Sausage with Fava Beans

I’d bought some gourmet lamb sausages a few weeks ago and have been meaning to use them ever since. I love the combination of sausages with grains and pulses so knew this dish would be delicious. It’s a really simple dish to make. You don’t have to hunt out lamb sausages, it would work equally [...]

Orecchiette with Broccoli and Mushrooms

I never thought I’d be raving a vegetarian dish but the marvel of this meal cannot be explained in one paragraph – it was delicious. It’s simplicity is the key and the harmonious balance of broccoli, mushrooms and anchovies is amazing. Not one element takes centre stage. It’s a very special dish indeed – you [...]

Braciola Cooked in Ragu

In my haste to get this one down my throat, I failed to get a photograph. Apologies. The camera was right there, but I was exceptionally hungry and had no intention of waiting a minute longer. Half way through the meal I began to regret my greed as it would have been great for you [...]

Kangaroo Steaks, Roast Potatoes & Broccoli with Anchovy Dressing

For those who haven’t eaten the beloved kangaroo before, let me tell you, it’s delicious. Lean and tasty – like a good quality steak. It’s very cheap here in Australia and found in every supermarket. However, if a) you can’t find it in your country or b) the thought of eating a skippy fills you [...]

Saffron Roast Potatoes

The distinctive, yet subtle flavour of saffron makes this delicious side dish really stand out in both taste and colour. The vibrant yellow of saffron does it’s magic on the potatoes and will guarantee a ripple of applause from either yourself or your guests when it comes out the oven. Just make sure nobody’s looking [...]

Mushroom & Chorizo Risotto

We went on a very long drive today. Little did we know we’d be stuck in a car for the best part of a day! We were absolutely exhausted, but the journey had given me the opportunity to obsess about what I was going to cook when I arrived back at home. I had this [...]

Baked Portabello Mushrooms with Garlic

Some foods are meant to be together. Pie with mash, tomato with basil and most deliciously – mushrooms with garlic. I can’t think of anything simpler and more satisfying than a huge portabello mushroom soaked in the sweet aroma of garlic. This is a brilliant side dish for anything! Meat, fish, chicken or dare I [...]

Saltimbocca

Whoever invented saltimbocca should give themselves a firm pat on the back. These Italian treats are effortless little steaks just brimming over with flavour. If you havent made them before I would suggest you give them a go immediately. They are so simple yet are one of those dishes that look horrifically complicated to prepare. [...]

Beef Carpaccio with Capers & Truffles

Second course came in the shape of a tremendous little carpaccio. I’d never had carpaccio of beef and was keen to try it. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and visually it’s a real crowd pleaser. Taste wise, the truffles add their magic in a big way. Their unique taste is great alongside the freshness of [...]

My fancy dinner party: Five courses of deliciousness. Starting with Truffle Butter

For my birthday I received one of the fanciest gifts ever! 2 fresh black truffles and a large wedge of fois gras. Pretty impressive and decadent yes!?. How was I to make the most of these lovely ingredients? A fancy dinner party was planned in which I used all the ingredients to best effect. The [...]