Squid or cuttlefish ink takes me to the Mediterranean and remind me of travels to Italy and Spain. I am always on the look-out for unusual or indigenous food items when we explore – sometimes repeat visits yield new items afresh each time. I picked up a box of fine short squid ink vermicelli in Andorra three weeks ago, and with careful packing it made the journey . more or less unscathed. I made this dish with it.

Do you know the story of carpaccio? Yes, it is the Italian word referring to thinly sliced red meat and sometimes fish but is actually named after Venetian painter Vitorre Carpaccio, who was prolific in the 15th century and renowned for his vivid reds.. Also carpaccio has its roots in famous Harry’s Bar in Venice – the story and a refreshing pineapple carpaccio with,mint and praline.

Want to activate the passions? Ask people how they feel about Valentine’s day. From the general sentiment to a question of expectation and romance. Do you believe?

A delightful take on a traditional tiramisu, I made this one with raspberries and honey and grappa instead of Cointreau. I used soft lady-finger biscuits I bought in Andorra the week before last. Why tiramisu? Well after all the bashing Valentine’s day gets from me, another others in various camps, I figured we all need an afternoon pick me up. Also a Valentine’s day Q & A from City Press’s L Magazine

This bright and zingy chicken pita is the ideal meal for when you don’t have time but need the nutrition. The raw julienned beetroot is a sweet take on red cabbage slaw. Personally one I prefer. Instead of mayonnaise, I’ve used low fat plain yoghurt. By all means use double cream or thick Greek yoghurt if you like.

I was asked to be a part of the Afrikaans lifestyle programme Pasella and to showcase a cheese not often used. I chose Ricotta cheese and made these very simple ricotta cheese and double mushroom tartlets- using fresh and dried mushrooms, rehydrated for double the flavour in a crispy phyllo outer. I drizzled them lightly in a lovely white balsamic truffle glaze I brought back from Andorra last week.

So, while contemplating how I was going to use the delicate squid ink vermicelli, salts, unusual rices, dried mushrooms, tinned anchovies and the hoard of really lovely chocolate (oh, that required much deep and meaningful contemplation), as well as relate the culinary tales of trotting and discovery, I needed an afternoon snack.
Step in, plump ripe figs, sweet and succulent, sprinkled with Spanish pepper smoked salt, extra virgin olive oil, a blob of fresh ricotta cheese, baked and then topped with crispy bacon bits.

My lovely friend Ming of Butterfingers blog, invited us to participate in cooking something for Chinese New Year, which falls on 23 January 2012. It’s the year of the Dragon, not only an auspicious year, but the very year she was born in. We made this refreshing salad of cherry tomatoes marinated in a dried plum dressing.

A beautiful creamy chicken pasta with browned onion and garlic, Parma ham, a dollop of creme fraiche and a grating of Parmigiano. Also, I dig deep and share 10 intimate things you may not know about me. Your turn?

I stared at the raspberries and limes near the peaches in the fridge, almost begging to be let out and happened upon this dressing. From here on end, it shall be referred to as the most incredible dressing. Firstly, it’s a cheerful, startling, almost lurid pink. Do not let that put you off. It is not pink in any sort of sissy shade. The mixture of lemon infused oil, lemon juice and that heavenly zing of lime, a splosh of honey and the tiniest sprinkle of sea salt flakes, makes this Raspberry Lime Drizzle truly, utterly, last-bit-in-the-bowl lickable.