EASY BANOFFEE CHEESECAKE

A simple meal is made complete and special by the sweet ending. I have no qualms about buying dessert when I have no time to make one. This dessert, though, takes no time nor effort to make. It is as easy as 1-2-3 and requires no baking.

ROAST BELLY PORK WITH GARLIC, CHILLI AND FENNEL SEEDS

Roast dinners are always enjoyable both to eat and to cook. It is my "time off" from cooking because only a little time is spent actively cooking. When the joint is in the oven, I can relax for an hour or two doing something else or simply relaxing.

GRILLED MARINATED SQUID

I have never ventured to cook big squids, although we eat the small ones quite often. I always worry about them being tough. 

The fishmonger always announces his specials at first instance and today it was squids. I took one look and shook my head. They were a foot long! He was very convincing and assured me that it didn't take long to cook and wasn't tough at all. It is overcooking that actually makes it tough. Persuaded, I chose two small ones (about 8" long). 

BUCO (YOUNG COCONUT) MERINGUE PIE

The summer season in the Philippines culminates in the month of May. A lot of towns celebrate their town fiestas, most of which feature a religious pageant called the Flores de Mayo, which literally translates to flowers of May. The prettiest young ladies dressed up in formal evening finery join a procession around the town.

FRESH RICE PAPER SPRING ROLLS

The British summer is so short. It is always gone before you even know that it's there. When the sun shines everyone scampers out of their houses and goes outdoors. 

BONELESS BUFFALO CHICKEN

A lot of recipes have gone down in history yet still remain on trend. Buffalo wings is an old time classic yet still so popular. Unfortunately, not all are created equal. I am sorry to say that I have been disappointed too many times by these little niblets. Fried chicken wings doused with hot pepper sauce just doesn't make the grade.

SPAGHETTI WITH PRAWNS IN SPICY TOMATO SAUCE

Pasta can make a hearty and delicious meal in no time. When I'm busy and pressed for time, pasta is my reprieve. I'm sure it is for a lot of people, too. 

CREMA DE FRUTA GATEAU

We celebrated Mothering Sunday here in the UK on April 3. This cake is for all mothers being honoured on Mother's Day on May 8. Happy Mother's Day!

Crema de fruta (meaning cream of fruit) is a Filipino trifle consisting of a sponge cake base, custard , fruits and gelatine. I converted it into a gateau because it makes a nicer presentation. This is my favourite cake and is the cake I most often make when there's an occasion. It is not too rich and actually is quite refreshing because of the fruit and the jelly. 

SATAY CHICKEN

Satays are delicious morsels of well seasoned meats threaded on bamboo skewers and grilled over hot coals. It is one of Malaysia's ubiquitous street foods.  Eating satay for supper is one of the things I enjoy doing most when I'm there. It is not only the food itself but the whole experience of outdoor dining in the full Malaysian sense that excites me. The warm air, the cooking smells and the jovial mood all combine to make an atmosphere that cannot be recreated elsewhere.