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 […]

Tomato Risotto is a versatile dish suitable as an accompaniment to many mains and, with a little variation, can be provided for most diets including: Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegan. With tomatoes in abundant supply here in Zambia I am always exploring new ways to include them in our meals. This particular risotto, being simple […]

This vegetarian cheeseburger is a tasty accompaniment to grilled vegetables, green salad and a variety of salsas. It is suitable for Egg Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free, and Vegetarian diets. These burgers are a vegetarian option that make a pleasant change to bean burgers. Grilled Halloumi cheese is a regular addition to many menus. This variation […]

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 — […]

Roast Cauliflower with Spices can be served as a vegetable, a salad or a light meal. It is suitable for many diets including: Low Calorie, Paleo and Vegan. Roasting cauliflower sweetens it; and the addition of spices makes a tasty ‘combo’ and a good variation on the traditional cauliflower cheese. Cauliflower and peanuts pair well […]

This Gnocchi is Gluten Free, with the ricotta cheese providing a moist texture. Gnocchi is very simple to make, although it does take a little time particularly when you are unfamiliar with the process and the texture required. (Below are some simple tips to help you make your first batch of Gluten Free gnocchi). I […]

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 […]

These muffins, topped with slices of caramelised orange, make an elegant dessert or snack. They are suitable for many diets including Egg Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free, Nut Free and Vegan. Citrus is an unusual ingredient in this type of baking and gives a light flavour and moist texture. This addition of fruit, and vegetable in […]

The flavour of roasted beetroot is enlivened with the addition of orange zest, always a good pairing with beets, and a little balsamic vinegar. It is suitable for most diets including Diabetic, Low Calorie and Vegan. Simple to prepare this recipe can be made in advance when entertaining or to store in your refrigerator, ensuring […]

Papaya (or Paw Paw) Sorbet, a tasty ice, is simply made without the need of ice cream maker. It is suitable for many diets including Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Raw. When there is an abundance of fruit I prepare and cook it in a variety of ways to maximise my enjoyment. Papaya I add […]

Flatbread, Pitta Bread and Naan are regional variations of flatbread that are suitable for many diets including Dairy Free, Diabetic and Vegan. The breads are simple and quick to make. In warm weather the dough will usually double in size in about 1 hour. However, in colder weather keep the proving time to a minimum […]

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 […]

Pancakes always seem a treat and these are nutritious as well as being light and fluffy. Adaptations are recommended, making them suitable for Diabetic, Fodmap and Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Calorie and Vegetarian diets. The inclusion of ricotta cheese in these pancakes makes them visually similar to American-style pancakes. To make the pancake softer, […]

The sweet and savoury flavours of Pineapple and Corn Salad provide a meal in one that is suitable for most diets including Diabetic, Gluten Free, and Vegan. This is a combination of ingredients, pineapple and corn, that, until living in a tropical climate, I had not enjoyed to their fullest. Combining them seemed a good […]

This Beetroot and Pomegranate Soup combines sweet and earthy flavours. It is suitable for the majority of diets, making it an attractive choice for a party menu. Dill and beetroot are a classic combination. The tang of the added pomegranate lightens the flavours; and yoghurt and/or walnuts add protein, making this soup a light meal. […]

This Baked Cheesecake makes a light and delicious dessert that is particularly good served with fresh or poached fruit. The recipe provides details to make it suitable for Dairy Free and Gluten Free diets. Cheesecake is usually a rich dessert made with cream cheese, cream and/or mascarpone cheese. Here, it is yoghurt that provides the […]

When travelling I enjoy exploring the new and the unexpected; “Change is good”, as I am known to say. Naturally, this includes the world of food where I go in search of new tastes, food combinations and cooking styles. However, in my recent move to Zambia I had to review one perception I have of […]

Cornmeal and Blue Cheese Muffins make a wholesome, savoury treat. Made with cornmeal they have a grainy texture and are suitable for Fodmap and Gluten Free diets, among others. The inspiration for this recipe was to use local ingredients for a savoury Gluten Free muffin. Cornmeal/maize was being planted in the fields nearby as I […]

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, […]

Carrot Dip is a light variation of hummus that can also be served as a tasty cold vegetable dish or salad. It is suitable for Diabetic, Fodmap, Low Calorie and Vegan diets. As a dip, the smooth consistency of puréed carrot and tahini has a creamy texture. I also like serving the carrot coarse, mashing […]

Roasted parsnips are sweet and with beans make a tasty light meal or winter salad. This dish is suitable for most diets including Diabetic, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Nut Free and Vegan. One of my favourite winter vegetables has always been roasted parsnip. And this recipe is suitable for any root vegetable, which […]

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 […]

A salad for all seasons, bringing great flavour and colour to the table. This is the simplest of salads, being particularly useful when it is winter and you are cooking seasonally. It is also ideal for those occasions when you have minimal vegetables to select from when making a couple of salads. It was for […]

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 […]

A simple mango mousse, with no added sugar or cream but spiced with cardamom, will be enjoyed by most diners and is suitable for many diets including Dairy Free, Egg Free, Low Calorie Vegetarian and Vegan. I think the best way to eat mango is fresh off the tree and I hope to be doing […]

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 […]

A yeast-free flatbread that you can cook in a frying pan, on the barbecue or in the oven. Its simplicity and suitability for many diets – including Diabetic, Dairy Free and Vegan – make this a ‘must have’ recipe. There are many names for flatbread: naan, pitta and roti to name a few. Today, the […]

A healthy ‘sweet treat’ to serve, after a meal, that is suitable for many diets including Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free and Vegan. Do not be deterred by the idea of making a jelly for your dessert or snack. Jellies are delicious and this one can be an elegant addition to your […]

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 […]

A simply soup that is tasty and suitable for most diets including Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Calorie and Vegan diets. Pumpkin soup was one of my ‘comfort foods’ when I was young and something I still enjoy. There are many variations; but perhaps the most common is pumpkin with the addition of potato to […]

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 […]

Bibimbap, a Korean dish, is colourful, nutritious and adaptable for most diets including Egg Free and Vegan where the traditional egg can be substituted. It has been said that ‘there are as many versions of Bibimbap as there are Korean cooks’. With that in mind, this is not really a recipe as such but a […]

Roasted Barley, with its toasted flavour and a nutty texture, is a great snack and suitable for Diabetic, Low Calorie and Low Fat diets. Barley is an ancient grain that not so widely used today. It is a substantial addition to soups and makes a delicious replacement for rice in a vegetable risotto. I was […]

Tasty vegetable fritters, Bhaji, make a great snack or light meal and are suitable for Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free and Vegan diets. Many of you will already be familiar with this Indian snack, also known as pakora, of which there are there are many variations. Onion bhaji are perhaps the best known, at […]

This is a very simple Gluten Free bread with a texture similar to wheat bread and suitable for many diets including Egg Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegan. Creating a light and moist texture is a particular challenge when baking Gluten Free bread because these qualities must be provided by a combination of ingredients other […]

Red bean paste is thick and sweet like a jam. It is delicious on toast and is frequently used in Japanese sweets. Include it in meals for Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Fat and Vegan diets. Azuki beans are the basis of this paste. They are boiled until tender and then sweetened with sugar. The […]

Mediterranean Bean Salad is a combination of legumes and summer vegetables; delicious as a light meal or as one of a selection of salads. The vegetables I have recommended for this salad are a guide only; any number of summer vegetables can be included. Try adding celery, green beans or a little tomato. Fava beans, […]

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 […]

Chickpea Pancakes are high protein savoury pancakes that make a nutritious snack or a meal suitable for Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free and Vegan diets. Chickpeas are legumes that have a diverse range of uses in cooking aside from their regular inclusion in tasty vegetable stews and curries. Ground into flour called besan, gabanza […]

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 spicy variation on potato salad, inspired with Indian flavours, to accompany a meal. I am very keen on Indian food, a fondness which has grown during my years living in London where many of the ‘curry houses’ are of exceptionally high quality. I am therefore including many variations on Indian recipes on this site. […]

A basic stock recipe that can be utilitsed in soups, stews and sauce and is suitable for most diets including: Diabetic, Fodmap, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegetarian and Vegan. Making your own stock is simple and a good way to use odd pieces of vegetable, particularly those that look a little ‘tired’. If you do […]

Vegan mayonnaise is based on either soya milk or tofu, making it suitable for Dairy Free, Egg Free, Fodmap* and Vegan diets. Making your own mayonnaise is very simple and, having no unfamiliar ingredients, it is suitable for most diets. The only piece of equipment you need is a blender, either a machine or hand-held […]

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 […]

A light asparagus soup, the fragrance enhanced with ginger and lime. Suitable for Diabetic, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, and Vegan diets. This soup is a simple combination of ingredients. The result is optimised when your asparagus is full of flavour; you can not judge this visually, however, so my recommendation is always to try […]

This light, moist cornbread is ideal for those who enjoy a granular textured bread and is suitable for Fodmap and Gluten Free diets. In regions where corn is a staple, cornmeal is available in a variety of grades from coarse stoneground, providing a nutty flavour, to finer varieties. Wheat flour if often added to the […]

This variation on the presentation of sweet potato enables it to be a crisp base for a salad, light meal or a snack in its own right. The presentation of these ‘potato cakes’ offers a crisper variation of what is usually a ‘soft’ dish. To achieve this you need a mandolin to finely grate the […]

These upside-down puddings are a tasty option as a winter or spring dessert, when seasonal fruit is in short supply. I like rhubarb, probably because it was a regular addition to apple desserts throughout my childhood. Also, I find its sharp astringency makes a good contrast to the sweet elements of a dessert, as in […]

Vegetable Biriyani is scented rice to which vegetables, beans and nuts are added. (Seafood, chicken and mutton are ingredients regularly added to a biryani.) It is traditionally served at an elegant meal, at festival time, in combination with many other dishes. However, it is a tasty and nutritious meal in its own right, with a […]

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 simple and visually interesting method for presenting eggs at breakfast, lunch or supper. These eggs, in little bread parcels, have been a particular favourite with my nephews, two active young boys who would rather be outside than stopping for a meal. So, the novelty value of eggs cooked in bread cases was a winner […]

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 […]

Two very simple recipes to make your own soft cheese or tofu, to use in baking and for dips and spreads. This soft cheese is called Lebneh in the Middle East, where it is made with yoghurt, and Paneer in India where milk is used. In both recipes you can substitute soya products, with a […]

Beer Bread is a simple, quick loaf that balances the malt flavour of beer with the sweetness of the wholegrain. It is dense, as is any truly wholemeal loaf. For a lighter version, you can use a 50:50 white/wholemeal flour mix; or make a yeast bread, replacing the water with the beer. The flavour of […]

Potato Boulangère, sliced potato, onion and herbs cooked in stock, is a healthy vegetable accompaniment to your meal and suitable for most diets. The name, Potato Boulangère, references its origins, the French baker. It was to him that villagers took their prepared dish to be cooked. During the middle of the day, between the early […]

A simple recipe for a Gluten Free sponge that is light in texture and with less butter than many cakes. (A butter alternative is provided.) When I was a child, the biscuit and cake tins at home usually containedAnzac Biscuits and fruit cake. I thought sponge cake must be difficult to cook. What a pleasant […]

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 very simple recipe to make a horseradish cream or sauce which, with its spicy (almost mustard) flavour, enlivens many dishes. Horseradish, a root, is considered a herb rather than a vegetable. It can be stored in the refrigerator with vinegar to preserve the flavour and colour; or grate and freeze it. It is not […]

This alternative to scrambled egg is full of flavour and a good hot breakfast choice for Vegan, Low Fat and Egg Free diets. Tofu is a healthy and tasty alternative to scrambled eggs. While, in itself, tofu has little flavour, you can use this an asset, bringing your own vegetables, spices and/or herbs to the […]

These blinis are tasty bites that can be served as a canapé or a snack; or, when larger, they are the basis of a light meal. With the vegetable content, they are a nourishing variation on a flour-based blini. The beetroot and tofu keeps them moist, adds protein and makes them suitable for vegan diets. […]

As the name may suggest to you, this is a dessert for that special dinner, perhaps Valentine’s Day. Passionfruit and Papaya Mousse is an tasty alternative to the sweet – and, often, chocolate – desserts for such occasions. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with chocolate or sugar; but it is good to have […]

A vegetable dish that can be served as a tasty appetiser or as the topping/sauce for gnocchi or pasta. This recipe evolved when cooking a ‘special’ meal. It was our anniversary…a moment for the heart! And Valentine’s Day would be equally appropriate. I like to try new recipes and variations when I make extra time […]

Congee, rice soup, is a delicious breakfast, light meal or any-time snack. Select the ingredients you add to make it suitable for your diet. I was first introduced to congee when I was visiting my mother in Hobart, Tasmania. We went out for breakfast at the café Tricycle in the famous Salamanca Wharf area. It […]

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 multitude of flavours and colours for this salad of grains, fruit, nuts, seeds and herbs. I have used quinoa, a high protein, Gluten Free grain; but there are many other wholegrains that are suitable in this recipe. For a Fodmap and Gluten Free-friendly salad try bulgur wheat, millet or wild rice. Many of the […]

A healthy, low fat, high protein alternative to cream that will accompany any dessert. There are numerous types of tofu available. Although you can use any for this recipe, the best is the silken tofu which has a very soft and smooth consistency, giving you a texture similar to clotted (thickened) cream. If you cannot […]

Lamingtons are an Australian ‘national dish’ – small squares of sponge dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in coconut. The origin of the dish is unclear; but the name is usually attributed to Lord Lamington, the Governor of Queensland one of Australia’s six big states, from 1896 to 1901. Like many dishes that are well […]

These coconut shortbreads are crisp and crumbly, like a traditional shortbread; but, containing no butter, they are suitable for Diary Free and Vegan diets. Scottish shortbreads, as they are often called, may be hard to imagine without butter – the butter giving the biscuit its ‘shortness’. However, coconut oil is a good substitute;. it is […]

Grilled polenta and mushrooms is a tasty alternative to mushrooms on toast that is suitable for Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free and Vegan diets. This combination of polenta and mushrooms could also be considered a variation of risotto or pasta, making it a starter at a dinner party or a light meal with a […]

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 […]

This is a salad to enjoy as a light, healthy meal utilising ingredients remaining from a roast or festive meal. As the name suggests, this is the salad of ‘abundance’…otherwise known as the salad of leftovers! In our enthusiasm for a happy time we so often over-cater. How to use cold, cooked vegetables can be […]

The sweetness of shallots, orange and pomegranate enliven the sometimes bitter Brussels sprouts. This is a bright and colourful dish, suggestive of festivity. This citrus flavour makes a light alternative to the traditional sprouts and chestnuts combination that is regularly served with roasts. I have found this dish a particularly good accompaniment to Duck with […]

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), […]

These spice biscuits, a tradition of northern Europe, have been adapted to suit Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegan diets. Spices were traditionally a treat of Christmas time when cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and cardamom were a luxury. Now, they are in most pantries, although often underused. These biscuits may encourage you to add […]

Made with celeriac, this is a good substitute for bread sauce, a traditional festive dish in the United Kingdom. It is suitable for Gluten Free diets and anyone wanting to avoid wheat and grain. Bread sauce is made by cooking and flavouring milk with onion, garlic, cloves and bay leaves and then thickening it with […]

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 […]

Spinach slice makes a healthy and satisfying canapé or a light meal; or add it to your picnic basket. This dish requires little preparation time and can be cooked well in advance. The taste is subtle and, I find, a pleasant change to the spicy food I usually eat. However, you may want to add […]

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 […]

A strikingly coloured, hot vegetable dish or cold salad that will brighten up your table. This is a combination of vegetables I first encountered at Bale Mountain Lodge in Ethiopia where it was served as a warm dish with a meat main course. I have subsequently made it as a salad on numerous occasions. Either […]

A vegetable pie that is full of autumnal flavours appropriate to the festive season. This is an elegant addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dining table and suitable for Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Vegan diets. Pumpkin, mushroom and chestnut make for a rich, tasty pie. I usually make a roll with puff pastry. enabling […]

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 […]

A Low Fat Gluten Free pastry that uses readily available ingredients. This pastry is simple to make and produces a crisp texture suitable for both sweet and savoury dishes. It is best used for pies and eaten on the day of baking – or, thereafter, warmed before eating. Diets for which Gluten Free Pastry is […]

A lentil salad that is a complete and easy meal to assemble in 5 minutes, with pre-cooked lentils. Variations are offered making it suitable for Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Vegan diets. My preference for lentils in this salad are those cooked with spices. Here I have used those remaining from a meal of “Green […]

A gently spiced dish of green lentils that can be incorporated into meals in variety of ways. It is suitable for many diets including Diabetic, Gluten Free, Nut Free and Vegan. The origins of this dish, known as Misir Alicha, is Ethiopia where it accompanies other bean and vegetable dishes (egShiro Wat,Carrot and Potato andEthiopian […]

Shiro Wat is a spicy Ethiopian chickpea dish served as one of a number of dishes with injera (Ethiopian pancake). It also makes a very tasty dip, an alternative to ‘normal’ humus. This is a simply prepared combination of onion, Berber (Ethiopian spice mix) and shiro (also known as chickpea flour or besan). I first […]

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, […]

Injera is a type of pancake, made with teff flour which is Gluten Free. It is a staple in the Horn of Africa where the grain, teff, originates. It is a very nutritious, being high in protein and iron, and is gluten free. These qualities have made the grain highly sought-after; and it is now […]

A mildly spiced carrot and potato dish, ‘Tikel Gomen’, that is so versatile it can be a cold or warm potato salad or served as a vegetable with any grill. It is suitable for most diets including Dairy Free, Low Calorie and Vegan. This is a very tasty potato and carrot combo, with the turmeric […]

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 […]

Moist, savoury muffins for a snack, a Hallowe’en treat or a nutritionally-balanced light meal that is suitable for Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegetarian diets. With autumn and the falling leaves, we harvest the remaining pumpkins, gather chestnuts and forage for mushrooms. It brings with it opportunities to celebrate with friends and family as we include […]

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? […]

The simplicity of this salad of bread and tomato makes it a perfect starter or a quick meal including for those following a Dairy Free or a Vegan diet. I have called this simply a summer salad because I suspect, like myself, many may not be attracted to the idea of stale bread! But, trust […]

This salad makes a light and visually bright meal. I came upon this recipe through the Australian chef, Jill Dupleix. It appealed to me because the beetroot is without vinegar, enabling the sweetness of the earthy vegetable to contrast with the salty feta. It is very quick to assemble particularly if you purchase pre-cooked beetroots […]

A simple gluten free pastry. The simplicity of this recipe will dispel any anxiety you may have about making Gluten Free pastry. It is like making choux pastry (cream puffs), where you mix your ingredients over heat and then add eggs. It is a ‘rich’ recipe, high in fat, as many Gluten Free baked goods […]

Polenta the slow, traditional way. Particularly useful for Fodmap, Gluten Free and Low Fat diets. Cornmeal, the ingredient of polenta, is a staple in many cultures including northern Italy and several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The polenta as a ‘porridge’ may be referred to as “grits”, the coarsely ground corn/maize. It is cooked to a […]

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 […]

Waffles are delicious as a sweet or savoury snack for Fodmap, Gluten Free and Diabetic diets. Visiting my mother soon after she had moved house we rediscovered the waffle iron. We became a little sentimental and dug out the family waffle recipe and started a little cooking experiment. Mum has been a huge influence in […]

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 tasty, little snack suitable for Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free and Vegan diets. These biscuits are the shape of small, round buttons. As a delicate accompaniment to a fruit or soft dessert, they make a useful addition to your repertoire for Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegan diets in particular. They also store well […]

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 […]

These burgers also make delicious little canapés and are suitable for Dairy Free, Nut Free and Vegetarian and Vegan diets. And they offer an interesting combination of flavours and textures that you can alter according to your taste and diet requirements. Millet is Gluten Free and, as such, is suitable for the Gluten Free and […]

A savoury pumpkin pie full of flavour while being suitable for many diets including Diabetic, Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian and Vegan diets. All the spices in this flan are sweet, with the cardamom and chilli also providing ‘heat’. The natural flavours maintain suitability for Diabetic, Dairy Free and Vegan diets. They […]

A tasty baked savoury cheesecake with no grains, making it a good choice for Gluten Free, Wheat Free and Fodmap diets. With aubergine and tomato it has the flavours of a Mediterranean summer; and the creamy texture is reminiscent of moussaka. The inspiration for this dish comes from Nopi, one of popular chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s […]

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. […]

Three favourites for a complete salad – eggs, potato and beetroot – may be enjoyed by Diabetic, Dairy Free and Low Calorie diets. These are Alastair’s favourite foods and make a ‘comfort’ meal when he returns from extended travels. As we all know: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”! The combination […]

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 salad for Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegetarian diets. Gado gado is a south-east Asian salad combining the spices of the region – coconut, tamarind, ginger and chilli. I have included only a small quantity of chilli: add more to your taste; or, to make the dish suitable for all tastes, serve […]

Tabbouleh, flavours of the Mediterranean enjoyed by Dairy Free, Diabetic and Low Calorie diets among many others. Also referred to as a parsley salad, Tabbouleh can be personalised according to taste and the availability of ingredients. To the parsley is added a softened grain. I have used millet, which is gluten free and a tasty […]

Millet is a gluten free grain and a good substitute for couscous and bulgur wheat. It has a fine texture; and it is a versatile ingredient depending on how it is cooked. The method I outline is for a soft, dry texture like bulgur wheat. If you cook it longer with more water, it will […]

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 refreshing watermelon salad for Gluten Free and Vegetarian diets. The sweet watermelon and salty feta are a tasty combination, enhanced with the mint or basil. I first encountered this dish a few years ago in a restaurant in Lusaka, Zambia. I ordered it as a starter but was so satisfied by it that it […]

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 […]

A sweet and savoury salsa that pairs well with fish and seafood and suitable for Diabetic, Dairy Free and Gluten Free diets. This dish is as simple to prepare and can be cooked while preparing the meal. To maximise the contrasting flavours select ripe, sweet fruit. Diets for which Nectarine Salsa is suitable: Dairy Free, […]

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 […]

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 […]

A tasty, savoury carrot loaf for Dairy Free, Gluten Free, and Vegan diets. This recipe originated when planning a picnic with friends; one being coeliac (Gluten Free diet) and another being vegan. I wanted a single dish to suit everyone. Combining the ideas of a nut loaf and a carrot cake, this loaf evolved. The […]

A fruit-based starter; or a light lunch for Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie and Vegetarian diets. This dish provides a delicious mix of summer flavours – fragrant peaches and basil with salty feta cheese mixed with a grain to bind the contrasting textures. I have selected giant couscous (not suitable for GF diet), other examples […]

A recipe for the delicious Italian-style bread foccacia that is a healthy choice for Dairy Free, Diabetic and Vegan diets. Making foccacia is very similar to making a regular loaf; however, the resulting moisture and texture is different because of the higher oil content. For this reason, it is not coded as suitable for LC, […]

A high protein dip suitable for Dairy Free, Raw and Vegan diets. A nutritious twist on the avocado dip, guacamole. Here, the edamame beans provide protein and, being low fat, their inclusion in an avocado dip makes it no longer a calorie extravaganza; and it is also a satisfying sandwich filler. Add your own variations. […]

A salad full of the flavours of summer, with variations making it suitable for most diets, including Diabetic, Fodmap, Gluten Free and Low Calorie. Mix your own combination of greens, fruit, nuts and cheese for this tasty salad. It is quick to prepare and, although you may be using odd remnants in the refrigerator, its […]

A tasty cream substitute or mousse that is suitable for Dairy Free, Raw and Vegan diets. The base ingredient of this flavoured and sweetened cream is tofu. I have used strawberries, although any berry is suitable. In cooler months, use other fruits such as soaked dates, pureed pear or mango. Diets for which Berry Tofu […]

An elegant and delicious presentation of fruit with cheese for Diabetic, Nut Free and Vegetarian Diets. Lightly baking strawberries and camembert (or other soft cheese) is both unusual and a good use for those few remaining berries. I have been making this for many years, having acquired the recipe from I am not sure who […]

‘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 […]

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 chocolate brownie that can be enjoyed as part of many ‘free from’ diets. We all need to have a chocolate brownie recipe that we can quickly throw together, using ingredients in the cupboard. This is such a recipe. It has a very rich chocolate flavour, while being light in texture. You can add various […]

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 simple guide to make your own dairy or soya yoghurt for Dairy Free, Fodmap, and Vegan Diets. Like making your own bread, making yoghurt is easy. It requires minimal equipment, a thermometer being essential and a thermos being useful. (You can use any type of jar; or a yoghurt maker if you have one […]

The texture and nutty flavour of toasted quinoa make a particularly good substitute for a nut topping, suitable for Nut Free diets. Quinoa is a grain that is very high in protein, making it a nutritious addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. It is quite bland in flavour when boiled; however, toasting results in a […]

A very moist cake with a citrus twist that is suitable for Diary Free, Fodmap and Gluten Free diets. The idea for this delicious yoghurt cake originated with my aunt Joan, from whose recipe I have developed a version that can be enjoyed by several ‘free from’ diets. It was originally a butter cake, tasty […]

A wholemeal loaf with a delicious nutty flavour that will be enjoyed by many people who normally avoid wheat. Spelt, also known as ‘dinkel’ or ‘hulled’ wheat, is an ancient grain from the wheat family. Its gluten and carbohydrate structure is different to that of the wheat we know; and it is suitable for some […]

A lightly spiced dish, so tasty it will put rice high on your list of staples. After cooking ginger rice I decided never to cook boiled rice again; well, never say never, but you understand how much I liked it. I like ginger – you may have guessed that – and have been working to […]

A simple, nutritious dish that is suitable for almost any diet, including Vegan, Fodmap and Diary Free. If cooking tofu is new to you, this recipe is the simplest introduction. Like any grill it requires minimal preparation, very little cooking time and virtually no mess. Tofu has very little inherent flavour so it must be […]

A crisp pastry for Vegan and Dairy Free diets that is good for sweet and savoury pies and quiches. Cooking this pastry is the same as any shortcrust pastry, using a similar proportion of fat to flour. I use an organic coconut oil rather than a milk-free vegetable shortening for this pastry because the coconut […]

A sweet, nutty-flavoured vegetable that is delicious served with hot meals and salads. Hidden in the gnarled appearance of the celeriac is a vegetable that is much more than a potato substitute. It is usually cooked and served in similar ways to a potato, ie mashed, roasted or in gratin dishes. However, the flavour and […]

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 […]

A nutritious salad for spring that is high in protein and suitable for many diets. This is quick to assemble, incorporating edamame beans and nuts, which make it a nutritionally complete meal while remaining light and fresh. (Edamame beans are young soya beans; if not available fresh, they are in many frozen food departments.) The […]

A light salad that can be a tasty meal in 10 minutes. A simple combination of vegetables served with rice noodles to make a quick meal. Rice noodles are suitable for Gluten Free and Fodmap diets and are lighter in texture than the wheat-based noodles you may be more familiar with. This salad is interesting […]

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 […]

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 […]

Beetroot with sweet, spicy flavours. Beetroot rates high on my shopping list because, along with potatoes, it is Alastair’s ‘favourite’ vegetable. With their great colour and flavour, they regularly feature in most of our mixed salads. I enjoy exploring other options to prevent flavour and cooking boredom; here, I have added star anise and orange […]

Eat seasonally with this quiche full of fresh green vegetables. Choose your favourite spring vegetables for this quiche. I have included asparagus, one of the star vegetables of spring, peppery watercress and green beans. For a Fodmap diet courgette is a good substitute for the asparagus. You can use a regular shortcrust pastry; or, alternatively, […]

A light, bright salad prepared with seasonal vegetables and suitable for most diets including Dairy Free, Diabetic, Low Calorie and Vegetarian. Spring brings the return of wonderful green vegetables, perfect for salads. The combinations are numerous even when you need to consider the diets you are catering for and select carefully. Fodmap diets avoid particular […]

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 […]

A tasty variation on the Vegetarian samosa that can also be enjoyed by Low Calorie and Low Fat diets. I came upon this tasty combination when visiting Kenya. The first time was in the café at the airstrip in Nanuki, which provides an interesting selection for lunch and snacks as you wait for your charter […]

Potato as a nutritionally complete meal for Vegan and Dairy Free diets. For those of us who like our potatoes, here it is in its sweeter guise prepared as either a complete meal or as a tasty addition to almost any main course. There are many versions of sliced baked potato dishes, from the very […]

A colourful accompaniment to curries and spicy dishes; or serve as a salad. ‘Raita’ is a word from the Indian sub-continent referring to a cooling accompaniment to spicy dishes. It is chopped or grated raw fruit or vegetables mixed with spices and yoghurt that help to enrich the flavours of a meal and sooth the […]

A recipe for a healthy breakfast, lunch or snack choice. Ricotta cheese has a very subtle, sweetish flavour and is used both as a savoury and in sweet dishes such as cheescakes. It is a soft cheese that may be suitable for Lactose Free and Fodmap diets. It is lower in fat than cream cheese, […]

This tasty mix of roast vegetables, spices and lentils is a vegan alternative to ‘spag bol’. This pasta dish combines a gentle mix of spices with a dry sauce, enabling the flavour and texture of the lentils to contrast with the pasta. Incorporating only a small quantity of tomatoes, as passata and roasted, their flavour […]

A sauce or dip with multiple uses and suitable for most diets. This yoghurt sauce is suitable for Dairy Free and Vegan diets when soya yoghurt is used (for Fodmap diet use a low lactose yoghurt). To the slightly acidic flavour of the yogurt, a mix of herbs and spices are added to compliment the […]

A tasty, simple sauce for vegetables, that requires no cooking. It is suitable for Vegan, Raw and Paleo (low carbohydrate) diets. I developed this recipe from a dish I ate in a Japanese restaurant in Melbourne –. http://www.ichiichiku.com.au/ – a small restaurant on Park Street, Sth Yarra, where I had a delicious meal that was […]

Soft, moist, salty potatoes are delicious served with a sauce as an appetizer; or they can accompany a main course. I was first introduced to this potato dish as Tapas in Spain. It originated in the Canary Islands where it is called Papas Arrugadas, an intriguing name for these tender and tasty potatoes. It is […]

A rich cake of seasonal fruit, suitable for Dairy Free, Fodmap, Gluten Free and Nut Free diets. This is an adaptation of a recipe, taken many years ago, from the ‘Australian Gourmet’ magazine. It is versatile, being adaptable to the seasons and diverse climates of Australia and incorporating your choice of a wide variety of […]

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 […]

A vegetable rissole, packed with flavour and protein. I am a great fan of aubergine, especially when cooked without the huge quantities of oil too often used. These simple patties are a variation on the traditional aubergine dip Baba Ganoush, in which the aubergine is baked in its skin and mixed with various combinations of […]

A light refreshing salad for diabetic, nut free and vegan diets. The season for the smooth skinned and fragrant Alphonso mango is until the end of June (any variety of mango can be used in this recipe). If you have one ‘lying around’ (not sure how that would be for this soft sweet fruit) this […]

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 best and simplest flourless chocolate cake I know for Fodmap, Gluten Free and Vegetarian diets. This recipe came from my aunt Ellen. She was a fabulous cook and introduced the family to this flourless chocolate cake in the 70s. This was when a chocolate cake was a rare treat and this cake still is. […]

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 new way to eat Brussel sprouts for the Diabetic and Vegetarian. Brussel sprouts used not to be my ‘favourite vegetable’! But, after a few winters in Britain, I came to understand that sprouts can be sweet. They like the cold (even if I don’t), with the frosts and snow being the secret to growing […]

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 tasty snack for Vegans and those who are Dairy Free. There are many banana cake recipes and we all have our favourite; this is mine. The difference it brings is the tang of lemon, a nice change to the usual cinnamon-laden banana cakes and muffins. I have used no eggs, making it suitable for […]

A light, Gluten Free and Dairy Free snack that is not over-indulgent. Imagine autumn has arrived and, with it, shorter days, darker skies and the desire to bake with time for those comfort foods. Apples spring to my mind. I grew up with an abundant supply of apples, my grandfather having an orchard, and my […]

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 moist loaf with a subtle ginger flavour that is suitable for Diabetics. This is cake is not particularly sweet and makes a good partner with cheese. The idea of cake and cheese was new and strange to me when I moved to the UK. After first trying a good British cheddar with a rich […]

This red onion marmalade makes a tasty canapé for Diabetic, Low Calorie, Low Fat and Vegetarian diets or an addition to any grill. This dish very simply utilises the texture and sweetness of red onions. They are cooked slowly, not browned, and then caramelized with the addition of balsamic vinegar and a little brown sugar. […]

A tasty light meal for Vegans, Diabetics, Dairy Free and Nut Free diets. Tartine is a French word meaning open sandwich and it also suggests bread with rich and elaborate toppings. This is a good description for this simple but delicious light meal. It is inspired by a lunch I enjoyed with a friend at […]

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 simple sauce with familiar flavours, particularly good for Gluten Free and Low Calorie diets. The perfect addition to some canapés, vegetable fritters and samosas, this sauce also makes a good accompaniment to Seswaa (ground beef), and many BBQ meals and grilled tofu. You control the the ‘heat’ with your choice of chilli and the […]

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 […]

The perfect high energy snack for Dairy Free and Nut Free diets and Vegans and Vegetarians. As I started to collect recipes for this website, it was the family favourites that first sprung to mind. These sweet, oat biscuits, similar to the commercial granola and ‘health’ bars, were a part of packed lunches and picnics. […]

A good Fodmap soup, great flavour with no onion or garlic. Baked parsnips have always been a favourite of mine, especially when sweet and caramelized for a roast, be it meat or a nut roast. Parsnips also make a delicious soup. The inclusion of the fennel in this soup provides an unexpected combination of flavours […]

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 colourful potato salad with ‘greens’, a good addition to any vegan or gluten free selection. Potato salads have traditionally been dredged in mayonnaise, making them rich, very high calorie and not the healthy choice you may have wished for. Traditionally my simple potato salad has been potatoes (Pink Eye in Tasmania or Charlotte in […]

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 […]