I pretty much knew as soon as I opened River Cottage Veg Everyday, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s latest (and best-selling) televison tie-in, that Hugh’s Leek and Cheese Toastie would be the first recipe I would make from it.
I love any variation on cheese on toast and there are lots of delicious ‘Bready Things’ within the book to try, beginning with a recipe for Magic Bread Dough, which can then be turned into a base for so many things. Bookmarked for late April/early May is Hugh’s Asparagus Pizza, then there’s the Hot Squash fold-over (flat bread filled with squash, garlic, chilli and goat’s cheese) to try as well a good selection of Bruschetta (courgette, cavolo nero) and this lovely Leek and Cheese Toastie. It reminded me of one of our favourite midweek suppers, my Easy Macaroni Cheese with Baby Leeks.
There are so many other recipes I can’t wait to try too, the book is really clearly set out and the recipes are straightforward. Of course, being the carb addict that I am, Ive headed straight for the bread chapter, but there are plenty of Hearty salads, Hefty soups, Store-cupboard suppers and a delectable chapter on Mezze & tapas to experiment with too.
I didn’t make Hugh’s ‘Magic’ bread today, as I was after a really quick lunch, so a country spelt loaf came to the rescue. British leeks are fried in a bit of butter and combined with double cream (I used sour cream which gave it an extra tang) and some lovely mature cheddar, before being perfectly grilled until golden and molten. It’s not diet food!
I came across some more great ‘Posh Cheese on Toast’ recipes in Hugh’s Guardian column, a similar recipe can be found at the bottom of the article, using blue cheese.
I’ve also spotted a new blog event on Jo’s Kitchen called River Cottage Rocks, celebrating all things Hugh FW. You can join in too, creating any River Cottage Recipe until Sunday 12th February. This month’s theme is ‘Everyday Easy’ so I’m sending this straight across, as well as linking up to Simple and in Season here.
Tyler says
Hello, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!
Bart says
Hi Ren,
I hope you don’t mind me posting this, but I came across your cheese and leek toasties and thought they’d be a good spin on a tapas recipe for a competition we’re running offering a chance to win a trip to Barcelona.
If fancy having the chance to win the trip, the competition details are here: http://holidays.easyjet.com/barcelona-restaurants.htm
The top prize is a 3 night break for two to Barcelona staying at a 4* hotel, including flights for the lucky winner. There are also 10 runners up prizes too!
If you want to enter the comp, all you have to do is follow the easy guidelines on the competition page.
Please feel free to drop us an email at competitions@holidays.easyjet.com if you want more information.
Check it out and good luck if you decide to enter!
Bart
Sheelagh@anirishvillagepantry says
I love this recipe & HFW. Think I’m about to break my new years resolution and indulge in another cookbook for my groaning see-saw bookshelves!
Mark Willis says
I agree with you: HFW’s books are really great. Don’t know if you like Marmite, but if you do, try putting some on the bread of your toastie before you add the cheesy mixture. I think it adds a lovely zing.
Ren says
Ooh good tip Mark! We are 50/50 in this house over marmite, but there’s always some in 🙂
Shu Han says
this sounds lovely! I know it’s a quickie, but it’s definitely not lacking in flavour! hugh is one of my favourite chefs (:
Ren says
Mine too, Shu Han, lots of inspiration. A lot of recipes on-line too, so easy to always find something. I like Nigel Slater too 🙂
Magnolia Verandah says
Cheese on toast is just the best! Especially when you are hungry and want something quick. Must get me a copy of this book – I do like a little Hugh.
Ren says
Hi Magnolia, it is the ultimate comfort food in my book! It is a good book and the best thing is that it makes you focus your meals around veg, which doesn’t hurt from time to time. Lots of great and interesting salads to try too.
Green Dragonette says
That does look yummy!
I’ve just signed up to go on the veg course at the River Cottage Cookery school later in the year-can’t wait!
Ren says
Oh wow, I’d love to take that course myself, is it with Mark? I’d like to do the course where he shows you how to start a veg garden too! Hope you enjoy it and thanks for visiting.
Laura@howtocookgoodfood says
This looks like something I would love for my own lunch and bet it would go down very will for children’s tea too!
Ren says
Hi Laura, that’s the great thing about leeks, they go so soft and mushy you’d hardly know they are there. The kids should enjoy it. Ketchup on top, mmm!
Fishfingers for tea says
My mum has this book and I have my eye on it with a view to borrowing it, sooo many tempting things in there. And I have to say that anything cheesy or bready are the ones I turn to first with any new book!
Ren says
A girl after my own heart! I’m a sucker for cheese/toast combinations. It is a lovely book, very inspiring. Missing a chapter on puds…beetroot chocolate cake, carrot cake I could think of a few more! Thanks for stopping by x