What started as a tray of mixed lettuce seedlings turned into one of the biggest surprises we’ve had at the allotment. After weeks of debating whether our unusually bitter “lettuce” was really lettuce at all, it finally revealed itself as radicchio. To celebrate the discovery, I made this simple Venetian-inspired aperitivo from Polpo by Russell Norman, where radicchio is gently pickled in white wine, white wine vinegar and juniper berries before being served with grissini and salami.

Discover how to make Sütlü Kadayıf, a delicious Turkish dessert combining crispy shredded pastry with rich hazelnuts and a light milk-infused syrup. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat that highlights traditional flavors with a modern twist.

There was a time when healthy eating seemed to mean making food as bland as possible. This Caramelised Fennel & Mushroom Pilaf is one of the few recipes from an old healthy-eating cookbook that has stayed with me for years. The original was simple but forgettable; over time I adapted it by properly caramelising the vegetables, adding more lemon and black pepper, and simplifying the ingredients. The result is a wholesome, flavourful one-pot meal that I still cook today.