Soy braised chicken thighs with star anise

Diana Henry is rapidly becoming my favourite food writer. I have made this recipe twice now and each time it has been absolutely delicious. My thighs don't look as pretty as hers though!



My friend Sue has made all 3 of the recipes in the article and she reports that they were all very good indeed.



Easy-peasy and very tasty indeed.

Sweet and Salty Crunchy Nut Bars

These little treats - well not so little actually, are from Nigella's Kitchen, her latest TV series. The recipe is Googleable in several forms but not in original text yet. I'll leave you to find it. (There is a YouTube video to help).

My friend Foodycat made and recommended them. I can only endorse what she said. They are rich, very tasty and easier than pie to make.

My family almost gobbled the lot in one sitting and took home the remainder for today's lunchboxes.

Unlike Nigella I shopped in Lidl, not Waitrose. The result was scrummy and very calorific. I am making more tomorrow. By request.

And they will certainly feature as a staff treat at our Strings Festival next week.