This is another very simple recipe and great to serve with drinks and other nibbles when entertaining. If the portion size below is too much you can keep this in the freezer and simply defrost and enjoy another day. If you’re using plan soft cheese I would add some fresh herbs, like chopped chives to…
Category: Sharing
Aubergine antipasti
This is one of my most requested recipes. I think the aubergine with tomato, garlic and lots of extra virgin olive oil is a perfect flavour combo. So delicious with a bit of fresh bread or toasted ciabatta. It takes a while but it’s worth it! Ingredients: 2 large aubergines, sliced into fingers (skin on)…
My take on Chicken Giouvetsi
This is my version of a baked Orzo pasta dish traditionally cooked with lamb but I’m using chicken legs. Ingredients: 1 large chopped onion 1 clove of crushed garlic 4 chicken legs 2 chopped tomatoes 1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta 750ml of chicken stock 10 – 12 green pitted olives 200g sliced mushrooms Half…
Store cupboard chicken marinade
This is another one of those non-recipe recipes. Too easy. Just a mix, save and cool job. I’ve used ingredients that I tend to always have to hand, in the cupboard or the fridge. 6 – 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp wholegrain mustard 1 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tsp…
Melenzane alla parmigiana (Aubergine parmigiana)
This is one of those dishes I’ve enjoyed many times in Italy when we visit. Almost every household has their own variation on the recipe, I’ve seen it done so many different ways, all slightly different to each other. I’ve used half parmesan and half cheddar which is not very Italian but this is my…
White bean and pesto dip
I LOVE a chip and dip. It’s a thing. Dip something salty and crunchy into something smooth and creamy. Hmmmmmmm…. Recently I’ve found that you just can’t buy anything other than humous in the supermarket. Not quite the same. So I decided to make my own dip and it is GOOD! Ingredients: 1 can of…
Potted prawns with hot smoked salmon
This is the perfect starter for a dinner party. Really, REALLY easy to make (i.e. assemble) and it always goes down well. What makes it even better is that it can be made ahead of time if kept in the fridge, just take it out about 20 – 30 minutes before serving so that the…
Baked ravioli with cauliflower white sauce
This has got to be one of the easiest pasta al forno dishes out there. Once you’ve made the white sauce this is really just an assembly job. So easy, so delicious AND the sauce is a healthy alternative to a white sauce, just as creamy but loaded with veg. If you haven’t made the…
Tomato salad…. so simple… yet so effective
You might question why it’s even necessary to write this up as a recipe because it really is so simple. It’s another one I’ve taken from my mom in law and adapted ever so slightly and I think it’s worth sharing. Firstly, because it is just so good and secondly, because whenever I make this, everyone…
Turkey and apple polpette (meatballs)
These are so savoury yet sweet and tasty, much healthier than other types of meatballs as turkey is so low in fat. The apple combination is perfect, you wouldn’t know it was there but it works so well. I recently made these as part of a “finger food” selection at a party, hence the large…
Lemon, garlic and herb chicken thighs
This is a really low effort recipe, great for a barbeque but you do need time for the meat to marinate well. Serves 4 4 – 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs 2 tablespoons olive oil Handful of chopped fresh herbs, I tend to use coriander and/or oregano Juice of 1 lemon 2 or 3 tablespoons…
Smoked salmon pâté
Another one of my favourites. Great on a blini or a cracker and just as good on a slice of toast or a sandwich. This makes quite a lot, I’ve just recently made a batch to use at a new years eve party so you can easily halve the quantities or just make a big…
Green olive tapenade
This is one of my signature “dishes”, I’ve been making it for years. It’s so salty and rich and great served on a crostini with a cold glass of white wine or prosecco. You could also use black pitted olives but the green are so vibrant. 250g green, pitted olives 6 spring onions, finely chopped…
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