Tough days often call for one thing: comfort food. Like a warm embrace, our favourite dinner or baked treat can have the power to melt away our worries with every mouthful. Candice Brown, 2016 winner of The Great British Bake Off, is no stranger to this idea. Her motto? From cooking to eating, food should be a joy every step of the way. Her latest cookbook, Happy Cooking, explores this idea with great candour, as personal stories and anecdotes are intertwined with the recipes that have comforted and inspired her the most.
Laden with nostalgic favourites and simple pleasures, Happy Cooking has recipes for every occasion, from one-pot wonders to more challenging bakes. Here are 10 of our favourite soul soothers waiting for you when you pick up a copy of the book.
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Happy Cooking: Easy uplifting meals and comforting treats
A cookbook to lift the spirits and soothe the soul
Packed with nourishing and restorative recipes
From nostalgic comfort dishes to indulgent bakes
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Tortilla-Crusted Halloumi Chips
Crispy, crunchy and oh so cheesy, these halloumi chips are particularly moreish when dipped in tomato salsa.
Oozey, Gooey Double Chocolate One-Pan Cookies
Sometimes only a warm chocolate chip cookie will do, and this super easy, one-pan version will be sure to satisfy. Plus, the dough is freezer friendly for when those late-night cravings hit.
Sweet Potato, Garlic and Red Onion Tortilla
With jammy red onions, punchy garlic and tender sweet potato, Candice’s substantial omelette works just as well for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)
Nothing quite beats the smell of freshly baked pastries on a Sunday morning. So, if you like the idea of a baking project that will help while away your weekend and fill your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and dough, we recommend trying these as soon as possible.
Salmon and Edamame Bean Fishcakes
Say goodbye to flavourless, grey fishcakes, and hello to these salmon and edamame bean patties. Not only do they pack an omega-3 punch, but they are also the perfect way to liven up your midweek repertoire.
Turmeric Chicken and Potatoes
This is one seriously moist and juicy roast chicken. With minimal effort and maximum flavour, this aromatic dish is a must for those weekends when the most you can muster is piling everything into one pot.
Raspberry, Blueberry and Almond Clafoutart
A fusion of two classic French desserts (tart and clafoutis), this dessert is a delight for both the eyes and the tastebuds.
Brown Butter Macaroni Cheese
Rich, oozing cheese meets nutty brown butter, tart gherkins and a kick of jalapeño in Candice’s version of mac ‘n’ cheese. Best served hot and bubbling.
Sausage Patty Breakfast Bagels
For those mornings that require a bit more than your usual marmite on toast, these breakfast bagels with sausage, cheese and egg will undoubtedly do the trick. Add a few more drops of Tabasco for an extra kick.
Double Decker Brownie
We never tire of a new brownie recipe to try, and this one, with its chunks of nougat and puffed chocolate rice topping, has gone straight to the top of our list.
