Recipes
Lily James’ recipe theme for the ‘Mamma Mia’ movie
The delicious and traditional Greek Moussaka is a layered casserole with a unique Mediterranean twist. Mamma mia!
Greek Mousaka, ready to eat! PHOTO: Stock image
In the movie “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” Lily James portrays the youthful Donna, whose adventures around the Greek islands provide the perfect backdrop for this Mediterranean recipe.
The delicious and traditional Greek Moussaka is a type of layered casserole, somewhat like lasagna but with a unique Mediterranean twist. This dish could easily be something Donna might have enjoyed or even prepared during her adventurous and free-spirited youth.
Moussaka, with its layers of eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, shows the rich layers of Donna’s own experiences and relationships depicted in the film. This recipe is ideal for capturing the essence of the Greek setting and Donna’s vibrant spirit.
THE MOVIE: “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is a movie in which Lily James played a significant role. Released in 2018, it featured a number of stars including:
Christine Baranski
Pierce Brosnan
Dominic Cooper
Colin Firth
Andy García
Lily James
Amanda Seyfried
Stellan Skarsgård
Julie Walters
Cher
Meryl Streep
The movie was both a prequel and a sequel to the 2008 film “Mamma Mia!” Based on the music of ABBA, the film features a dual timeline that follows the younger version of Donna Sheridan, portrayed by Lily James, exploring her early life and adventures leading up to the events of the first film.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
Eggplant: 3 large, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
Olive Oil: For brushing
Ground Lamb or Beef: 500g
Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
Allspice: 1/4 teaspoon
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
Red Wine: 1/2 cup
Canned Tomatoes: 1 can (400g), crushed
Parsley: 1/2 cup, chopped
Salt and Pepper: To taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
Butter: 75g
Flour: 75g
Milk: 500ml, warmed
Nutmeg: A pinch
Parmesan Cheese: 50g, grated
Eggs: 2, beaten
Directions
STEP 1
Prepare the Eggplant: Brush slices of eggplant with olive oil and season with salt. Grill or broil on high heat until browned and soft, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside to cool.
STEP 2
Make the Meat Filling: In a large skillet, heat a dash of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Add the ground lamb or beef, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Stir in cinnamon, allspice, tomato paste, and red wine. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper.
STEP 3
Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute. Gradually add warmed milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg and a little salt. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan. Once slightly cooled, whisk in beaten eggs until smooth.
STEP 4
Assemble the Moussaka: In a baking dish, layer grilled eggplant slices, followed by the meat sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of eggplant. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, smoothing with a spatula.
STEP 5
Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the moussaka for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
This Moussaka, rich and full of Mediterranean flavors, would be a perfect dish to enjoy while reminiscing about Donna’s youthful adventures in Greece, capturing both the spirit of the character and the vibrancy of the setting in “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”
Calories: 250-300
Fat: 10-15 grams
Carbs: 10-20 grams
Protein: 20-25 grams
A Greek Mousaka slice. PHOTO: Stock image
Recipes
Anna Kendrick’s fun macaroni and cheese recipe
Anna Kendrick has often joked about her lack of cooking skills, admitting that she’s more of a takeout or convenience food person. Despite this, the actress’s love for comfort food—especially mac and cheese—has made headlines.
After glitzy award shows or long days on set, Anna turns to the simplicity of macaroni and cheese as her go-to comfort meal. She’s even mentioned enjoying it while still dressed in her glamorous red carpet outfits
Though she doesn’t cook herself, her love for this classic dish offers a relatable and heartwarming look into her food preferences.
Ingredients
Macaroni pasta: 250 g
Butter: 50 g
Flour: 2 tablespoons
Milk: 500 ml
Cheddar cheese (grated): 200 g
Salt: to taste
Pepper: to taste
Nutmeg (optional): a pinch
Directions
STEP 1
Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of water with a pinch of salt, then add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
STEP 2
Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
STEP 3
Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
STEP 4
Incorporate the cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
STEP 5
Combine and serve: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Serve immediately, possibly while dressed in your fanciest outfit, just like Anna Kendrick!
SUITABLE DIETS
Anna Kendrick’s Mac and Cheese Comfort is suitable for the following diets: The Vegetarian Diet, Weight Watchers Diet.
Recipes
You must try Cameron Diaz’s Healthier Brownies
Enjoy Cameron Diaz’s Healthier Brownies with this simple, nutritious recipe. Perfect for various diets including Mediterranean, Paleo, and Weight Watchers.
Cameron Diaz’s Healthier Brownies. PHOTO: Stock image
Cameron Diaz is well-known for her passion for health and wellness, which she has shared through her books and public appearances. Her approach to cooking often includes finding ways to enjoy delicious treats without compromising on nutrition.
This brownie recipe reflects her commitment to healthier eating by using nutrient-rich ingredients. Cameron’s healthier brownies offer a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy a classic dessert, showcasing her knack for balancing taste with wellness. This recipe has become a favorite among her fans for its simplicity and wholesome ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Ingredients
Dark chocolate chips: 1 cup
Coconut oil: 1/2 cup
Coconut sugar: 1 cup
Eggs: 4 large
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Almond flour: 1/2 cup
Cocoa powder: 1/2 cup
Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Directions
STEP 1
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with coconut oil.
STEP 2
Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
STEP 3
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the coconut sugar and eggs. Beat well until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and the melted chocolate mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
STEP 4
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
STEP 5
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
STEP 6
Serve: Enjoy these healthier brownies as a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your health goals in check.
Calories: 150
Fat: 11 grams
Carbs: 14 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Cooking the healthy brownies. PHOTO: Stock image
SUITABLE DIETS
Cameron Diaz’s Healthier Brownies are suitable for the following diets: The Mediterranean Diet, Paleo Diet, Vegetarian Diet, The 5-Factor Plan, Weight Watchers Diet.
Recipes
Charlize Theron’s Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Discover Charlize Theron’s favorite healthy recipe: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos. Make this nutritious and easy-to-prepare dish that reflects her passion for flavorful cooking.
Charlize’s Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos. PHOTO: Stock image
Actress Charlize Theron, known worldwide for her acting talent, also has a passion for healthy and flavorful cooking. Growing up in South Africa, she was influenced by diverse culinary traditions that emphasized fresh and vibrant ingredients.
Charlize has often shared her love for simple, nutritious meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare. One of her favorite recipes is Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos. This dish is not only a hit at her family dinners but also matches her commitment to healthy eating.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
Tortillas: 8 small corn or flour tortillas
Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced
Black Beans: 1 can, drained and rinsed
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Cumin: 1 teaspoon
Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Avocado: 1, sliced
Red Cabbage: 1 cup, shredded
Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
Lime: 1, cut into wedges
Directions
STEP 1
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
STEP 2
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy.
STEP 3
Heat Black Beans: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the black beans in a small pot over medium heat until warmed through.
STEP 4
Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are pliable.
STEP 5
Assemble Tacos: Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of sweet potatoes, black beans, avocado slices, shredded red cabbage, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
STEP 6
Serve: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful meal.
Calories: 250-300
Fat: 10-15 grams
Carbs: 40-50 grams
Protein: 10-15 grams
Charlize Theron’s Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos. PHOTO: Stock image
SUITABLE DIETS
Charlize Theron’s Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are suitable for the following diets: The Mediterranean Diet, Vegan Diet, Vegetarian Diet, The 5-Factor Plan, Weight Watchers Diet.
Recipes
Try Salma Hayek’s delicious Mexican Street Corn
Discover Salma Hayek’s love for Mexican cuisine with her delicious Mexican Street Corn recipe. Learn about her passion for traditional flavors and cooking tips.
Mexican street corn. PHOTO: Stock image
Salma Hayek is renowned for her love of Mexican cuisine, often sharing her favorite dishes and cooking tips with fans. Growing up in Mexico, she developed a deep appreciation for traditional flavors and ingredients, which she brings to her own kitchen.
One of her beloved recipes is for Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, a popular street food that captures the vibrant and bold tastes of Mexican street vendors. This recipe, shared by Salma, highlights her connection to her heritage and her passion for authentic, home-cooked meals.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Corn on the cob, husks removed: 4
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
Cotija cheese, crumbled: 1/2 cup
Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
Lime, cut into wedges: 1
Fresh cilantro, chopped: 2 tablespoons (optional)
Salt: to taste
Directions
STEP 1
Grill the Corn:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred in spots, about 10 minutes.
STEP 2
Prepare the Toppings:
While the corn is grilling, mix the mayonnaise and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
STEP 3
Coat the Corn:
Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill. Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each cob with the mayonnaise mixture.
STEP 4
Add Cheese and Chili Powder:
Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese evenly over the mayonnaise-coated corn. Follow with a sprinkle of chili powder.
STEP 5
Garnish and Serve:
Serve the corn with lime wedges on the side. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy the elote while it’s still warm.
Calories: 250-300
Fat: 10-15 grams
Carbs: 10-20 grams
Protein: 5-10 grams
Mexican street corn. PHOTO: Stock image
SUITABLE DIETS
Salma Hayek’s Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is suitable for the following diets: The Mediterranean Diet, Vegetarian Diet.
Recipes
Gwen Stefani’s vegan gluten-free pancakes are a treat
Discover Gwen Stefani’s vegan gluten-free pancake recipe! Learn how this music icon maintains a healthy diet while balancing her busy lifestyle.
Gwen Stefani’s vegan gluten-free pancakes. PHOTO: Stock image
Gwen Stefani is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and fashion icon known for her dynamic music career, distinctive personal style, and role as the lead vocalist of the band No Doubt.
She also has a keen interest in healthy eating. As a mother and a busy professional, she values quick and nutritious meals. This recipe for vegan gluten-free pancakes is a favorite in her household, offering a delicious and wholesome breakfast option. Gwen often shares her cooking adventures on social media, inspiring her fans to explore healthier choices without compromising on taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Ingredients
Gluten-free flour blend: 1 cup
Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Almond milk: 1 cup
Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Coconut oil (melted): 2 tablespoons
Directions
STEP 1 Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
STEP 2 Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle, then add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil.
STEP 3 Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
STEP 4 Cook Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
STEP 5 Serve: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt.
Calories: 250-300
Fat: 10-15 grams
Carbs: 30-35 grams
Protein: 5-7 grams
PHOTO: Stock image
SUITABLE DIETS
Vegan Gluten-Free Pancakes are suitable for the following diets: The Mediterranean Diet, Vegan Diet, Vegetarian Diet, Weight Watchers Diet.