Chorizo Pasta with Rocket                                                                                   Serves 4

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
400g tin chopped tomatoes
1 tsp oregano (or mixed herbs)
1 chicken stock cube (or stock pot)
50g mild chorizo sausage, diced
300g penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
optional: pinch of chilli flakes
To Serve: Fresh Rocket Leaves

Method

1. Cook pasta according to packet instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large heavy based frying pan.
3. Sweat the onion over a medium heat until softened.
4. Add the peppers and garlic and fry for 3 minutes.
5. Add in the oregano (or other herbs). Optional: If you would like to add a bit of spicy heat to this dish you can add in some chilli flakes (but it is not necessary if you have bought spicy chorizo).
6. Add in the chopped tomatoes.
7. Add in the stock pot and stir it until it is dissolved (alternately dissolve it in a quarter teacup of boiling water).  Add it to the tomato...

 As a colourful side dish to liven up a boring old grilled chop, I boil them with frozen sweetcorn and serve them mixed together with a knob of butter.

For tasty vegetarian meals, a little creativity with some fresh herbs can make all the difference. Which is why this rich and creamy risotto with bright peas and mint is a real winner for me.

Many people are intimidated by risottos, imagining them to be a very 'cheffy dish'. But for relaxed home cooking, risotto is actually a simple and versatile thing to prepare. If you've got the patience to stand by the stove for half-an-hour, stirring and stirring, you've already cracked it.

Use either Arborio or Carnaroli rice as they contain more starch than other varieties.

Keep a pan of stock just simmering nearby, so as not to...

MACARONI CHEESE                                                                                                     Serves 4
Comfort Food – this simple dish is a winner with kids. Our recipe provides for a twist with the juicy cherry tomatoes.

Method 

1. To Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to packet instructions until the pasta is ‘al dente’ (with a slight bite to it). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside in a warm place.
2. For the White Sauce: Melt butter over a low heat in a medium saucepan. Stir in th
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