Try this simple, savoury treat for bank holiday weekend..

One main way we are doing this is in the kitchen, it seems everyone is trying new recipes and techniques with their cooking. I am really pleased there is so much interest and this spurred me to start my own YouTube channel ‘Cooking with Karen’. It’s lots of fun for me, I just video myself cooking whatever it is we are having for tea each night.

One of the simplest I have done is a puff pastry tarte. This is perfect for lunch with salad or for an evening meal with a few chips or wedges on the side. Its perfect to eat Al Fresco with a chilled glass of your favourite tipple.

It’s fab on a buffet table too. I use puff pastry bought from the shop. I can make it, it’s not hard but does take some planning as it needs time chilling in the fridge.

Ingredients; Puff pastry, tomato puree or smooth chutney, handful grated cheddar cheese, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, oregano. These are basic toppings, anything goes, eg lardons, goat cheese, peppers, mushrooms. Don’t overload as less is more!

Method; Pre heat oven to 190 degrees. Unroll pastry and lay on a baking sheet (I leave on the greaseproof it comes on). Spread puree or chutney over, leaving a margin around edges of about 2cm. Then arrange toppings, leaving that margin bare. Pop in the oven for about 15 minutes until the margin is risen and puffy. It’s that simple!

I am still busy with the Covid 19 volunteers’ group. We have 100 people on our delivery list. As some of our group are returning to work, we are keen to recruit volunteers.

Our volunteers have a variety of tasks. Cooking, shopping, packing and delivering are the main areas, so if you feel able please let me know.

Today I am making a hundred portions of summer berry crumble for tomorrow's pudding. We have a mini BBQ meal planned for next Sunday. We try to vary what we make, and I really enjoy the planning aspect, I have my mind on meringues and sponge puddings too!

Yesterday I had a very rare trip out of my house as I have been trying not to venture too far. I went to visit my mam, Glenys. We had a socially distanced chat in a public space. I took along a couple of folding chairs and it was smashing to have a face to face chat rather than a phone call.

It gave us both a bit of a boost and I feel perked up now ready to carry on coping with the restrictions and looking forward to better things ahead.

Next week I will share another recipe idea with you, I hope you try the tart this weekend, believe me it is totally scrumptious.

Take care, stay alert and meet you here, same time, same place next week!