Recipes & more...

Helping hand. A blog by Orlando Murrin.

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!