MONICA (FISH AND PLANTAIN) SKEWERS WITH A SPICY PEPPER SAUCE

3 days to Christmas guys, are you excited? I really am but I am even more excited about this recipe. It is an appetiser version of one of my favourite Nigerian meals ‘Monica’. For those that don’t know it is whole grilled tilapia fish served on a bed of dodo (fried plantain) with a very spicy scotch bonnet sauce.

I think I might actually like this version more than the actual Monica as it is easier to eat because you don’t  need to worry about bones and you don’t have to get your hands dirty (believe me to really enjoy Monica you need to eat with your hands) making it great for Christmas or any party.

I have done in two parts, first the skewers and then the pepper sauce. The pepper sauce is spicy but not as spicy as the one you would get with Monica as I wanted to brush it on the fish and plantain and not have people heads blowing off but if you love VERY spicy food just add more scotch bonnets and in the same vein if spice isn't your thing leave out the scotch bonnets.

The sauce is just like ata din din (fried pepper sauce) and if you have some left over you can stir it into some fried chicken or meat or use it as the sauce for dodo gizzard or just simply enjoy with rice.

BUBBLEGUM VODKA

Remember this picture iposted on instagram? I used it to make BUBBLEGUM VODKA!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so excited about this home made gift idea because I looove vodka, no seriously I really really love it and would be mega excited to get this as a gift this Christmas. My all time favourite vodka is Russian standard vodka with Ketel One a close second, others in my top 4 are Ciroc and magic moments chocolate vodka.

Now that I have convinced you of my love for vodka let’s get back to BUBBLEGUM VODKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This vodka smells so much like bubble gum it’s almost crazy and that beautiful pink that the bubble gum turns the vodka is just gorgeous. It also tastes amazing and would be great for shots but if that’s not your thing mix it with some lemonade for a simple tasty cocktail.

NO BAKE MINI SPECULOOS SWIRL CHEESECAKE

Remember this speculoos, this is one of the many awesome things you can do with it. This recipe is one of my favourite ones as its super easy and will be a great part of your Christmas menu; whenever I make it everyone has multiple servings. 

This is my go to cheesecake recipe as I don't particularly like the texture of baked cheesecakes, plus I refuse to live in fear of the dreaded cracked cheesecake top (cue dramatic music!!!!).

To make these more party friendly I have served them in disposable shot glasses but feel free to make a full cheesecake and cut that into portions (notes at the end of this post). Although I have put in a measurement for the icing sugar, it’s really down to personal taste so I suggest starting with half the quantity in the recipe and then taste and adjust to suit you.

HOMEMADE SPECULOOS AKA COOKIE BUTTER

I know its Christmas and its the season to be jolly and all of that but I just have to vent about something that bugs me. Dont you hate when people say 'no offence' or 'I don't meant to be rude but' right before they say something offensive? Just because you say no offence does or put a disclaimer before whatever inappropriate thing you are about to say does not mean its not offensive or rude!!!!!

How about this, the next time you say no offence or (insert any other ridiculous disclaimer), just stop there and say nothing. Yes, yes I know most of you are thinking won't it be weird to leave the sentence incomplete and just hanging? It probably would be but this way we can be sure no one is offended and its better that people think you cannot construct a full sentence than that you are rude. Trust me on this, its better .................. and exhale

CINNAMON COCONUT DANISH SWIRLS

Ok guys I have finally decided to get into the Christmas spirit. I have been fighting against the fairy lights, tinsel and Christmas carols but I've finally given in and embraced it.

Over the next few weeks most of my posts will be Christmas inspired from recipes that would be great additions to your Christmas party, to home made gifts, to drinks etc. I'm getting excited just thinking about it all.

Anyhoo let's kick things off.  One of my favourite things about Christmas is the spices; cinnamon, all spice, nutmeg, cloves............. I looooove them which is why my first Christmas inspired recipe is cinnamon coconut danish swirls!

This recipe is super duper easy (I say that a lot don't I?) as I 'cheated' and used shop bought puff pastry. I mean let’s be honest you don't want to be stuck in the kitchen and then be too tired to enjoy all the festivities, but hey if you are a purist feel free to make your own puff pastry - it's ok, I'll still be your friend. 

CHCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIES

I am sorry I haven’t posted anything for over a week; I went to see my sister this week and I had all these great ideas of sweet treats to post, but obviously that did not happen. There was a leak in her apartment building and they turned off the water supply to all the flats. NO WATERR!!!!???? Considering that my sister has a 3 month old, we hightailed it outta there pretty fast leaving behind all my ingredients, utensils and plans for sweet treats :-( 

I made these cookies a while back but hadn’t blogged about them yet and I figured what better time to post them than during this forced baking break. These cookies are soft, chewy, and super easy to whip up, plus the ingredients are things that you are likely to have in your house already.

NIGERIAN STYLE SHAWARMA

I have a pretty important exam coming up on Thursday but this recipe has been burning a hole in my virtual pocket and I just had to post it. Shawarma is one of those things that I look forward to having whenever I go home to Nigeria.  Sometimes I even make sure that there is one waiting for me at home when I get home from the airport.

The last time I was back home was back home I definitely had more than my fair share of shawarma (don’t judge me) and once I was back in the UK I was having withdrawal symptoms and thus this recipe was born.

HOME-MADE WHITE CHOCOLATE CRUNCH BARS

That's quite a long title isn't it? lol. Sorry couldn't think of a shorter one because I was too excited to post my first sweet recipe!!!!!!

I loved white chocolate crunch bars when I was younger but they are no longer readily available in the UK and so when saw this I knew I had to make the white chocolate version. These are more cups than bars but that's just because of the mould I used, feel free to use whatever mould you like.

I’m not even sure I can call this a recipe because it so so simple. These are great for kids' lunch boxes, for your next party or just as a snack; find a reason to make them you will not be sorry.

COCONUT JOLLOF RICE

COCONUT JOLLOF RICE

Coconut and I have a great relationship, I love everything with coconut in it from Thai curries, to macaroons to chocolate (mmmm.............. bounty); the exception to this rule however is coconut rice.

My first experience of coconut rice was terrible; I ABSOLUTELY detested it and have stayed away ever since (I know now that it was the way it was served that was the issue, with tomato stew!!!!!! Who does that???? If anyone offers you this never ever speak to them again, seriously it was vile).

I'd never heard of coconut jollof rice and so when I was at my friend’s house a few weeks ago and she announced that coconut jollof rice was for lunch, I thought to myself thank God she has Indomie.

She managed to convince me to try it and I fell in love.

PANCAKES

PANCAKES

I love pancakes. I hate how they are all gone by the time you are frying the last one, so now when I make pancakes, everyone is banned from the kitchen until they are all done. 

These pancakes are thin and crepe-like not the thick fat American style ones. The recipe is super simple and is perfect for brunch or breakfast or lunch or dinner................. basically pancakes are great whenever. 

STICKY PORK BELLY

If you are on a diet please stop reading now...............................

 Seriously don’t go any further....................................................

You’re still reading aren't you? Fine then, you can read on but I shall not be held responsible for you racing to the supermarket to buy the ingredients you need and whipping this up. Don’t worry just do what I did, oats for breakfast, salad for lunch that way guilt free indulgent dinner!!!!! OK OK I didn't really do that but you do that ok? 

OVEN BAKED GNOCCHI WITH TOMATO SAUCE AND ALPHABAKES

This dish is one of my favourite things to make and every time I make it, it’s always been a big hit and so I am super excited to be sharing it. It’s quick, simple and cheap but I promise you its DELICIOUS!!!!!

I am submitting this dish to the alphabakes challenge co-hosted by Ros from the more than occasional baker (who is hosting this month) and Caroline from caroline makes .This month’s letter is G so this is perfect.

You can find gnocchi in most if not all the big supermarkets here in the UK but if you absolutely cannot find it (make sure you try extra hard ok? Seriously if you have a friend that lives somewhere where gnocchi is easily available, give them a reason to come and visit you and make them bring you gnocchi) you can use pasta instead