Orange, Rosemary and Cinnamon Spiced Roast Chicken

An easy and sumptuous roast chicken recipe for those of you who, like me, aren't too fond of turkey at this time of year. The flavours are still Christmassy in nature so I think it would go down a treat on Christmas day.

Spiced Pear and Chocolate Strudel

My December #PhabPhyllo recipe in conjunction with Mediterranean Delicacies is an ode to everyone out there who hates raisins and has to endure Christmas pudding, mince pies and Christmas Cake on repeat at this time of year (my husband happens to be one such person). So I created a festive strudel that has all the wonderful flavours of Christmas: spice, orange, nuts and chocolate...just not the raisins, and it's utterly scrumptious if I don't say so myself...

Chicken in a Tarragon Cream Sauce

More rain means more decadent dinners: save salads for lunch I say, but dinner at the moment need to be a little more grown up in my books. Caramelising the onions in this dish adds a hint of sweetness which really brings the dish together and who can say 'no' to double cream? I served this with simple baked potatoes, asparagus and mange tout.

Osso Bucco

Classic Osso Bucco (my way). What more can you say? I love serving it with the gremolata pasta as I feel it brings a freshness to what is a very rich dish. The lemon is the absolute key for me and the addition of bacon is in no way classic, but I tend to add a little bacon or a few lardons to most stews as I feel it just makes them that much more delicious, people might also scoff at my use of a whole bottle of wine, but I think it's just perfect.

Baked Feta Phyllo Parcels

The perfect starter. I'm a fan of cheese in every form, but baked cheese is right there at the top. When you bake feta, it doesn't melt but rather softens to a delicate sponge, similar to holloumi. Wrapping it  in crisp phyllo and serving it with honey, a squeeze of lime and fresh mint just makes this simple little number irresistible. This is my 4th #PhabPhyllo recipe for the wonderful Mediterranean Delicacies - a company I just love working with because of the quality of their products.

The Easiest and Best Chimichurri Sauce

This is my ultimate chimichurri recipe dedicated to my dearest friend who absolutely loves it and is getting married this weekend. I promise to make this for you always! It's an uncooked sauce for steak that originated in Argentina and once you've made it you'll never be able to serve steak without it again. It literally takes 30 seconds to make - you just bung all the ingredients into the food processor and you're done.

Spiced Cauliflower and Chickpea Gratin

Proof that #MeatFreeMonday needn't be boring. I'm in the mood for comfort food and this one is an absolute win; the addition of onions, chickpeas and spices instantly takes this gratin from a side dish to a main. Enjoy!

Chicken and Leek Pie

Simple and delicious - what more could you ask for? 

My monthly recipe using Mediterranean Delicacies Phyllo Pastry saw me coming up with a tasty, affordable and lighter version of the traditional chicken and leek pie. I just love the contrast of the light and crispy phyllo against the rich and creamy filling.

Nectarine, Asparagus, Quinoa and Bulgar Wheat Salad

The sun is finally out again and with that it feels like summer is here :) Nectarines and Asparagus are the call of the day with some high protein, low GI grains because I'm in the mood for something a little bit healthy - you can easily use goats cheese or mozzarella instead of  feta in this recipe and I'm partial to sprinkling over some chopped nuts at the end...really it's up to you! 

Easy Chicken Curry

I wanted to come up with the simplest, tastiest chicken curry possible and this is it. The key to keeping the chicken succulent is to turn the heat right down so that you're softly poaching the chicken strips rather than boiling them in the sauce, this way you don't have to marinate the chicken. 

Broccoli, Caramelised Onion and Goat’s Cheese Tart

I've partnered up with Mediterranean Delicacies to create a series of easy and delicious recipes using their phyllo pastry. They're trying to educate consumers on how easy it is to use as there are many misconceptions that it's tricky and complex. This tart recipe is perfect for summer and delicious both hot and cold. I tend to pair it a simple salad as a main or with a roast chicken as the perfect side. Either which way, it's scrumptious.

Pork Meatballs in a Wine, Cream and Fennel Sauce

 

I'm a big fan of pork these days and this one-dish-wonder served with quinoa/couscous just hits the spot - creamy and morish, but not too rich. The apple and the sage go beautifully with the pork mince and the fennel adds that little "something-something" to the sauce :)

Halva Mousse in Phyllo Cups

This is one of the easiest and quickest desserts I've ever come up with. I created them for Mediterranean Delicacies (whom I collaborate with often). The phyllo cups take a little time to make, but you can make them days in advance and just keep them in an airtight container. The mousse can also be frozen and served as a semifreddo which I love! Either way it's delish - so it's up to you...

Spiced Bulgar Wheat and Chickpea Salad

The perfect winter's salad: wholesome and moreish with not even a smidgen of lettuce.

Yoghurt and Poppy Seed Flapjacks

The people at Nutriday SA asked me to come up with an awesome breakfast idea using their yoghurt, and I came up with a yoghurt and poppy seed flapjack recipe that couldn’t be easier or more delicious (and I'm not just saying that)...please have a look-see and honestly try it...and...if you like it, you can give me a little nudge to win the competition here

Easy Coconut Chicken Strips

I was in the shops the other day thinking of what to make for dinner and nothing was inspiring me. I tend to flock towards the chicken section in times like these as I know I'll find something I can work with. I often coat chicken breasts in sesame seeds as I find it keeps them moist and adds a lovely nuttiness, simple but effective. This was my plan.

I got home and realised I had no sesame seeds, but I did have some desiccated coconut...interesting...I decided to go with it and it turned out to be deliciously different. I've subsequently made coconut chicken pieces for catering functions and people adore them. You can serve them as a canapé with the dipping sauce or alternatively with a herb salad as a main, using the dipping sauce as a dressing.

Aubergine, Fennel and Pomegranate Salad

My obsession with pomegranates continues. This is by no means a new, or an original, idea. Ottolenghi in style, with a few quirks added by me - I just love it. The addition of fennel lightens it all and the dressing brings it together. Enjoy.

Easy, Low GI Muesli

This is an exceedingly moreish, cost-effective muesli that's Low GI, virtually sugar-free and just delicious. If you want something a bit sweeter, feel free to add more maple syrup (which is low GI FYI) or honey if you prefer (not quite low GI). Turmeric is one of those miracle spices that's just so good for you: it works as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Cinnamon has the same effects with the added benefits of lowering your blood sugar and helping to reduce insulin resistance. So go on, give it a bash...

Chicken in Spiced Yoghurt with Pomegranate and Coconut

It's been a while :) Sorry :(
But, here's a lekker recipe for a healthy, warm, gorgeous chicken dish that'll put you in a good mood! It's one that would also work beautifully with pork fillet if that's more your thing...