[READ] Gourmet Today May edition online

Spring is in the air, chirping birds, longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures and of course a myriad of spring vegetables.

 

Spring is one of my favourite months with regards to food. The bright colours of the fruit and vegetables now in season not only make your dishes taste great but look as beautiful as they taste with brightly coloured ingredients. And of course, spring marks the start of al fresco dining, barbeques and making use of outdoor spaces.

Gaby Holland makes some Vietnam inspired fresh spring roll, full of colourful peppers, spring onions, carrots, cucumber and prawns served with a delicious peanut and hoisin dressing. Janet Grech sticks to the Asian flavour as she adds a ginger glaze to her roasted pork belly and Sandra Dimech uses the last of the season's strawberries to top a delicious and original brownie cheesecake.

Pippa Mattei recently returned from Bologna, equipped with expertise and enthusiasm to make home made tortellini. Though they are a lot a work, they are absolutely delicious, unlike any packeted ones you can get from the supermarket and well worth the effort.

May is national burger month in the USA - any excuse for a burger. Tommy and Nicky Diacono strive for fast food perfection and put together the ultimate in fresh local burgers with an array of condiments that make their dish truly local - fresh gbejniet, ful imgiddem and deep fried zucchini flowers. Every day should be a cheat day!

This is also a great month to win great prizes. Win a Gourmet Weekend course in Tuscany with celebrity chef Paolo Tervini and a stay at the beautiful Villa Cassia (pg 30). Be in with the chance to win a five-course meal for two at P. Cutajar's Wine and Dine event on 19 June at Pane e Olio (pg 38).