Asparagus, Leek and Parmigiano-Reggiano Tart

Easter is approaching fast and what could be better than digging into a vibrant green spring tart? This flaky delight couples sweet leeks, fresh asparagus, succulent pancetta and nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano with an Easter staple – an egg! Pleasing both the eye and the appetite, these delicious tarts are perfect for a celebratory brunch or lunch…

Parmesan and Mushroom Arancini with Taleggio Filling

Arancini, meaning “little oranges” because of their shape and colour, are fried, stuffed rice balls originating in Sicily. They are a famous street food and, due to their popularity, widely available now in the UK from street vendors, Italian cafés and restaurants. Arancini are a clever way to turn leftover risotto into another culinary delight….

Savoury Parmesan Waffles with Pancetta and Onions

Enjoy a plate of waffles with a twist! Forget about the usual sweet affair and go savoury instead. Non-sweet waffles have been hugely successful in countries such as Belgium, where countless waffle shops and cafés cater to the hearty cravings of their clientele. Inspired by the classic Scottish “tattie” scones, this recipe combines a fluffy…

Parmigiano-Reggiano and Mushroom Risotto with Chorizo

If dinner is usually deciding between having pizza or pasta, why not opt for a risotto instead? Another classic Italian dish, risotto is easy and foolproof to make. The basic recipe consisting of risotto rice, such as arborio, onion, garlic, broth, white wine, butter, and parmesan can be altered by adding an array of further…

Courgette Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Overindulgence before and over Christmas is a common visitor of mine. Every year I keep telling myself I won’t walk into the sugar trap that is made of Christmas cake, Stollen, gingerbread, Christmas cookies and mulled wine – I could go on. The holidays seem like the perfect excuse for gorging on sweets that have…

Scrumptious Parmesan and Rosemary Biscuits

These scrummy biscuits make a perfect appetizer for a dinner party, best served with a glass of full-bodied red wine to complement the piney rosemary flavour. They are easy to prepare and keep well, so can be made in advance. These aromatic party nibbles will also be the perfect addition to a cheese platter. With…

DIY Skincare: Manuka Honey and Beeswax Lip Balm

Making your own skin care products is a wonderful way to spend a lazy and chilly evening at home. It is relatively inexpensive and both the produce and the ingredients can last for ages. A superb (and easy) DIY project is making your own lip balm. Since I love the antiseptic qualities and the aromatic…

Black Bean and Walnut Burger with Pumpkin Wedges

Burgers can come in so many varieties, especially when they are not made from minced meat. I find vegetable burgers absolutely delicious! When I go out for a burger meal with friends or family I often choose the non-meat option, because some flavour combinations seem more enticing than the meaty counterpart. People who don’t know…

Breakfast in a Jar

I have to admit, after creating my breakfast in a jar with all its colourful layers I was really chuffed. The colours work so well together and the flavours complement each other perfectly. I have been baking cakes with pumpkin for years now, my absolute favourite! I love the combination of pumpkin and cinnamon –…

Parmigiano-Reggiano and Spinach Muffins with Pine Nuts

A day out in the countryside or in an inner-city park is best spent with plenty of yummy provisions, I find, such as muffins. To me, of course, they are usually of the sugary kind and coupled with a cup of milky coffee as a firm part of my afternoon routine, but muffins can be…

Party Picks

It’s my birthday weekend! So, what could be better than having a party, nibbling away on yummy food and dancing the night away? This recipe is certainly something for creative individuals. I had such good fun with this recipe, picking and mixing the flavours. Also, you don’t need exact measurements! Of course, you don’t have…

Zucchini and Parmesan Fritters

Whether being served for breakfast, lunch or dinner, as a snack or full-meal, these versatile, flavour-filled fritters will certainly satisfy anyone’s taste-buds. Sharp and nutty, Parmigiano-Reggiano adds well to the mild, and delicate flavour of the courgettes. These delicious, crispy fritters are the perfect way to add more greens to your plate. Serve on a…