A warm, crisp salad using seasonal ingredients and suitable for any occasion and any diet. This is very quick to prepare, with the vegetables maintaining their crunchy texture when they are served immediately. This salad is a useful way to use the odd selection of vegetables remaining in the refrigerator. Alternatively, select vegetables, herbs and […]

A traditional Shakshuka is a tomato-based sauce in which eggs are poached. It makes a delicious breakfast dish; and the variations provided here make it suitable for many diets, including replacing the eggs with Tofu for Egg Free and Vegan diets. Originating in North Africa, the rich tomato sauce includes a selection of herbs and […]

Aubergine and Walnut Dip is both simple to prepare and versatile. Serve it as a canapé, with salad, or as a sandwich filler for a range of diets including Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegan. While the combination of aubergine (eggplant) and nuts/seeds is familiar — being Baba Ganoush, the Greek/Turkish eggplant and tahini dip — […]

This tangy Yabbie Paté is perfect for a summer dinner party. With variatious substitutions, it is suitable for many diets including: Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free and Low Calorie. Fish farming has become a growing industry here in Zambia where water is plentiful in many parts. At one time there was even a Yabby farm, […]

The Vegetable Sauce recipes below are simply prepared and suitable for the diets as indicated with each recipe. Cooked in advance they can be refrigerated for later inclusion in: dips, salsas, pasta and gnocchi sauce, pizza, served over roasted, steamed or stuffed vegetables, as the basis for poaching fish and as a sauce for many […]

Lightly steamed Green Beans served with a Japanese style dressing is very simple and tasty and suitable for numerous diets. Serve it either warm or cold. Make this vegetable the basis of a nutritious, light vegan meal. Add more seeds or replace with nuts to provide adequate protein; and serve it with steamed brown or […]

This sauce, accompanying steamed or grilled asparagus, can be described as a healthy hollandaise option. It is suitable for many diets including Diabetic, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Calorie and Vegetarian. Gribiche Sauce is of French origin. The preparation is simply the mixing of the yolk of a soft-poached egg with a combination of herbs, […]

Nori Wraps are a great snack, canapé or lunch suitable for every diet including Gluten Free, Paleo, Raw and Vegan. They are a light variation of a sushi roll, having no rice. This makes them very quick to assemble and a particular favourite for those following a Paleo diet. The ingredients chosen will make these […]

Grill aubergine (eggplant) to serve with a wide choice of ingredients to suit various meals types and diets. ‘Grilled’ Aubergine, widely featured on menus in the Mediterranean, refers to numerous cooking methods. It is frequently fried, resulting in the aubergine absorbing a large quantity of fat. The fat content of this dish can be minimised […]

Valentines – Sweethearts, Red Roses and Chocolate. The origin of celebrating Valentine’s with chocolate is unclear. Perhaps it is simply a merging of the increased popularity of chocolate with the growing celebration of Valentine’s Day. Whatever the reason it is now well imbedded in our psych. Try making your own chocolate.“How to make Chocolate” is […]

Fresh mango, as a savoury accompaniment or dessert, with spice to enhance the flavour. This makes it suitable for almost every diet, including Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Raw and Vegan. Mango combines well with lime juice and chilli, as in myMango Salsa recipe. However, chilli is not a favourite for everyone; so I was […]

This aromatic combination of herbs and spices is delicious with raw salmon as a fresh starter or light supper. Tartare is usually associated with steak; a mix of raw beef with herbs and spices. The concept for this dish is similar, though the salmon is cut into small cubes rather than minced: and the mix […]

Rich, dark chocolate with fruit and nuts — the colours of the festive season. This simple recipe is suitable for most diets including Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegan. Unsurprisingly, I have found that making chocolate in Zambia is more difficult than it is in ‘cool’ London. When I arrived in July, I bought […]

Festive Crostini are a light and healthy canapé, their colours indicative of the festive season. The choice of the base makes them suitable for all diets including Gluten Free, Paleo, Raw and Vegan. Crunchy, light and quick to prepare, these crostini have the flavours of Italian antipasto. While baguette is generally the base for these […]

This dried fruit and nut log is very versatile, being suitable as a packed snack or part of a dinner party menu. It is very quick to prepare and, in an airtight container, will keep for weeks. (Keep it in the refrigerator to help it retain its moisture and for ease when slicing.) This makes […]

A chutney that combines sweet, savoury and citrus flavours, making it a good accompaniment to many meals and also suitable for most diets, including Diabetic, Low Calorie, Raw and Vegan. The BBC Food Programme is a wonderful source of food information and ideas. It was here, within a discussion of the approaching festive season and […]

Roast Quince, rich and sweet, can accompany any grill, roast, curry or salad selection. It is suitable for many diets including: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo and Vegan. In recent years I have become more interested in combining sweet and savoury. The contrasts enhance the inherent flavour of each and I find it reduces my […]

Plum Parfait is a mixed fruit dessert, adaptable to utilise seasonal fruit. Autumn is a time of abundance for fruit and vegetables, with plums usually in great supply in the temperate zones. I enjoy incorporating them into both sweet and savoury dishes. The regular sweet options are cakes, crumbles and puddings. This mix of fruit […]

This simple chilli sauce is a good accompaniment to many dishes – soup, casserole, stir-fry or a dash in your fruit salad. This recipe is compliments of the chef at“Motswiri”, a walking and riding safari camp on the banks of the Selinda Spillway in Botswana, at which Alastair and I stayed a few years ago […]

Ginger Mararoons are sweet bites that accompany a fruit dessert or make a small snack. They are suitable for Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free, Paleo and Vegetarian diets. These biscuits are a variation on traditional macaroons — sugar, egg white and ground almonds. I have reduced the quantity of sugar and added glacé or crystallised […]

A light dish of aubergine and mange tout flavoured with sesame and ginger. It is suitable for Diabetic, Dairy Free, Paleo and Vegan diets; and substitutes are suggested for Fodmap diet. Steaming is an unusual way to prepare aubergine as it is generally fried in a lot of oil. This method — together with the […]

Roasted Cauliflower and Peanut is a nutritious salad that is suitable for most diets including Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, and Vegan. Cauliflower is available for much of the year, making it a very versatile ingredient. The roasting of the cauliflower makes it more digestible and sweeter, and is an interesting variation on many of […]

Dukkah is a Middle Eastern nut and spice mix, eaten as a snack or served as an accompaniment to many savoury dishes. The selection of nuts and spices varies. There are four key ingredients, ie: coriander, cumin, sesame seeds and nuts and to these salt, pepper and dried mint or thyme are added. Below I […]

Baked quinces are fragrant and sweet, delicious served as breakfast fruit or dessert. Raw, quinces are inedible; but cooked they have a sweetness that requires few additional ingredients. They have a short ripening season; so make the most of their versatility while they are available. Often stewed or baked with complementary fruits, quinces make good […]

A variation of Panforte and Siena Cake that is suitable for Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo and Vegan diets. This is a family recipe that I think came from my aunt Ellen who was very fond of rich cakes and desserts. The inclusion of a little chocolate to the fruit, nut and spice mix provides […]

Spring Greens with Tahini is a seasonal vegetable combination that can be served as a vegetable or made into a light meal for Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegan diets. The term spring greens is a generic term for the numerous varieties available. It originates from the cold north where, with the thawing of […]

Tasty crisp-breads make a nutritious snack or part of an elegant array of canapés that are suitable for Fodmap, Gluten Free, Paleo, Raw and Vegan diets. It may seem odd to think of baking your own crisp-breads, which are so readily available in any supermarket or health store. However, you will be delighted by the […]

Mussels, with the subtle Asian flavours of ginger, lime and a touch of chilli, makes a light and delicious meal suitable for many occasions and diets. Many people eat mussels only when dining out. Here is a recipe that may encourage you to incorporate this tasty, cheap and nutritious food into your own cooking repertoire. […]

This combination of flavours makes a wonderful breakfast treat or dessert. It combines fruits of the season with those that have beendried, during the summer, for use in the darker months when the variety of fresh seasonal produce is limited. This recipe is a guide only. Make your own selection of both variety and quantity […]

A light, soft pancake with no added sugar, making a healthy breakfast choice, snack or dessert. These pancakes are simple to cook, the time being reduced if you have a large pan and can cook several at a time. They retain their quality when prepared in advance, which is a great advantage if cooking for […]

A cooked winter salad. A crowd-stopper of vibrant red, white and green. Winter salads can be bright and light. Here, the leaves of chicory, which has a slightly bitter taste, are combined with the sweeter gem lettuce. Grilling these greens both changes the flavour and challenges the concept of how to present lettuce. Adding a […]

A colourful and interesting winter salad combining Brussels sprouts with the flavours of Middle Eastern cooking. Sprouts often have a slightly bitter flavour and this combination of sweet and fresh, fruit and herbs will encourage most people to try what may not be their ‘favourite vegetable’. I was never very keen on sprouts but, since […]

A colourful fruit platter of winter fruits, while the colour and fragrance suggest warmer times. In the cooler latitudes, the selection of fresh fruit available is limited in the cold months (or extremely expensive while not always providing the best flavour). Presentation of the ‘standard fruits’ with a few simple additions will transform your light […]

A tasty meal or addition to your smorgasbord luncheon, using the remains from your celebratory lunch of roast turkey. Yesterday a friend sent christmas greetings which included:                                 This little note I send to say                                 I hope you’re well and perky;                                 And don’t forget on Christmas Day                                 Enjoy a meal of turkey! At the risk of […]

Lightly spiced and toasted nuts make a tasty snack and are good for parties. Select your favourite nuts or mix the odds and ends of packets you have lurking in the cupboard. Here I used Brazil nuts (I like their firm texture and they are visually a good addition to this selection), almonds (my favourite), […]

A succulent duck breast cooked with the rich and sweet flavours of berries, balsamic vinegar and cinnamon. This dish is very simple, requiring no preparation, and makes an elegant meal for Diabetic, Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat and Paleo diets. I have cooked this dish for many years, having first found […]

Stuffed mushrooms are presented in a variety of ways that make them suitable for numerous diets, enabling you to serve them as a canapé. These small bites are a nutritious and tasty choice for any party. From the ingredients listed make your preferred selection. If you are using a pesto that contains garlic, I recommend […]

Dates stuffed with coconut are a sweet treat that can be resisted by few and that is suitable for most people with dietary restrictions. It is a delicious and easy to prepare combination. And it stores well so can be made in advance for lunch boxes, a quick snack or an elegant sweet bite for […]

Quince cheese frequently accompanies a fruit and cheese platter; or is added to savoury dishes to sweeten and enrich the flavours. The season for quince is late autumn – and it is short! It is around the time when apples and pears, to which they make a great ‘companion’, are abundant. Try an apple and […]

Padron peppers are small green peppers that are pan-fried and served as a snack or canapé. They also make a good accompaniment to a grill, roast meats or eggs. Most padron peppers have a subtle flavour; but occasionally you get the jackpot, a blast of heat. This surprise of the hot pepper is often referred […]

A nutritious soup that is quick to prepare, makes a tasty light meal and is suitable for many diets including Low Calorie, Paleo and Vegan. Peas are one of those vegetables that are often neglected. I think this is a result of there having been fewer choices of vegetables when they were the vegetable…and often […]

This pumpkin pie is made in the tradition of a flourless cake. It is a light and healthy dessert and a good choice for the seasonal celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Variations are offered, making it suitable for Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free, Nut Free and Paleo diets. Especially at times of celebration it is […]

By selecting a variety of mushrooms and natural ingredients, this soup is rich in flavour and suitable for Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo and Vegan diets. There are hundreds of varieties of mushrooms. For real depth of flavour, this soup requires a selection beyond the button and chestnut. If availability of fresh and interesting mushrooms […]

Berber, the Ethiopian spice mix, is central to cooking in the Horn of Africa region. The wonderful flavours of Ethiopian cuisine are a combination that, while varying from household to household, remains generically a mix of whole spices toasted, notably: coriander, cardamom, allspice, cloves, chilli, black peppercorn and fenugreek; and of ground spices, notably: paprika, […]

The simple addition of spices to green leafy vegetables brings extra interest to any meal while keeping it suitable for Dairy Free, Fodmap, Paleo and Vegan diets. This is a traditional dish from Ethiopia, usually served as one of several withInjera, a type of pancake made with Gluten Free teff flour which is a staple […]

A sweet treat for Hallowe’en that will suit many children who have dietary restrictions including Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Nut Free. Hallowe’en, with its ‘trick or treat’, always includes sweets. So, the question arises: how to deal with those unknown dietary issues when you have a party or a child knocks in fancy dress? […]

Beef stew full of the flavours of cardamom and bay leaves. Its simplicity makes it a good choice for Fodmap, Gluten Free and Paleo diets. I was inspired by a meat pie we enjoyed at Wilderness Safari’s Doro Nawas camp in Damaraland, Namibia, when we were searching out the remarkable desert elephants. I recognised strong […]

A substantial, easy-to-prepare breakfast with options to make it suitable for Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free, Nut free, Paleo and Vegan diets. The variations offered make it suitable for all diets including Diabetic, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Raw and Vegan. Bircher muesli originated in Switzland and is a quick and simple breakfast for our […]

A sweet custard delicious served with or without fruit or a biscuit. To my knowledge, these little custards originated in South East Asia where coconut milk is widely used in sweet and savoury dishes. These custards have a delicate flavour, with the texture of an English baked custard (dairy). They are very simple of make […]

Broad bean purée makes a delicious accompaniment to your meal. Being high in protein, it is a particularly good choice for Paleo, Vegan and Vegetarian diets. My mother grew broad beans. However, when young I was never very keen on them because I found the skins tough. I have now been converted to these rich […]

Variations on traditional pesto recipes making it suitable for Dairy Free, Nut Free, Paleo and Vegan diets. When one or other of the ingredients in pesto is omitted or substituted it becomes suitable for most diets. The flavour changes; but it continues to be a tasty addition to any dish. For a Dairy Free, Paleo, […]

A tasty salad or warm vegetable dish suitable for, among others, Fodmap, Paleo and Vegetarian diets. Especially if you grow your own courgettes, you will probably be searching for new and interesting recipes for your crop. Mixed with dill, one of my favourite herbs, they make a fine salad. Make a light meal with the […]

Sweet, tangy melon slices that are suitable for Diabetic and Low Calorie diets. The simple addition of cardamom, paprika and salt provides a new and surprising taste experience. Diets for which Watermelon Slices is suitable: Diabetic, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Nut Free, Paleo, Raw, Vegetarian and Vegan. Ingredients Preparation: 10 mins […]

A fruit salad with subtle undertones of lime and vanilla, to be enjoyed by most diets including Diabetic, Dairy Free and Low Calorie. Credit for this recipe goes to Solomon, the chef at Bale Mountain Lodge in Ethiopia, where Alastair and I stayed and ate delicious food while searching for (and finding) the Ethiopian wolf […]

A light refreshing soup that is a meal in itself. It is suitable for many diets including Dairy Free, Raw and Vegan Diets. The subtle flavours can be enhanced by the addition of a little harrisa or chopped green chilli. However, be cautious with the quantity unless you want a ‘hot’ soup. Diets for which […]

A light and refreshing dessert suitable for Diabetic, Dairy Free, Low Calorie, and Vegan diets in particular. Making ice is a simple way to utilise your abundant fruit. Freezing usually reduces the flavour of foods. To prevent this, cook and concentrate the fruit before freezing; or add complementary flavours suitable for any diet requests. The […]

A refreshing drink for those hot summer days, especially suitable for Diabetic, Low Calorie and Raw diets. Watermelon is a great thirst quencher, sweet without adding sugar (hence the suitability for Diabetic and Low Calorie diets). The lime – the ‘zester’ – is a tasty addition, reducing the intensity of the sweetness. Best served chilled. […]

A grain-free ‘pasta’ salad, fresh and light and suitable for Gluten Free, Paleo and Vegetarian diets. With the help of a mandolin, or a good knife and a lot of patience, a courgette can take on the appearance of pasta. Even its texture is not dissimilar. This dish can provide flavours similar to ratatouille when […]

A delicious flavouring that has been adapted, making it suitable for Fodmap, Nut Free and Vegan diets. Tapenade is a very useful additive to your store, widely used to enliven the flavours of canapés, salads, vegetable and meat dishes. When you make your own, the ingredients can be changed so it is suitable for most […]

A vegan version of a spicy Thai salad. Papaya salad is traditionally known as Som Tam. The interesting flavour combination – sweet, sour, salty and hot – make it a tasty accompaniment to any grill or cold selection; or, with the addition of more seeds, it is a satisfying light meal in itself. Green papaya […]

A delicious Dairy Free sauce suitable for most desserts and many diets. Zabaglione is a classic recipe that is so often be overlooked. The first time I ate it was when my aunt, Ellen the gourmet chef, made it. I remember the thinking, ‘why eat custard’?

Delicious softened apricots with subtle complimenting flavours that make a good dessert for Diabetic, Low Calorie and Low Fat diets. Eating fresh apricots, with the juice running down one’s chin, is a treat. Although, the apricots in this recipe are baked for a few minutes, they do retain their juiciness, shape and texture. There are […]

Make your own dried fruit, avoiding the use of additives and subsequently having no concerns of the suitability for Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Nut Free diets. It is very satisfying preserving fruit or vegetables, for later use, when you have an abundant supply. This guide for stone fruit can be applied to many fruits […]

Herby fish cakes or small bites, as canapes for Gluten Free, Low Calorie and Paleo diets. The herbs provide moisture and flavour to these fish cakes, so select a firm fish (it need not be expensive). The idea for these originated from my mother’s cooking. She used to make what the family called ‘green patties’. […]

A vegetable snack for your lunch box or picnic. These toothpick-sized vegetable sticks are a variation on grilled vegetables. As finger food, they can be a portion of your barbecue menu, your picnic or lunch boxes; or they can be served as a canapes. The vegetable selection is seasonal: here are pepper, courgette, aubergine, shallots […]

‘Angels on Horseback’: canapes or a treat in your picnic box when following a Gluten Free, Low Calorie or Paleo diet. My mother used to make ‘Devils on Horseback’, prunes wrapped in bacon, although now ‘out of vogue’; this is not dissimilar. Like the prunes, the peach caramelises slightly when grilled and is complimented by […]

The essential chocolate sauce for all occasions and most diets including Dairy Free, Diabetic, Paleo and Vegan. With few but tasty ingredients, this is a chocolate sauce to include in any healthy diet, in moderation of course. Like most foods of quality, a little goes a long way. In the proportions recommended, the sauce will […]

‘Sweeten’ your strawberries with balsamic vinegar, making it suitable for most diets including Diabetic and Low Calorie. This is the simplest way to enhance the flavour and sweetness of strawberries (and is also good with raspberries and blackberries). It is a delicious dessert that requires no advance planning and minimal time to prepare. Diets for […]

Two of summer’s favourite fruits in an elegant and simple dessert. It is a quick to prepare and is suitable for Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Paleo and Vegan diets. For this recipe, the secret of ensuring a plate of bright colourful fruit is to have the your griddle at the correct heat. With a […]

A vinegar that provides summer flavours in the depths of winter. It can be used successfully to enhance the flavours of many diet meals including Diabetic, Low Calorie, Raw and Vegan. Fruit vinegars used to be very popular because they enabled one to enjoy summer fruit flavours out of season. But this has become unnecessary […]

A multitude of flavours in this salad or salsa and a good choice for Diabetic, Fodmap, Low Calorie and Paleo diets. A tasty aubergine dish to which little oil is added and no salt is necessary. The spice balance makes it suitable for many occasions and palates. It is also delicious with chilli incorporated in […]

A tasty balance of sweet roasted pepper, lemon and caper making it an interesting addition to salads for Dairy Free, Diabetic, Fodmap, and Vegetarian diets. Roasting peppers increases their sweetness, making them a good basis for sauces. Here they are prepared as a salad or as a dish to complement a grill or cold selection. […]

A high energy snack and a sweet treat for Dairy Free, Paleo, Raw and Vegan diets. These ‘macaroons’ requiring no baking and have no added fats, all the fat being that of the almonds and coconut. They are the ultimate sweet treat for an energetic person. Diets for which Caramel Macaroons are suitable: Dairy Free, […]

A simple and tasty addition to any meze platter, salad or starter. Asparagus various widely in its colour, size, texture and taste; from white to green, fine to thick, firm to soft, and subtle to nutty. Whatever your selection, grilling the asparagus and serving with lemon juice, parmesan cheese and black pepper is delicious. Diets […]

Roasted tomatoes for many occasions and most diets. Ripe, seasonal, tiny tomatoes are sweet bites. Roast with some fresh herbs to provide complementing flavours. Diets for which Roasted Tomatoes are suitable: Diabetic, Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Nut Free, Paleo, Vegan and Vegetarian. Ingredients Preparation: 5 mins | Cooking: 20+ mins […]

A mushroom salad, a canapé, or a tasty vegan addition to meze platter. This versatile dish has just three ingredients. It is very simple to prepare and is suitable for most diets, with the exception of some Fodmap diets, ie mushrooms are on the ‘foods to avoid’ list for the Fodmap diet but this does […]

A light chocolate mousse with no dairy or soya, which makes it suitable for Dairy Free and Fodmap diets. This mousse is one of those recipes that I have had in my ‘repertoire’ for years. With no added cream or butter, it is a light mousse and a healthier choice than so many desserts. It […]

Make your own chocolate: for everyone including Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Vegan diets. Chocolate is one of those foods one should always have in the pantry. But this can be complicated when you are catering for various food restrictions no dairy, no gluten, and no animal products. Here is a very simple recipe so […]

A ‘healthy’ chocolate spread with numerous uses and for many diets including Dairy Free, Paleo, Raw and Vegan. This is the most versatile of treats. All the ingredients are raw and can be ‘wizzed’ together for a delicious snack in minutes. With the sweet flavour from banana and dates, it is suitable for diabetic diets […]

An ‘all natural’ and ‘raw’ chocolate treat for most diets, including Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Raw and Vegan. I thank my sister Ruth for this recipe. They were my introduction to the new Raw food phenomenon and led to my interest in Raw food beyond salad. You will understand why the name when you have […]

A non-bake pastry for Paleo and Raw diets. Like many pastries, this one is rich – being high in fat. However, nuts, the base of the pastry and the source of the fat, are also rich in protein and other nutrients, making this dish a good choice for a high calorie and nutritious dessert or […]

Pea Guacamole is a bright green dip that is very suggestive of spring. It is a healthy, low fat alternative to the avocado guacamole we all know and love; and it is as simple to prepare. The dish is sweet from the natural juices of the peas, the flavour of which is enhanced by the […]

Fruit crumble, an all time favourite, with variations making it suitable for Fodmap, Gluten Free, Nut free, Paleo and Vegan diets. Crumble was one of the top five desserts (puds) in my childhood. It was the apple crumble that was ‘top of the pops’ largely because of a regular supply of prime apples from my […]

Rhubarb as a simple and tasty dessert. Rhubarb is a good accompaniment to sweet and savoury dishes. As a savoury choice, it is particularly good with fatty meats and oily fish. In sweet dishes, it is often combined with other fruits, apple being a particular favourite. Here the rhubarb is gently sweetened to serve alone […]

A return to slow cooking with a fusion of flavours. This pork dish is a healthy and tasty alternative to roast meat; and, like a roast, it requires little effort for fabulous results. I have selected a pork hock; but any slow cooking cut is suitable. Slow cooking cuts also have the advantage of usually […]

Boozy bananas. A delicious mix of aniseed and banana that Alastair used to serve when he lived in Kinshasa in the 1980s. The first time I made this dish I was cautious with the bottle; although the bananas tasted great they discoloured off-puttingly because they had not been completely covered in liquor. Next time, to […]

A delicious treat to herald the spring. Asparagus is simple to prepare and in this recipe the subtle flavour is enhanced with a little orange and mustard. Cook the asparagus for minimal time so it retains texture and colour. Diets for which Asparagus with Orange are suitable: Dairy Free, Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low […]

A salad full of crunch and subtle flavours. This salad is simple to prepare and the combination of ingredients will be an interesting variation in your salad repertoire. The flavours make it suitable to serve with many dishes; and the high protein content of the nuts makes this a satisfying inclusion for any meal of […]

Sweet and sour spinach for Fodmap, Dairy Free and Vegans. Spinach has been one of my favourite vegetables since I was very young. A strange choice for a child, though not all my favourite foods are such healthy choices! But I do not normally discuss this as I encourage tasty nutrition rich foods. Spinach is […]

Muffins but not as you know them! Rather, a new take on poached or fried egg and bacon. This recipe is based on the idea of baked eggs that, when cooked in muffin tins or small soufflé dishes, appear like muffins, in shape at least. They can be prepared in advance and require no watchful […]

Grilled fish with the gentle spice mix of northern Africa that is suitable for Diabetic, Dairy Free and Paleo diets. Chermoula is an Arabic word referring to a marinade that is often used for fish and seafood but that also compliments meat and vegetables. It is a varied mix of herbs, spices, oils; lemon and […]

An unusual autumnal salad. Autumn provides us with an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Last year, there was a bumper crop of plums; and, while one never tires of plum cake, it is interesting to delve into savoury options (and forage for mushrooms too). This salad is a variation on a roast vegetable salad. Perhaps […]

An interesting mix of flavours from the tropics and temperate regions suitable for Vegan, Paleo and Diabetic diets. Plums are abundant at the end of summer. I think they are not prized enough and am endeavouring to provide ideas for utilising them in both sweet and savoury dishes. This healthy, simple recipe offers an interesting […]

The subtle flavours in this sauce are tasty with vegetables and fish. I first made this sauce as an accompaniment for grilled vegetables. It made a light and tasty lunch and is nutritionally complete with the numerous vegetables supplemented by the protein in the walnuts. It is quick to prepare. If you make more than […]

A simple, refreshing starter. I generally cook seasonal foods and use local produce. However, in the depths of the English winter I can be seduced by some imports, avocado and grapefruit being good examples. They are available all year, though I am most attracted by a taste of the tropics when the days are short. […]

A simple, tasty meat dish with no extras, making it good for Diabetic, Fodmap and Paleo diets. Seswaa is the traditional ground beef dish of Botswana. My Botswana friend Janet explained the preparation to me originally and this is my interpretation. It is delicious in its simplicity. Use a piece of slow-cooking beef, often referred […]

A multi-purpose dish – salad, appetiser or serve as a spicy accompaniment to many dishes. Mangos are one of my favourite fruit. Growing up in a cool climate, we did not have mango when I was young. Later, while doing the Aussie travelling thing, I spent a few months in India where I ate mango […]

A simple, healthy and aromatic fish dish that is suitable for most diets including Diabetic and Paleo diets. It is a myth that cooking fish is difficult. It is quick, simple and often easier than cooking meat. This recipe highlights all these attributes. The parcels can be prepared well in advance and cooked later as […]

A great winter salad with an unusual combination of flavours. I have usually eaten cauliflower cooked, and when raw as a part of a platter of vegetables with a dip. A friend served a similar cauliflower salad at a BBQ and I liked the simplicity and the texture of the finely chopped cauliflower. Here I […]

A tasty milk substitute you can make at home that is suitable for Vegan and Dairy Free diets. Do not be discouraged by the idea of making Almond Milk, it is easy and the results are delicious. You will never buy ready-made almond milk again, and, if you are new to almond milk you will […]

A simple, tasty vegan curry that is a warming winter treat for Paleo and Vegan diets. There is a long list of ingredients for this recipe, do not be alarmed it is an easy dish to cook. The inclusion of cashew nuts makes this vegetable curry creamy and a good source of protein. For those […]

A snack or canapé for Fodmap, Diabetic and Vegan diets. Nuts are an important source of protein for vegans and some vegetarians and an excellent source of the omega 3 and 6 fats which are nutritionally important for us all. While some people are concerned about fats in their diets, nuts are eaten in relatively […]

Variation on berries for all diets and all meals. This simple dish can be an elegant touch to a dessert or breakfast platter. The rosemary makes an unusual addition to this fruit dish. Diets for which Spiced Blueberries are suitable: Dairy Free, Diabetic, Fodmap, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Nut Free, Paleo, Raw, Vegetarian […]