Days are getting shorter and colder, meaning we're getting hit by autumn after few really hot days last week. This will bring changes to our kitchens too.

Apple and cinnamon is just perfect autumn/winter combination, don't you think? There's something really warming and comforting about this flavour combo.

The other day I just really fancied baking. I was thinking apple and cinnamon muffins, but then realised I had no butter and going out to the shops wasn't an option at that time. Then I remembered I had a carrot cake recipe written down, in which the oil is used instead. Yay, I could make my cake after all!

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 180C. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they start forming soft peaks, gradually adding sugar and then egg yolks, one at a time. Add oil, grated apple and sifted flour mix. Combine well. Bake for about 30 minutes.

If you fancy, you can add some raisins and/or chopped walnuts to the cake, for some extra bite.

I must admit that I'm not that great when it comes to Desi food. It's only recently that I understood it needs time and a bit of patience, especially when making the base for the curries - can't tell you how many times Hubby stepped in to further cook down my curries that turned out too thin or had bits of undercooked onion floating inside...

One thing I think I'm pretty good with, is butter chicken. It turns out pretty well, because I always stand in the kitchen with my Indian cookbook open, and follow the recipe to the letter ;) Even though Hubby once told me to modify the cooking method, he always likes it so why change something that works?

Ingredients:

*The original recipe calls for Indian five-spice powder, but I happened to have ground allspice in the cupboard first time round, so I just ended up using that instead.

Preparation:

Mix the yoghurt, tomatoes, ground almonds, garlic and all the spices together. Add the chicken pieces and mix well, until all the chicken is coated. Leave to marinate in a cool place for at least few hours.

Heat the ghee in a deep pan. Add the onions and cook until browned. Tip I got from my Hubby: if you see onions browning too much too quickly, add some water to avoid burning and cook until soft.

Add the chicken together with all the marinade. After about 10 minutes add the coconut milk. If it's all too think, you can add some extra water or stock. Cook over a low heat until the chicken is cooked and the sauce thickens. 

Another pro tip: your curry is ready, when the oil comes out on top.

Serve with rice or chapatis.