TASTE OF NOSTALGIA

NOTHING STIRS MEMORIES LIKE THE TASTE OF A FAMILY FAVOURITE. HERE, ANNA SHARES THE DELICIOUS DISHES SHE SERVES UP TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS

- ANNA SPIRO

STUFFED TOMATOES

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 30 mins Serves 4

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 brown onion, finely diced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

1 cup (90g) breadcrumbs

2 tbsp picked thyme leaves, chopped

50g parmesan, finely grated

8 baby truss tomatoes

1. Preheat oven to 190°C and line a baking tray.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, pine nuts, breadcrumbs and thyme, and cook, stirring regularly, for 5 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden. Remove from the heat and stir through the parmesan. Season to taste.

3. Slice the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out half the flesh and seeds. Place the tomatoes onto the baking tray and spoon the breadcrumb mixture into the tomatoes. Replace the tomato tops, drizzle with the remaining olive oil and bake for 20 minutes or until tender.

MY GRANDMOTHER’S ROAST CHICKEN

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 1 hr 20 mins Serves 4

1 (1.5kg) free range chicken

4 rashers bacon, rind on

2 sprigs each rosemary and thyme

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Stuffing

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 brown onion, finely diced

4 rashers bacon, sliced

1 cup fresh breadcrumbs