Pasta & rice

Black squid ink pasta with chorizo & basil and a Foodies Larder hamper

Thumbnail image for Black squid ink pasta with chorizo & basil and a Foodies Larder hamper June 13, 2013

We’re funny creatures, human beings. We eat our sleekly packaged organic granola for breakfast;  we spend our days at our computers talking on the Interwebs to invisible folks on the other side of the world; we fill our free time with all sorts of self-actualising activities like yoga or going to classical concerts.  We imagine [...]

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Easy crab chilli and rocket pasta

Thumbnail image for Easy crab chilli and rocket pasta January 31, 2013

Isn’t it funny how we humans insist of describing various human characteristics by reference to animals? Take for example: as brave as a lion; as quiet as a mouse; as mad as a badger; as bald as a coot; as dead as a dodo; as blind as a bat; as cunning as a fox; as [...]

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Ragu Bolognese – the official version

Thumbnail image for Ragu Bolognese – the official version January 9, 2013

What’s in a name?  Not much, you might think, going by the the tried and tested po-tay-to/po-tah-to line of reasoning.  But if you are under any illusions as to the importance of a name, here’s a little practical experiment for you: why not try starting your own soft-drink business, selling the beverage in smart red [...]

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Papardelle with goat’s cheese, beetroot, rocket & pine nuts

Thumbnail image for Papardelle with goat’s cheese, beetroot, rocket & pine nuts May 30, 2012

So you think you got it bad?  Stressful job; nagging spouse; unruly kids; aches and pains; a ridiculous mortgage; and a soul-destroying commute? Well, here’s a reason to cheer up:  at least you’re not a fainting goat.  (Or at least I think you aren’t – because of course on the interwebs nobody knows you’re a [...]

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Fregola Sarda with a tomato, anchovy, chilli and olive sauce

Thumbnail image for Fregola Sarda with a tomato, anchovy, chilli and olive sauce April 25, 2012

  Many wealthy people are little more than the janitors of their possessions – Frank Lloyd Wright   Stuff.  Why are we so addicted to it – acquiring it, having it, keeping it?  On my recent trip to Cape Town I visited a good friend at his house in Cape Town. It was the most [...]

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Confetti rice salad – celebrate!

Thumbnail image for Confetti rice salad – celebrate! March 12, 2012

  A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an optimist doesn’t see the clouds at all – he’s walking on them – Leonard Louis Levinson It’s a simple fact that there are those of us in this world for whom the glass is half [...]

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Steak on a blue cheese, spinach & pecan risotto

Thumbnail image for Steak on a blue cheese, spinach & pecan risotto January 23, 2012

  As I have said before, I do love a good simile.  One of my favourite wine-related similes is this: Men are like a fine wine. They all start out like grapes, and it’s our job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something you’d like to have [...]

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