A collection of delicious recipes inspired by the simple dishes enjoyed in villages and rural communities throughout the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean diet has long been famed for the proven lifetime benefits of eating simply prepared, seasonal foods. There are pockets of people in the Mediterranean countries (and further afield) who are living longer than most; these communities are most often found in rural villages where they grow their own produce and keep livestock. Chef Theo Michaels explores this concept of 'eating like a villager' and this new collection of recipes was born from conversations he has had with his family about life in Cyprus 60 years ago, when growing produce and keeping a few animals was the norm. He celebrates a way of eating based on these principles through his delicious yet simple food. It's a modern, mindful and relaxed way to eat well with no need to adhere to a prescribed diet - no strict regimes, just sensible portion sizes, no processed foods and a few treats - simple, frugal and honest eating. In practice, it means cooking with what is in season, enjoying a good intake of vegetables, fruit, grains and pulses; eating fish and seafood in moderation and reducing meat consumption. Enjoy his sunshine-filled recipes for Strapatsada (Greek scrambled eggs laced with feta, tomatoes and fresh herbs); Tossed Pasta with Pangritata; Pickled Black Radish Ceviche; Oven-roasted Ratatouille with Caramelized Cheese, and so much more.

'Theo's book is brilliant. What you would call a delightful sunny Mediterranean day on a plate' Jean-Christophe Novelli 'Inventively combines ingredients and foods...fun and accessible...These tempting recipes will inspire both novice and skilled party hosts' - Publishers Weekly Create a brand new dining experience in your own home with 75 recipes from MasterChef UK's Theo Michaels, presented as themed menus on stunning sharing boards. Here you will discover delicious food, presented with maximum visual appeal and designed to be shared by a group of people. Theo has been presenting his creative cooking this way at events of all sizes and styles for some time, his aim to create an interactive and relaxed dining experience that brings people together. Now he brings his unique vision to your home. Downsized to feed six to eight people and easily achievable, these exciting sharing menus are perfect for modern, communal eating. The book opens with a sharing board comprised of bought-in deli-style foods to get you started, with expert pointers on how to create a visually stunning presentation. Next, each of the themed boards is dedicated to one concept and features recipes as well as suggestions for aromatic and edible garnishes to help you create a feast for the eyes, senses and taste buds. Menus include a relaxed brunch, a summer picnic, a harvest celebration, an indulgent feast, treats to satisfy a sweet tooth, plus plenty for vegans, pescatarians and meat-lovers.

A collection of over 80 classic and modern recipes from MasterChef semi-finalist Theo Michaels; paying homage to his heritage by championing new modern dishes inspired by the flavours of Greece and Cyprus. Kali orexi is the Greek equivalent of bon appetit and this enticing book will certainly whet your appetite! Organized in chapters entitled Meze, Sea, Land, Sun and Fire, Theo's recipes evoke a sense of connection to nature, seasonality, abundance and sociable eating. Fresh ingredients sing from the plate, from juicy watermelon and glossy kalamata olives, to fragrant oregano-roasted lamb and delicate vine-leaf-baked sea bass. Meze features mouth-watering small plates for sharing from whipped dips to meatballs. The sea is woven into Greek culture and seafood is a staple; enjoy the freshest fish and shellfish cooked simply and served with a squeeze of lemon juice. Meat is a huge part of the Greek diet - rabbit, goat, chicken, lamb are the mainstay with pork enjoyed at Easter celebrations. Cooking over charcoal is part of daily life. The Cypriots use a large rotisserie famous for its souvla (long skewer), while mainland Greece make souvlaki and both BBQ and oven-roasted dishes are included here. Greek yogurt, along with artisan cheeses (feta, halloumi etc.) can be eaten hot (saganaki) or shaved into vibrant salads and the traditions of 'horta' means there are plenty of vegetable dishes to enjoy. Finally, Greek desserts are often just a sweet note to savour with a bitter black coffee or you may prefer a Greek-inspired cocktail such as an Ouzo Sour.