A Greek soup to warm the body and soul

The advantages of the Mediterranean diet have been well documented over recent years but in Australia we often think of Greek food as summer food with lamb on the barbie and village salads making light work of hot days. But Greek food is perfect winter fare too as our resident contributing chef Lennox Hastie shows this week. His fasolada is a deliciously warming and simple Greek bean soup that not only is full of soul but is economical too. Not to mention great for the health. What could be more satisfying?

This week too we present recipes from Angela Clutton 's new cookbook Seasoning. Angela believes in cooking with the seasons and her recipes embody the notion of using the best produce of the moment. Right now that means fennel and pears, which are bountiful and affordable at this moment. She also offers an orange-based cocktail that may liven up your weekend. Happy cooking.

This week's great deal from our cellar director John Lehmann are three sensational reds for an exceptional "super six" price. Click the link to see the deal. Details here.

High-profile chef Kylie Kwong is calling time on her Sydney eatery Lucky Kwong. The chef says the time is right for her to move on to "the next phase of my practice". The small venue will close in June, allowing Kwong more time for other activities including, she says, highlighting the stories of Australia's First Nations people.