Rhubarb, Thyme & Ginger Pistachio Frangipane Cake with Crumble Topping, Rhubarb Compote and Creme Fraiche

One of my favourite summer desserts. Sweet and sharp marinated rhubarb pairs so well with the nutty pistachio frangipane flavoured with orange and amaretto, the aromatic thyme, stem ginger and crunchy moreish almond crumble topping for some texture. It’s lovely slightly warm from the oven but also keeps really well. I like to serve it with a sweet, jammy rhubarb compote on the side made with extra amaretto, a dash of vanilla and chopped stem ginger. Creme fraiche lightens everything up but ice cream, chantilly or straight pouring cream would also be delicious.

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dip, harissa, houmous, tahini, middle eastern, pomegranates Bethany Ferguson dip, harissa, houmous, tahini, middle eastern, pomegranates Bethany Ferguson

Rose Harissa Humous with Toasted Pine Nuts and Pomegranate

I could happily sit with a bowlful of this houmous and some pitta or flatbreads and demolish the whole thing. Making your own houmous is so easy and the difference in taste from the shop bought stuff shocks me every time. In this version I drizzle some rose harissa over the top before finishing with some pomegranates, mint and toasted pine nuts, but you can top it with whatever you like - crispy chickpeas, caramelised onions, chilli oil, pesto, feta cheese, spiced lamb mince, you name it.

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bolognese, pasta, pasta recipe, halloumi, greek Bethany Ferguson bolognese, pasta, pasta recipe, halloumi, greek Bethany Ferguson

Greek Lamb Bolognese with Dried Mint and Grated Halloumi

Lighter and fresher than a typical bolognese, this greek version using lamb mince, chicken stock, dried mint and grated halloumi is full of flavour and comfort without the heaviness of a traditional rich ragu. Cooking the dried pasta in chicken stock with the mince always ensure it soaks up all those lovely flavours.

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salmon, salmon recipe, fish, fish recipe, miso, healthy Bethany Ferguson salmon, salmon recipe, fish, fish recipe, miso, healthy Bethany Ferguson

Steamed, Miso & Honey Salmon

This is one of my favourite ways to cook salmon and it just so happens to be one of the easiest. The marinade couldn’t be simpler, just some miso, honey, soy, sesame, ginger and rice vinegar or lime juice. Steaming the fillets ensures they stay lovely and moist and really locks the flavour in. It also takes just a matter of minutes. Served with some brown or white rice, stir fried veg of your choice, and a selection of garnishes, this is one the quickest midweek meals.

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galette, pastry, pudding, pudding recipe, dessert, dessert recipe, custard Bethany Ferguson galette, pastry, pudding, pudding recipe, dessert, dessert recipe, custard Bethany Ferguson

Apple & Blackberry Spelt Galette with Amaretti Crumb and Cardamom Stem Ginger Custard

This galette is made with spelt flour which gives it a lovely nutty flavour. A ginger and amaretti crumb adds more texture and flavour, while ensuring the pastry stays nice and crisp and doesn’t go soggy from the fruit. We used blackberries and apples as they were in season but you really could use any fruit (rhubarb, plums, and pears would all be delicious) - orange zest, vanilla, thyme and amaretto all complement each other beautifully and with a warming cardamom and stem ginger custard on the side, this is a winner of a pudding and a great one for Easter Sunday lunch. Plus, the beauty of a galette is it’s meant to be rustic, so you don’t have to be too precise about it all.

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Roast Squash, Chickpea and Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing

One of my favourite salad recipes for when I feel the need for some veggie goodness. The butternut squash could be substituted for sweet potato and you could use any other leafy greed instead of the kale. The key is letting it marinade in the dressing for at least 30 minutes so it can start to soften. The creamy tahini dressing is addictive and so versatile. With some toasted crunchy pumpkin or sunflower seeds to top it off, its a healthy and satisfying light dinner or lunch and works perfectly for leftovers.

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Mexican-Style Baked Sweet Potatoes with Smoky Beans and Zingy Guac

This recipe has all the flavours you create from a Mexican meal, minus the unhealthier parts. Its great for leftovers and a really delicious and easy way to get some of your 5 a day. The smoky beans go so well with the sweetness of the sweet potato, while a punchy and creamy homemade guacamole adds more colour and flavour. Topped with salty cheese and cooling sour cream, this is a go to of mine if you’ve had a heavy weekend and need some veggie goodness in your life.

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greek, chicken, chicken recipe, healthy, summer Bethany Ferguson greek, chicken, chicken recipe, healthy, summer Bethany Ferguson

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Tzatziki

This has become one of my go-to meals when I get home from work. Perfect for a weeknight meal and great for leftover lunches the next day. The chicken breasts are marinaded in a simple marinade of oregano, lemon, garlic and olive oil while the orzo pasta salad has all the ingredients of a delicious fresh and zingy Greek salad - kalamata olives, crumbled feta, parsley, mint, lemon, balsamic, chopped red pepper and tomatoes and some cucumber. Finished with a little sumac and red pepper flakes for some heat, topped with creamy cooking tzatziki, this is a tasty and healthy bowl of goodness.

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beef, dumplings, casserole, chocolate, comfort food Bethany Ferguson beef, dumplings, casserole, chocolate, comfort food Bethany Ferguson

Guinness & Chocolate Beef Shin Casserole with Herby Pancetta Dumplings

With the Six Nations ongoing Guinness is on the mind. While I’m not a massive fan of a pint myself, it works really well in this rich, comforting beef stew. A little dark chocolate adds slight sweetness to the rich sauce, while some herby potato dumplings with salty pancetta soak up all the yummy flavours and add a whole other level of comfort. Super easy to make and perfect for a Sunday dinner.

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Butternut Squash Chicken Korma with Stir Fried Green Beans

A healthy and tasty chicken korma for a Sunday night. The butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness to the sauce and soaks up the spices really well. Adding the chicken to the simmering sauce towards the end means it doesn’t dry out and stays soft and tender. Some ground almonds gives a nutty creaminess which you want from a korma and some crunchy stir fried beans with garlic, shallots, nigella seeds and toasted almonds gives colour and texture. Some flatbreads, naan, chapatis or fluffy rice are the perfect sides.

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salmon, salmon recipe, bulgur wheat, healthy, fish, fish recipe Bethany Ferguson salmon, salmon recipe, bulgur wheat, healthy, fish, fish recipe Bethany Ferguson

Crispy Paprika Salmon with Sundried Tomato Yoghurt and Bulgur Wheat Salad

This crispy panko salmon is the perfect weeknight dinner, is super quick to throw together and is a great way to use up some stale sourdough you might have hanging around in the cupboard (or you can just use panko instead). The breadcrumbs are mixed with some spices, lemon zest and parsley to give a lovely crispy topping to the salmon which has a thin layer of dijon mustard across the top. Paired with a punchy sundried tomato yoghurt and fresh bulgur salad packed with plenty of fresh mint, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers, this is a healthy dinner which will satisfy all tastebuds.

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greek, chicken, chicken recipe, burger, burger recipe, healthy, summer Bethany Ferguson greek, chicken, chicken recipe, burger, burger recipe, healthy, summer Bethany Ferguson

Greek Chicken Burger Bowls with Sundried Tomato Yoghurt, Lime Feta Sweet Potatoes and Tomato Olive Salad

These greek chicken burgers have all the flavours of a chicken souvlaki but in healthier form. The chicken burgers are made with plenty of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, oregano, cumin and paprika and the baked sweet potatoes with a hit of lime and salty feta are so moreish. You could of course have them with pitta breads or in a burger bun, but little gem lettuce leaves are another alternative for some crunch and texture. Healthy, filling and super tasty.

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Grown Up Rocky Road

Inspired by Nigella Lawson’s Rocky Road Crunch Bars, this is my grownup version of rocky road - grown up thanks to a lil rum amongst lots of other goodies. Ridiculously easy and so so moreish - if you take these to the office or just keep them in the fridge at home for whenever you need a sweet treat, you will be everyone’s friend I promise.

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prawns, pasta recipe, pasta, pesto, summer, summer vegetables, healthy Bethany Ferguson prawns, pasta recipe, pasta, pesto, summer, summer vegetables, healthy Bethany Ferguson

Prawn Courgette Pasta with Sundried Tomato and Sunflower Seed Pesto

This pesto recipe is a great one for nut-allergies as it uses sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts. The texture and flavour is just the same as other pesto recipes (some might say actually more tasty) and its so versatile. You can add it on pizzas, stir it through risottos, or use it as a topping for hummus. The possibilities are endless.

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Anchovy, Garlic and Rosemary Leg of Lamb with The Best Dauphinoise, Marmite Redcurrant Jus and Steamed Kale

Roast leg of lamb is always a winner. Although it is a pricier cut, it really does go a long way and you can do a lot with leftover lamb. For me, lamb goes so so well with the creamy richness of dauphinois potatoes and some simply steamed green veg on the side. Anchovies, garlic and rosemary are a marriage made in heaven and with a sweet but umami rich redcurrant jus with marmite, red wine and Worcestershire sauce, this is Sunday comfort food heaven.

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Roasted Spiced Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad with Green Tahini Dressing

I’m a big fan of a roasted veg salad and this one is one of my go-to’s. The combination of the spiced, charred vegetables with the nutty freshness of the green tahini dressing is so tasty and some sweet raisins and toasted almonds add more flavour and texture. It’s a great lunchbox salad and very affordable too. It can also be made vegan very easily by using dairy free yoghurt in the dressing.

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chicken, chicken recipe, comfort food Bethany Ferguson chicken, chicken recipe, comfort food Bethany Ferguson

Chicken Parma with Tomato Sauce & Rocket Salad

You just can’t beat a chicken parm. Soft chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella, sundried tomatoes and basil, wrapped in salty parma ham, topped with cheesy, lemony, herby breadcrumbs and served with a rich tomato sauce and fresh rocket salad - it is ultimate comfort food. Kids will love it, adults will love it, its just one of those dishes which is a total crowdpleaser. Perfect for a midweek dinner but also tasty enough that people would be delighted to be served it at a dinner party, it’s just too good.

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dessert, dessert recipe, figs, orange, pudding, pudding recipe, pastry Bethany Ferguson dessert, dessert recipe, figs, orange, pudding, pudding recipe, pastry Bethany Ferguson

Fig, Orange & Cointreau Frangipane Tart

I haven’t posted a dessert recipe in a while so thought I’d share this recipe which is one of my all time favourites. We had it at New Year and I’ve also made it for several private dinner parties. It’s a great one to make ahead and can just be reheated to service. The pastry is made in a food processor which makes it much easier, quicker and it happens to be delicious. I served it with stem ginger custard but creme fraiche would work just as well. The sweet jamminess of the figs, the citrus hit of the orange, the nuttiness of the almond frangipane, the buttery pastry, and slight boozy hit of the cointreau are all a match made in heaven.

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Chipotle Pork Carnitas with Pico de Gallo, Charred Tomatillo Salsa, Pickled Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Cream

This is one of my favourite things to make when I have people over for dinner. Everything can be prepared in advance and ready to go and all served in the middle of the table for everyone to get stuck into. The slow cooked pork with chipotle, orange, cinnamon, and star anise is so full of flavour and just melts in the mouth. All the other elements add plenty of different flavours and textures to make sure that every mouthful is a proper taste sensation. Can’t wait to share the recipe for this one tomorrow - this is one you’re going to need to save. Would make a fabulous dinner for in-between Christmas and New Year as well when everyone needs a bit of spice.

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