Easy, Effortless Home Cooking | Recipes for Busy Cooks & Food Lovers

Meat/Poultry | Seafood/Fish | Veggies | Puds | Sharing | Drinks | Brunch Nostalgic Food Dinner Party

Peranakan Turmeric & Lemongrass Chicken Curry – A Fragrant Nyonya Dish

Peranakan Turmeric & Lemongrass Chicken Curry is a comforting dish rooted in the unique blend of Chinese and Malay flavors found in Nyonya cuisine. This aromatic curry is infused with the warmth of turmeric, the citrusy brightness of lemongrass, and the richness of coconut milk, creating a perfectly balanced meal.

With its golden color and fragrant spices, this curry is a staple in Peranakan cooking, loved for its depth of flavor and simplicity. Using Rempapa Turmeric & Lemongrass Paste makes it easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether served with rice or noodles, this dish brings bold, authentic flavours to your table.

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Super Simple Chocolate Custard with Malted Hot Chocolate

Chocolate custard is one of those comforting, indulgent desserts that instantly makes any pudding better. Whether poured over a steaming bowl of sponge cake, drizzled over brownies, or eaten straight from the spoon, it’s a guaranteed treat.

Using a malted hot chocolate mix makes chocolate custard effortless, giving it a rich, velvety texture with deep cocoa flavour and a hint of malt. No need for complicated techniques - just heat, stir, and pour. It’s the perfect shortcut to homemade custard with minimal effort but maximum flavour.

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Quesabirria Tacos – The Best Way to Use Leftover Birria

If you’ve made birria, chances are you have leftovers, and there’s no better way to use them than in quesabirria tacos. These tacos are a perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and juicy, packed with slow-cooked birria beef and fried until golden in its own rich consommé.

This recipe makes the most of the Cool Chile Birria Kit, giving you bold, deep flavours with minimal effort. The key to the perfect quesabirria is dipping the tortillas in the birria broth before frying, which creates a crispy, flavour-packed shell that holds all that cheesy, meaty goodness.

Serve with a side of extra consommé for dipping, fresh lime, and chopped coriander for the ultimate birria taco experience.

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Stove-Top Rice Pudding with Poached Apricots

Rice pudding is one of those love-it-or-hate-it desserts, but for those who enjoy its creamy, warming texture, it’s the ultimate comfort food. A bowl of homemade rice pudding is silky, rich, and delicately spiced, making it a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style.

This version is cooked on the stove, meaning no waiting around for the oven. It’s thick, creamy, and infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg for a depth of flavour. Instead of jam, we’ve paired it with poached apricots, bringing a gentle sweetness and floral aroma to balance the richness of the pudding.

Using seasonal fruit and high-quality spices makes all the difference. The apricots are poached in a rosemary-infused syrup, creating a fragrant, delicate topping that melts into the pudding. Serve warm for a cozy dessert or chilled for a refreshing summer treat.

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Chilli & Fennel Sausage Pasta – A Quick, Flavour-Packed Weeknight Meal

Finding time to cook during busy evenings can be a challenge, but this spicy sausage pasta is ready in just 20 minutes without compromising on flavour. Made with chilli and fennel sausages, rich chopped tomatoes, and nutritious spinach, it’s a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare.

The combination of chilli and fennel sausage meatballs with the sweetness of piquillo peppers creates an effortless balance of spice and depth. The garlic-infused mojo de ajo oil brings everything together, making the sauce rich and fragrant.

Serve with a green salad or crusty bread and a generous grating of pecorino cheese for the perfect finishing touch. This easy pasta dish is a weeknight staple, full of plant-based goodness and packed with flavour.

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Classic Cream of Tomato Soup Recipe with Cheese & Onion Toastie

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of cream of tomato soup. It’s rich, smooth, and packed with flavour, transporting you back to cosy childhood meals. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a quick lunch, this recipe brings all the nostalgia with none of the fuss.

To make it even better, pair it with a cheese and onion toastie - crispy, buttery bread filled with melty, gooey cheese and a hint of fresh spring onion. It’s the perfect side for dipping, dunking, and devouring.

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Espresso Martini – A Coffee Lover’s Cocktail

An Espresso Martini is the ultimate cocktail for coffee lovers. It’s rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso. Whether you need a pick-me-up before a night out or a sophisticated after-dinner drink, this cocktail delivers a bold flavour with a silky finish.

Invented in the 1980s, the Espresso Martini has become a modern classic, loved for its combination of strong coffee and smooth spirits. The key to a great Espresso Martini is using freshly brewed espresso, which creates a natural foam on top when shaken. A touch of coffee liqueur adds sweetness, while vodka keeps it crisp and clean.

Served in a chilled glass with three coffee beans for garnish, this cocktail is as stylish as it is delicious. Whether you're making a single drink or a batch for friends, an Espresso Martini is always a crowd-pleaser.

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Spicy Paloma – The Ultimate Refreshing Cocktail

Spicy Paloma – The Ultimate Summer Cocktail

A Paloma is everything a good cocktail should be-refreshing, citrusy, and perfectly balanced. While the classic version is already a favourite, adding a little heat takes it to the next level. The combination of smooth tequila, tart grapefruit, and a hint of spice creates a drink that is both invigorating and exciting.

A Spicy Paloma is the perfect cocktail for summer evenings, barbecues, or casual get-togethers. It’s light, crisp, and incredibly easy to make, whether you’re mixing a single drink or a large jug for guests. The heat comes from fresh jalapeño slices or a touch of chilli salt on the rim, complementing the bright citrus flavours without overpowering them.

This cocktail is a great alternative to a Margarita if you prefer something a little lighter but still full of flavour. Whether you serve it on the rocks or in a chilled glass, a Spicy Paloma is guaranteed to be a hit.

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Classic Margarita Pitcher– The Perfect Hosting Cocktail

A Margarita is one of those drinks that instantly sets the mood. It’s fresh, zesty, and effortlessly cool, making it perfect for relaxed get-togethers or lively summer parties. But shaking individual Margaritas? That’s where the fun stops.

A big batch Margarita jug is the ultimate solution - one mix, no stress, and a perfect pour every time. Whether served on the rocks for a refreshing sip or straight up for a bold and crisp taste, this is the cocktail that keeps the party going.

Hosting with a Margarita jug means more time enjoying the moment and less time measuring and shaking. Set out some salt-rimmed glasses, plenty of ice, and fresh lime wedges, and let guests serve themselves.

It’s versatile too - add fresh jalapeño slices for a Spicy Margarita, swap orange liqueur for grapefruit juice for a Paloma-style twist, or top up with soda for a lighter option. However you serve it, a Margarita jug guarantees a crowd-pleasing drink with minimal effort.

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The Great Cheeseboard Debate: Before or After Pudding?

After lunch, we brought out the cheeseboard, and the conversation quickly turned to one of the biggest food debates-should cheese be served before or after dessert?

This time, we went with before, and I might have gently swayed the decision. The main objective? Trying out my chutneys with a selection of cheeses and getting some honest feedback from friends (because let’s be real, they don’t hold back).

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Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Nduja Oil & Cheese Scones

There’s something special about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day-especially when it’s packed with deep, roasted flavours and finished with a spicy drizzle of nduja oil. This roasted cauliflower soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something spectacular.

I wanted to make something quick and flavourful, using one of my go-to pantry staples: nduja. With its smoky heat and rich, spreadable texture, nduja melts into oil, creating the most incredible finishing drizzle that takes any soup from good to unforgettable.

And here’s the best part-this recipe leans on frozen veg. Frozen cauliflower is an unsung hero in the kitchen. It’s just as nutritious as fresh, lasts for ages, and roasts beautifully for a soup that’s naturally creamy and full of depth.

Pair it with cheese scones, and you’ve got a meal that feels a little special but takes hardly any effort.

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Homemade Beans with Nduja & Fried Egg – A Hearty Brunch Recipe

Beans on toast, but not as you know it. This is a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy take on homemade beans, packed with nduja, roasted peppers, and a punchy tomato sauce. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or an easy midweek dinner.

The beauty of this dish? It’s big on flavour but low on effort. A tin of white beans gets a proper upgrade with nduja – that fiery, spreadable Calabrian sausage – and a little bit of mojo de ajo (or garlic oil). Topped with a crispy fried egg, it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes.

This isn’t your ordinary beans on toast—it’s a bold, flavour-packed upgrade. Whether you’re indulging in a weekend brunch or looking for a quick but impressive dinner, this recipe delivers comfort with a kick. The magic comes from nduja, that fiery, spreadable salami that melts into the sauce, infusing it with smoky depth and a hint of heat.

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Affogato-Style Hot Chocolate Pudding – The Easiest Show-Stopping Dessert

This affogato-style hot chocolate pudding is the easiest way to turn a simple dessert into a showstopper. Instead of espresso, this version swaps in warm, velvety Malted Hot Chocolate, poured over ice cream for an indulgent, melt-in-the-mouth treat. Serve it straight from a teapot for a bit of drama or let guests customise their own with biscuits and toppings.

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Lemongrass & Turmeric Mussels – A Quick & Fragrant One-Pot Dish

This spicy mussel recipe is a game-changer when you’re after bold flavours with minimal effort. Fresh mussels simmered in a fragrant coconut and lemongrass broth create a light yet deeply satisfying meal, perfect for a midweek treat or a relaxed weekend dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, this one-pot seafood dish is incredibly easy to make and comes together in under 15 minutes.

The secret to this dish’s incredible flavour is the combination of lemongrass, turmeric, and creamy coconut milk, giving the broth a beautifully aromatic, slightly spiced richness. Served with warm roti or crusty bread, it’s a dish designed for dipping and sharing.

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Chipotle in Adobo Prawn Cocktail Nachos – A No-Cook Sharing Platter

Looking for a quick, no-cook sharing dish that’s bursting with flavour? These Chipotle in Adobo Prawn Cocktail Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Easy to assemble and packed with smoky, creamy, and tangy goodness, they’re perfect for laid-back entertaining, casual get-togethers, or even a no-fuss midweek treat.

We’re using MSC-certified small prawns in this recipe, ensuring that our seafood is sustainably sourced while delivering that sweet, juicy bite that pairs beautifully with smoky chipotle mayo, crisp tortilla chips, fresh lettuce, and tangy pickled guindilla chillies. Supporting sustainable fishing is important, and you can learn more about responsibly sourced seafood from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) here: MSC Sustainable Seafood.

This nacho platter is ideal for sharing, whether you’re setting it down in the middle of the table for everyone to dig in or serving it up as a starter before a bigger meal. It’s quick to make, full of bold flavours, and a great alternative to a classic prawn cocktail. The combination of smoky heat from the chipotle, the crunch of fresh lettuce and tortilla chips, and the tang of pickled chillies makes every bite exciting. If you’re looking for a dish that delivers big flavour with minimal effort, this one is a must-try. So grab a bag of tortilla chips and get layering!

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Megan’s Skillet Spaghetti

Meghan Markle’s Skillet Spaghetti has sparked conversation, dividing the internet between those who love its simplicity and those who find it…controversial. But here’s the thing – if Meghan is getting people in the kitchen and cooking from scratch, I am all for it.

Meghan has spoken about her love for simple, nourishing meals, and this one-pan wonder has become a favourite among home cooks. If you're curious about more of Meghan’s food preferences and lifestyle, you can check out Netflix’s ‘With Love, Meghan’, her latest series, which gives an intimate look into her approach to wellness, food, and home life.

With just a few tweaks, we can take this viral recipe from a basic dish to something truly flavour-packed.

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N’duja Spaghetti Hoops

Bring back the magic of a childhood classic with a grown-up twist! 🍝✨ Spaghetti hoops meet spicy nduja in this flavour-packed update that’s perfect for a quick, comforting meal. Think creamy tomato sauce, a kick of heat, and all the nostalgia, reinvented for your dinner table. Ready in minutes, delicious every time

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Festive Air-Fried Baked Camembert with Toasted Pecans and Cranberries

Bring a touch of festive indulgence to your Christmas celebrations with this gloriously gooey baked Camembert, made effortlessly in the air fryer. Topped with toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch and tangy cranberries for a hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect centrepiece for a cosy gathering. Ideal for sharing, serve it with crusty bread, oatcakes, or even some seasonal veg for dipping. Quick to make and bursting with festive flavours, this dish is sure to become a Christmas favourite!

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Quick & Easy Nduja Pizza with Sea Sisters Mussels in Chilli

Whip up a flavour-packed meal in no time! Using a Crosta & Mollica Pizza Base, spread a few teaspoons of spicy nduja, bake until golden, and top with Sea Sisters Mussels in Chilli for a quick yet indulgent twist. Don’t waste the crusts—dip them in the delicious chilli oil for a simple, satisfying finish. Ready in minutes, perfect for busy days or a fuss-free treat

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Sea Sisters Smoked Rainbow Trout & Potato Salad with Capers, Sour Cream & Poached Egg

Create a deliciously simple yet elegant dish with Sea Sisters Smoked British Rainbow Trout, perfectly paired with creamy potatoes, tangy Perello Capers, and a dollop of rich sour cream. Topped with a perfectly poached egg and a drizzle of All Dressed Up Everyday Dressing, this rainbow trout potato salad is a beautifully balanced meal. It’s a quick and easy way to bring sustainable, flavour-packed ingredients to your table, ideal for lunch, brunch, or a light supper.

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