Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

We have a house rule - we must always have the ingredients for spaghetti alla puttanesca in the flat, at all times. Due to the fact that the only fresh ingredients you really need for this recipe are cherry tomatoes and basil, it makes it a pretty easy feat (if I can keep my basil plant alive that is). 

Pasta with spicy cauliflower crumbs & purple sprouting broccoli

I've got into this habit of adding crispy sourdough crumbs to my pasta. Especially when mixed with spices such as chili and garlic, it adds a beautiful flavour as well as a magnificent crunch. I realise, however, that this is adding delicious carb to delicious carb and it would be in my waitsline's favour to look at other options once in a while. Hence the cauliflower. 

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Pasta with garlic and olive oil, a gorgeous traditional pasta dish from Napoli. Also the pasta dish that Jon Favreau uses to seduce Scarlett Johannson in 'Chef'. If you haven't seen the film, you must. It is happy, food-filled, music filled and just lovely in all ways.

Pasta with Sicilian pesto and sundried tomato & pine nut salad

I BOUGHT A MAGIMIX! There, it's out. I'm so excited. All the whizzing.... pureeing... chopping... grating.... An endless world I am yet to explore. It has pride of place and is now taking up the majority of my very small kitchen, so I think we're going to have to get to know each other fairly quickly. 

Spicy Chorizo and Roasted Tomato Orecchiette

Having recently returned from Valencia, I am already having desparate withdrawal symptoms from the food. The jamón ibérico, the huge, juicy tomatoes, the crispy fried calamari.... We did, however, manage to bring some wonderful bits back with us, including some spicy chorizo, two huge Valencian tomatoes and that lovely ceramic bowl you see before you. 

Smokey bacon and kale pasta

Every year I'm excited for winter: Christmas, snow (I know, hopes and dreams smashed annually), mulled wine (would drink it all year round) and other general winter fun. However, as soon as the new year breaks and I can't quite believe that the days are getting longer and lighter, I'm still waiting for snow and I'm incredibly bored of hat/glove/scarf admin, I find spring just can't come fast enough. I'm ready for springtime.

Artichoke & Bacon Pasta bake

I can't even begin to tell you how delicious this is. I almost passed out when eating it. That good.

Tangy Pasta Salad

I don't know about you but I need a meat break. I'm taking this opportunity in between Christmas and New Years Eve to come up for air. If you're wondering where I've been swimming, it's in a sea of the most amazing Christmas food: chocolate oranges, pigs, cows and turkey's galore, topped with all the trimmings. Even brussels sprouts. Especially bacon.

Extra Cheesy Bacon Lasagna

I feel I have been letting you all down somewhat on the cheese front. Yes there has been cheese cropping up, poking its head politely round the door to with a meek 'hello'; but I want in-your-face, obnoxious, heart and soul of the party cheese. And bacon, obviously. 

Herby Courgette and Halloumi Pasta

I know I know, another healthy(ish) recipe. I'll make up for it by helping you clog your arteries soon enough.