Hairy Bikers' Sticky Date Cake

I'm baking this cake for a Northumbrian-themed Murder Mystery event.

I was a bit worried that it didn't have any eggs in it but it looks alright. Haven't eaten any yet! It contains Traidcraft sultanas and raisins, and Zaytoun dates (250g pack).

It's from the book: The Hairy Bikers' Family Cookbook: Mum knows best! from 2010, published by Orion books, part of W & N.

Beetroot and Lentil Salad with Walnuts and Balsamic Cream with Figs

This brilliant recipe on the Hello Fresh website can be made with some fair trade ingredients.

Search for 'Too Tasty Beetroot and Lentil Salad'.



The walnuts can come from Traidcraft (Mountain Fruits Pakistan) and, I haven't tried it yet but, the Balsamic Cream can be found at Traidcraft too (Cape Treasure Fig Fruit Infused Balsamic Reduction). I used Suma Green Lentils cooked beforehand and I par-boiled the potatoes and beetroot. However, you can use vacuum packed cooked beetroot to make it quick and easy. The potatoes and beetroot are roasted with some chopped red onion and a little olive oil. Add the cooked lentils for the last 5 minutes.


The salad is made with any leaves, such as rocket, then feta or goat's cheese and the balsamic cream is mixed in. Place that on the plate then pile on the roasted mixture and sprinkle with the walnuts.


Everyone always wants seconds!

Lemon and lime dal

Lemon and lime dhal


This recipe was in The Big Issue 11-17 May 2015 and is available at the
 Vegetarian Society website under Lemon and Lime Dal. (I usually use the spelling 'dhal'.)


I've altered it by using half Suma Red Lentils* and half Malawi Kitchen Toor Dhal^ as the Toor Dhal gives a bit of a more chewy texture. 
The Toor Dhal needs soaking for 30 minutes in hot water before adding to the dish, at the same time as the red lentils.
It's great with yogurt, greens and any kind of flat bread.


*From Suma Wholefoods or most health food shops
^From Traidcraft or Fairer World in York

Raspberry and Cinnamon Squares

This Good Housekeeping recipe looked gorgeous so I just had to try it!

http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/food/recipes/raspberry-and-cinnamon-squares




Use 225g of Traidcraft Golden Caster Sugar  and 225g of Suma Ground Almonds. I used defrosted frozen raspberries but you could use fresh ones when in season.


Their picture (Good Housekeeping) looks much better than mine!

Sugar paste icing

Just found out about these gorgeous fairtrade sugar pastes at http://www.squires-shop.com/uk/product/sk-sunshine-yellow-sugarpaste-250g


Loads of beautiful colours!

Five brown buns in a ...

Made sultana rolls today by adapting a Mary Berry recipe for Cinnamon Rolls from her Complete Cookbook* .

Fairtrade ingredients were:




^Traidcraft Caster Sugar


^Traidcraft Sultanas


Vanilla Essence bought in Mauritius






*Berry, M. 2012. Mary Berry's Complete Cookbook. London. Dorling Kindersley

^Traidcraft Sugar from Fairer World, 84 Gillygate, York. Fairer World or

Traidcraft Online Shop

Stained Glass Window Biscuits

This brilliant biscuit recipe was in Christian Aid Magazine 2014.  See the  

Christian Aid website for the recipe and a lovely photo of the biscuits.  I used only half the recipe ingredients and got two whole trays of biscuits.

I used Traidcraft F/T Golden Caster Sugar* in substitute for the soft brown and you can use F/T Ground Ginger^ but I left it out.

*Traidcraft Sugar from Fairer World, 84 Gillygate, York. Fairer World or

Traidcraft Online Shop

^Several shops and online sites sell F/T Ground Ginger.