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Meg Preparing Canapes By Meg’s Scottish Kitchen There’s something wonderfully inviting about the very first bite of a festive meal. Long before the turkey is carved or the pudding is flaming, it’s the nibbles those small, thoughtful plates that whisper to your guests “You’re here now. The fire’s lit. Take off your coat and settle in.” Winter Reading Nook In every kitchen I’ve cooked in from the freezing cold tied cottages when I have worked for various titled families here in

Winter Light on Loch Awe at Quiet Cove There’s a moment every year — usually halfway through November — when the air sharpens just a touch, the light dips earlier behind the hills, and my hands automatically reach for cinnamon sticks, oranges, cloves and the gentle rustle of the recipe notes I’ve loved for decades. Christmas doesn’t begin on the 25th.It begins with a feeling. A pull towards warmth, generosity, small rituals and familiar flavours… a longing for light in the d

A selection of seasonal ingredients As another year draws to a close and a fresh chapter waits just around the corner, I always find myself reflecting on the small, intentional choices that shape how we live, how we cook and how we nourish ourselves. A new year often sweeps in with promises, resolutions, gym memberships and shiny new supplements — all in pursuit of becoming healthier, fitter and happier. But so often, those well meant resolutions crumble before the Christmas

There’s a moment every November when the scent of brandy, spice, and citrus fills the air. That’s when I know it’s Stir-Up Sunday . This old English tradition occurs on the last Sunday before Advent. Families gather to make their Christmas puddings, each taking a turn to stir the rich, spiced mixture and make a wish. In my kitchen, it’s a day of joyful chaos. Bowls, wooden spoons, and a bit of friendly arguing about who gets the final stir fill the space. Growing up, I rememb

Winter in the Highlands There’s a certain hush that settles over the Highlands as autumn fades and winter takes hold. The mornings arrive cloaked in mist, the loch turns silver in the pale light, and the scent of woodsmoke curls through the air. Here in Dalavich, we’ve stacked our logs high, filled the oil tank and stocked the pantry. We are ready for whatever the Highland weather decides to throw our way. I love this season of retreat and rest. When the nights draw in and th

Autumn in Scotland There’s definitely a real autumn bite in the air. We finally put the central heating on this morning and set the timer for winter. For those of you who’ve been with me for a while, you’ll know that I secretly love the autumn and winter seasons. I enjoy nothing more than snuggling under a blanket, the log burner warming the house and the scent of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. As the seasons change, just like our ancestors before us, we are in

Friends with Sparklers The Glow of Bonfire Night: A Feast by the Fire As the nights draw in and the scent of woodsmoke lingers in the air, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Bonfire Night. That unmistakable crackle of logs, the fizz and pop of fireworks across the loch and the rosy faces gathered around the flames, all reminders that November has arrived in full, golden splendour. I love how this celebration bridges the gap between autumn’s bounty and winter’s hush

Celebrate the flavours of autumn with Meg’s Scottish Kitchen. Discover two delicious pumpkin recipes a vibrant roast pumpkin salad and a spiced maple loaf. Rediscover the joy of seasonal, fuss-free cooking Pumpkin Table Setting There’s something about the sight of pumpkins lined up at farm gates and garden walls this time of year that makes me feel instantly at home. Maybe it’s their colour, that deep golden hue that seems to bottle the last of autumn’s light or maybe it’s th

As the light fades earlier each evening and the air carries that unmistakable chill of late October, there’s a shift that feels almost otherworldly. The leaves turn to gold and russet, the fields lie bare, and the scent of woodsmoke drifts through the glen. It’s a season that hums with old stories, when the veil between worlds thins. We gather close around the fire for warmth, light, and food that feeds the soul. Since childhood, I’ve always known this time by what I call the

There’s something magical about the smell of cookies baking in the oven, It’s like a warm hug. It conjures up warmth and comfort, a balm for a stressed or troubled soul. Sometimes baking perfect cookies can feel like chasing a unicorn. Too crispy, too doughy, too flat, too puffy… the list goes on. The good news even when they are not 100% perfect they will still be yummy to eat as any of my cookies that don’t pass quality control are joyed by Simon and the dogs. So I thought

Curry Nights Made Easy – Homemade Flavours Without the Fuss If you’ve ever been tempted by the rich, aromatic world of curries but felt a...

Dessert Board There’s something magical about whipping up a dessert that’s quick, delicious, and delightfully stress-free. Maybe it’s a...

There are days when nothing else will do but chocolate. The scent as it melts gently in a pan, the glossy sheen as you stir, the way the...

If you’re anything like me, the idea of a warm, fragrant curry bubbling away on the stove is pure comfort food magic. But let’s be honest...

There’s a moment every September when I catch sight of a bowl of plums on the kitchen table and feel an instant rush of nostalgia. Deep...

There is always a bittersweet note at the end of summer. The days grow shorter, and the evenings cool quicker. You suddenly notice the...

There’s a quiet kind of joy in opening your lunchbox and knowing you’ve got something good  waiting for you. Not cobbled together in a...

Homemade preserves There’s something quietly magical about preserving. The bubbling pot of fruit, the scent of vinegar and spices in the...

The ruins of Kilchurn castle on Loch Awe, the longest fresh water Loch in Scotland Trading rolling hills for Highland mountains, lochs,...

There’s something utterly magical about a table covered in little dishes, each one bursting with colour, flavour, and sunshine. That’s...