MyWorldMyLife

This Cauliflower & Chickpea Stew with Couscous is one of those meals I created on a day when I needed something simple and comforting. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just something warm and nourishing that felt like a hug in a bowl. As it simmers, the kitchen fills with the soft scent of spices, and everything feels a little calmer. I love how cauliflower changes in a stew, becoming tender and gentle, soaking up all the flavour around it. The chickpeas make it hearty and satisfying, and the couscous adds that fluffy base that somehow makes the whole meal feel complete. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want to slow down, sit properly at the table, and enjoy every bite. Over time, it’s become one of those quiet favourites in my kitchen. Not loud or showy, just steady, wholesome, and comforting. I hope one day it becomes one of those reliable recipes in your kitchen too, the kind you turn to when you want something that feels both nourishing and full of love. Ingredients: ½ on...

When I think about my journey with cancer and faith, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. My recent trip to Mecca, this time with my mum, daughter, and sister, was a powerful experience. It felt different than my first trip there three years ago, before I was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn’t just a trip to a holy place; it was a journey that made me think about how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. Three years ago, when I visited Mecca for the first time, I had no idea what was ahead. I was healthy, full of hopes for the future, and going through life with the kind of certainty that comes with being in good health. It was a beautiful experience, filled with deep spirituality, but there was still a sense of taking life for granted. I was thinking about what I wanted, not necessarily about the fragility of life. This second trip, however, was different. My diagnosis has shifted the way I see life, and in many ways, it made my faith feel stronge...

Ouzi is one of those dishes that always feels like a celebration. It’s the kind of meal that makes the table look full and festive. Traditionally, it’s made with fragrant basmati rice, warm spices, mince, peas, and a generous sprinkle of toasted nuts on top. This version is my own little twist; a plant-based, one-pot take that keeps all the beautiful flavours but skips the meat. I love that it still carries the same warmth and comfort, while feeling a little lighter and simpler to prepare. It’s the sort of recipe you make when you want something that feels special without spending the whole day in the kitchen. Hearty, fragrant, and made for sharing. And I hope that when you make it one day, it brings that same sense of celebration to your table, no matter the occasion. Ingredients For the Rice & Plant-Based Meat: 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed 1 lb (450g) plant-based mince meat 1 large onion, diced 1½ cups frozen peas 3–4 cups vegetable broth 2 tbsp olive oil ...

If you know, you know. The blood tests, the scans, the quiet moments in the waiting room. The deep breath before the needle or the scan, the forced smile at the technician, the casual small talk that feels anything but casual. The sound of your name being called, the shuffle of papers, the cool touch of the examination table. And then… waiting. Waiting for the call. The email. The portal update. Refreshing the page like it changes anything. Telling yourself not to overthink, but your mind runs through every possibility anyway. Trying to stay busy, but the thoughts sneak in between tasks, creeping in like an uninvited guest. This is scanziety… It’s the fear of the unknown, which keeps building from the moment I get the letter about my annual screening. The what-ifs that stir at 2 AM when the world is quiet but your mind is loud. It’s the mental tug-of-war between optimism and dread, between hoping for good news and preparing for the worst. It’s the exhausting cycle of reminding yourself...

There are some dishes that just feel like a hug in a bowl, and this is one of them. I still remember the first time I made it, after seeing it from Jamie Oliver, and it’s been a favourite in our kitchen ever since… especially yours. It’s my go-to when we want something cosy but don’t want to spend hours cooking. The gnocchi turns soft and pillowy, the squash melts into the creamiest sauce, and then there’s that little sprinkle of crushed amaretti on top... sweet, crunchy, and somehow completely perfect. I love that this is one of your favourites. I hope one day, when you make it in your own kitchen, it brings you the same comfort and warmth it’s always brought to ours and that with every bite, it reminds you of me. Ingredients: 300–350g prepared butternut squash, peeled and diced 3 tbsp water 3 tbsp double cream Freshly grated nutmeg (just a pinch) Salt & black pepper 1 tsp olive oil (plus 1 tsp extra for the rocket) 15g butter 1 small onion, finely diced 1 garlic clove, crushed ...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a time when pink ribbons appear everywhere, stories are shared, and so many of us are reminded of the people we know and love who have been touched by this disease. But as we raise awareness, maybe it’s also time to rethink the words we use. So much of the language around breast cancer, and cancer in general, sounds like a war: fight , battle , survivor , warrior . But did any of us really sign up for a fight? When I was diagnosed, I didn’t feel like a hero putting on armor. I felt scared, confused, and exhausted. From the moment I heard the word cancer , people called me brave and told me to keep fighting . But what choice did I really have? I showed up for the appointments. I sat through the treatments. I took the pills, endured the side effects, went to bed tired and woke up tired… not because I’m a fighter, but because I wanted to keep living. And what about the people we’ve lost? We say they “lost their battle with breast cancer.” But they...

Shakshuka is one of my favourite brunch dishes, and I think you’ve always known that. It’s the kind of meal that looks impressive and colourful, but is actually so simple to make... all in one pan, which means more time sitting together and less time washing up. There’s something I’ll never get tired of, cracking the eggs straight into the bubbling tomato sauce and watching them gently poach. It feels a little bit magical every time. This dish is said to have started in Tunisia before making its way across North Africa and the Middle East, and that makes sense to me, because once people try it, they tend to make it their own. What I love most is that it isn’t just for breakfast. We’ve had it for slow weekend brunches, easy dinners, and even those “there’s not much in the fridge” nights. Somehow, it always feels special. I hope one day it becomes one of your favourite brunch recipes too, the kind you make when you want something warm, vibrant, and meant to be shared. And maybe when ...