And the result...

Well, the pasta and sausage dish turned out great!  I also listen to the advice that Nigella gives and I added some butter to the tomato sauce since tomatoes can sometimes be just too acidic.  Nigella also advises that we reserve a cup of the pasta water to emulsify the sauce before serving, and so I did as I was told.  A success on all accounts...

:)

Pasta, tomato sauce and sausages

Nigella makes a fabulous feast (for her teenagers and their friends) which consists of pasta, tomato sauce and salami...but I am creating the same thing tonight, with a light twist.  I am going to use different sausages instead of salami.  I will have to cook the sausages beforehand, but I will bung them in before serving.  All this with some fresh ciabatta fingers...great!  :)

Again, Nigella...how easily you inspire me!

Making it up as you go along...

You know, one of the most interesting things that I have learned from Nigella is that when it comes to food, you can always make things up as you go along - as long as the end result tastes good.  So, I have often followed recipes religiously, and sometimes I have combined and played around until I come up with something magical.  I am currently creating my own recipe book with all my favourites and I am even planning to make a copy for all my friends and family as Christmas gifts...

Now if that is not innovation, then I don't know...:)

Thanks Nigella!!

Gary is on the Christmas trail again...

Yes, yes, yes...I cannot get it out of my blood...the Christmas spirit...and as a result, I have decided to upload a video which is very close to my heart.

Here, Nigella shows us how to make a delicious Christmas cake...now why wait until Christmas to try it?

Please note that I do not own this video, I found it on youtube.

Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes

I am a huge fan of the cupcake, not only because it manages to bring joy AND taste, but also because there is something so comforting in the knowing that you can just sit back with a warm cup of coffee and enjoy a cupcake or two after a hard day's work...

So here are my newest little beauties...

Prayer...

I think it would be in bad taste to go on about my feelings regarding the latest news about Nigella and her husband, so I will keep it short and to the point...

I pray for you Nigella, and I hope you find the happiness you deserve.

Deep Dark Chocolate Cake...

To be honest, my favorite thing to do in the kitchen is bake.  Not sure where that comes from, but I'm sure I can thank my mother for all those years of baking during my childhood.  I am happy (and almost smug) in the knowing that baking is and always will be something that I love doing.  It is a way to express yourself that not many people find the time to do, but I love it!
So, I made some cakes for a colleague last night.  Michael was there with me (as always), and gave his valuable opinion.
So today we shall see what the rest of the colleagues think of Gary the baker...*nervous twitch*