Italian lunch/2 recipes

So to start off with the first post, I decided to make a meal that screams of comfort food. Whilst it does take a bit of a while to get the meal done, once you take that first bite, heaven couldn’t seem closer if you were Adam trying to touch God’s finger in the “Creation of Adam” fresco created by Michaelangelo. The meal I speak of is Cottage Pie. There is much debate as to what exactly a cottage pie is and how it is different to a Shepherd’s pie...I don’t know. The dominant theory is that Sheperds pie uses lamb mince, whilst a cottage pie uses beef mince. I don’t know about you, but the term “Sheperds Pie” does not get my tastebuds going quite as well, so I prefer the term cottage pie. Besides, comparing the price of ground (mince) beef to ground lamb, a student would pick up the beef mince in a heartbeat without even so much as glancing at the lamb in the meat section. This cottage pie that I made is full of flavour, and just makes you want to cuddle up next to a fire and watch TCM movies all day either by yourself, or with a significant other. Here is the recipe:

It's easy to make your own home-made pasta. Many Italian families do it every day. This is a very traditional original recipe from Larousse Gastronomique the French bible of fine dining and cooking.

Delish herring canapes that are perfect for any party or gathering. They will have everyone coming back for more!

Using sun-dried or oven-dried tomatoes and olives makes this delicious tapenade that can be spread over the sough dough bread, stuffed into bell peppers or chicken breast, or can be the replacement of mayonnaise when you prepare the sandwiches. Quick, easy and tasty!

Much better than the take-out meal, and the best is that I can control what go into my dish. Quite easy to make, and it tasted delicious.

Egg free, delish cookie dough in the form of pops. Dipped in your favorite chocolate.

Inspired by Cat Caro's recipe, we made a few changes in our version. These deliciously filling sandwiches are also loaded with good-for-you ingredients. Perfect for a quick-fix lunch or dinner.

Serving the ideal pizza is a quest of many. But only a few have been able to master this skill well. For getting that perfect pizzas dough, it’s important to know a few key techniques along with using the best ingredients.

This rustic peach galette doesn't require fancy tart pan or complicated pinchy skill to make a delicate crust. This rustic galette is very simple and easy to make, meanwhile lots of fresh seasonal peaches are filled into it. A definite summer dessert, light, fruity and very delicious, which will satisfy your sweet tooth and the craving for dessert.

Just by dipping the top into melted chocolate makes these already delicious tails taste even better. Nothing can go wrong with the combination of butter and chocolate. They are wonderful Christmas cookies every year, and your family or friends will be asking you for these cookies every Christmas.

A Calzone is a turnover that originates from Italy. It is made of ingredients similar to pizza folded over and shaped like a crescent. The typical Calzone is stuffed with tomato and mozzarella, and may include other ingredients usually associated with pizza toppings.

Quick, easy and packed with deliciousness. Serve this sichuan style stir-fry dish with rice to complete the meal.

Banana Raisin Walnut Muffins recipe

Baby portobello mushrooms, dried porcini mushrooms and tomatoes make this ragu taste super delicious. Mix it into spaghetti or use it to make lasagna, and it will deliver the maximum yumminess.

Kick it up a notch with this version of salmon salad. The crispy potatoes make the dish worthy of serving to guests. Be prepared for rave reviews. It can also be stuffed into a pita for a quick and healthy lunch.