Recipes & more...

Last week I completed a new manuscript, which is now with my agent; if he likes it, it’ll be sent to my publisher. A few years ago this situation would have turned me into a bundle of nerves, but I feel sanguine about it. I loved writing it, I’m pleased with the result, so que sera, sera.* This has liberated me to sort out the garden ready for the season ahead, which to my delight has coincided with a short, temporary burst of bright weather. In case you didn’t know, gardeni

In praise of libraries - I live in a house full of books – so many you can hardly get through the front door – but I still love going to the library.

Paperback writer - Two months to go till the launch of the paperback of Murder Below Deck, the cover of which has been given a blushing new look by the Transworld design team.

Why is it that we 'play' a musical instrument, instead of learning or studying it? And could the idea of playing be a lesson in itself?

the art of letters - a January blog by Orlando Murrin.

This recipe for a Melmerby Mistletoe Slice is a brilliant alternative to mince pies - much easier and less fiddly to make.

When we had our maison d’hôtes in France, these flaky buttery treats were often on the menu. This easy cheesy scone recipe is from a long-lost American magazine, and was written by one of my favourite US food writers, Dorie Greenspan. Two brilliant things about this recipe… It’s made entirely in the food processor (no messy rubbing in), and because of the way they’re formed, you don’t waste any of the dough. (Unlike other scone recipes, where you end up with mis-shapes and s

Spurred on by eating a truly scrumptious bought granola, I set myself the challenge of creating a recipe of my own - resulting in the best ever granola!

A matter for the police - read Orlando's recent brushes with the police.

It must be to do with advancing years, but I’ve been made an ambassador - three times over.

Its Party Season - It’s been a whirlwind month - four trips up and down to London for bashes that could not be missed. I returned with a groaning camera roll.

Here, beautifully photographed by Angela Nilsen, are the recipes from Paul Delamare’s adventure aboard a superyacht. MUSHROOM AND ONION MARMALADE TARTLETS If you can only buy thick sliced bread, roll it slightly thinner with a rolling pin before using. You will need a 12-hole tartlet tin, with holes just over 6 cm in diameter. Makes 12 canapé-size tartlets 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 tablespoon sugar 250 g mushrooms, cleaned and sliced thinly 1 garlic clove,

I took this picture outside the Church of St John the Baptist in Yeovil on a sunny early evening last week. I haven’t seen such a...

In honour of the publication of the latest in the seriesby JM Hall, A Brush With Death, I’m delighted to share this Melmerby Slice recipe.

My new book in the Chef Paul Delamare Mystery series comes out on Thursday – let me tell you a bit about it. First of all, though – the...

After last year’s flurry of literary festivals and book events, I’ve discovered readers are fascinated to ask authors: when and where I writ

Thinking of becoming a writer? This course is for you

Happy New Year from Orlando Murrin, along with a recipe for a wonderful Queen of Sheba Cake.

This year’s festive music is a piano novelty that I used to play in my bar-restaurant days, 'Marigold' by Billy Mayerl. It’s one of my...

If I don’t look very happy in this picture, it’s purely because it’s such a strange, cold, clammy feeling having a crustacean on your...