Polenta with Fontina (6)

One of my favourite vegetarian cookbooks many years ago was ” Cooking from an Italian Garden” by Paola Scaravelli and Jon Cohen. Here’s and easy recipe for polenta from them. For a variation you can cooked the cornmeal, add the cheese and then spread the mixture half an inch thick on a wet worksurface. When cooled and firm cut it into small squares or discs then fry in butter until golden on both sides. Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot.

Chicken Breasts with Fennel and Prawn Stuffing (4)

Between 1979 and 1981 between university and travelling I spent a few months on and off waitressing in the newly opened Woods Restaurant in Bath . It quickly became one of Bath’s go to restaurants and local celebrities like Peter Gabriel were regular visitors. Its still going today and still fun by the lovely David and Claude. I must pop in and say hello one day!. While I was working there the chef was a woman called Sharon and this is one of her dishes that always impressed.

Cypriot Keftedes (6)

I was reminded how delicious these meatballs are on a recent visit to the island. I was served a very generous portion which I managed to devour in a restaurant in Platres. They are also very good served cold the following day. This recipe is from ” Home Food” by Olia Hercules.Serve with a salad or stuffed into a pitta with some shredded lettuce, ripe tomatoes , sliced red onions and green pepper, grated feta and tzatziki.