My computer’s back!! It had a little breakdown over the weekend, but after a couple of days in the shop, it’s back, good as new. And whilst I haven't been on the computer, I certainly haven't stopped eating. So this food blog NEEDS updating!

As you all know, I’m on a diet now (although I prefer the word “regime” – it’s French, don't you know). So, for those of you who want healthy suggestions, or those who just to laugh at me whilst you tuck into a delicious slice of cake, here are some of my recent healthy dinners.


Salmon with Shiitake Mushrooms and Greens


From “Templefood” in Nigella Bites. I’d made this before and been unimpressed, but the other night I decided to give it another go, and it turned out much better this time. It’s a very simple recipe, the type of thing one of us would cook up quickly on a weeknight, but still very good. It really is "gratifyingly substantial", to steal Nigella's words. If you make this, you absolutely must make the little sauce she suggests to go with (mustard powder, soy sauce, water and fresh ginger) - it's killer.


Vietnamese Chicken Salad


Again from "Templefood". This salad is very tasty, simple to make, and I think it's a good idea to have it sitting in the fridge, for a low-fat, low-carb meal when I return from uni so hungry that I could eat anything and everything (and probably would, given half the chance).


Lemon, Mint and Spinach Salad with Griddled Courgettes


These are side dishes from the "Meatless Feasts" chapter in Feast. It was surprisingly tasty, given how simple it is. Fabulous, in fact. The courgettes are just sliced and grilled, but it's the addition of salt and lemon juice that lift them to a whole new level - highlighting the courgette's griddled sweetness. And the spinach salad - baby spinach, lemon, salt and mint, (I added pine nuts and pepitas for crunch) - is lovely. All the elements of the salad just work so well together.

Just a warning though, these make a VERY light dinner - if I were you and less flippant about energy levels than myself, I'd probably add a piece of grilled chicken or something to make it more substantial, and less likely to result in fainting later on. But at any rate, this combination is fabulous, I've had it twice this week.

Just letting you all know that I also went to the gym tonight. *Insert smug virtuous grin here*