This comfort food salad is made just before serving it. If you prefer creamier, add less vinegar, and if you tend to like dressings more tart, taste while adding the vinegar.

There are thousands of recipes for Fried Rice, mostly because it is made up from leftover ingredients. The rice must be cold; refrigerated overnight and then the rest is up to you. This serves 2 as a main course.

Wild Blueberry Jam with no added sugar actually tastes like blueberries. This sweet and savoury sauce is perfect with pork roast. We imagine it would be equally as good with a whole roasted chicken.

Baked Potatoes are called Jacket Potatoes in the UK and when topped with chili these are hearty enough to be the main meal. Start with a salad and a crisp vinaigrette. Build your own for one or a crowd, with a Chili Potato Bar and…

There are several kinds of Mozzarella, from fresh to smoked, and Bocconcini to Mozzarella di Bufala.  Fresh and di Bufala are sold in containers or bags with water or whey.    Fresh Mozzarella Mozzarella balls are sold about the size of oranges while Bocconcini is about the size…

Rice Pilaf involves cooking with stock, spices, and vegetables vs. water. Use any type of long grain rice you prefer and your imagination. In some countries Rice Pilaf is the main course, in others a side dish. Basmati Rice or Jasmine Rice work equally well…

Light, little pillows of dough make Italian dumplings or Gnocchi; which are usually served as the first course to contain hot food (prime or primo) in a traditional Italian meal. The prime or primo is not the main event, it is more like a hot…

Get the chips and when this comes out of the oven; dig in! Mexican Chorizo has a bit of heat, and it looks more like ground meat than the Spanish version, which is like a hard dry cured sausage. Lots of gooey cheese and it’s…

These cheesy style pizza’s on baguettes are perfect with a salad for lunch or for a snack when all the kids are over. Do try the Mornay Sauce before you rule it out (it’s super easy to make) and head for Rao’s Traditional Pizza Sauce.…

Fresh spring asparagus comes in thin or thick spears, depending on the health and age of the plant. It’s a divided debate, with fans on both sides; but the majority in our family opt for thin spears that cook within 2 – 3 minutes.