Here is a beautiful salad, simple to make and great for the outdoors. I am making a ‘chicken-free’ Red Sweet BBQ tonight, which I am serving up with plain shortgrain crisped rice – simply fry in olive oil until some of the grains turn golden, then sprinkle with salt.  It’s an enticing combination, and I think I will have it with white grape juice, or a very chilled dry white wine.  The colours of the [...]

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 is a fast and easy to make Chowder – I made it because it was a little cold this evening, and I fancied something a little different. This is the best vegetable-based chowder ever, and will be a staple amongst those wishing to serve something very flavourful and comforting – ideal towards the end of the winter – to mark the end of it, and the beginning of the new season ahead.  My last [...]

This is the most amazing seafood dip ever.  Tasty, ‘fishy’, the sea in your mouth, for all those vegans who miss the taste of fish – this one’s truly for you !  A great sandwich filler, perfect for picnics to come, party food, or just a weekday snack filler.  Make it, enjoy it, and come back to me with your feedback.  Thanks. INGREDIENTS 1 400g can cannellini beans, or 2 cups home-cooked cannellini beans 2 [...]

Well this dish is simply one of my favourite sauces.  If you love it hot, and you want it quick, then this is the place to get it from.  In fact, the Italian “Sugo all’arrabbiata” translates literally as “angry sauce” –  due to the heat of the chili peppers. Dangerously good and succulent, and the flavour is glorious.  I shall say no more, and impart my recipe to you for your delight.  Except not all [...]

This creation was a revelation in the art of wholesome pick me ups, warm me all, fill me up combinations – a soup and stew marriage, that embraces and pampers the senses.  Because it was almost impossible to define as either one or the other, it is one of those ‘twin recipes’ – but who cares about that ?  Taste and texture are always my No.1 priority, together with colour, passion – and a sense [...]

This three green soup is sublime – truly.  Packed with nutrients, it’s going to be a regular in this household.  I mean, what could be better when one not only eats for pleasure, but also enjoys health benefits at the same time.  A twist of lime (now almost one of my trademarks) puts this soup in a league of its own.  Make it, taste it, share it, and most of all, enjoy it ! Serves [...]

This is an exciting and hot variation on my own hummus recipe, which seems fitting for the blinding, hot summer we’re having in Malta at present.  Why not turn up the heat a notch more, I say ! INGREDIENTS 1 tin of chickpeas (washed and drained) 2 cloves fresh garlic 1½ Tbsp raw tahini ¼ tsp chilli powder juice of 1 fresh lemon 3 or 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil salt to taste (this [...]