Whole garlic cloves cook gently in olive oil until soft, sweet and easy to mash with a fork. The same preparation gives us both tender garlic and fragrant oil to use in other dishes.The Story Behind the RecipeConfit is one of my favorite cooking methods. I discovered it when I first tried duck confit, which is still my favorite duck dish. I have not prepared it as a recipe for the site yet, but I plan to share it soon. Here, the garlic…

Vanilla Breeze is my own cocktail made with rum, lime, simple syrup and syrup from Greek vanilla plums, the fruit. Greek mastiha liqueur can replace the simple syrup.The story behind the recipeI love cocktails, but I never used to order them when going out because they felt too expensive. Since discovering how easily and inexpensively they can be made at home, I have kept trying different combinations. After experimenting with differen…

This Dirty Martini uses vodka, dry vermouth and olive brine. Shake it with ice and strain into a chilled glass, garnished with olives.The story behind the recipeI love cocktails, but I never used to order them when going out because they felt too expensive. Since discovering how easily and inexpensively they can be made at home, I have kept trying different combinations. I wanted to try the Dirty Martini because it seemed unusual. Its …

A Whiskey Highball is built directly in a tall glass with whiskey, ice and soda. In the video, I also give ginger beer as an alternative.The story behind the recipeI love cocktails, but I never used to order them when going out because they felt too expensive. Since discovering how easily and inexpensively they can be made at home, I have kept trying different combinations. The Highball pleasantly surprised me. Such simple ingredients …

A Whiskey Smash starts with muddled lemon, followed by mint, syrup and whiskey. Shaking with ice brings the flavours together before serving.The story behind the recipeI love cocktails, but I never used to order them when going out because they felt too expensive. Since discovering how easily and inexpensively they can be made at home, I have kept trying different combinations. What I enjoyed in the Whiskey Smash was its strong aroma a…

A Whiskey Sour combines whiskey, lemon and simple syrup with egg white for a creamier texture. A squeeze of lemon peel over the finished drink adds a final citrus aroma.The story behind the recipeI love cocktails, but I never used to order them when going out because they felt too expensive. Since discovering how easily and inexpensively they can be made at home, I have kept trying different combinations. The Whiskey Sour is one of my …

A Daiquiri uses rum, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Shake it with ice and strain into a chilled glass.The story behind the recipeI love cocktails, but I never used to order them when going out because they felt too expensive. Since discovering how easily and inexpensively they can be made at home, I have kept trying different combinations. The Daiquiri is one of my favourite cocktails. I love how so few ingredients create pronounce…

A Mojito combines white rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and mint. Crushed ice and soda give it a refreshing finish.The story behind the recipeI love cocktails, but I never used to order them when going out because they felt too expensive. Since discovering how easily and inexpensively they can be made at home, I have kept trying different combinations. What I especially enjoy in a Mojito is the mint aroma and bright lime flavour. I…

Simple syrup dissolves sugar in advance so it mixes easily into cold drinks. The basic ratio uses equal volumes of sugar and water.The story behind the recipeSince I started making cocktails at home, simple syrup has become a useful base for my experiments. I prefer the 1:1 ratio and keep the syrup refrigerated for future drinks.

Butterflied anchovies are layered with salt and just covered with lemon juice and a little vinegar. The liquid quantities depend on the amount of fish and the shape of the container.The story behind the recipeThis is marinated anchovy exactly as my father makes it. I prefer lemon to lead the flavour, with vinegar complementing it. You can also try mostly vinegar with a little lemon, or equal amounts of the two.

Garam masala is used in many Indian recipes and is easy to mix at home. This version uses ground spices, with no toasting or grinding required.The story behind the recipeInstead of buying a ready made blend, make a small batch with cumin, coriander, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. I also use it in my homemade Japanese curry spice blend.

Chicken teriyaki is easy to make at home with boneless thighs and an intensely flavoured sauce. Prepare the sauce with soy sauce, mirin and sake, or choose the sugar and honey alternative.The story behind the recipeIt is one of the well known Japanese dishes that can be expensive when eating out. This version makes it simple to prepare at home and use exactly as much sauce as you enjoy.