Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

A timeless Italian classic that comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. The key is to use the pasta water to create a creamy, silky sauce without cream.

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 200g pancetta or guanciale, diced
• 4 large eggs
• 100g Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
• 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt for pasta water

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.

Homemade Pizza Margherita

Nothing beats a homemade pizza with a perfectly crispy crust, simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. This recipe requires some planning for the dough rise, but the results are worth it.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 500g strong white bread flour
• 325ml warm water
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 7g instant dried yeast
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Topping:

• 400g can of good quality Italian tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 300g fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. Make the dough: Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix warm water with yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chocolate chip cookies are crispy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and loaded with chocolate chips. The secret is using brown butter and letting the dough rest before baking.

Ingredients

• 225g unsalted butter
• 200g light brown sugar
• 100g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 300g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 300g chocolate chips (mix of dark and milk chocolate)
• Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Pour into a bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

Thai Green Curry

Aromatic, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Thai green curry is better than takeout. Adjust the spice level to your preference and serve with jasmine rice.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3-4 tbsp Thai green curry paste
• 400ml coconut milk
• 200ml chicken stock
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
• 500g chicken breast, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 100g green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 small aubergine (eggplant), cubed
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 handful Thai basil leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• Jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the curry paste and fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Sunday Roast Chicken

A perfectly roasted chicken with crispy golden skin and juicy meat. This classic Sunday roast is simple to prepare and makes an impressive centerpiece for a family meal.

Ingredients

• 1.8kg whole chicken
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 whole head of garlic, halved horizontally
• 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 50g butter, softened
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 500g baby potatoes
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 onions, quartered

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).