Smoked Snoek Terrine with Rustic Parmesan Bread Rolls

There is always something profoundly satisfying about eating home made bread rolls. Which is fascinating really, because they’re so crazy-easy that it makes no sense that we should be so smug each time we tuck into a fresh-from-the-oven doughy delight. But, we do. And I for one don’t see the novelty wearing off anytime soon. And when said fresh-from-the-oven doughy delight is paired with this beautifully light but rich Mediterranean Delicacies Smoked Snoek Terrine, the result is kind of amazing. I am pretty sure you’ll have no trouble scoffing the spoils of your kitchen labours if you give this a whirl.

Linguini with Coriander Pesto and Chilli Calamari

If you know anything about me at this stage, it’s that I get super uber excited about delicious quick-fixes, and that I could live on linguini for the rest of my days and be as happy as a pig in, well, a pen (?!). Anyway, when the fab foodies over at Mediterranean Delicacies sent a little hamper my way this weekend, I couldn’t wait to get started on sharing my new ideas with you. This linguini with the fresh Thai-style zing of the coriander pesto, and the juicy, spicy calamari is, well, epic.

Grilled Honey & Soy Salmon with Barley & Herb Salad

Salmon happens to be one of Rob’s favourite anythings, so I’m always up for adding to our quick-fix repertoire of almost-instant and always effortless means to having pretty, plump, pink salmon fillets on our plates. This version, with the golden honey, deep rich soy sauce and the characteristic punch and freshness of the ginger and lime, along with the very satisfying al-dente-ness of the barley salad is a perfect any-season, almost fancy but un-fussy crowd pleaser.

Chowder-Style Fish and Sweet Potato Pie

I’ve not posted for almost two weeks because we were having a very pleasant interlude at the Seaside. At the seaside. Such a simple phrase and yet one that for some reason conjures up all manner of delightful images of old English-style fish and chips and ‘bathing suits’ and piping hot sweet tea and cardigan-ness, oh and scones of course. And that makes you want to use words like higgledy-piggledy and lovely and such. Lovely is one of my very favourite adjectives. It’s charming and sweet and so wonderfully British.

Smoked Salmon Tapas Board

This left us smiling all over our faces last weekend. I mean, it’s not revolutionary, but it very obviously has all the ingredients for blow-you-away if you think about smoked salmon, creamy horse-radish, avocado, home made pesto and toasty pittas. And somehow it just tasted THAT much more amazing because it was enjoyed against the backdrop of a sunny Saturday (did you know that Joburg comes close to the top of the list of most sunshine days in the world?) and that tapas-style eating-with-your-hands story just can’t be beaten somehow. Happy making food at its best.

Indian-style Coconut Fish Curry

I’ve been meaning to make fish curry for ages, and after finally getting round to it, I’ve learnt two things 1. Always give in to your food cravings. Always. and 2. Sometimes food chooses you. You see, I don’t know quite what I expected from this, but I certainly didn’t expect to want to eat it for lunch and dinner two days in a row. What’s more, I even have the faint glow of smugness of having converted a couple of non-fish-curriers along the way, with the added bonus of knowing that it’s exquisitely simple to make. Why not see for yourself?

Seared Tuna Steaks with Asian Dressing

Gosh, two posts in two days? Fear not, fair friends. Given my track record, this is not a sign of things to come. You shall certainly not be spammed by posts from me. I just thought there was no time to waste in getting a healthy-yummy recipe to you after yesterday’s New Year’s post. Ergo, I bring you Seared Tuna Heaven Re-Visited.

Thai Fish Curry in a Hurry

For a whole slew of reasons, we’ve been trying to eat more fish, so I’ve made it my mission to delve into fish dishes that don’t leave us feeling underwhelmed. And if you’re feeling a little low on the old HO HO HO this Christmas, then maybe this will help – we were enchanted with this sublime and very speedy Thai fish curry.

Salmon Fish Cakes

I had to debate long and hard with myself about whether or not these should be called ‘Salmon Fish Cakes’, or just ‘Fish Cakes’. If I’d just used good old Hake, which I have before and it’s delicious, then they would simply be ‘Fish Cakes’ and we’d all just get on with it. So why when I use salmon instead do I feel the need to add that in, as though it poshes them up or something? Go figure. I couldn’t. And, ultimately, who gives a continental? When something’s this delicious and can be on your fork with very little fuss it doesn’t matter what it’s called. We had a similar version a while ago when we had a recipe testing food and wine pairing just before I handed in my book manuscript. Out of 9 courses these were, hands down, the crowd favourite. I hope you like them too… 

BBQ Seared Tuna, All the way from Papua New Guinea

We spent Christmas in Australia with Rob’s family which we loved, but more relevant for this post is that we also managed to include a hop skip across to the very intriguing island of Papua New Guinea en route, as Rob’s parents are currently living and working there. I have no idea how you put PNG in a box – suffice to say that I think you just can’t, but IF I were to venture an attempt, it would go something along the lines of ‘a cross between Uganda and Jurassic Park…’.