We have been back from our wonderful Italian holiday a while now, but on wet days like today in the UK, it’s lovely to think back to the warm evenings in Tuscany, eating and drinking under the stars. Biscotti with Vin Santo was served in many of the Tuscan restaurants we visited and it was a delicious combination. Just dip your biscotti into the syrupy sweet wine and dream of summer. I figure it works pretty well as a sweet canapé too, or a coffee time treat. What’s more

I found some bright little kumquats at the weekend in a lovely greengrocers in New Kings Road, Parsons Green, called Fulham Greens. It is a truly wonderful shop with lots of fruit and vegetables not usually seen locally. It is called Fulham Greens. You have to check it out if you live close. Shame we were only visiting for the weekend or I would be in there all the time. But if you do come across these baby oranges, which originate from Asia, scoop them up for this easy ma

I love this idea for a simple but delicious canapé. It was passed on to me from Sue, a foodie friend. It’s a great one for relaxed summer entertaining, barbecues or picnics. Peppery radishes are served with a zingy and salty goat's cheese dip. It’s as easy as they come, just mix the dip ingredients together and artfully arrange the radishes - and that is it. Easier still would be to just use aioli for the dip. Take your pick. Of course, you can plunge any other vegetabl

I have used these little red pepper cases before (see Cajun Chicken). They make an original canapé base and are a great combination with creamy burrata. I have added some tomato and a few pine nuts and sprinkled some ribbons of basil on top for another layer of flavour and a bit of height. Burrata seems to be on lots of menus now. If you haven’t tried it yet, it is a delicious treat which originated from southern Italy. Although it is quite a delicacy now, it started life