Fresh, seasonal and so, so beautiful, this easy salad delivers with flavour, texture and punch, it’s also sophisticated on the plate. All the textures you require for a mouthwateringly delicious starter or light main for lunch.

Whether I grow 1,2 or 5 tomato plants, at the end of the Summer season, I always have enough tomatoes for my whole neighbourhood, which luckily for me is a good thing.  Homegrown tomatoes (or any for that matter), especially freshly picked and full of the sun are the perfect ingredient for this sweet n easy chutney. This recipe belonged to my children’s grandfather, Popsie, who was a fab home cook and my best friend.

This is the epitome of Italian dishes (locally known as Pappa al Pomodoro) and one of my favourite, favourite soup recipes.  Actually calling it a soup is like calling the Queen ‘a lady with a handbag!’  When it’s made slowly, with love this dish has enough magic to make you believe in the simplicity and majesty of Mother Nature’s bountiful pantry! Also, 12 million Italians can’t be wrong.  An opera in a bowl……..

Every Autumn I have an abundance of walnuts & there’s nothing like a jar of freshly blended dukkah. I sprinkle this mix over soft cheese for platters, salads or hot pasta for flavour & texture.  As a marinade with oil over grilled fish or chicken. When roasting potatoes or veggies a spoonful over 5 minutes before I remove them from the oven. Otherwise, lovely with fresh bread and warm olive oil.

This is another fab dish for Spring and Summer, especially on the run up to Christmas. A great easy and seasonal canapé, you can prep early in the day and enjoy your guests at the same time.