Recipes — ALEXANDRA DUDLEY

Nectarine Galette

I love the laziness of a galette. The messier they look the better they are. You can use any stone fruit for this. Peaches and plums work well.

Sweet ThingsAlexandra Dudley20 September 2022nactarine, galette, peach, fruit tartComment

Peppers with Mozzarella and Anchovy Breadcrumbs

I have been making this for years. It is a recipe that brings with it the taste of summer whatever the weather. Anchovy and chilli are an iconic duo in my opinion and add a wonderful hit of umami flavour to the crunchy breadcrumbs.

Mains, Vegetarian, Sides, Salads, Dinner PartyAlexandra Dudley11 August 2022summer, sides, saladComment

Globe Artichokes With Homemade Mayonnaise.

There is something incredibly indulgent about artichoke leaves dipped into rich glossy mayo. It is one of those starters that never fails to instill joy at the table.

Dinner Party, Sides, Starters, VegetarianAlexandra Dudley10 August 2022artichokes, sides, startersComment

Herb Buttered Spatchcocked Chicken

There is something about a roast chicken that instantly soothes. I am always happy whenever dining at a friend’s to be informed that they are ‘just roasting a chicken and throwing together a salad’.

Mains, Dinner Party, ChickenAlexandra Dudley10 August 2022mains, roast chicken, spatchcocked chicken, herb butterComment

Crab Spaghetti With Chilli, Parsley And Lemon

This is a wonderful dish for a summer party that manages to be both light and indulgent at the same time.

Dinner Party, Mains, Fish, PastaAlexandra Dudley10 August 2022pasta, mains, crab spaghettiComment

Crispy Seabass, Potato Bake

These potatoes are a staple dinner party dish of mine. I often serve them with just a squeeze of lemon but they are wonderful with this zippy herby oil - a lazy take on a salsa verde. I love seabass with this and the fillets make for a wonderful dinner party dish too.

Mains, Dinner Party, Fish, One PanAlexandra Dudley10 August 2022fish, seafood, mains, dinner partyComment

Baked Apricots With Whipped Yogurt Cream

This is one of my favourite summer puddings. Apricots come alive when baked in my opinion and a hint of vanilla and rosemary do wonders in bringing out their flavour.

Dinner Party, Sweet Things, VegetarianAlexandra Dudley9 August 2022Sweets, Apricots, summer pudding, Summer dessertComment

Caesar Salad With Yogurt Dressing

There is nothing quite like a good crunchy salad when the sun is shining. Caesar salad is one that works wonderfully for any occasion, whether it be a summer party or a mid-week alfresco or ‘aldesko’ lunch.

Salads, Sides, StartersAlexandra Dudley8 August 2022salad, caesar salad, side dishComment

Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

This is an incredibly simple pasta dish that relies primarily on store cupboard ingredients. Originating from Naples in the 20th century, the name is often believed to have derived from the word "puttana"…

Mains, Dinner Party, PastaAlexandra Dudley7 August 2022pasta, puttanesca, italianComment

Lemon Potatoes And Aioli

These potatoes are inspired by a potato dish I enjoyed in Greece a few years ago..

Dinner Party, Mains, Sides, Starters, VegetarianAlexandra Dudley4 August 2022potatoes, aioli, sidesComment

Almond Meringues With Mascarpone and Strawberries

This is one of my favourite summer puddings. A take on an Eton mess but with the influence of Italian Amaretto.

Sweet Things, Dinner PartyAlexandra Dudley4 August 2022meringues, gluten free, strawberries, strawberryComment

Harissa Baked Butter Beans

This has become a staple dish recently. It is hearty and healthful in equal measure and has a chilli kick that I find hard to resist. The key here is to invest in good quality ingredients.

Mains, Sides, Starters, Vegetarian, One PanAlexandra Dudley2 August 2022beans, butterbeans, lunchesComment

Strawberry, Ricotta Bruschetta

I adore rosé season. Truth be told I drink rosé all year round but it is always a joy to drink it during summer when the weather is warm and the garden is flourishing. This is one of my favourite things to enjoy alongside rosé.

Canapés, Dinner Party, Most PopularAlexandra Dudley12 May 2022strawberry, bruschetta, rosé, apreritivo, ricotta, pink peppercornsComment

Rhubarb and Almond Tart

Perky pink rhubarb brings a subtle sharpness that is perfect when paired with sweet almondy frangipane. Forced rhubarb is in high season now but come summer this tart is also delicious made with stone fruits, such as apricots and plums.

Sweet ThingsAlexandra Dudley5 May 2022rhubarb, frangipane, tart, rhubarb tart, almond tartComment

Lemon Tart

A classic lemon tart is a wonderful way to finish a dinner party. The creamy and zesty filling is carried in a sweet crisp shortcrust pastry that makes for a delicious palate-cleansing pudding.

Sweet ThingsAlexandra Dudley5 May 2022lemon tart

Asparagus With Champagne Butter Sauce

I always feel immense joy when asparagus comes into season. A sure sign that spring has arrived. This butter is a take on the classic beurre blanc but rather than using white wine, it is enriched with champagne. It goes down spectacularly at a dinner party and is a very good excuse to open a bottle of bubbles too.

Torta Caprese

This is a delicious, traditional Italian cake that originates from the island of Capri. Made with almonds and good quality chocolate, it is incredibly simple to make. You can add a splash of liquor if you like. Brandy or amaretto work well. I love to add a dose of good strong coffee (a tip I learned from Elizabeth David who always recommends adding it to chocolate cakes). Serve this with some loosely whipped cream or crème fraiche.

Sweet ThingsAlexandra Dudley25 March 2022torta caprese, chocolate cake, gluten freeComment

Purple Sprouting Broccoli With Anchovy and Chilli

Purple sprouting broccoli is delicious this time of year. Slightly sweeter than its greener cousin, it has a subtle nuttiness to it that pairs beautifully with the bold flavours of chilli and anchovy. I usually serve this as a side but it makes for a very good starter too. You could even add some mozzarella, or a lovely blob of creamy burrata.

Vegetarian, Sides, Dinner Party, SaladsAlexandra Dudley25 March 2022purple sprouting broccoli, broccoliComment

Leek And Lemon Risotto With Chive Oil

This is a beautifully simple risotto paired with a vibrant and punchy chive oil. Do not be put off by the idea of infusing your own oil. It is simpler than you think and takes very little time and effort. The base of this risotto comes from leeks. Gentler in flavour than onion, they add a subtle sweetness that works well with the punchy chive oil. Make the chive oil ahead of time if you like. I usually make it the day before to allow time for the flavours to infuse.

Vegetarian, Mains, One PanAlexandra Dudley25 March 2022risotto, leekComment

Apple and Thyme Tarte Tatin

You cannot go wrong when serving a Tarte Tatin for pudding. I am yet to meet a person that does not ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at the sound of it. I add a little fresh thyme to mine for a delicate aromatic flavour. Serve this with good quality crème Fraiche or vanilla ice cream.

Sweet Things, Most Popular, Dinner PartyAlexandra Dudley25 March 2022tarte tatin, apple, tartComment