I die quietly and go to heaven every time I eat these… I eagerly await asparagus season every year, I can’t get enough of it. This is one of my favourite ways to eat asparagus although, as my Hubby quite rightly points out, anything wrapped in bacon is a winner! I’ve made these bundles of deliciousness as a side dish, as a pass around ‘nibble’ when there’s visitors around for dinner. Time to fess up: I’ve even had a big plate of it on it’s own as a meal (told you I love it). They are fun to make – and there’s not much to it! Get in quick – asparagus season finishes far too quickly! (more…)
Yummy Veges
Asian Noodle Salad with Teriyaki Dressing
Summer is coming, so here’s another favourite that’s perfect for BBQs! Oddly enough, it’s the boys that really seem to love this one, I think it’s the sweetness of the teriyaki?. Who cares? Boys eating salad? Yippee! The beauty of this Asian Noodle Salad with Teriyaki Dressing recipe is not following it exactly. Go with whatever ingredients you have, and use seasonal vegetables. The result is a different but delicious salad every time. This recipe looks like a lot of steps, but if you have your timing right, make my Chicken Teriyaki one night, keep the leftover sauce and make this later on during the week, that keeps things easy (smart thinking, hey?)
Coriander Pesto
This adults version of traditional basil pesto is always a winner: Every time I make this and serve it to friends, I get asked for the recipe. I figured that’s a good reason to share it with you!
I can’t get enough of this pesto and I love it because it’s so versatile: Delicious spooned over simple pan-fried fish, or a chicken breast… Put a dollop on roast veges… Stuff it inside a chicken breast… Use it as a dip… Mix it up with cream cheese for a more indulgent dip… Or, toss through hot pasta for a quick grown-ups dinner: You get the idea! Alternatively, if you aren’t a coriander fan – simply replace it with another cup of basil. Easy. (more…)
Cauliflower Puree
It’s not terribly interesting looking in the picture, but I PROMISE, it’s delicious. Until my Hubby tasted my Cauliflower Puree he reckoned the only way to eat cauliflower was smothered in a cheese sauce to disguise the taste. He’s changed his opinion since I made this – he loves it. You can also use this recipe to make cauliflower mash (keep reading!)
You can serve this as a side dish, in the place of cheese sauce, or simply wherever you’d usually use mashed potato. This is also fabulous over pasta with bacon and mushrooms (a great alternative to a more calorie-laden cream-based sauce). Hmmmmm. I mix this in with macaroni and call it Mac n’ Cheese for my vegetable-hating-son. He scoffs it, blissfully unaware that he is eating cauliflower. Gotcha.
(TIP: You can make this ahead of time, just restrain yourself from eating at least a quarter of it before serving time… It’s addictive. You’ve been warned!). (more…)
Mel’s Mack Daddy Salad
My gorgeous American friend Mel is the Queen of Salads. I went to her house for lunch once and she made a salad that was so good I recreated it and we had it for dinner that night, and three nights in a row the following week. So when Mel emailed me a recipe of another salad she thought I “might like”, I got excited and I raced off to the supermarket to get the ingredients.
(more…)
Leek & Potato Soup with Guilt-free Croutons
I’ve realised with spring nearly here my weekends of enjoying comforting winter soup are numbered! One thing to do: Get cooking! This soup is my spin on a classic. It’s really economical, easy to make, low(ish) in fat, but best of all – it’s absolutely delicious. I can’t get enough of it. Whilst I love soup, especially a creamy soup but I hate the calories, I’m forever fighting the battle of the shrinking jeans. Luckily I learnt a great tip on Weight Watchers years ago: Replace cream in soups with low fat Carnation evaporated milk! Genius: This scrimps on calories, but not taste. If you aren’t in a hurry, make this ahead of time as the flavour develops overnight… Guess what’s on the lunch menu for work this week?
(more…)
Winter Quinoa Salad with Roast Pumpkin
This recipe is inspired by Taste Cornucopia in Hastings, an organic cafe which never ceases to wow me with their food. They always have an incredible array of salads, packed with stuff that’s only good for you – and my favourite is their quinoa salad. I’ve had this salad for lunch at least once a fortnight for the last three and a half years and I think I’ve finally figured out how to make it almost as good as theirs! This is a fantastic winter salad.
