In Memory of Masterchef

Image: Curly Pops

I've noticed a few folk in Blogland lamenting the end of Masterchef. Luckily for me, I've found a way to help fill the gap. I've treated myself to one of Curly Pops' vintage teatowel aprons and it is a beauty. I was very excited to notice that it has snaps so you can adjust the neck and the waist ties are lovely and generous for those of us with substantial girths! I was able to select my own teatowel and it is full of the colours I love. I've decided that she is too pretty for any messy cooking and I'm going to keep her for good!

Image: Curly Pops

Every apron needs a recipe and this one is a Jamie Oliver recipe which he calls the English version of risotto. We Buttons eat it at any time of the day but it is a yummy, comfort dessert.

RICE PUDDING

1 vanilla pod

75g arborio rice

600ml milk

2 knobs unsalted butter

50g caster sugar

1 wide strip of orange zest

Strawberry jam or Seville orange marmalade

Button Variation

We omit the zest and jam and add a handful of sultanas/currants/blueberries or other fruit at the end.

SCORE vanilla pod and scrape out the seeds from the inside.

COMBINE first 5 ingredients in a large saucepan and place on MED heat.

COOK gently, stirring every now and then.

REMOVE from heat when rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

ADD jam or fruit to pudding before serving and sprinkle with zest.