Fettuccine with Asparagus and Pine Nuts

    This is a lovely simple vegetarian pasta dinner which makes use of spring-time asparagus. Since asparagus has such a short season I like to pile it into as many dishes as possible, especially the first-of-the-season asparagus, which is juicy and tender. This dish was so super-tasty, I could quite happily have this for […]

Asparagus Panzanella

      This salad is a great way to make use of an abundance of summer-time tomatoes and basil, and use up any stale bread at the same time. Panzanella, also known as panmolle, is a Tuscan salad of humble origins, traditionally incorporating tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and bread, and sometimes onions. The word […]

Asparagus, Potato and Ricotta Tarts with Polenta Pastry

    Spring-time means fresh asparagus and this vegetarian dish is a great way to display bright green asparagus spears. I think this dish is also a nice change-of-season dish incorporating the starchy potatoes we tend to use a lot of in winter, and showcasing the vibrant green asparagus of spring. We were lucky to […]

Asparagus with Pangrattato

    With this recipe, Mum and I had the first taste of asparagus this year, and asparagus means the Spring season has finally arrived.  The asparagus is locally grown in Hawke’s Bay. This dish is very quick to make, fairly simple to construct, and has nice textures with the soft asparagus topped with crunchy […]

Impromptu Christmas Work Gathering

Last week my workmates and I received an impromptu Christmas invitation to an evening of champagne and strawberries at the home of an ex-workmate, and wonderful friend (GS and her husband S). The text was “Champs and strawberries…can anyone come?” You betcha, we were all there! And it turned out to be a delightful gathering […]