STARTERS AND APPETIZERS

Asparagus with Egg and Roasted Peppers

Asparagus with Egg and Roasted Peppers is a wonderful spring time dish when asparagus is in early season. It's a great appetizer or healthy snack.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Monk Fish in Bacon with Parsley Cream

Monk Fish in Bacon with Parsley Cream is an incredibly simple recipe that will serve 4 as a main course or 6 as a starter.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Apple and Smoked Salmon Rolls

Apples are an excellent way to remove hunger pangs and are a wise choice to help avoid snacking on fatty foods between meals

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Asparagus in Parmesan Sauce

Though this recipe works well as a side dish, Asparagus in Parmesan Sauce is perfect as a starter course, all on its own.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Asparagus Wrapped In Parma Ham

Asparagus Wrapped In Parma Ham can be served either as an easy appetizer or as an accompaniment to a main course. Either way, the taste is addictive.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Beef Carpaccio

Carpaccio is a dish of raw meat or fish, thinly sliced or pounded thin. It can be served as an appetiser or main course and is really tasty.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Beef Meatballs with Spinach

Hard to imagine that Beef Meatballs could become part of a controlled diet but, by using really lean minced beef you can enjoy with a clear conscience

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Black Pudding Parcels

This fantastic recipe for Black Pudding Parcels is simple, yet the cream and mustard sauce add a touch of luxury to an exceptional supper.

Preparation: 25 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Blushing Eggs

It's summer, the sun is shining and the family is screaming to eat outside.Blushing Eggs are just the thing, to put a smile on their faces and yours.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

There's nothing like a lovely, warming bowl of Broccoli and Cheddar Soup on a cold winter's day.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Broccoli Chowder with Garlic & Cheddar Toasts

Broccoli Chowder with Garlic & Cheddar Toasts is one of those lovely "chilly day" lunches that warms you both bodily and mentally

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Buttered Cucumber

So you didn't know that cucumber could be cooked and eaten hot, eh? It's delicious and so very, very simple

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad was created in 1924 by Italian chef Caesar Cardini at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico and was prepared and served at the table

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Carpaccio Style Octopus

Though the octopus is cooked, the style is that of Carpaccio (finely cut meat or fish with a vinegar and olive oil-base dressing). Perfect for summer.

Preparation: 40 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Carpaccio Style Prawns

Carpaccio is a dish of raw meat or fish, thinly sliced and generally served as an appetizer. These delicious Carpaccio Style Prawns will delight you.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Cauliflower Soup with Melted Stilton
&Caramelised Onions

Tasty, filling and well worth the little extra effort required to make your own soup.!

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 50 Minutes
Ceviche

Ceviche, is a great starter for when you are entertaining. It looks like you've spent hours preparing it, but it can be on the plate in minutes.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Chestnut Soup with Migas

Chestnut Soup with Migas is a posh way of saying Chestnut Soup with Crunchy Bread Crumbs! I love chestnuts - equally as good in summer as in winter.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Chicken 65

The strangely named Chicken 65 is a dish from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, and there are various legends behind why it is called Chicken 65.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Chicken Caesar Salad

One of my favourite salads and one that I often request when dining out is Caesar Salad

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Chicken Ham and Vegetable Soup

Chicken and Ham Soup is one of my favourites and makes use of a chicken carcass (and any bits of meat still left), so great for economy too!

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad is a truly delicious light meal or, using just half the amount of chicken, starter course.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Sweetcorn Fritters

These simple Sweetcorn Fritters make a hearty brunch, supper or snack with some crisp bacon, tomato ketchup and thick cut buttered bread.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Crab and Prawn Hot Pots

Crab and Prawn Hot Pots couldn't be simpler but they will never fail to impress. Equally at home as a starter, light lunch or just because ...

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Cream of Artichoke Soup

Cream of Artichoke Soup isa lovely, heart-warming soups that is perfect on a winter's day when the frost is nibbling at the end of your nose!

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Creamy Chicken Soup

Creamy Chicken Soup answers the question of how to make good use of a whole chicken when only part of it has been used during a meal.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Creamy Corn and Vegetable Soup

Creamy Corn and Vegetable Soup is one of those lovely versatile recipes that's easy and quick to make and works equally as well for any occasion.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 12 Minutes
Crisp Potato Cakes with Goats Cheese and Caviar

Crisp Potato Cakes with Goats Cheese and Caviar is, in fact, a rather novel form of savoury "finger food" (petit four salé).

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Crispy Bacon Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Bacon Smashed Potatoes has about the simplest ingredient list on this site! Perfect for parties or simply served with Sunday lunch.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Cucumber Surprise

Cucumber Surprise will, indeed, surprise you. It's perfect for a starter course at a main meal, or as a light meal or snack on it's own.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Dates Stuffed with Mascarpone

Though the oranges, dates and nuts in Dates Stuffed with Mascarpone is reminiscent of Christmas, these little beasts are perfect all year round.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Devilled Eggs

Devilled Eggs make a great appetizer and a perfect party dish. So quick and simple to make, and loved by young and old alike.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Devils on Horseback

This recipe for Devils on Horseback is a great way to prepare stuffed bacon rolls for informal entertaining or to eat cold with a picnic.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Eggs in Tarragon Jelly

In this recipe for Eggs in Tarragon Jelly, the tarragon imparts a mild but distinctive flavour to the consommé.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Foie Gras Escalopes with Dates and Pears

Escalopes of Foie Gras with Dates and Pears relies on the rich, buttery, and delicate falvours of fresh (uncooked) foie gras.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is one of 'the classics' with a well deserved reputation. In this recipe, I mostly follow the traditional French method.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Fresh Sesame Salad with Prawns and Palm Hearts

The incredibly fresh taste of this salad makes it perfect for a main course or a starter. And it's ready in minutes.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Garlic Prawns (Garlic Shrimp)

Garlic Prawns is one of those delicious recipes that is perfect as a starter if you are entertaining or as a light lunch for yourself and the family.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Graham's Mediterranean Mussels

Graham's Mediterranean Mussels is a simple dish with big tasty Mediterranean flavours. Soft mussels with the sweetness of chick peas and onions.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Grilled Goats Cheese Salad

We eat Grilled Goats Cheese Salad two or three times a month for lunch. It's quick and easy to make and it tastes very, very good.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Tasty Vegetable Gratin

Tasty Vegetable Gratin is a dish you can eat on its own or with a roast or grilled meat or fish. It's easy to make, and looks (and tastes) spectacular

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes
Ham and Leek Bake

Ham and Leek Bake is great for a simple lunch or late supper. If you want to turn it into a more substantial meal, allow two leeks per person.

Preparation: 1 Minute
Cooking: 12 Minutes
Ham and Pea Soup

Ham and Pea Soup is one of my favourites, particularly on a cold day. This is a good way to use leftover ham, quite inexpensive, and very tasty.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Hazelnut Butter Scallops

A slightly expensive but totally delicious shellfish with a delicate taste, Hazelnut Butter Scallops make a most attractive and delicious starter.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 12 Minutes
Hot Camembert with Cherry Filling

Hot Camembert with Cherry Filling is a somewhat decadent way of mixing cheese and fruit, but it's very, very more-ish when served with crusty bread.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Julie's Salmon & Prawn with Lime

Julie's Salmon & Prawn with Lime is dedicated to Terry and Julie, our neighbours on The Isle of Man, who served us the most stunning starter ever.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

The mix of tomato and Mozzarella makes a delicious salad accompaniment or can be served on its own as a fresh summer starter course.

Preparation: 7 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Trio of Scallops

a Trio of Scallops is a simple and very effective starter course or you can extend the choice to make it a "quad" of scallops. Absolutely stunning!

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup is unpretentious but easy to make and always welcome on a cold winter's day.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour
Leek and Smoked Salmon Rolls

Leek and Smoked Salmon Rolls is an upmarket version of ham and leek bake. Not only is it an unusual dish, it's also good for your figure!

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Leek Flan

Leek Flan is a great way to enjoy leeks and makes a delicious meal with a baked potato. Perfect comfort food

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Luxury Lobster and Potato Salad

I admit that Luxury Lobster and Potato Salad is somewhat decadent and exotic but lobster and truffles are a match made in heaven.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Mackerel in White Wine - Maquereaux au Vin Blanc

Mackerel in White Wine is a speciality of North-Western France. Washed down with a glass of fresh Muscadet, there's nothing to beat it.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Mango Smoothie

Here's a nice, simple way to make a Mango Smoothie with just a few ingredients. It's great for kids, but I've seen the adults knock it back, too!

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Marinated Carrot Salad

Marinated Carrot Salad takes a few minutes to prepare and is perfect if you want something a bit different to add to your salads.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Mini Frittatas

Mini Frittatas is an egg-based Italian dish similar to an omelette or crustless quiche. You'll get about 40 light-bites that are buffet perfect.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Minted Lamb Meatballs

Minted Lamb Meatballs is a little bit "fiddly" but I've included it because it makes a superb starter for any meal if you are entertaining.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Mixed Tuna Salad

Mixed Tuna Salad provides a tasty and colourful mixed salad that is perfectly suited for entertaining. The blend of flavours is the key to its success

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Monk Fish Delight

This is a great starter course and needs to be made the day before (which allows you plenty of time to focus on preparing the rest of your meal).

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Mozzarella and Tomato Skewers

The wonderful Mediterranean flavours of tomato, Mozzarella and Olive oil come flooding through in this easy but effective starter (or snack).

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 5 Minutes
Mushrooms à la Grècque

Mushrooms à la Grècque is a simple little starter that can be made well in advance and leave you free to prepare a more complex main course.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Mussels with Herb Butter (Moules Niçoises)

Known in French as "Moules Niçoises", these are perfect either for an aperitif before the meal, as part of a barbeque buffet, or for a starter.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Nigiri-zushi

Nigiri-zushi consists of a small portion of Sushi Rice that is shaped in the hands. A thin piece of fish like tuna or shrimp is draped over the top.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Oak-Smoked Queenies

In case you've not come across them before, "Queenies" are small scallops about ½" - ¾" (1cm - 2cm) diameter - sometimes called "bay scallops"

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Okra Bhaji

An Indian influence of spices makes Okra Bhaji (sometimes known as ladies fingers) quite delicious. Easy to make and very tasty.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Oysters

All sorts of myths appear to exist about these delightful creatures. Certainly, in some countries, they can be quite expensive.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Warm Asparagus Salad

Warm Asparagus Salad is a delightful, fresh salad suitable for a light meal in summer or winter. And it doesn't matter if the eggs are still warm.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Pan Fried Scallops on Black Pudding with Pea & Mint Purée

Pan Fried Scallops on Black Pudding with Pea & Mint Purée is an ideal starter course or could easily be made into a main dish.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Potato Soup with Chives and Soured Cream

Potato Soup with Chives and Soured Cream is one of those lovely little potages that work well as a quick winter lunch or as a starter course

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Potted Shrimps

Sounds complicated? Not at all ! This is probably the easiest seafood you will ever prepare. It looks and tastes wonderful & will impress your guests.

Preparation: 3 Minutes
Cooking: 3 Minutes
Prawn Cocktail (Shrimp Cocktail)

In the 1970's, Prawn Cocktail (Shrimp Cocktail) became a favourite of many people when dining out. So much so that it has now become a bit "old hat".

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Prawn Perfection

In Prawn Perfection the peppery flavour of the paper-thin slices turnip perfectly balances the sweetness of the king prawns and the red pepper sauce.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Prawn Sushi

Not all sushi recipes use raw seafood, and this recipe for Prawn Sushi uses cooked prawns (or large shrimp)

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 3 Minutes
Quail's Eggs

Many people aren't sure how to cook quail's eggs, so don't buy them. For that reason, I can offer you this simple guide to quail egg perfection!

Preparation: 1 Minute
Cooking: 3 Minutes
Rice Soup with Chicken and Ginger

Rice Soup with Chicken and Ginger is perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for a meal with friends. It's a simple, straightforward recipe.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 50 Minutes
Rillettes de Porc

Rillettes de Porc (pronounced "ree-et-der-por") is very French and very tasty! If you're on a strict diet, maybe choose something different though!

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 4 Hours
Sage Cream Dip

The rich flavour of sage complemented by the distinctive, but not overpowering, bitterness of curd cheese sets this healthy dish apart from other dips

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Salad Horseradish

While many people are aware of horseradish sauce (much favoured on beef), less people are aware that you can eat horseradish as part of a salad meal.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Salade Niçoise

The original version of Salade Niçoise always included raw red peppers, shallots, and artichoke hearts - but never any cooked vegetables

Preparation: 12 Minutes
Cooking: 8 Minutes
Sashimi (Raw Seafood)

Sashimi is often the first course in a formal Japanese meal, but it can also be the main course, presented with rice and miso soup in separate bowls.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Satay with Peanut Sauce

The bite-size portions in this simple recipe for Satay with Peanut Sauce are intended as part of an aperitif rather than as a main dish.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Sautéed Calamari

Sautéed Calamari is a quick and easy dish of delicious squid and baby octopus cooked to perfection with sweet roasted peppers.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Sesame Noodles with Chicken

Sesame Oil is a true delight and this recipe for Sesame Noodles with Chicken makes full use of it's rich flavours.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Spicy Baby Octopus

Spicy Baby Octopus is a simple dish that's packed with flavour. Tender baby octopus with a spicy chunky tomato sauce fresh parsley and lemon zest

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Spinach and Feta Rounds with Greek Tomato Salad

Spinach and Feta Rounds with Greek Tomato Salad is not just a great vegetarian dish, it's light, refreshing and perfect for a summer day.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Asparagus, Pancetta and Puff Pastry Parcels

You'll love these little bundles of springtime - bundles of asparagus, pancetta, parmesan cheese and puff pastry make this a super simple appetizer.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Leek and Smoked Salmon Flan

This delicious and simple recipe for Leek and Smoked Salmon Flan is perfect either hot or cold with a light salad for lunch or as a starter course.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes