Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Bacon Pieces

This soup is my all time favourite pick-me-up soup: its comforting, delicious, and  healthy (maybe just a little bit naughty with the crispy bacon and crême fraiche). This is a very basic recipe which is delicious but can be given a kick with a little bit of chilli if you wish.

Ingredients (makes 3-4 portions)
1 finely chopped onion | 1 finely chopped clove garlic | 1 butternut squash peeled, deseeded and diced | 1 medium sized potato peeled and diced | 4 rashers smoked streaky bacon chopped | 2 tablespoons crême fraiche | 500ml chicken stock | Salt and pepper | Handful of coriander leaves.

In a large saucepan, sweat the chopped onion and garlic until softened.

Add the diced butternut squash and potato stirring to mix in well with the onion and garlic.

Add stock to the vegetables, topping up with water if needed to completely cover them. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to a simmer.

In a separate pan, fry the bacon pieces until really cripsy. Place in a kitchen-roll lined bowl to soak up any excess fat.

After 25-30 minutes, your soup should be ready to blend; just check your veg falls apart easily with a knife. Before blending add the coriander leaves and season well with pepper and salt. I use a handheld blender, as its so lightweight and easy to use, and much less messy too... But be very careful I had a bad experience once upon a time that I won't go into...

Finally stir in your crême fraiche and serve into bowls before adding a sprinkle of bacon pieces on to each. Serve with fresh chunky bread for a more filling meal.

Asparagus, Courgette, Smoked Streaky Bacon Tagliatelle

Asparagus season is finally upon us, so I thought I would show you one of my favourite combinations, asparagus and smoked streaky bacon, in this quick and easy pasta dish. Asparagus goes really well with any cured pork meats especially prosciutto ham and pancetta; I tend to think of it as a posh pea and ham combo... But smoked streaky bacon is something I always use as an alternative as it is packed with flavour, a lot cheaper, and easy to have put by in the freezer to thaw and chop up when you want it. This dish couldn't be simpler, I made it in about ten minutes after getting in late from the library this evening... as it tastes delicious there really is no excuse for 'quick' ready meals or take aways at such times!

 1 Par boil chopped asparagus for about 2 minutes to soften. 2 In a pan fry chopped streaky bacon, and finely sliced courgette. 3 In the meanwhile remove asparagus from the water with a slotted spoon and add to the bacon and courgette. 4 Saving water and pans, add some fresh tagliatelle to the saucepan and simmer for 3 minutes. 5 Add a couple of knobs of batter to your veg and bacon. 6 Drain the pasta and add to the pan. 7 Dish up, grate over some parmesan, and eat immediately. The best fast comfort food after a long day!