Join the webchat with Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall and quiz him about dairy-free and wheat-free cookery, Friday 12 September, 1-2pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Award-winning cookery writer, broadcaster and founder of River Cottage, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is dropping into Mumsnet Towers on Friday to tell us about his new book, River Cottage Light and Easy. Hugh last joined us in 2011 when he shared some delicious recipes from his book River Cottage Veg Everyday.

This time he's back with more recipes, all of which are dairy and wheat-free and he'll be on-hand to answer your culinary questions and offer advice and suggestions for rustling up brilliant, healthy dishes to feed and nourish your family and friends.

River Cottage Light and Easy features 170 dairy/wheat free recipes which include: savoury buckwheat galettes, wheat-free spinachy wraps, easiest ever storecupboard fishcakes, lamb and cashew curry, beetroot burgers, rhubarb, apple and ginger pie, peach and orange sorbet, chocolate and avocado mousse and life-loving brownies. Hugh says: 'Reducing your dependence on wheat and dairy turns out to be a delicious voyage of discovery. New grains, new oils, new tastes, new combinations: it all adds up to a new zest for life.'

Join Hugh on Friday at 1pm and if you're unable to make that time post a question in advance on this thread.

@FreshorangeforDd

Hello

How wonderful that you that caters for people like my son and I. My son is allergic to dairy eggs and nuts, and I am intolerant of wheat.

Puddings are our biggest problem and other family members often request that we bring one with us at social events. We make crumbles (using oats and non dairy spread) and a fab date slice, but I would love to widen our range and very interested to hear about other interesting desserts particularly without eggs.

My son would love to find a sticky toffee pudding, for example, that he could eat.
Thanks Hugh.

It sounds a bit tough to me that you're asked to bring your own puddings because of your dietary needs. I've found that cooking without wheat and dairy has lead me to all sorts of new recipes that I'd be delighted to cook for anyone, regardless of their diet.

I don't have a sticky toffee pudding recipe in the book, but you've got me thinking! Actually, I have been experimenting with coconut oil, soft brown sugar and a squeeze of lemon, and it does make a delicious toffee-ish sauce which you could happily trickle on a wheat-free cake. You could use it instead of the marmalade in the muffins on page 376. That's off the top of my head, but give it a whirl and see how you get on! Might have to try and crack that one for my next book...

@ThatBloodyWoman

Hello Hugh,

Have you got any pointers for making spelt bread, please?

I use spelt flour quite a bit, especially in drop scones. It isn't in the new book, because it is of course a form of wheat, all be in one that many people seem to digest more easily! My wife makes a delicious rye and spelt bread – it's a little denser than a normal wheat bread, but has a fantastic flavour and has become a favourite. I will try and put a recipe together and post it up on the site for you. It really is lovely!

Ooh ooh! I'm probably too late and don't have a specific question. But I would love to see the spelt recipe. Also my ravening carnivore of a husband loves your veggie book! Thank you for all the meals!

@mirpuppet

We eat a veg dinner once a week but I get alot of resistance from my 7 year old son. He is OK if it is pasta. Won't eat veg curry.

Any ideas on recipe to get children to eat more veg?

In my experience, kids often prefer veg raw to cooked. Carrots and baby peas, and even broccoli being a case in point. But another thing I've noticed is that kids often really like garlic, as long as it's not overpowering. So if you warm a little scrap of grated garlic in some rapeseed or olive oil, or a little butter if you're using it, and toss your lightly cooked beans, kale, peas, carrots, spinach or whatever in it, don't overdo it and make them greasy, that little savoury edge from the garlic often gets them interested.

Hello Hugh,
I hate cooking. I just can't be bothered (too tired!) Is there anything you can suggest to get me interested?
PS I love eating!

Thank you so much Hugh!

Hi Hugh! We use your River Cottage Everyday book in the house almost every week and swear by the recipes. Non have failed us so far :)

I am very interested in introducing fun, new and tastes into our family meals. What is your favourite taste combination you discovered while making this book, that you didn't know before?

Ooh I do have a question. Want to introduce walnuts and almonds to my wee baby (most other nuts in, just not those two) Any nice ideas for ground but dishes for little babies?

It's been great talking to you. I hope you like the sound of the book, Mumsnetters, and I hope you'll give it a whirl.

You might even help me knock my good friend Jamie off the number 1 slot. What's it to be, Comfort Food or renewed vigour and good health of River Cottage Light & Easy. Come on Mums, show us what you can do!

Wow. Thanks for that, Hugh. I'll try the combination that you suggest. My son is off to University next week so your new cookbook could be a real help to him.

He loves different flavours and experimenting with foods, but is usually given fruit salad for pudding (unless we supply something ourselves) when he really wants something tasty like sticky toffee pudding!

Thanks for answering my question (rushes upstairs to tell son!).

He was nice & I think he answered pretty much every question apart from the later ones when time was starting to run out...

swex I'd try almond butter for your L.O. on toast fingers or whatever!

Perhaps we should start a new thread!

Wish I'd seen this earlier. Wil look out for the book.

Thank you. I will try the garlic w/ veg for my child.

Whats your favourite comfort food/food treat x

Congratulations momb who has been chosen out of the Mumsnet hat to win the signed copy of Hugh's book. We'll be in touch via PM with more details.
Thanks to everyone who joined the webchat today - it was great.

Congrats momb :)

not jealous at all

Didn't realise there was a book up for grabs!

Well done momb !

Thanks Mn and Hugh xxx

That book's going on my Xmas list. Yeah congrats momb

Wow! My first MN prize. Thanks very much! I await my PM with baited breath!

momb that book is top of my xmas list too! Lactose intolerant and vegetarian in our house, so we'd probably use every recipe

Enjoy your book momb!!!!

I've knocked Jamie off the top spot on Amazon!
Thank you Mumsnet. You totally rock. And I seriously hope this book works very hard for you and all your loved ones. Love Hugh x

You're welcome