🍢 Lamb and Halloumi Skewers with Fresh Herb Marinade

🍢 Lamb and Halloumi Skewers with Fresh Herb Marinade

Description

These lamb and halloumi skewers are a celebration of bold flavors and simple grilling. Tender cubes of lamb are paired with salty grilled halloumi and colorful vegetables, then brushed with a vibrant herb sauce that doubles as a marinade. Ideal for summer barbecues or relaxed outdoor meals, this recipe delivers freshness, richness, and balance in every bite.

🧄 Ingredients

Herb Sauce & Marinade

• 1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (leaves and stems)

• ½ cup finely chopped fresh basil

• 2 green onions, finely sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Skewers

• 750 g lamb leg, cut into cubes

• 200 g halloumi cheese, cut into cubes

• 2 red bell peppers, deseeded and cubed

• 2 small red onions, cut into chunks

• 2 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds

🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the herb sauce
   In a medium bowl, mix the cilantro, basil, green onions, garlic, oil, and vinegar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir well until fully combined.

2. Marinate the lamb
   Place the lamb cubes in a separate bowl. Pour half of the herb sauce over the meat and toss until evenly coated. Cover and let marinate for about 10 minutes at room temperature. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.

3. Assemble the skewers
   Thread the lamb, halloumi, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini alternately onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

4. Grill to perfection
   Preheat the barbecue to high heat and lightly oil the grill grates. Grill the skewers for about 4 minutes per side, turning once, until the lamb reaches your preferred doneness and the cheese is golden.

5. Serve
   Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and drizzle with the reserved herb sauce. Serve immediately.

🌿 Serving Tips

Pair these skewers with warm flatbread, a crisp green salad, or grilled potatoes for a complete meal.

🥣 Creamy White Beans with Pancetta and Zucchini

Description

This comforting white bean dish is perfect for cooler evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. Creamy cannellini beans are simmered with zucchini, shallots, garlic, and crispy pancetta, then finished with Parmesan and a bright shallot relish. Simple yet elegant, it works beautifully as a main dish or a hearty side.

🧾 Ingredients

Shallot Relish

• 1 shallot, finely minced

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt, to taste

Bean Mixture

• 115 g pancetta, cut into small pieces

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 shallots, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• 4 cups grated zucchini

• 2 cups chicken broth

• ½ cup cooking cream

• 2 cups cooked cannellini beans

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

🍳 Instructions

1. Make the relish
   Combine the minced shallot and vinegar in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then drain. Add parsley and olive oil, season with salt, and set aside.

2. Cook the pancetta
   In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the pancetta in olive oil until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

3. Prepare the base
   In the same skillet, sauté shallots, garlic, and chili flakes in the rendered fat. Add zucchini and cook until tender and moisture evaporates.

4. Create the sauce
   Pour in broth and cream, stirring until slightly thickened. Add beans, pancetta, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and simmer briefly.

5. Serve
   Spoon into bowls and top with Parmesan shavings, parsley, and shallot relish. Serve with toasted bread.

🍪 Pumpkin Spice Marble Cookies

Description

These pumpkin spice cookies are soft, aromatic, and visually stunning. Pumpkin purée keeps the cookies moist, while warm spices bring autumn comfort. A portion of the dough is enriched with cocoa, creating a beautiful marbled effect that makes these cookies as eye-catching as they are delicious.

🧁 Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ginger

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup melted butter

• ¾ cup sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• ½ cup pumpkin purée

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Spiced Sugar

• ¼ cup sugar

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ginger

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

🍪 Instructions

1. Prepare dry ingredients
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, spices, and salt.

2. Mix wet ingredients
   In another bowl, beat butter and sugars. Add egg yolk and pumpkin purée, then mix in dry ingredients.

3. Create two doughs
   Divide dough in half. Mix cocoa powder into one portion.

4. Shape cookies
   Scoop one ball of each dough and roll together. Chill for 2 hours.

5. Bake
   Roll in spiced sugar and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.

🥓 Fully Loaded Breakfast Focaccia

Description

This breakfast focaccia is a complete meal baked into one irresistible dish. Fluffy, olive oil–rich focaccia is topped with creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for brunch, sharing, or meal prep.

🧾 Ingredients

Focaccia Dough

• 5 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon instant yeast

• 2½ cups cold water

• 6 tablespoons olive oil

Toppings

• Baby potatoes, cooked and sliced

• Bacon lardons

• Gruyère or Cheddar cheese

• Fresh parsley and dill

• Lemon zest

🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the dough
   Mix flour, salt, yeast, and water. Rest overnight.

2. Shape and rise
   Stretch dough onto oiled pan and let rise until puffy.

3. Add toppings
   Spread cheese sauce into dimples, add potatoes and bacon.

4. Bake
   Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden.

5. Finish
   Top with herbs and lemon zest before serving.