Chicken Pasta Shells Stuffed With Chicken, Spinach & Ricotta May 21, 2024June 12, 2024 Pasta Shells Stuffed With Chicken, Spinach & Ricotta These Stuffed Pasta Shells (Conchiglioni) are the ultimate comfort food, raising the bar on this classic pasta dish to next level. Traditionally, spinach and ricotta, make a perfect pairing in Mediterranean cuisine, and this appetiser is no exception. But we’ve taken it a step further, by adding chicken, making it even more hearty and satisfying. Each shell is served on a bed of rich Romana sauce, topped with a generous dollop of coarse basil pesto and a sprinkling of Parmesan (actual Parmesan, you know, the real stuff— not your everyday supermarket Parmesan,… Continue Reading
Seafood Salmon With Avocado Salsa Wonton Cups May 12, 2024May 17, 2024 Salmon & Avocado Salsa Wonton Cups Looking to jazz up your party spread with something fresh and flavourful? These Party Bites are where it’s at! : crispy wonton cups filled with a zesty, herbaceous avocado salsa, topped with wasabi Salmon- Yum! What I love about these little canapes is their versatility. I mean, I often find myself reaching for the same ingredients, but with these, you can easily switch things up just by tossing in an extra herb or a splash of tangy sauce. It’s like giving your appetiser game a mini makeover without breaking a sweat. And while we’re… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Curried Potato & Feta Filo May 5, 2024May 9, 2024 Curried Potato & Feta Filo Indulging in cooking experiments is like embarking on a thrilling journey of discovery only, for the taste buds. Take, for instance, my latest appetiser addition: potato seasoned with an aromatic combo of flavours—mustard seeds, curry powder, mint, coriander, green chilli, curry leaves, garlic, and red onion—married with briny Feta, all wrapped in a delicious crispy filo pastry casing- all bathed in a generous dollop of minted chilli yogurt. What’s truly amazing, is how even my kids, who were once wary of such bold flavours, found themselves captivated by this aromatic parcel. There was complete &… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Whipped Feta With Artichokes & Pita Chips April 29, 2024May 12, 2024 Whipped Feta With Artichokes & Pita Chips Whipped Feta, has while it has become a somewhat popular addition to grazing boards, this rich, creamy dip boasts a rich heritage deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. These flavours definitely remind me of my travels, being transported right back to the quaint streets of Greece, the bustling markets of Turkey, and the opulent gatherings of Dubai. This is the magic of whipped feta – a combination of tangy feta cheese, thick creamy greek yoghurt, luscious olive oil, and fragrant herbs, whipped to velvety perfection. During… Continue Reading
Seafood Crab & Chilli Devilled Eggs April 25, 2024May 12, 2024 Crab & Chilli Devilled Eggs -Devilled eggs, often deemed a relic of the past, remain an undeniable hit in my book. Their colourful hues, velvety texture, and the fact they are satisfying, render them an indispensable appetiser. With relatively quick preparation, these gems allow you to multitask effortlessly, whilst infusing your party with elegance and taste. Visually, this appetiser is appealing & while traditional white may suffice, why settle when you can tease with a colour palette of greens, purples, oranges, or burgundies? Elevating your culinary aesthetics, these colours not only captivate the palate but also provide Instagram-worthy snapshots. But… Continue Reading
Meat Pork & Fennel Sausage Rolls With Caramelised Apple April 13, 2024May 29, 2024 Pork & Fennel Sausage Roll party bites Pork & Fennel, a classic duo, is a flavour combination that goes together like ‘bread & butter’ & the addition of caramelised onion, brings a savoury sweetness that is the prize finishing touch to these tasty appetisers. This party snack idea, even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy- partially attributed to the added sweetness of the apple- the kids love them too! A modern slant on an old favourite, these sausage rolls are a great way to infuse a myriad of flavours and toppings and present to your guests with a little more… Continue Reading
Meat Crispy Goat’s Cheese With Rocket Pesto April 9, 2024September 28, 2025 Crispy Goat’s Cheese With Rocket Pesto Indulge in the mouthwatering presentation of these crispy goat’s cheese with rocket pesto appetisers, any foodie would love & that elevates the creamy, herbaceous goodness of this goat’s cheese to new heights. These appetisers are not only decadent, but boast a perfect balance of creamy texture, crispy exterior, and aromatic herbs that will leave your tastebuds in a gastronomic state of bliss with every bite. Even those sceptical of goat’s cheese are sure to be won over by the irresistible allure of these hidden gems. Accompanied by a luscious rocket pesto and salty crispy… Continue Reading
Sweet Treats Apple Raspberry Roses April 5, 2024May 12, 2024 Apple Raspberry Roses Looking for a sweet treat option for the end of your social event? These apple raspberry roses are a perfect way to finish off and a perfect balance of sweet & tart in my view. Thin apple slices soaked in lemon juice and rolled into a buttery pastry with raspberry jam, creating little roses, dusted in icing sugar. Just enough sweetness to serve with a dessert wine or liqueur. These semi-sweet party treats only take 15 mins to prepare, then 30 mins to cook. There are many variations for these apple roses. They have been a popular… Continue Reading
Seafood Spicy Avocado Tartlets with Smoked Salmon April 5, 2024April 25, 2024 Spicy Avocado Tartlets with Smoked Salmon Whether you’re hosting an elegant soirée or a casual gathering, these canapés are sure to be a favourite. Their presentation on the plate adds a touch of sophistication to your spread, while their bold flavours leave a lasting impression on your guests. With just 20 minutes of preparation time, these appetisers are not only delicious but also convenient, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones and creating memorable moments together. What makes these easy party appetisers even more appealing is their ability to combine traditional flavours in a contemporary… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Cucumber Roses 2 Ways March 26, 2024April 25, 2024 Healthy Party Snacks There are numerous ways to prepare these cucumber appetisers. I’ve opted for two variations—one vegetarian and the other featuring ham. I realise I’ve been sharing a lot of vegetarian recipes lately, but I assure you I’ll be posting more with meat and seafood soon. Feel free to substitute ingredients and include additional items according to your preferences. Nothing beats the delicious combo of crispy, crunchy, creamy, and fresh textures all in one dish, with a special emphasis on fresh. Australia boasts an incredible array of fresh ingredients, and I love showcasing them in my recipes. These healthy… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Mushroom Vol-Au-Vents March 18, 2024May 29, 2024 Mushroom Vol-au-vents The humble vol-au-vent may be perceived by some as outdated, but it remains a practical way to infuse flavours into bite sized appetisers. Despite its traditional reputation, these mushroom vol-au-vents are a modern twist that exemplifies convenience and versatility. Preparing mushroom vol-au-vents is a breeze, making them an ideal make-ahead option that can be conveniently frozen in an airtight container. These meaty vegetarian treats boast an en trend combination of mushrooms, herbs, and garlic, all enveloped in a creamy umami sauce that showcases this underrated fungi. Gone are the days of laborious preparation; the mushroom vol-au-vents offer a… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Grilled Nectarine Crostini with Raspberry Balsamic March 10, 2024May 8, 2025 Grilled Nectarine Crostini With Raspberry Balsamic Another variation of the versatile crostini, with an explosion of flavour. Sweet and savoury and a colourful addition to your menu, lift your entertaining game by creating these succulent bites. This canapé combines toasted sourdough slices, slathered with cream cheese (or burrata) and topped with grilled nectarine for a natural sweetness, blackberry, basil and a raspberry balsamic drizzled on top. Complementing this, the burst of blackberry, the aromatic essence of basil, and the subtle tanginess of raspberry balsamic come together to create a harmony of taste. A gorgeous taste combination, try these Grilled Nectarine… Continue Reading