Almond and aniseed biscuits

Asparagus soufflé

This requires precise planning, because the soufflés must be served immediately or they will collapse.

Baklava

This Middle Eastern pastry is delicious and matches the cinnamon and orange tea perfectly.

Bay and lemon tea

Bay leaves have a mild, slightly spicy flavour that is enhanced by the lemon.

Cannoli

Cantaloupe melon sorbet with biscuit cups

Choose melons that feel heavy for their size, give a little when pressed gently and smell sweet and ripe.

Carpaccio alla rucola

Chocolate truffles

Cinnamon and lemon biscuits

Cinnamon and orange tea

This is another spice and citrus tea, and it is a beautiful golden colour.

Fennel seed and rosemary

This is good for indigestion and constipation, reduces water retention and soothes the toxic effects of excess alcohol.

Fichi, melone e prosciutto all’aceto balsamico

Fish in a salt crust

Baking fish in sea-salt is one of the best ways to cook it. The method seals in the flavour and juices.

Fried calamari

Fried peppers

Fried sardines in tempura batter

Green beans and tomatoes

Grilled salmon

Lavender and thyme tea

This helps ease headaches and dizziness, aids digestion, alleviates flatulence and soothes hangovers.

Lemon and ginger tea

This is a spice and citrus tea, rather than a herbal one, and it makes a wonderful tonic when you

Lemon and pistachio cake

Lemon verbena tea

This is a summer treat and it is particularly good, mildly sedative, soothing to indigestion, nausea and cramps. The shrub

Making paella

Marilu Micallef describes how to make authentic Spanish paella.

Melon sorbet and fresh melon

Mint tea

This is an all-time favourite, and the drink of choice in North Africa, where it is made with fresh mint

Pancakes with lemon-orange syrup

These small pancakes can be eaten at breakfast or as a light supper. The orange zest in the batter adds a tantalizing bitter note.

Pasta allo zafferano e aceto balsamico

Petits couers with poppy seeds

Profiteroles

Risotto all’aceto balsamico

This is a famous recipe from Modena.

Roast potatoes

Sage tea

Tea made with the leaves tastes and smells quite different, and is surprisingly comforting.

Tartar of bream (awrat)

Thyme biscuits

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