Spicy Fish Tacos with Mexican Salsa Verde

OK so before getting into the recipe let me make this very clear (can you tell there has been an election campaign going on in New Zealand…I think it has infiltrated my brain!) I am not Mexican, have never been to Mexico (alas) and am clearly no expert on Mexican food. However – I love […]

Coconut & Lime Panna Cotta with white chocolate, fresh passionfruit and toasted coconut

I love desserts (hello – check out the recipe index – blushing!) and love to finish off a meal with a little sweet treat, but when the weather is warm I don’t want something heavy and rich. This panna cotta is outrageously light (even lighter than I expected!), the coconut milk has an earthy coconut […]

Cauliflower Soup with Blue Cheese and Walnut Toasts

 Well I don’t know what the weather is like for you outside your window this morning, but outside mine it is raining, windy, cold and miserable – yay! I love it…it gives me the perfect excuse to make this soup again (featured in a recent issue of Dish magazine) and even though I love the […]

Bucatini with Anchovies and Fennel

Next up is Bucatini with Anchovies, Parmesan and Fennel Seeds. If you are not an anchovy-lover (I am only a moderate partaker of said fish) do not be put off – it’s not like you are eating big hunks of hairy, salty, boney fish ( ahem – if you love anchovies, you can totally do […]

Bagel with Melted Gruyere, Ham and a Poached Egg

Bagels with Melted Gruyere Cheese, Ham and Poached Eggs Bonjour!!!! Happy 14th of July – and may I present my sneaky tribute to the classic French Croque Madame – a plump toasted bagel, topped with melty gruyere cheese, good quality ham and a poached egg. I have nothing against the original in fact I love […]

Sunday Night Pancetta, Onion and Three Cheese Tart

Sunday Night Pancetta, Onion and Three Cheese Tart I can’t believe we have been home from our big trip for over three weeks now – argh – back into normal life with a thump. The lovely Henry is still on university holiday and it is fabulous to have his cheery self around, whilst Rich has […]

Coffee, Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate Caramel Slice

Well this is the third incarnation of this slice, I can’t help myself, it just lends itself to so many variations! So far I have done it with dark chocolate and coconut and also with white chocolate and macadamia nuts, but this time it’s all rich, dark and moody with 70% cocoa chocolate, strong coffee […]

Bucatini all’Amatriciana

Everywhere we went in Italy we met the most fabulous, people – warm, welcoming and endlessly helpful. No-one epitomised this smiling Italian demeanour more than our host at Crossing Condotti in Rome. The lovely Marco booked taxis and guides, suggested and booked dining options and pretty much ensured that our stay in Rome was totally […]

Italy

Helllooooo – is there anybody out there!? I know there hasn’t been much happening on the blog lately, and you must be wondering if I am still here – well happily yes I am! It is week two back home from the trip of a lifetime – one whole month touring around lower Italy, including […]