Snow Brings A "mini break" to the Allsopp household! mmmm, caramelised onions!

Due to the incredible snow that we have here in north Worcestershire- I havent been home this week as I live about 15 miles from the office here at http://www.cruise.co.uk/  and have spent the last 3 nights at my Dad's house just round the corner from work.

Well, the first night I stayed- Lin (my stepmom) was working until around 7pm and by 6.30pm, myself and my dad began to get particularly hungry after dealing with all the snow and needed a nice winter warmer dinner. Those of you that follow my blog will know one of my real passions in life, besides travel is cooking. I love to cook! So, I said "right then, im starting the cooking... my speciality sausages and mash?" and off i went, empyting the fridge of some beautiful pork and apple sausages and a mountain of root veg.

Whilst I was cooking one of my signature meals which all my friends love, I though- oooh i could have some nice crispy onions on top of those sausages and red wine gravy and this is where the world of cooking changed:

THE NEW PHENOMENON!


It's Ben's special caramelised onions!

I began hastily with some onions which i peeled into rings and began to cook with butter and a little brown sugar which i simmered for about 25 minutes until they wilted and turned a goregeous golden brown. After whipping the mash made up of potatoes, carrot and parsnip and then topping with sausages... the onions just sat on top creating a nice garnish and also some texture, aboslutely lovely. I was popular that evening!

Then, last night- I chose to leave the idea of chancing the train and made the short journey back to number 2 where i walked in to "What are you making tonight then Ben?" so out came the knives, oven on and once again... We're cooking on gas everybody! Tonight, its carbonara with garlic baguettes- this time white wine was key to the sauce along with fresh garlic (added right at the end to prevent it from becoming bitter) and lashings of cream. The chicken and bacon was a nice compliment and this is when Lin says to me

"Ben, I'ts been like a mini break having you here... You can't go home!"

So, everybody- it turns out not only can I answer all your cruise questions. I'll give you some cooking tips too!

For the youngest and multi talented cruise specialist here in the office. It has to be Ben. 0800 408 6156