Category: Winter

Greek Pastitso

This is a big mamma of a baked pasta dish, perfect for those times when you need to feed a crowd.

Lamb Shanks with Mint & Date Stuffing

I make these in a slow cooker, but you could cook them slowly in a deep heavy-based casserole. Oh, and these are exquisite by the way.

Butterflied Shoulder of Lamb & Preserved Lemon Pickle

Slow-cooked lamb shoulder that falls apart with a fork and spoon. Gorgeous!

Preserved Lemon Pickle

Add a salty tang to your next dish of slow-cooked lamb with a quick preserved lemon pickle.

Mac ‘n Cheese – Seriously good!

Mac ‘n Cheese – so many versions, so many disappointments. This is the only one you need. This is the ULTIMATE Mac ‘n Cheese!

Pappardelle with Artichokes, Sage & Cream

Fat noodles with a creamy artichoke sauce topped with crispy sage leaves … sounds good to me!

Chili con Carne with extras!

Time to chase away winter blues and spice things up!

Cashew Kumara Saag

Spicy and warming, Ilaria’s got just the thing for cold nights!

Beetroot & Walnut Dip

Beetroot adds such a shock of colour to a table set with nibbles and drinks. Bring it on!

Beetroot – multi coloured!

Candy-coloured beetroot will turn heads at your next gathering.

Brussels Sprout Leaves – looking perfectly perky!

You have to admit these look pretty cute, all bright and shiny. Go on, give them a go! Cheap, abundant and oh so good for you.

Comfort Me With Potatoes

A jacket-baked potato is like swallowing a warm glow of happiness that spreads from the pit of your stomach upwards, leaving nothing but pleasure in its wake.

Stuffed Butternut – bring it on midweek!

Mince is your midweek friend. Spice it up! Serve it up! Gobble it up!

Mulled Wine & Vin Brûlée

Take a thermos of mulled wine to a picnic and they’ll come running!

Get Mulling – read all about it

There’s nothing like a warming alcoholic drink to kick-start an evening, clear up the snuffles or warm the cockles of your heart on a chilly night. There’s a little bit of magic created when you heat wine with spices and citrus to make mulled wine. Whether you serve it bright and clear, sharp and sweet, […]

Glögg – Ilaria gets mulling

Cold around your way? Get glögging!

Rainbow Chard & Eggs – easy supper

Cute as a button, for times when you are dining solo, or enjoying supper for two.

Cauliflower Cheese – irresistibly golden and bubbling!

Bubbling and crusty-topped, cauliflower cheese is a winter winner!

Prune & Frangipane Tart

make this your go-to dessert when you want a big sumptuous tart to serve at the end of a dinner party.

Ilaria’s Quiche – the best-ever Onion Tart

Feeling a little Frenchy number coming on … try this classic quiche and aim for the perfect wobble!

Pork Belly with Boston Baked Beans

Sludgy beans packed full of flavour, pork belly that falls apart in succulent shreds, and a cap of brilliant crunchy crackling – proper crackling that crackles! Happy Days!