so it will be a skoosh for them.... leaving the car at Hull is how this adventure will begin, however we threw a spanner in the works last night as our friend has just started hiring as well as refurbishing VW campervans and he has a splitty for us when we get back so straight back home and off on a West Coast adventure up Scotland for some smashing good food & the excitement of being at last in a camper van, I have wanted a pink one with a Tartan pop up for years now so this is the closest I am getting as David from www.cutstrawcampers.co.uk is apprehensive about my colour choice.Who says "Summer holidays are boring!"
30th June 2011
What is behind every good jar of Jam? A couple of pound of East Perthshire raspberries! Jamtastic day yesterday I attended the World premier of Love to Eat Perthshire Jampionships a day at the amazing dreels jam... packed with superb Scottish raspberries oh yes and there was pieces in jam too!! I’m always being biased to Scottish soft fruits but why shouldn’t we be? They are obviously the best in the world!! Perthshire quality is second to none. we patiently wait every year growers, chefs & shop owners it’s a fantastic time of year.However it should become more, why are we not popping up to the farms at the weekend. Picking berries can be a lot more fun & a healthier way to spend time with the family
I bet even the elder members of the family(I’ll leave the age group blank!!) would come along too, even just to have a wee scone or dare i say PIECE in the tearoom whilst they watch the youngsters do all the work!
Then once back home they can teach us how it’s done...
Up there alone they offer excellent service, locally-sourced food, quality producers and produce, and not to mention the eating establishments in Blairgowrie and East Perthshire”
That’s just the tip of of this Jam jar!!
I love jam always have always will, my wee sister loved it more, all too often getting caught having jam on just too many things ....we used to watch both our Grannie & Nana both making it differently same excitement waiting on it!!
Jam is cool & soo tasty. it reminds us of our childhoods, playing out in the sunshine with a piece in jam and mucky elbows.You give any one a piece and Jam & watch their face it went into the first cakes we made with our grannies, however the first cake i ever made (6yrs) i grilled my sponge instead of baked it that did not matter a jot as a massive dollop of homemade Jam nobody really cared I still get reminded of the grilled sponge now quite a few years on!!
Now that we're older, we realise now that jam is fantastic with lots of things; cheese, ice cream, croissants, fish, brioche, meat, scones, pate, pancakes, waffles...
Can you imagine saying to your grandparents we shall have some of the spiced raspberry jam on the cheeseboard or the chilli laced strawberry jam served with some pate? I think not, but that’s how we roll nowadays
We are of course talking about 'proper homemade jam', not the cheap, junk that seems to fill the shelves nowadays. where you can really taste the Scottish fruit.
lets encourage everyone the length & breadth of the country to Invest a little more in a jar of 'proper jam' and they will not regret it!
.
Lets make jam cool again!
To establish today as an annual, JAMPIONSHIP event, celebrating the rich history of 'jam' and the important role it plays in our culture.
Lets ask everyone to dig out the Jam pans and enter for old time sake getting the Berry juices flowing get down loading this entry form and enter everyone you know that can make a right good jar of Raspberry jam there is no better smell than Scotch raspberries bubbling on a stove couple with with a slice of bread and you have a "Jeely piece of Heaven" Lets Pump up the Jam start rattling those jam pans and get entering into the World Jampionships go here for details
www.worldjamawards.co.uk whilst you are there pop on this site
http://www.lovetoeatperthshire.co.uk/ and STOP the bus on the way and discover what makes Blairgowrie & East Perthshire so special ask the family about stories from "The Berries" you'll be ther a while mind you!
20th March 2011
I was in the studio at BBC radio Scotland this morning and Lenny Henry was also there a funny off mic comment..... well so he thought! as Lenny was leaving he shouted "Alwight ma love forgot to say you should'nt have washed your red pants with that" however Mic was still on you could see the look on the production teams face, leaving Fred to explain when back on air after a link "for any listeners that didnt quite get that Jak wears a pink chef jacket!" one of those funny mental images with words moment, I believe he is on STV The Hour this evening at 5pm. hope he doesnt go saying it on tv this time I am on cooking after him....
Just incase anyone out there would like to join the Sisters kelvingrove team I am looking for a new member to assist me in the kitchen must have experience pop me a cv over and we can have a chat. Jak x
I was lucky enough to be asked this week by the BBC radio Scotland team to present the Cookery Zones introducing some great archive Food & Cooking chats from Angela Harnett, Nick Nairn, Tony Singh & Rick Stein the bit I loved most was getting to say "Your listening to me, Jacqueline O'Donnell on BBC radio Scotland's Culture zone" definitely happier on radio.... well I've got the face for it!!! log on www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland/zones
A fantastic date for my diary 25th February its a Fundraiser for my son's nursery the local and fantastic nursery that belongs to Carmunnock its going to be a great night TICKETS SOLD OUT! and there is still 2 weeks to go!
Saturday the 12th March very busy demonstration day 1st half of the day in Sisters Kelvingrove for a private party dem then hot footing up to Sisters Jordanhill for the 2nd one phew!!
At The Cook School Scotland 25th march I have another great day at one of Scotlands best Cookery School come on down to Kilmarnock at Braehead Foods to have a fantastic day in the kitchen 21st century home economics I tell ye!! http://www.braeheadfoods.co.uk/CookSchool/ I won't shout as much as your Home Economics teachers did though!! sorry Mrs Donald but you did shout not at me obviously "Star pupil" hehe
1st February 2011
Just a few days in February and the diary getting well stocked, Firstly my date for Scottish Spina bifida has been confirmed well it better be, Thinking it was October as it has been for the past 3 years I thought I had plenty time to worry about finding my all female team, however since the charming Chef Ramsay decided to turn the heat up for the girls and its now getting held in the summer, unfortunately for me I had my family holiday booked!! Yip my long suffering/supporting husband and the 2 kids, 6 & 4 decided we would like to cycle this summer hopefully were its warmer, so we are heading to Belgium a wee trek first to Hull then boat trip and cycling down the coast of Flanders and staying there thankfully they were all very understanding and we have moved all the reservations on a few weeks I'm not sure I'll be fit for such a long cycle after the run up to The Spina Bifida Ball??
Last November at The wonderful Country Living show 2010 I met up with a wonderful girl I used to work for oh dear maybe lets just say 20ish years ago Shiela from The Strathaven Hotel, http://www.bw-strathavenhotel.co.uk I did quite a bit of pastry work for this great Family run hotel in Strathaven Sheila got me at the end of my demonstration and asked to see if I would be interested in a demonstration for a Ladies Lunch, so it got finalised last night 27th & 28th March all in aid of Leukemia I'm sure I will have a great day entertaining the ladies at this event.
Prior to that we have several more demonstrations at The Sisters
Mothers day. Do you want a wee day out with your mum or special friend? get her a wee voucher for my demonstration on the 21st May we will do a personilsed voucher just to make her day & don't worry she won't feel you are giving her a hint, its for a relaxing day with someone else cooking & washing up oh and pouring the wine!! book now at www.thesisters.co.uk
4th January 2011
Well i have had a great busy start to the year, and hello to eveyone who has came along to the demonstrations or indeed the Cook School Scotland you can usually catch me on Fred MacAulay BBC radio Scotland every Foodie Tuesday filling a 3 minute gap on an item of food of the week then every 3rd Tuesday and Thursday with Michelle & Stephen on STV "The Hour" having a wee cookery slot for family & budget cooking, so far no other big food shows coming up however plenty demonstrations at the Restaurants eith St Patricks night or Saturday lunch/Demonstration days there is always something on the website so keep a wee eye on www.thesisters.co.uk for up and coming events & offers speak to you soon.
Hello am just about to do a wee interview on Glasgow/Scotlands food culture & revolution I remebered i got half way through a story as I often do at my cookery demonstrations, on saturday at Sisters Jordanhill or maybe there was a few stories...
I was giving the chat on Scotlands fabulous shellfish the story was about scallops and their differences when trying to explain, with actions! how the scallops moved through the water and there was amazing piece of footage on HFW programme Gone Fishing which was one of these fantastic late night viewing after a hard day in the kicthen.... yes i do go home and watch cookery/food shows Well especially when its in Scotland. Hugh was diving for scallops and they filmed the scallops moving just amazing and then they produced a both cooked and raw dish with the said scallops mouth watering and so proud to have this so close to home, however my elation on our wonderful larder was very much short lived as later on in the show after trying to convince the locals in Broadfoot Isle of Skye to chose Pollock over Haddock he proceeded to say "do you know what else they do in this country ?" have pudding from the chippy either it was my late night or the bottom of my wee glass of wine, I had no idea After that pause he went to the confectioner shelf of the chip shop opened the said chocolate & deep fried it, So back to my interview on revolution/culture we have an amazing reputation for growing rearing and producing the finest from the land sea & air so why oh why do we have the worst reputation for what we consume?
Happy New Year hope you all had a great time now back to business as well as outside broadcasts in the studio things have got off to a flying start this year already so i will be checking in every few weeks to keep you up to date on whats going on in the schedule x
Sorry folks I am a bit late with posting my recipe hopefully May McNeil gets this message if you know her tell her to come on to the site and get the recipe as I lost the email will i say in a blizzard no had enough of the snow jokes now anyway have a great christmas happy cooking
Hello there Oh here i go again its been a busy one I have been at the Retirment show last weekend and then The Amazing Country Living fair this weekend I have posted all my recipes ont he next page that i had prepared on stage if anyone happened to be there and witnessed the on going catastrophies i am surprised you still feel the need to want to cook with my recipes auch you know It'll be alright on the night if your christmas day dinner goes down half as well as my christmas day make it easy it'll go down a storm!!
Watch THE HOUR this week i am working with a family to give them lots of hints & tips at LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE I was cooking with a brilliant family Paula & Neal and their two smashing boys Zak & Harrison they get the pleasure of being on the couch with Michelle & Stephen You will need to let me know if the enjoyed their week with me as I wont see the show off to a family renunion in Salamanca this week so i will miss their report on how they got on so tune in from Monday the 22nd Novemebr. The next show is Foodies Christmas in Edinburgh drop me a line for some tickets if you want a wonderful kick start to your december x
There has been so much happening over the past month it was an amazing time up in Dundee for the Flower & Food festival then straight to London for the Speciality Fine Food show
A few weeks break then full steam ahead October week rest...well off cycling first leg here to Loch Lomond yip on the bike I will keep you posted on the great food stops along the way then second leg up to Ardishaig and cycling to Crinan then home to prepare for the Gordon Ramsay Gala Dinner Monday morning at The Science centre for Scottish Spina Bifida Association we will be working all week on that I have just not mentioned to Gordon that I need away on the tuesday morning to go next door to the BBC for Fred's show then a quick jaunt to STV to film The Hour then straight back into the kitchen Chef!
I'm sure he'll be fine...
Then straight into friday morning after the dinner on thursday night hosting all weekend & cooking at The Love Food hate Waste Cookery Theatre
Hopefully we will catch up soon x
17.08.10
That is the Foodies Festival all finished for another year it was a fantastic weekend great weather although not that I left the cookery theatre that often so many chefs all showcasing thet best dish that they cook and a wee bit of chat going on too all in good humour I met a few new suppliers from the many food & Drink stalls I am definitely taking the train next year as I discovered new Edinburgh Gin this weekend along with my new recipe idea Hand dived Islay scallops cured in Edinburgh Gin with a splash of lime(no stove required) its also is gorgeous with Tonic! mmm what to have first?
This weekend Friday 20th August I am cooking at Braehead Cook School full hands on class no slacking no sitting back enjoying wine(not til lunch anyway) a full day of cooking my style of food and a few extra bits thrown in for good measure.
Saturday 21st well now you can sit back & drink wine Sisters Jordanhill 12-3.30pm food wine and good old tips tricks from Big Sis hopefully see you there.
Next week Tuesday & Thursday filming The Hour STV
Wenesday Festival in the sky 25th August
Taste of Scotland Tesco roadshow at Silverburn shopping centre Friday 27th August
Allander Chalet Cooking with children
iT IS NEARLY AUGUST ALREADY THAT WORKS OUT TO BE A BUSY ONE FOR ME
First date 3rd August filming on STV "The Hour" great family feasts stay tuned at 5pm stv to see whats cooking.
2nd date 4th August @ www.festivalinthesky.com where big sis will be cooking 100ft in the air its ok the panic is over apparently I also have a safety harness i though it was just the guests...
3rd date 13th-15th August www.foodiesfestival.com I will be compering all weekend for the best of Scotlands chefs using the best of Scotlands Larder you can even get a wee discount by going online and using code 241 for a free ticket or if your lucky enough to have my number I have some free tickets....
4th date 20th Augus www.braheadfoods.co.uk/cookschool I will be cooking up a storm for the day Tomato & seafood broth herby soda bread Duo of Heather fed Lamb & Ginger nut icecream with poached homegrown rhubarb.
5th date Saturday 21st Demo & Dig in at Sisters Jordanhill £25/hd wine & food
call 0141 434 1179 to book
6th date 22nd August now this time it is not me just my better half don't worry he will not be cooking for anyone he is doing a zip slide across the Clyde in aid of Scottish Spina Bifida Association
7th date 24th August STV "the Hour" cooking some fantastic family fayre tune in
8th date 28th August Cooking healthy choices for Kids at Auengillan Allander Chalet outdoor centre
9th date 2nd September Demonstration evening with Big Sis at Jordanhill School in aid of Breast Cancer a whole evening of my merry banter & lots of tasters ... & wine I told!!
10th date 3rd-5th September The Dundee Food & Flower festival mostly compering with the brilliant Hairy Bikers and being allowed a few cooking slots when they are resting their weiry legs.
sounds very showbiz however from Delightful Dundee to the airport flying to London for the Fine Food Fair 5th-7th September
Then home for a G & T I did say it was a busy schedule !!
SISTERS SATURDAY KITCHEN
A bit wet & driech this morning at Mansefield Park Particks Farmers market, that was just the weather. the produce was out standing, I ran round did a wee shop when I got there, arriving only with a few store cupboard ingredients we had a fabulous 3 courser ...
Fencebay Fisherman Home smoked single sided haddock smoked over beechwood chippings even opening the packet was a pleasure I love the smell of quality smoked fish then to that we added Scotch tatties & onions and some blue cap milk salt pepper & sprinkling of chopped chives voila Cullen Skink in 10 minutes on a camping stove in the pouring rain at Partick on a Saturday morning
Then Neil Caskie kindly gave me some Superb Heather fed Black faced lamb which I braised then served with crisp organic green vegetables scattered fresh mint over the top and some lovely Lamb gravy. As a wee extra main course in the hope that the sun would show us its smiley face I seared fabulous Kezies Ostrich Fillet and served it with Perthshire Strawberry & Raspberry with some young rhubarb salsa mixed with chives mint thyme & basil the sun did'nt pop out but the dish farely brightened the place up!! For pudding well obviously I had some brilliant Scottish berries for garnish however the main event was how to do puff candy & butterscotch sauce in under 8 minutes a great mornings work hopefully they will have me back to do Sisters Saturday Kitchen in Partick, what more do you need the best produce around & how to serve it simply......
Hope to see you there soon
Big Sis x
STV "The Hour"
I will be cooking on the fantastic kitchen at stv studies family favourites on a family budget join me on the 13th & 15th of July for some fantastic family teatime treats
Do you fancy something a bit different .....Why not join me on a platform 100ft in the air at Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh on 4th August & 25th August for a wee spot of lunch yip Big Sis is cooking at The Festival in The Sky which is running throughout August showcasing the best of Scottish produce up in the next level...You'll gently ascend to over 100 feet at the 22 seater luxury table.
Festival in the Sky flies throughout the day, and our all-weather roof protects against the unique Scottish weather. In the unlikely event of high winds affecting your departure, they be happy to reschedule a flight at your convenience.
Up In The Air At its peak, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across the city - the luxury seats rotate through 180° so be sure to pack your camera for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.
After you've had a chance to take in the views, savour the delicious Scottish cuisine served fresh to you by our flight-crew. ....(Flight Crew ...Big Sis now don't be calling me a Trolley Dolly!!!) I am the only one at this table without a seatbelt.
BBC radio Scotland this weeks Fred MacAulay show Fast Food is Jacqueline O'Donnell's home grown yes my very own homegrown Courgettes sauted with a suggestion of salty butter & a sprinkling of fresh tarragon yummeee.
Well thats THE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW 2010 over for another year what a fantastic busy one it was this year over 187,00 visitors it really was the greatest show on earth.
I was cooking up a storm at the Co-operative Good with Food road show 4 days every hour showing you how simple it is to throw together a fantastic tasty & healthy dish with the very best of Scotlands larder as I have been saying for years it just takes the right ingredients to make an amazing dish I will have the recipes up online before the weeks out next event
The Festival in the Sky Princess street Gardens Edinburgh then onto
Foodies at Holyrood Park Edinburgh
see you there x
STV " The Hour" Chef's Apprentice Finalist Hazel Hourston
All the way from Orkney Hazel is coming down next week to work with me as part of her prize which was 1 weeks work experience at The Sisters
I think I am the winner here though as Hazel is bringing some of Orkney's finest produce
Orkney fishermans Society Westray Crab
Orkney Herring
Orkney Harray Stores Oatcakes
& the bit I am most looking forward to Orkney fudge I am not sure if it will make it to the guests though.....
After doing the Fishing show a few weeks ago we had ran a special of
Herring in Oatmeal with a crispy bacon salad it sold so well and I am really looking forward to putting it on the menu again The Sisters Customers appreciate old fashioned flavours that take us back in time.
I am really looking forward to Hazel coming down it means so much to see a young person so ambitious in the trade and maybe she could teach an old dog some new tricks...
Taste of Edinburgh 2010
At last after how many years of begging to be involved finally a West Coast face allowed over to the East to entertain in such a major foodie event, I had a fantastic day yesterday at Inverleith Park I was on stage compering for Irelands best Rachel Allen, Our very own Nick Nairn the wonderful Daniel Galmiche wonderful charming Frenchman with a passion for Scotlands larder and to finish the evening The Tasty Tristan Welch so if you are free on Sunday get yourself over to Taste of Edinburgh a great day out, see recipes for the dishes I cooked yes I was allowed to cook also!!
I had a great day at The Fishing Exibition in Glasgow 2010 although the fisherman did not appear to find my Big Fish joke as funny as I thought it would be!! I was delighted to meet John Buchan from Trawlermen and he thoroughly enjoyed my modern Herring in Oatmeal, I will never take fo rgranted the availability of Herring again these boys work hard at it.
Next demonstrations are in Sisters Jordanhill April 24th & May 22nd Big sis will take you through a day of cooking from simple soups & sauces to the more detailed tricks of the trade. call 0141 434 1179 to book
Just round the corner its St Patrick's day I will be hosting a great demonstration evening in the Emerald Isles honour, 4hrs jam packed with fantastic Irish food tips great Irish Whiskey from the fabulous Connemara distillery a few wee Galway Oysters for good measure not to mention the 5 courses of amazing food like home from Cork to Donegal we will skipping round the Island to have a taste of it all
I will be heading North this weekend for the excellent Film on Food Fetsival in Kingussie hopefully the weather is kinder this year a fantastic event with all sort of great producers from the cairngorms I will be using Local Brown trout, Beer from The Cairngorm brewery especially with the name that I wont print...
Then its into March with a spring in my step heading to some great cookery demonstration dates this year so watch this column
Big Sis is working the Food Theatre at The Country Living Fair in Glasgow it is such a beautiful show so many gorgeous stalls with Christmas luxuries then take a wee rest at The Food Theatre and enjoy Big Sis's merry banter and some super tips for Christmas day Cooking Hope to see you there!
This Afternoon I was entertaining the guests of The Retirement show in Glasgow it all went very well, for those of you that would like my recipes for the day just drop me a line to jak@thesisters.co.uk i promise to forward them on I have not managed to upload to the site yet...need the computer man for that much technical input!!
Thanks for watching the demonstration if you are about next weekend I am demonstrating every day for the Country Living fair in The SECC again thursday the 19th-Sunday 22nd November Hope to see you there x
The week ahead very busy, BBC Good Food Show comes to Glasgow, Day 1, I am compereing for Scotland's best Chefs at The LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE Kitchen from the michelin stars of Martin Wishart & Tom Kitchen to Kevin McGillivary & also i am luicky enough to be on with Tana Ramsay with some fantastic children & family choices...no chicken nuggets there i hope!!
Also after a succesful stint last year in the tasting theatre we are back for more Scotlands Seashore all about it all the way round from the begininning many years ago!! from Sea to shore & all in between come along for a wee trip doon the watter.
What a fantastic day at Braehead Cook School Friends for Dinner style class of how to easily entertain your friends painlessly in the kitchen, from Perthshire pigeon & Macleods black pud salad to freshly plucked Pheasant roast with Orange Malt whisky & thyme and yes i did manage the ultimate slip when trying to say Plucking Pheasants! A long slow braised spalebone of beef warmed their hearts on a chilly October day, I even had a lovely American student from Boston doing cookery classes whilst over living in Scotland I just could not think of a better way to advance your cooking knowledge firstly by attending "Braehead Cook School" secondly being taught in the heart of the worlds best Larder!
Airth Castle was absolutely stunning and a glorious day too!, Team building and Inspiring Childrens Nursery owners to choose the healthy alternative for meal choices in the children under 5, Healthy is exciting and inspirational, let us make things easier for the next generation in the health stakes and remove our title of the nations most unhealthy place.
The team building from the Careshare group was excellent hopefully they remember all the subjects after a great night ahead at Airth Castle,
The pleasure of being in Sunny Stirling next week 8th October demonstrating in the stunning Airth Castle this time to inspire Childrens Nursery cooks to have great menu's with food to keep those active wee tots going all day long, then just about every weekend between the Good Food Show Glasgow although they still wont let me have a slot on the Super theatre I am allowed back to the tasting theatre and compering for Love Food Hate Waste which should be fun and...you never know one of these days i might just make that super theatre!!
Then its The Retirement show followed by Country living so a busy calander hopefully you can get time to pop into 1 or 2 of these events. Take care x
A busy few months there with Foodies and other local food festivals, still chatting with Fred on BBC radio Scotland always about great Scottish food this month its Food....Fast he is trying to see how many ways I can come up with simple healthy products that can be cooked in under 60secs wait for it in the microwave!!
Next demonstrations are based in Sisters Jordanhill, a gourmet meal paired with the local distillery Auchentoshan for a feast of 6 course 6 dram a wee demonstration from myself and I haved secured a well known TV celebrity to be our head waiter for the evening.....This should be fun will this person cope in the real world???
Stay tuned for the next section of this new site we filmed The Highland show or should I say me on stage, so just editing it all just now... I dont half Blether when I'm on stage my goodness I had no idea!!
Unfortunately Foodies at the festival Glasgow has now been cancelled however I will still be demonstrating in George square that weekend 18 & 19 July for Gourmet Glasgow So pop over for a wee cookery show from Big Sis
I will be appearing on The Hour Show again on the 16th July I believe the great Dorothy Paul will be in the kicthen with me.
I will cooking up a storm in Braehead Cook School Thursday the 11th June with Scottish Seafood at its best.
Appearing on STV The Hour Show on the 16th & 18th June doing what I do best, Keeping It Simple & Scottish! tune in keep up with whats in season next week Its not that difficult
The Royal Highland Show 25th-28th June It will Be BERRY BERRY nice to see you there, Good Natured fruit from Angus in Sunny Scotland and just how simple it is to use fruit in every course its not just pudding you know, These berries are grown here here not flown here long may the Scottish season continue.
Also an Eggselant Eggxsiting display of cooking with eggs only the best from Glenrath Farms, Jam Souffle omlette yum yum I'll even make the jam with no sugar afterall you do not get much sweeter than a good natured fruit.
Foodies Festival Glasgow 18th-19th July at last bringing it over from the East Coast come on Glasgow lets play the West takes on East! meet me there x