Here’s a fun and spooky Spider Cookie Recipe for Halloween!

Prep Time: 15  Minutes  |  Cook Time: 15  Minutes  | Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the cookie dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

For decorating:

• 1 cup chocolate chips or melting chocolate
• 24 chocolate truffle candies (such as Lindt Lindor Truffles)
• 48 candy eyes
• Red gel icing (for optional mouth)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set this aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients (flour and baking soda mixture) to the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth cookie dough forms.
7. Stir in the chocolate chips.
8. Scoop out spoonfuls of cookie dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
10. While the cookies are still warm, carefully press a chocolate truffle candy into the center of each cookie to create the spider body.
11. For the spider legs, melt the chocolate chips or melting chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler. Once melted, transfer the chocolate to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off.
12. Pipe 8 chocolate legs radiating from each truffle to create the spider’s legs. Let the chocolate cool and harden.
13. Once the chocolate legs have set, attach candy eyes to the truffle body using a dab of melted chocolate as “glue.”
14. If desired, use red gel icing to add a spooky mouth to your spiders.
15. Allow the cookies to cool and the chocolate to set before serving. Enjoy your delicious and spooky Spider Cookies at your Halloween gathering!

These spider cookies are a perfect addition to any Halloween party and are sure to delight your guests.

This delicious Honey Balsamic Pork Tenderloin is ideal for an elegant dinner gathering, yet it’s speedy enough for a straightforward weeknight meal. It’s consistently a crowd-pleaser, offering a flawless blend of sweet, savoury, tangy, and spicy notes!

Prep Time: 15  Minutes  |  Cook Time: 25  Minutes  | Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 2 pork tenderloins, each weighing approximately 450 grams and trimmed
• 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
• 240 ml of balsamic vinegar
• 125 ml of honey
• 60 ml of chicken or vegetable broth
• 60 ml of ketchup
• 60 ml of firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• ¾ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius and lightly grease a baking dish measuring approximately 23×33 centimeters.
2. Trim the pork tenderloins, then rub them with the seasoned salt and garlic powder. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, broth, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour this mixture over and around the pork tenderloins in the baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 63 degrees Celsius.
6. Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into pork medallions for serving.

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy your delicious and savoury treat!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes Total Time: 25-30 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• • • 1 bunch of fresh asparagus spears (about 450g)
    • 8-10 slices of bacon (thinly sliced works best)
    • Olive oil for brushing
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Toothpicks (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Asparagus: a. Wash the asparagus under cold water. b. Snap off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus, as mentioned in the previous recipe.
3. Wrap the Asparagus: a. Take a slice of bacon and start at the bottom of an asparagus spear. b. Gently wrap the bacon around the asparagus in a spiral pattern until you reach the top. c. If the bacon doesn’t stick on its own, you can secure it with a toothpick, but it’s not always necessary.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
5. Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the bacon-wrapped asparagus with a bit of olive oil. This helps the bacon crisp up nicely during baking.
6. Season: Season the bacon-wrapped asparagus with a pinch of black pepper. Remember that the bacon itself is quite salty, so you may not need to add additional salt.
7. Bake in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. You can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end if you want the bacon to be extra crispy.
8. Serve: Remove the bacon-wrapped asparagus from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you use toothpicks, make sure to remove them before serving. Arrange on a platter and serve as an appetizer or side dish.

These mummy hot dogs are not only budget-friendly but also a hit with both kids and adults. They make for a fun and spooky addition to your Halloween celebration. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 5  Minutes  |  Cook Time: 5  Minutes  | Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 8 hot dogs
• Mustard or ketchup (for eyes)
• Cooking spray

Method

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven according to the crescent roll dough package instructions.
2. Prepare the hot dogs: If your hot dogs are longer than you’d like, you can cut them in half to make them bite-sized for the mummies.
3. Unroll the dough: Open the can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. You should have a sheet of dough with perforations.
4. Cut the dough: Use a knife to cut the dough into thin strips. These strips will be used to wrap the hot dogs and create the mummy’s bandages.
5. Wrap the hot dogs: Take one strip of dough and wrap it around a hot dog. Leave a small gap near the top to create a space for the mummy’s eyes. Continue wrapping until the hot dog is mostly covered. Leave a small gap at the bottom for the mummy’s “feet.”
6. Bake: Place the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet that has been lightly greased with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven according to the crescent roll dough package instructions or until the dough is golden brown and the hot dogs are heated through.
7. Create the eyes: Once the mummy hot dogs have cooled slightly, use mustard or ketchup to create eyes in the gap you left near the top of each hot dog. You can make them as spooky or silly as you like!
8. Serve: Arrange your mummy hot dogs on a serving platter, and they’re ready to be devoured by your Halloween party guests

This Greek Lemon Chicken exudes juicy tenderness and an exceptional depth of flavour. Try marinating overnight or a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the infusion of flavours. This extended duration guarantees a flawlessly tender chicken, bursting with its exceptional flavours.

Prep Time: 10  Minutes  |  Cook Time: 10  Minutes  | Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 5 chopped garlic cloves
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

Method

1. n a mixing bowl, blend together the olive oil, chopped garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, Greek seasoning, and Greek yogurt to create a creamy and flavorful marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the yogurt-based marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or, for the ultimate infusion of flavors, overnight.
3. Heat a pan and add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts onto the hot pan. Sear the chicken on one side for about 4-5 minutes or until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip the chicken breasts and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes.

Try this simple and irresistible recipe for stuffed eggplant: Lamb or beef seasoned with Moroccan spices is served atop oven-roasted eggplant halves. Low-carb, effortless and utterly delicious!

Prep Time: 7  Minutes  |  Cook Time: 10  Minutes  | Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Eggplant:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing and frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Method

1. Prepare the Eggplants:
   • Wash the eggplants and cut off the stems.
   • Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise.
   • Scoop out the flesh from the eggplant halves, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Be careful not to puncture the skin.
   • Chop the scooped-out eggplant flesh into small pieces and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become translucent.
   • Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Add the chopped eggplant flesh and cook for another 5-7 minutes until it softens.
   • Stir in the cooked rice, parsley, cilantro, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Stuff the Eggplants:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Fill each eggplant shell with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently.
   • Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, cover with foil, and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender.
4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a separate saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
   • Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
   • Stir in the fresh parsley and cilantro.
5. Serve:
   • Once the stuffed eggplants are done, remove them from the oven.
   • Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the top of each stuffed eggplant.
   • Serve hot with additional sauce on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Moroccan Stuffed Eggplant with either beef or lamb! It’s a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 20  Minutes  | Makes 4 Burgers

Ingredients:

For the Beef Patties:

• 450g premium beef mince
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 hamburger buns

For the Toppings:

• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 8 slices streaky bacon
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
• Lettuce leaves
• Pickles (optional)

For the Burger Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Prepare the Burger Sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Cook the Bacon:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until they are crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

3. Prepare the Beef Patties:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, slightly larger than the size of your burger buns.

4. Cook the Beef Patties:

• Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef patties for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness. If you like your burgers with cheese, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking.

5. Assemble the Burgers:

• Spread a generous amount of the burger sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
• Place a lettuce leaf on top of the sauce.
• Add a beef patty (with or without cheese) on top of the lettuce.
• Layer with tomato slices, onions, and bacon.
• Top with the other half of the bun.

6. Serve:

• Serve your homemade bacon, onion, and tomato beef burgers immediately, optionally with pickles on the side.

Enjoy your delicious homemade burger with the perfect combination of flavors and textures!

Leftover recipes are a great way to reduce food waste and create delicious meals with ingredients you already have on hand. Here are some ideas for leftover recipes using common leftovers!

Method

1. vegetable Stir-Fry:
   • Leftover vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, etc.)
   • Cooked rice or noodles
   • Soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for flavor
   • Optional protein (chicken, tofu, or shrimp)

   Stir-fry your leftover vegetables with your choice of protein and add cooked rice or noodles. Season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a quick and tasty meal.

2. Frittata:
   • Leftover cooked vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc.)
   • Eggs
   • Cheese (optional)
   • Herbs and spices (such as thyme or oregano)

   Whisk eggs and pour them over your leftover vegetables in an ovenproof skillet. Add cheese if desired. Cook on the stovetop until the edges set, then finish in the oven until the frittata puffs up and is cooked through.

3. Pasta Salad:
   • Leftover pasta
   • Diced vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers)
   • Olive oil, vinegar, and herbs for dressing
   • Optional extras (olives, cheese, grilled chicken)

   Toss your leftover pasta with diced vegetables and a simple dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, herbs, salt, and pepper. Customize with extras like olives, cheese, or grilled chicken.

4. Pizza Quesadillas:
   • Leftover pizza slices
   • Shredded mozzarella cheese
   • Sliced vegetables or pepperoni (optional)

   Place leftover pizza slices in a hot skillet. Add extra cheese and any additional toppings you like. Fold the slices in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

5. Soup or Stew:
   • Leftover roasted meats (chicken, beef, turkey)
   • Vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
   • Broth (chicken, beef, vegetable)
   • Herbs and spices (thyme, bay leaves, black pepper)

   Simmer your leftover meats and vegetables in broth with herbs and spices to create a hearty soup or stew. Add noodles or rice for extra substance.

6. Mashed Potato Pancakes:
   • Leftover mashed potatoes
   • Chopped green onions or herbs
   • Egg
   • Breadcrumbs (optional)

   Mix leftover mashed potatoes with chopped green onions or herbs and an egg. Form into patties and cook in a skillet until golden brown. Serve with sour cream or applesauce.

7. Burrito Bowl:
   • Leftover cooked rice
   • Leftover protein (beef, chicken, pork)
   • Beans (black beans, pinto beans)
   • Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole

   Reheat the rice and protein, then assemble a burrito bowl with beans and your favourite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Our T-Bone Steak and Black Pepper Butter recipe is a perfect fusion of juicy T-bone steak and luscious homemade black pepper butter, it’s a flavorful delight for your taste buds!

Prep Time: 15 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 20  Minutes  | Serves 2

• 1 T-bone steak (about 900g), at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt

For the black pepper butter:

• 100g salted butter, softened
• 2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• A pinch of salt

For the charred veg:

• 1 red onion, quartered
• 1 white onion, quartered
• 3–4 spring onions
• 1 medium leek (white part only), split lengthways and halved
• 6 tender stem broccoli spears
• 1 lemon, cut in half
• 2 thyme sprigs
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Sprigs fresh rosemary

Method

Instructions:

1.  First, prepare the black pepper butter: mix the ingredients together in a small bowl until evenly combined, then spoon onto the middle of a sheet of foil or cling film and roll to form a cylinder, roughly the diameter of a £1 coin. Twist the ends of the foil or cling film to seal and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Meanwhile, for the charred veg, place all the onions in a large bowl with the leek, broccoli, lemon and thyme. Drizzle with the oil and season with a little salt and pepper.
3. When ready to cook, rub the T-bone steak with the oil and salt, then lay on the hot barbecue grid and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the steak over and cook for another 5 minutes using a pair of tongs.
4. Quickly place the onion wedges around the steak and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes. Now lay the leek, spring onions, broccoli and lemon halves on the grid and scatter over the thyme sprigs. Cook until the veg are tender and charred on both sides, turning as necessary.
5. Once the steak is cooked, lift it off the barbecue onto a warmed platter. Cover the steak with an upturned bowl to keep it warm and leave to rest for 5–8 minutes. Meanwhile, unwrap the black pepper butter and slice it into discs, the thickness of a $1 coin.
6. Carve the steak on either side of the T-bone and place it on a warmed platter or board. Lay the butter discs on top of the steak. Serve with the barbecued veggies and the charred lemons for squeezing over them.

Juicy Rump Steak with a fiery Chilli Hollandaise, the perfect pair!

Prep Time: 15 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 20  Minutes  | Serves 2

Ingredients

For the Rump Steak:

• 2 rump steaks (about 250g each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)

For the Chilli Hollandaise Sauce:

• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Method

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chilli Hollandaise Sauce: a. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, water, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper. b. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler). Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. c. Continue to whisk the egg yolk mixture vigorously until it begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat if it gets too hot. d. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. e. Stir in the hot sauce to your desired level of spiciness. Keep the hollandaise warm by placing it in a bowl over hot water while you prepare the steaks.
2. Prepare the Rump Steaks: a. Remove the rump steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking. b. Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet over high heat. You want it to be very hot. c. While the grill or skillet is heating, season the steaks generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. d. Drizzle olive oil over the steaks and rub minced garlic on both sides. e. If using rosemary, place a sprig on each steak.
3. Cook the Rump Steaks: a. Place the seasoned rump steaks on the hot grill or skillet. For medium-rare, cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for steaks that are about 1 inch thick. Adjust the time for your preferred level of doneness. b. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 54-57°C. c. Once done, remove the steaks from the heat and let them rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
4. Serve: a. Slice the rested rump steaks against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices. b. Plate the sliced steaks and drizzle the prepared Chilli Hollandaise Sauce over the top. c. Garnish with extra cayenne pepper or fresh herbs if desired.