It’s all going on! As Easter approaches, I’m happily marking the one-year milestone of writing a weekly blog for JamieOliver.com. My very first post was published just before Easter last year and focused on the Italian dish of lasagne as an alternative to a traditional Easter Sunday lunch, with a second Easter post focusing on the perfect roast. Since then, I’ve been able to settle into my ‘home-from-home’ writing about a whole host of foodie topics, which have included ideas for cooking with kids, as well as themed round-ups and highlights of some of my favourite hand-picked recipes from Jamie’s site. I’m marking my second year by taking a slightly new direction – my blog posts will now often feature some of my own exclusive recipes and photos. There are always plenty of exciting things going on at Jamie HQ. Most recently, the team marked the launch of a brand new site dedicated to all things drinkable Drinks Tube and so in my latest post, I’ve joined the party by contributing an exclusive recipe for a homemade citrus infused vodka – based on my Polish favourite Cytrynówka. I hope you’ll be able to pop over and read some of the posts over in the News and Blogs section of the JamieOliver.com site in the weeks (and hopefully) months to come!
I’d love to say a big thank you to Jim Tanfield for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the team and for guiding me editorially throughout the year. A second shout-out goes to Merlin Jobst, as well as to my fellow bloggers, who are all brilliantly placed to share some of the coolest content on the web.
Get the recipe here –
You can find my recipe for Homemade Citrus Infused Vodka and follow the rest of my posts here on JamieOliver.com
Ren Behan is a freelance contributor to JamieOliver.Com
Other infusions/cocktails you may enjoy –
What’s your favourite cocktail or sunshine tipple?
Rob says
Have you ever tried using high pressure or heat to speed up the infusion?
christina says
Congratulations on your anniversary. When coming to vodka cocktail vodka will taste good with citrus flavor. I always have my favorite Anestasia Vodka with different citrus flavors like lime, orange and grape.
Heidi Roberts says
I love vodka, lemons and home made drinks so this is a winner with me!!
Katie Bryson says
Well done on your success over on Jamie Oliver’s site… richly deserved. Loving this vodka recipe, looks pretty achievable and highly drinkable!!!
Ren Behan says
Thanks Katie, it’s been a really exciting year for food writing – loving following your progress, too xxx
Jim Tanfield says
It’s been an absolute pleasure, you’re an inspiration and a class blogger Ren and we look forward to making this an even more scrumptious year with your help. All the best, Jim
Ren Behan says
Aah thanks Jim, So lovely of you to leave a comment :-)) I’ve loved writing for the site, lots of highlights throughout the year and an absolute privilege. I too look forward to lots more!
Sylvia says
I don’t drink but your pictures are so perfect! Love the table cloth, my Mum used to make things like this 😉
Ren Behan says
Thank you Sylvia, lots of Polish table cloths here :-)) And Polish vodka to go on it!
kellie@foodtoglow says
Congratulations on your first year Jamie-versary! It must be quite an effort to not only blog for other sites in such a professional manner but to keep up your own TWO personal blogs and have a family life. Are you in fact Superwoman? We should be told 😉
Ren Behan says
Thank you Kellie! ‘Jamie-versary’ 🙂 Some would call it prolific! The Polish blog is also about to make a resurgence after a little break. Hope you have a lovey Easter and thank you for stopping in x
Karen says
I LOVE infused vodka Ren and I always make some spiced ones at Christmas! However, your wonderful citrus infused vodka is JUST perfect for spring and an Easter tipple, and such lovely photos too. Karen
Ren Behan says
Thank you Karen – yes it’s a nice stop-gap before all the summer fruits kick in – then the cherry vodkas and plum vodkas can make an appearance 🙂
Sally - My Custard Pie says
I love infusions and like anything with lemon so a little bottle of this could be starring in my kitchen soon. Congratulations Ren – you deserve all your success. Say hi to Merlin and team – the evening at Fifteen was one of the foodie highlights of last year.
Ren Behan says
Hi Sally, thank you so much. I did say Ho to Merlin, such a nice chap. I agree, the supper club at Fifteen was super enjoyable and I got to me Gennaro too at the next one. Fingers crossed for another event soon!
Janie says
Congrats to the 1 year marker, here’s to another great year ahead!
Janie x
Ren Behan says
Thank you so much Janie x
Emma says
Such a great idea – the mind boggles with more variations…
Ren Behan says
Yes, so simple to adapt – just use high quality vodka!
Vanesther - Bangers & Mash says
Congratulations on your first year with Jamie – I really love your column and look forward to following you and seeing where your new direction takes you! You’re always such an inspiration…
Ren Behan says
Thank you Vanesther – that’s so kind of you to say. xx
Chloe says
Refreshing idea! Congratulations on your anniversary 🙂
Ren Behan says
Thank you Chloe!
London Unattached Lifestyle and Travel says
congratulation on your year of blogging – must say citrus infused vodka does sound rather good!
Ren Behan says
Thank you Fiona, an easy tipple to make at home, hope you get to try it!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I can’t believe that has been a year already, but I bet it’s been a buy one. Well done on having your own recipes featured on Jamie Oliver, that’s great news.
Ren Behan says
Thank you for all your support Jac xxx
Glamorous Glutton says
Congratulations Ren, this is hard work well rewarded! Fabulous to be writing for Jamie Oliver dot com, here’s to a second great year. GG
Ren Behan says
Thank you GG – so kind x
Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.) says
Congrats on marking a year of being a contributor Ren. I always enjoy your articles 🙂 Cheers!
Ren Behan says
Thank you so Mardi and for all your encouraging comments over on the JO blog and for trying the Easy Flatbreads!