How to: Make Your Own Pizza Night

Creating your own pizza night is a delightful way to bring family and friends together, and it’s easier than you might think! Here’s how to host a successful DIY pizza evening following the principles of real food.

1. Prepare the Base: Start with a simple pizza dough made from flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Allow it to rise for at least an hour, or until it has doubled in size. Alternatively, you can use wholemeal wraps or ready-made bases for a quicker option.

2. Gather Fresh Ingredients: Set up a toppings station with an array of fresh ingredients. Opt for seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and courgettes. Include proteins such as grilled chicken or pepperoni, and don’t forget the essentials—tomato sauce and a good quality cheese.

3. Get Creative: Encourage everyone to customise their pizzas. This is where the fun begins! Provide different spreads, such as pesto or homemade tomato sauce, and let your guests create their own flavour combinations.

4. Bake and Enjoy: Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally around 250°C (482°F). Bake the pizzas for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

5. Share Your Masterpieces: Once baked, slice up the pizzas and enjoy them while they're hot. Don’t forget to share pictures of your creations on social media to inspire others!

Remember, the key to a successful pizza night is not just the food but the laughter and memories you create together. So roll up your sleeves, get kneading, and have a blast with your very own pizza night!

Moroccan Couscous Salad: A Taste of North Africa

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours of Morocco with this refreshing couscous salad. The fluffy granules of couscous serve as a perfect base, absorbing the fragrant spices that typify North African cuisine. This salad is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients, combining juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and peppery radishes, all diced into bite-sized pieces.

The addition of finely chopped parsley and fresh mint infuses the dish with aromatic notes, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice create a harmonious dressing that ties everything together beautifully. A sprinkle of cumin and a hint of paprika add warmth and depth, ensuring each forkful bursts with flavour.

Perfect as a light meal or a colourful side dish, this Moroccan Couscous Salad is both nourishing and satisfying, capturing the essence of real food in every mouthful. Enjoy it as part of a larger feast or savoured on its own, and let the vibrant tastes transport you to a bustling Moroccan market.