PASTA FOR ONE

The charm of this recipe is that the pasta and its sauce cook together in the same pan. It takes about 15 minutes. It's creamy and savory, and you can change it up based on your own preferences, or to make use of any herbs and cheese you have on hand. (Good combinations: thyme and cheddar, oregano and mozzarella).

Ingredients:

• One teaspoon of butter
• One or two garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 250ml vegetable stock
• 75ml milk (dairy or nut-based)
• 60g small, short pasta shape (e.g. orecchiette, orzo, or tiny shells)
• One tbsp chopped fresh herbs (e.g. thyme, sage, marjoram, basil, or oregano)
• Three heaped tbsp cheese (e.g. cheddar, mozzarella, nutritional yeast)
• Freshly cracked black pepper and salt

Method:

Warm the butter in a saucepan over medium heat while you slice the garlic. Add the garlic and cook until it's fragrant and takes on some color. Stir in the pasta, stock, milk, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. You'll notice that the pasta will become plump and the liquid will resemble a silky sauce. Stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Pour into a bowl and enjoy!

BROWNIES

Handwritten recipes are special because they're a tangible repository of domestic life, inscribed with memories. Simply put, they represent an act of care. Should we bring back recipe cards and write our own too?

Ingredients:

• Half a cup of butter
• Two eggs
• One cup of flour
• Half cup of chopped nuts
• One cup of brown sugar
• Half teaspoon of baking powder
• Two squares of chocolate
• Half teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Half teaspoon of salt

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter, add sugar, then beaten eggs, and melted chocolate. Add the sifted dry ingredients and vanilla extract. Pour into greased tins and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Leave to cool.

GOLDEN MILK

Golden milk, or haldi doodh, is a turmeric-based milk drink. It's regarded as a natural remedy for restlessness and makes one mug of golden milk.

Ingredients:

• A mug of your favorite nut milk
• Half teaspoon of ground turmeric
• Quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Tiny pinch of ground black pepper
• Two teaspoons or to taste of maple syrup, agave syrup, or honey
• One teaspoon of coconut oil

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan set to medium heat. Whisk to combine and heat until warm (don't boil). Optional: use a handheld milk frother for 30 seconds once the milk is warm. Remove from heat and taste for seasoning.

STUFFED DATES

A sweet and savory (and portable) snack, ideal to boost energy mid-walk. Let's explore flavors beyond the usual chocolate and peanut butter options seen on Instagram.

Ingredients:

• Dates (preferably medjool for more room for fillings)

Savory and Sweet Fillings:

• Little cubes of pan-fried halloumi and half teaspoon of tahini
• Small slice of brie and one walnut
• Slice of cheddar, a sun-dried tomato, and a dab of hot sauce

Sweet Fillings:

• Nutella and one almond, tiny pinch of salt
• Two blueberries, half teaspoon of honey, sprinkle of sesame seeds
• Cream cheese and honey (half teaspoon each)

Method:

Slice the date across the top and discard the stone. Fill the hollow space with at least two different flavors, and enjoy.