BETAA Cozy Winter Weekend
Some weekends are for staying in. Put the kettle on, leave the afternoon unhurried and choose a few comforting things to cook together. This little collection is for two people, with room to make it your own.
Three little reasons to stay in
Start Saturday with maple pear French toast cups, then come back to the kitchen for creamy mushroom fettuccine at supper. On Sunday, let a berry and oat crumble be the reason to gather around the table again. These are three moments across the weekend, rather than a full schedule of every meal.
- Maple pear French toast cups
Golden baked brioche and tender pear in two warm, lightly maple-sweetened custard cups.
55 minutes · 2 pieces / portions; keep the batch as written - Creamy mushroom fettuccine
Golden mushrooms, silky cream and a generous finish of Parmesan. A cosy trattoria dinner without the reservation.
30 minutes · 2 servings - Warm berry & oat crumble
Juicy berries beneath a golden oat crumble.
40 minutes · 2 servings
Make a little space for the good part
Clear a corner of the table, find the bowls you love and put on some music. One person can grate the Parmesan while the other browns the mushrooms. Serve the pasta straight from the pan and leave the washing-up until after supper.
Let the rest of the weekend stay flexible: a walk, a book, or another cup of tea. The aim is a few good meals together, with time left over to enjoy being home.
One small shop before the weekend
Check the fridge for butter, milk, eggs and cream, then look for brioche, a ripe pear, mushrooms, pasta and berries. Open each recipe for its full amounts and allergen notes before shopping. The French toast cups are a fixed batch of two; make another batch if more people are joining you.
Save the recipes to My kitchen individually and choose the days you want to cook them. Review your shopping list there after setting the portions for each dish.
A gentle rhythm, with no rush
Allow about 55 minutes for the French toast cups, including their soaking and baking time. The pasta takes about 30 minutes and is best served as soon as it is ready. Give the crumble about 40 minutes, including its rest before serving.
Read each method first and set out the equipment you need. A familiar recipe may feel relaxed; a new one deserves a little extra time.