Saffron pilaf: Melt the butter in a pan over high heat. When it begins to brown, add the rice and cook stirring constantly until it turns opaque.
2
Pour in 4 cups of the stock, add pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 20min. or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and small holes appear on the surface.
3
Stir the saffron into the remaining stock, add it to the rice and stir gently. Place a clean dish towel over the top of the pan, replace the lid and remove from the heat.
4
Let the pilaf rest for 5-8minutes. Serve, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and grated cheese. This is an excellent accompaniment to roast or braised meat or fish.
5
Festive winter salad: Arrange the grated cabbage, carrots and radicchio in concentric circles on a large round platter.
6
Roll the slices of daikon into cones, secure with wooden toothpicks and let soak in cold water for 2-3hours.
7
Remove the toothpicks from the cones and arrange them in the shape of daisy at the centre of the salad.
8
Cut the pimientos into small pieces and place one inside each cone.
9
Surround the salad with Belgian endive leaves pointing outward like rays.