HOT and SWEET

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I see that I am about to complete 20 years on the chain-gang of writing a weekly food-and-drink page in Cyprus newspapers (I anticipate a flood of congratulatory Emails) Before the summer of 1995 I had “cut my teeth” so to speak with several years of monthly writings in newspapers or magazines. My first weekly […]

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Lentils, Cyprus Style

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They say the simplest dishes are often the best. And in many countries the food of the peasants is the best: fresh ingredients grown near the dwelling, easy preparation and speedy cooking. What could be better? Within the walls of Nicosia, not in the tourist section, you can still find little cafés where Mama cooks […]

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MARROWS LARGE, MARROWS SMALL, MARROWS LIKE A CANNON BALL.

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Long ago and far away, newly married, on a glorious summer Sunday day,after attending a conference in the north of England my wife and drove south, homewards.  We had booked lunch in the countryside near Cambridge at a then famous small restaurantrun by a brilliant, but irascible Frenchman. After a simple but truly memorable meal […]

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MEDITERRANEAN DIPS FOR SUMMER

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As I write the rain is spilling down and the wind almost blowing a gale, to the point where I am wondering how much further the neighbour’s silver birch tree can bend over.  But there must be some summer on the way sometime, so I thought I’d pick out some very good party or buffet/starter […]

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Olive Tapenade and Muhumarra

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Two lovely, zingy Mediterranean dips…. superb with hot Pitta or a fresh Baguette, as a snack or with some salad a light meal.  With the three other “dips” of my June 10th Post (Hommous, Moutabal (smoky aubergine dip) and Skordalia (Garlic Sauce), you have a delectable quintet of buffet or party openers. Tapenade of Black […]

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Pesto

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Pesto is Italian – a quite pungent blend of fresh basil, pine-nuts (“Pinolia”), cheese, garlic and olive oil. It is a great accompaniment to Pasta and Gnocchi, but around my table it is often spooned on to grilled or fried chicken and fish. It is simple to make and it’s a super summer dish. It’s […]

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