Prep time:

Cooking time: 42 minutes

Total time:

Serves: 4

1tbsp tomato purée

3 medium aubergines, thickly sliced (1cm)

1 can chickpeas, drained

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tin tomatoes

2tsp harissa spices (to taste – it contains chilli)

75g dried apricots (or dates), chopped

1tsp cinnamon

couscous, or rice (and/or flatbread) and Greek style yoghurt, garnished with pomegranate or preserved lemon and coriander, to serve

100ml vegetable stock (or water) – use if the sauce becomes too thick

The melting texture of aubergine in this warming vegetarian dish contrasts well with the nuttiness of chickpeas. As with curry, the flavours of a tagine deepen and intensify over time, so you can happily make this a day in advance.


You will need: a casserole pot or tagine

Preheat your oven to 160°C. Gently fry the aubergines and onion until soft (5-10 mins), then add the rest of the ingredients to the casserole/tagine, combine well and bake for 30-40 minutes in the oven. Remove from the oven and allow the flavours to develop for a few minutes (or overnight and then re-heat) before serving.

Savoury gingerbread & local Camembert (Winnie’s Wheel)

To make this canapé you can use shop-bought gingerbread, but I prefer something a bit more savoury.

Parma ham basket with labneh, truffle or herb oil & Jerusalem artichoke crisp

A complex canapé with multiple elements, but the wow factor lies in the surprisingly simple-to-make basket.

Chilli beef, mozzarella & chilli jam bruschetta

A super easy canapé that can be elevated with homemade bread and chutney or simplified using shop-bought ingredients. The flexibility makes it ideal for both casual gatherings and more polished events.