Things I've cooked.

First attempt at Vietnamese spring rolls (Gỏi cuốn) with seafood sticks rather than prawns, and a homemade chilli sauce Next time I will make the accompanying Hoisin sauce!

Greek-style chicken gyros with tzatziki

Own recipe; Thai-inspired noodle soup with a pork-based chilli broth and a poached egg

Cajun-style jimbalaya (with turkey breast rather than chicken)

Thai curried noodles with aubergine, a hard boiled egg and fresh coriander

Indian chana masala (chickpea curry) and palak (spinach curry) served with steamed basmati rice Everything was cooked from scratch, down to the spice blend. Interesting to note is that the chickpea curry was also vegan, and both were delicious!

First attempt at a Hyderabadi biryani with goat rather than mutton This was technically a joint effort with my partner. I marinated the goat and spiced the rice. Then my partner cooked the rice and then cooked the whole biryani together. Sadly we burnt the meat a little! But it was very tasty, well worth the effort. Practice makes perfect, so we'll definitely do this again!

Not something I have cooked but something I have grown! Last year I planted a whole bunch of chilli seeds and this year I am starting to reap all the tasty rewards. :)

Homemade beef lasagne (with store-bought foccacia in the background!)

A very messy Szechuan beef and mushroom dish on a bed of rice and with a fried egg It's very hot outside so we ate our bowls out on the balcony (before retreating indoors for dessert).

Baked haloumi on a fresh rocket salad with red onion, oregano, tomatoes and an olive oil drizzle

Bangers and mash! With Cumberland sausages and red wine gravy

Sweet-glazed chicken (soya sauce, balsamic vinegar, turmeric and thyme) with a rocket, cucumber, tomato, red onion and feta cheese salad. Topped with fresh home-grown basil leaves.

A very messy broth-based ramen with soba noodles, pak choy, nori, soft boiled egg and chilli & ginger crusted chicken

For now, I’ll just have to get back in the kitchen!

Quick one-pot carbonara spaghetti with chorizo, mushrooms and fresh home-grown basil

Homemade vegan chocolate milkshake with soy milk and sultanas