pasta & rice

There are as many recipes for coconut rice as tropical countries. This one has Indian, Thai and Vietnamese influences.

For the truly adventurous, you can make your own gnocchi, which are after all just dumplings made from potato and not disimilar to quenelles. Gnocchi are a delicious starter with tomato sauce, cheese sauce, pesto, or just butter and cheese. They would also make a mouthwatering main course if gnocchi were not so much work to prepare in large quantities.

First invented by the Roman chef after whom the dish is named, it consists of just pasta, Parmesan cheese and butter. It is one of the more popular pasta dishes all over the world, with the exception of Italy, where it is not considered a classic pasta dish.

You can use fresh pasta - a must for the best dishes - or you can make it yourself. If you choose to make it, here's how...