Port-Kissed Fig & Clementine Sundae
"Rich, fruity, and irresistibly creamy"
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Port-Poached Figs:
6 ripe fresh figs, halved
250 ml ruby port wine
3 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1 cinnamon stick
1 strip orange zest
½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Sundae:
8 scoops premium vanilla bean ice cream
2 clementines, peeled and segmented
2 tbsp toasted chopped pistachios (optional)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Method:
In a small saucepan, combine the port wine, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, orange zest and vanilla.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add the halved figs and simmer gently for 6–8 minutes until they soften but still hold their shape.
Carefully remove the figs with a slotted spoon.
Continue simmering the liquid for another 5–7 minutes until it reduces into a glossy syrup. Remove the cinnamon stick and orange zest, then allow the syrup to cool slightly.
Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into each serving glass.
Arrange the warm port-poached figs around and over the ice cream.
Scatter fresh clementine segments between the figs.
Spoon the warm port syrup generously over the top.
Sprinkle with toasted pistachios if using and garnish with a fresh mint leaf.
Serve immediately while the contrast between the warm fruit and cold ice cream is at its best.
Chef's Tip:
For an extra-special finish, add a dollop of lightly whipped mascarpone or crème fraîche beneath the ice cream. The creamy richness beautifully complements the deep fruit flavours and the warming notes of the port.
Serving Suggestion:
Pair with crisp butter biscuits or delicate almond tuiles and enjoy with a small glass of ruby port or freshly brewed espresso.
200g of protein cooked in 10 minutes:
Sheet pan fajitas
Ingredients:
-2 lb chicken tenders or breasts cut into strips
-Bell peppers, chopped
-Red onion, chopped
-1 packet taco seasoning
-Avocado oil
Toss everything in a bowl, then bake at 400 for about 10 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked
Rosemary roast lamb served with roasted vegetables and rich gravy!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 kg lamb (leg or shoulder)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
• Salt and black pepper
• Potatoes and carrots.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 Rub the lamb all over with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and black pepper
2 Place the lamb in a roasting pan with the potatoes and carrots
3 Roast at 200°C (400°F) for about 1 hour, depending on the size of the cut
4 Remove from the oven and let the lamb rest for 10 minutes
5 Slice and serve with the pan juices or gravy.
Mexican Chicken Soup!
Ingredients:
3-4 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 jalapenos, seeded and diced (can also use poblano or bell pepper)
4-5 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tsp cumin
Salt & pepper
1 jar salsa verde
6 cups chicken bone broth (can also use beef or regular chicken broth)
1 can (14 ounce) black beans, drained
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder and cumin.
Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium high heat, then add some oil. Brown the chicken for a couple minutes each side. The goal here is just to get some color on the chicken and develop a fond on the bottom of the pan (does not need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
Add another dash of oil, then add your onions, jalapenos and a pinch of salt. Saute for 5-6 minutes or until they start to soften up. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Add the salsa verde, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cumin and chili powder and stir well. Scrape the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon to release the flavor. Add the chicken back in.
Bring to a boil then lower the heat. Cover and let simmer until the chicken shreds easily, about 1 hour. Remove the chicken, shred with 2 forks, then add it back in.
Add the can of black beans, lime juice and cilantro and stir well. Let cook for another 5 minutes or so, then taste for salt.
You can serve this over rice or by itself. Some raw cheddar, sour cream, jalapenos, lime juice, cilantro are all great toppings here.
As always, if you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments!
Stir-Fried Beef and Noodles with Vegetables
Ingredients 🛒
For the Beef
1 pound top sirloin steak or flank steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra tenderness)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the SauceSoups & Stews
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Noodles and Vegetables
12 ounces flat rice or wheat noodles
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 red chili, thinly sliced
2 medium bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 green onions, sliced, plus extra for garnish
Sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
Marinating the Beef
Begin by preparing the beef. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and baking soda if using. Add the sliced beef and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This short marinating time helps tenderize the meat and creates a light coating that will thicken the sauce during cooking.Beef
Preparing the Noodles
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain them well and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside until ready to use.
Mixing the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust the chili garlic sauce depending on how spicy you like your stir-fry.
Stir-Frying the Beef
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook quickly, about one to two minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Cooking the Vegetables and Noodles
Add another tablespoon of oil to the same wok. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and red chili for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and cook for two to three minutes, keeping them tender-crisp.
Push the vegetables aside, add the remaining oil, then add the noodles. Pour the sauce over the noodles and return the beef to the pan. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Prunes, Saffron & Chickpeas
Ingredients
2 lbs lamb shoulder or leg, cut into large chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground ginger
Pinch of saffron threads, steeped in 2 tbsp warm water
1½ cups chicken or lamb broth
1 (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup dried prunes, halved
2 tbsp honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley (for garnish)
Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Prunes, Saffron & Chickpeas
How to Make Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Prunes
1. Brown the Lamb
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or traditional tagine over medium-high heat. Add the lamb pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides to develop a rich caramelized crust. This step builds the deep flavor base essential for an authentic Moroccan lamb tagine. Remove the browned lamb and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 5–6 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and ginger. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to release the spices’ fragrance without burning them. Fruits& Vegetables
3. Slow Simmer the Tagine
Return the lamb to the pot. Pour in the saffron-infused water and broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook slowly for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the lamb becomes fork-tender. The slow cooking process allows the spices to infuse deeply into the meat.
4. Add Chickpeas and Prunes
Once the lamb is tender, stir in the chickpeas, halved prunes, and honey. These ingredients create the signature sweet-and-savory balance that defines Moroccan lamb tagine with prunes. Simmer uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Garnish
Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley on top just before serving for brightness and freshness.
Rustic Pork Belly Pot-au-Feu 🥩🥕🥔🧅
"Comfort food that warms the soul"
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly:
1.2 kg pork belly, skin removed, cut into 4–6 thick portions
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables:
4 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
4 potatoes, peeled
3 onions, quartered
2 leeks, sliced into thick rounds
3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
6 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
Broth:
2 litres chicken or pork stock
250 ml dry white wine
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
2 cloves
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Cracked black pepper
Instructions:
1. Brown the Pork:
Season the pork belly generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork belly for 3–4 minutes per side until beautifully golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Base:
In the same pot, sauté the onions, leeks, celery, and garlic for about 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelised.
Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up all the flavourful browned bits.
3. Simmer:
Return the pork belly to the pot.
Add the stock, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, peppercorns, and cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook over very low heat for 2 hours.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Add the carrots and potatoes.
Continue cooking for another 40–50 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the pork belly is meltingly soft.
5. Finish the Broth:
Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaves.
Stir in the Dijon mustard and butter to enrich the broth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
:To Serve
Arrange the pork belly in warm rustic bowls.
Ladle the rich broth over the vegetables.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.
Serve with crusty artisan bread, buttered baguette, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting country-style meal.
Chef's Tips:
For even deeper flavour, prepare the stew a day ahead; the broth becomes richer overnight.
Add parsnips or turnips for a more traditional French country version.
A spoonful of wholegrain mustard served alongside beautifully complements the rich pork belly.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving enhances both the crackling edges of the pork and the vegetables.
Stuffed Vegan Portobello Mushrooms with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms
4 large Portobello mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Stuffing
1/2 cup vegan cream cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped spinach
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as oat, soy, or almond milk)
2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for a thicker sauce)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wipe the Portobello mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel and remove the stems.
Brush both sides of the mushrooms with olive oil.
Sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
In a medium bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped spinach, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Mushrooms
Place the mushrooms, gill side up, on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Divide the stuffing evenly among the mushroom caps, gently pressing it into place.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is lightly golden.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the mushrooms are baking, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the plant-based milk and vegan cream cheese until smooth.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon the warm creamy garlic sauce onto serving plates or drizzle it over the stuffed mushrooms.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve immediately.
Crispy Crab Delight Rolls 🦀🦀
"Crunch into pure seafood bliss"
Servings: 10–12 pockets
Ingredients
For the Filling:
300 g cooked crab meat , shredded
1 cup finely shredded cabbage
1 medium carrot, grated
2 spring onions, finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tbsp cream cheese
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or coriander
Salt to taste
For the Egg Wash:
1 egg
1 tbsp milk
For Wrapping:
10–12 egg roll wrappers
For Frying:
Vegetable oil
Creamy Chive Dipping Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp finely chopped chives
½ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of black pepper
Mix all ingredients together and chill until ready to serve.
Instructions:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add the cabbage and carrot, cooking for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Stir in the crab meat, soy sauce, sesame oil, paprika, pepper, and salt.
Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Fold in the cream cheese, mozzarella, spring onions, and parsley until well combined.
Assemble:
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface like a diamond.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner.
Fold the bottom over the filling.
Fold in both sides.
Brush the top edge with egg wash.
Roll tightly to seal.
Cook:
Heat oil to 175°C (350°F).
Fry the pockets in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until beautifully golden brown and crisp.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve:
Arrange the Golden Crab Egg Pockets on a platter with the creamy chive dipping sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.
Chef's Tip:
For an even lighter version, brush the pockets with a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes, or air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
These crispy pockets are delicious served warm with sweet chilli sauce, garlic aioli, or the creamy chive dip.
Lemon & Blueberry Glazed Loaf Cake
🧺 Ingredients
For the cake:
Cakes
🥚 3 large eggs
🍬 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
🧈 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
🥛 100 g (⅓ cup) plain yogurt
🍋 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
🌾 200 g (1⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
🧁 1 packet baking powder (about 11 g / 2½ tsp)
🫐 120 g (1 cup) blueberries, fresh or frozen
🧂 A pinch of salt
For the lemon glaze:
🍋 1 tbsp lemon juice
🍬 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
👩🍳 Method
1️⃣ Prepare the base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and slightly thickened. This step helps incorporate air, giving the loaf a lighter texture.
Food
2️⃣ Add the wet ingredients
Stir in the melted butter, followed by the yogurt. Add the lemon zest and juice, mixing until smooth and evenly combined. The lemon infuses the batter with a fresh, citrusy aroma.
3️⃣ Incorporate the dry ingredients
Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain—avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and tender.
4️⃣ Fold in the blueberries
Toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour (this helps prevent them from sinking). Carefully fold them into the batter so they stay intact and evenly distributed.
5️⃣ Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a loaf pan, then pour in the batter and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan.
6️⃣ Glaze and finish
Whisk the lemon juice with the powdered sugar until smooth and slightly thick. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing.
Lemon Butter Chilean Sea Bass
Serves: 4 • Prep: 10 minutes • Cook: 12–15 minutes • Total: ~25 minutes
Ingredients
4 Chilean sea bass fillets (5–6 oz/140–170 g each), 1–1.5 inches thick
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for color)
Lemon wedges, to serve
Chopped parsley or chives, to finish
Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish, optional)
Lemon butter sauce
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small garlic clove, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
1/3 cup dry white wine or low‑sodium chicken/veg broth
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (silky body, optional)
Pinch kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
Prep the fish
Pat fillets very dry. Rub with olive oil; season all over with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear
Heat a large stainless or cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high until hot. Add a thin film of oil.
Lay fillets in and sear 3–4 minutes without moving until the bottom is deeply golden.
Finish cooking
Flip carefully. Reduce heat to medium and cook 3–5 minutes more, depending on thickness, until just opaque and flaky in the center (internal temp 130–135°F / 54–57°C). Transfer to a warm plate.
Make the lemon butter
In the same skillet over medium heat, add butter. When melted and foamy, add garlic; cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in wine/broth, scraping up browned bits; simmer 60–90 seconds to reduce slightly.
Stir in lemon juice and Dijon. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. The sauce should be glossy and spoonable—reduce a bit longer if thin, or whisk in a cold pat of butter to thicken.
Serve
Spoon warm lemon butter over the sea bass. Finish with parsley/chives and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve with lemon wedges.
Tips
Dry fish well for superior browning.
Don’t overcook: sea bass is rich and forgiving but best slightly translucent at the very center when pulled from the pan; it will carryover cook.
For extra richness, brown the butter lightly before adding garlic (nutty beurre noisette vibe).
Sides that pair perfectly
Garlic mashed or roasted baby potatoes
Asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach
Lemon‑herb rice or buttered orzo
Simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan
Oven method (hands‑off)
Heat oven to 400°F/205°C. Sear fillets 2 minutes per side on the stovetop, then transfer skillet to oven 4–6 minutes to finish. Make sauce on the stovetop while fish rests.
Make‑ahead
Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead; rewarm gently and add a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving.
Easy Peach Puff Pastry
Serves: 8–9 tarts • Prep: 15 minutes • Bake: 18–22 minutes • Total: ~35 minutes
Ingredients
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8–10 oz), thawed but still cold
2 large ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced (or 2 cups drained canned/jarred peaches)
2 tbsp granulated sugar (plus more for sprinkling)
1 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
1/8 tsp kosher salt
3–4 oz cream cheese, softened (or mascarpone/ricotta)
1 tbsp honey (or 1 tbsp powdered sugar) for the cream layer
1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water (egg wash)
1–2 tbsp coarse sugar (turbinado) for crunch
Tiny pinch flaky salt to finish (optional)
Glaze (optional)
2 tbsp apricot jam + 1 tsp hot water OR 1 tbsp honey warmed
Garnish (optional)
Fresh thyme leaves or mint, very small pinch
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Heat oven and prep pan
Preheat to 400°F (205°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment. Keep pastry cold until the moment you score it.
Macerate peaches
Toss peach slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and a small pinch of salt. Let sit 5–10 minutes; pat very lightly so they’re not dripping.
Make the creamy base
Stir cream cheese with honey (or powdered sugar) until smooth. This helps anchor the peaches and keeps the center plush. Chill until needed.
Shape the pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry to a roughly 10×10 inch square. Cut into 9 equal squares (about 3⅓ inches each). Transfer to the lined pan.
Lightly score a 1/3‑inch border around each square (don’t cut through). Prick the centers a few times with a fork to prevent over‑puffing.
Assemble
Brush borders with egg wash. Spread 1–2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
Fan 3–5 peach slices over the cream layer. Brush exposed pastry lightly with egg wash. Sprinkle borders with coarse sugar.
Bake
Bake 18–22 minutes, rotating once, until pastry is deeply golden and crisp and peaches are tender.
Finish
While hot, brush peaches with warm apricot jam (or honey) for shine. Cool 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky salt, fresh thyme or mint, and a dusting of powdered sugar if you like.
Serve
Best warm or at room temp. Great with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Tips
Keep pastry cold: chill assembled tray for 5 minutes before baking if the kitchen is warm.
Extra crisp bottom: preheat the sheet pan in the oven, then slide the parchment with tarts onto the hot pan.
Using canned peaches: drain and pat dry; reduce added sugar slightly.
Variations
Almond peach: spread 1–2 tsp almond paste or frangipane instead of cream cheese; top with sliced almonds before baking.
Peach-cheesecake braid: keep pastry whole, spread cream cheese mixture down center, arrange peaches, cut side strips, and braid; bake 22–26 minutes.
Spiced honey: finish with a drizzle of hot honey and a whisper of cardamom.