A ragu is a traditional Italian meat-based dish served with pasta, that varies according to region.  This is my own meatless ragu – very rich and exotic, with a wonderful texture and full of flavour.  Serve it with the pasta of your choice, and Enjoy !   INGREDIENTS ¾ cup puy lentils, precooked (do not overcook them, leave them chewy) ½ bulb garlic 1 medium sized red onion 1 red chilli ½ medium red bell [...]

I created this a while back.  It was a glorious recipe, a great Sunday roast, especially in the spring, with lashes of squeezed lemon and a little French’s mustard dolloped on top of the potatoes – lemon and mustard really marry well.  Use a carving knife to slice a big chunk of this delight, and just enjoy the delightful flavours.  Serve with a rocket, avocado and cucumber salad.  A feast for the eyes, and a [...]

I have had this at my aunt’s house many a time, and I simply love it. I managed to extract the ‘secret family recipe’ from her, and here it is in all it’s simple glory.  You will love this – it’s just so Mediterranean and flavoursome, and goes well with fresh Mediterranean bread and crudités, and a glass of chilled white wine. A great summer treat, and so easy to make too ! INGREDIENTS 1 [...]

Dip deep into the Mediterranean . . . A simple dish made with simple locally grown produce.  Villa Bologna has some great produce here in Malta.  I visited last week, and just couldn’t resist the produce and the pottery, simply beautiful (the Ceramika Maltija bowl in the picture is one of theirs).  Their broad beans match no other that I’ve ever laid my eyes on, and their lemons ever-so-fragrant. This is made with locally grown garlic [...]

This dish is super rich, unique and delicious. It’s also an impressive dish that is easy to make.  Make a mixed lettuce salad and a slightly sweetened balsamic vinegar dressing to go with it – I used a little maple syrup in the dressing which danced beautifully with the lasagna’s creamy juices – they just made magic together. Enjoy and please comment on my blog ! INGREDIENTS 7 lasagne sheets (I used spelt lasagna – [...]

This is an excellent recipe that I created, which has brought a huge smile to my face, because my young discerning daughter is the best barometer I have in the short term when I have just created something new, and my partner is even more discerning.  They both gave it a resounding thumbs up !  And I also know I have high standards to meet when I think of you all out there. As you [...]

I wanted to make a pasta-free lasagne – so I decided to create a sweet potato one.  It melted in our mouths, and it was one of the most mouthwatering baked dishes ever.  An epic dish to serve to friends and family.  It’s so decorative, and combines the idea of roast potatoes with a wonderful sauce, red Bolognese and a cheese sauce that really is very cheezy !  Serve with garlic bread and a crunchy [...]

This dip is simply awesome.  It’s got a little kick, and is so flavoursome.  It can be eaten on toast, you can make bruschetta with it, or have it with crudités. It’s also great in sandwiches for picnics, so mark this as a sandwich filler too –  particularly if you serve it on ciabatta bread with thinly sliced tomatoes and olives, a drizzle of oil on the tomatoes, and you have the perfect sandwich ever.  [...]

This is a delightful chilli. I served mine with a mixture of short grain brown rice and pearl barley mixed – I boiled the two together.  Then I dolloped on a couple of spoons of vegan yoghurt, and some plain tortillas. INGREDIENTS olive oil 1 400g tin crushed tomatoes 1 large onion, finely chopped 5 cloves garlic, chopped 2 cups veggie mince (I use Linda McCartney myself) 1 400g tin borlotti beans 1 cup cooked [...]

This deep pan quiche is chunky, decadent, awesome, child-friendly, moist yet holds its form, flavoursome, ideal for picnics, can be eaten hot or cold, filling, delicious, yes, mouthwatering vegan for YOU. INGREDIENTS FOR PASTRY ¾ cup plain unbleached flour ¾ cup wholemeal/wholewheat flour 1/3 cup margarine (non-dairy) a pinch of salt cold water (around 3-4 Tbsp) INGREDIENTS FOR FILLING 1 350g (12 oz) pack firm silken tofu 2 cups cooked spinach, drained from its water [...]