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
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
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 Mini Floral Toasts March 9, 2024July 17, 2025 Mini Toast Canapes: Elevate your culinary repertoire and transform your canapé menu into a visual and gastronomic art piece with my enchanting Mini Floral Toasts. These bite-sized pieces are not just canapes; they are a celebration of creativity, simplicity, and the Mediterranean sunshine. Carefully assembled and presented with style, these canapés are destined to steal the spotlight at your next gathering. A combination of colour and creativity producing a ‘pretty as a picture’ result. The simplicity of these mini floral toasts lies in their assembly, yet the result appears like you have spent hours in the kitchen. These appetisers are… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Curry Cheeseball Bites March 4, 2024May 7, 2024 Curry Cheeseball Bites If you have ever tried a cheeseball with crackers, this is a smaller variation of that. Delicious, creamy curry cheeseball served with fresh cucumber and crispy bread stick. Indulge! My Curry Cheeseball Bites promise to elevate your taste experience. These bite-sized wonders are not just simple to make, but they also embody the perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy richness, a touch of spice, and an optional crispy bacon finish. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick appetiser to impress your guests, these bites are the epitome of quick & easy party snacks, leaving your… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Sun-dried Tomato & Goat’s Cheese Gnocchi February 23, 2024April 11, 2024 Sun-dried Tomato & Goat’s Cheese Gnocchi Indulge in a culinary symphony with my Sun-dried Tomato & Goat’s Cheese Gnocchi, a dish that effortlessly marries bold flavours and luxurious textures. This recipe, is apt to serve a gathering of 20 & transforms humble fresh gnocchi into a gourmet appetiser. The velvety richness of goat’s cheese harmonises with the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, while the addition of macadamia nuts introduces a delightful crunch. A fragrant garlic-infused pesto envelops the pillowy gnocchi, creating a comforting and irresistible medley. This ensemble is elevated with Parmesan and fresh basil, adding layers of savoury depth…. Continue Reading
Meat Stuffed Tomato & Spicy Salami Antipasto February 20, 2024April 30, 2024 Stuffed Tomato & Spicy Salami Antipasto This vibrant and flavourful appetiser is a tasty addition to any gathering, boasting a perfect balance of spicy salami, fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and a hint of sun-dried tomato. Ideal for serving a crowd, this recipe yields 20-24 skewers that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Perfect for entertaining & so quick to prepare, these stuffed tomato & spicy salami antipasto skewers effortlessly blend the robust kick of salami with the creamy richness of bocconcini and the garden-fresh allure of basil and tomatoes. Serve these stuffed tomato & spicy… Continue Reading