I like to keep it simple: a ripe avocado mixed with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. But you can add whatever you like: hot peppers such as jalapeño or serrano, finely chopped onion, coriander and tomatoes. The secret of good guacamole is a perfectly ripe avocado smashed with the fork or pestle in the mortar. It's best eaten right after being prepared because the avocado oxidizes and turns brown. Guacamole can be prepared in advance but must be refrigerated in an airtight container, sprinkled with lemon juice, and covered with a piece of plastic wrap. Find the recipe here

The secret of excellent gazpacho is fresh, natural vegetables at their season’s peak: yellow tomatoes, melon, bell pepper and cucumber. You can keep the gazpacho wholly vegetarian, and vegan using only olives and diced vegetables as a garnish or serve it with chorizo, cured ham and shrimps. The chunky soup is easy to make; it comes together quickly in the food processor. Refreshing chilled Golden Gazpacho is perfect for lunch on hot summer days. Find the recipe here…

This smooth and creamy dip of vivid green colour pairs well with a variety of dippers such as tortilla crisps, crackers or crudités. It’s not at all like the chunky guacamole most people love. It’s excellent as a salad dressing for fresh lettuce, spread for sandwiches and toast, or dolloping onto nachos, burritos, quesadillas and tacos. The avocado dip is simple to make, with just a few ingredients and the aid of a food processor; it only requires very ripe avocados. You can spice the dip up by adding, e.g. cayenne pepper, chilli pepper or chipotle paste, finely chopped spring onion or coriander. Find the recipe here...

They are perfect: soft, sweet and spicy, with a hint of fruity flavour. They look outstanding and taste even better. The recipe is super easy, quick and versatile as you can adjust the spiciness to your liking if you are a fan of absolutely hot Mexican dishes. Just add the more chipotle paste and fresh chilli to the chicken marinade, and then spice up your side dishes: refried beans, salsa cruda or creamed corn. Believe me, these Mexican Spicy Mini Chicken Wings will be the centrepiece of your Mexican fiesta. Serve with tortillas, guacamole and sour cream. Find the recipe here…

Mackerel is great – extremely tasty, nutritious and packed with minerals and good fish oil. It’s usually eaten smoked, sometimes baked but less often battered and fried. Battered fresh mackerel fillets are delicious, no worse than cod or haddock fillets. They should be sold at the local fish and chips shops with fries, tartare sauce and peas because they make a wonderful British classic. This mackerel fried coated with fresh batter is an excellent rendition of a popular meal. I serve it with Mexican pickled onions, homemade tartar sauce and pulses salad. Find the recipe here...

They are the wonderfully vibrant condiment that goes with pretty much anything savoury – burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, slow-cooked meats and fish. They add piquancy and a sharp finish to Mexican tacos, tostadas or quesadillas but their flavour doesn’t overpower the dishes. Tangy- sweet Red Pickled Onions are super easy to make and ready to eat in 4 hours. Keep them cold in the fridge up to a week. Use only red onions because they have a more mild flavour. Find the recipe here…