https://thepaddingtonfoodie.com/2013/08/16/the-5-2-challenge-a-little-bit-of-luxury-slow-baked-salmon-with-preserved-lemon-chermoula-and-soft-herbs/

https://thepaddingtonfoodie.com/2012/12/21/cool-as-a-christmas-canape-cucumber-vivianes-tzatziki-rolls/

hepaddingtonfoodie.com/2013/10/11/what-to-drink-as-the-temperature-soars-a-grown-up-gin-and-tonic-slushy/

https://thepaddingtonfoodie.com/2012/11/06/so-very-refreshing-shaved-lemon-and-fennel-salad-with-rocket-currants-and-almonds/

https://thepaddingtonfoodie.com/2013/02/21/happy-days-grilled-zucchini-salad-with-lemonmint-chilli-and-goats-cheese/

https://thepaddingtonfoodie.com/2012/10/16/luscious-and-light-strawberry-cloud-cake-with-raspberries/

This Tuesday, the first Tuesday in November, it’s Melbourne Cup Day here in Australia. The race that stops a nation. Literally.  At 3.00 pm sharp. A day for sweeps, calcuttas and flutters at the races all over the country. Hats and pretty dresses. Long lunches and champagne.

If the recent weather is anything to go by, it’s shaping up to be a hot and humid Spring day. Yesterday my friend Sarah contacted me for ideas for a long ladies’ lunch. Fuss free and easy to prepare ahead, here is the menu we devised after one telephone call and half an hour spent perusing my blog. Focusing  on fresh seasonal produce, it’s also delicious but healthy and light. The Slow Baked Salmon recipe even comes from my 5-2 fast day repertoire proving that fast day food can be interesting and inspiring.

Grown up Gin And Tonic Slushies.

Cucumber Tzatziki Rolls.

Slow Baked Salmon with Preserved Lemon Chermoula and Soft Herbs

Grilled Zucchini Salad With Lemon,Mint, Chilli and Goats Cheese

Shaved Lemon and Fennel Salad with Rocket, Currants and Almonds

Strawberry Cloud Cake With Raspberries