One of the most widely used ingredients in both cooking and medicinal purposes, is the sweet and zesty ginger. Originating in Asia, this super plant is now available all year round and across the globe—including the Mediterranean—so it’s no surprise that it has crept into many modern Mediterranean foods.

Crumbed chicken and chips must be the most requested food when my kids eat out. While I’ve seen and tasted all kinds of variations, it’s the cringe-worthy, highly processed chicken nuggets that got me testing homemade versions in my kitchen.

This recipe takes me back to last summer when we were enjoying sweet juicy watermelons and salty village halloumi on the beautiful island of Cyprus.

Over the years, I must have searched thousands of Mediterranean recipe ideas that include “one pan”, “one dish”, or “tray bake”. They’ve saved me hours in the kitchen as well as my sanity. This layered tray bake is a version of a fish bake my mother made when I was growing up.

Pastitsio, also known as makaronia tou fournou, is a very well known and loved family meal made in both Greece and Cyprus. Almost every Greek grows up eating some version of this creamy layered bake. Try this lighter dairy-free version now.

High in fiber and protein, quinoa is often served as part of a healthy meal. This gluten-free seed is used to replace carbs for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a balanced diet. As with all health foods, it needs to be seasoned well and not overcooked.

If you’ve visited Cyprus before, you will know that souvlaki restaurants are as popular as cafe culture. A favourite among locals, and eaten regularly across the island as an easy and delicious dinner.

Butter beans are quite “meaty” and filling in this protein packed salad.

Ice cream, nice-cream, call it what you want. Making your own healthy ice cream is not only rewarding but you know the ingredients you’ve used and you can adapt the sweetness or flavour to your liking.

Whether you enjoy your yoghurt topped with fruit, musli, drizzled with honey or sprinkled with seeds, a thick, luscious yoghurt is usually a good place to start.

Cypriot fasolada, is a white bean Mediterranean stew. You can make the tomato sauce like a soup by adding more water or a thick stew as in this recipe below. It makes a very nutritious main meal when served with crusty sourdough bread.

When you find a beautiful bunch of rainbow chard, grab it! Also known as Swiss chard, this leafy green with the mesmerisingly colourful stems, is also incredibly nutritious and delicious when cooked very simply.

Teaching my children how to be self sufficient in a kitchen is something I’ve always considered important. I often use this to not only keep them busy, but to educate them as well. This easy rose and strawberry smoothie is a fun and tasty recipe to make with kids during spring break.

Milopita, or apple cake, is usually made into a dense, moist cake, but the recipes vary according to the region or island. This semolina cake version is my own - it is a combination of two of my favourite cakes, the Cypriot Shiamali semolina cake and Greek Milopita. The cake has a crumbly texture from the semolina, with hints of rosewater and cinnamon, topped with baked sweet red apple slices. If you enjoy these flavours, this cake will not disappoint.

This hearty and inexpensive lentil and potato soup is high is protein and fiber, with added kale for boosting the immune system - and it can all be ready in under an hour.

Try a healthier pizza alternative - pizza base made with spelt flour and topped with a variety of seasonal, Mediterranean style vegetables.

veryone needs a quick and easy tomato sauce recipe for adding to your favourite Mediterranean pasta, homemade pizza base or even as a dipping sauce for potato wedges or keftedes.

Making pastry snacks from scratch needn’t be complicated. Once you get the hang of the basic steps, you can move onto different fillings and party platters will be a breeze. Give it a go and watch them fly off the platters.

Delicious melt in your mouth butter cookies, lightly spiced with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and brushed with rose water before being dusted with icing sugar.

Eliopita, Elioti or Eliopitakia (mini olive pastries) are a well loved Cypriot olive bread or pastry. This muffin version is perfect for breakfast, a quick snack and is small enough to fit into kids school lunch boxes.