In the garden, and a fresh San Pellegrino drink for summer

The garden is full of produce and flowers, and also limes and mint, so cheers to summer in New Zealand with a glass of San Pellegrino sparkling water (just add fresh mint leaves and lime (or lemon). 

What else I have now? Silverbeet and rainbow chards, calendula and radishes (recipes coming soon)

and lovely dahlias.

The peonies are not from my garden (winter is not cold enough in Auckland to grow them, but I love them so much, so here is a photo for my pinterest board :-).

 Photos and Recipes by Alessandra Zecchini ©

Raita, or Tzatziki

Still in yogurt mood, and why not, it is hot and summery and I feel like eating refreshing food.

I love making this yogurt sauce, I call it raita when I serve it with Indian food, and tzatziki when I serve it with Greek-Turkish food. The only difference is that when I make tzatziki I like to add mint.

You just need some thick yogurt (otherwise strain it) salt to taste, finely chopped cucumber, and if you like, a few leaves of mint, broken with your fingers. So yummy on salad and hot or spicy food, and as a dip. 

Also I would like to take this chance to say that yesterday I went to a beautiful wedding, and I would like to wish our beautiful friends Sophie and Brendan a very happy life together. Congratulations!

Photos and Recipes by Alessandra Zecchini ©

Pineapple and mint flavoured water

Just an idea now that summer is here. Instead of drinking juices or sweet stuff I like to put fruit in water, and then store it in the fridge. Refreshing and no calories!! Pineapple and mint is a good combo, although I leave the mint in only for a couple of hours (I think that my garden mint is particularly strong...). And it looks good too!

Photos and Recipes by Alessandra Zecchini ©