Hello everyone!

I'm new to the board so i thought i'd introduce myself. My name is Melanie, im 20, and i am from Bath in the Southwest of England. I am a keen cook, having been cooking since the age of eight. I am still working, and have been working as a chef part-time/ full-time for the last five years.

I am also a student at the moment, studying A levels, so i can go to University to study a Diet and Health Degree.

I LOVE FOOD. I cook a lot of vegetarian food in particular, as although i am not veggie myself, my parents are and i cook mostly for them. I also make a darn good curry, and i love ANYTHING involving pastry.

Anyway, here is a recipe that i hope y'all will like, its a healthy zesty pasta recipe:

Spaghetti with courgettes and almonds (serves 2)

150g spaghetti
30g whole blanched almonds
Extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 courgettes, grated
Knob of butter
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Zest of 1 lemon and a squeeze of juice
Salt and pepper
Parmesan

1. Toast the almonds in a dry pan, wait to cool, then roughly chop.
2. Cook pasta according to instructions (make sure pasta is al dente). Meanwhile fry the courgettes and garlic in the olive oil and butter with lots of seasoning.
3. Once pasta is cooked, add to the courgettes with 50ml of the pasta water. Add parsley, lemon, almonds, a drizzle of oil and mix well. Season to taste, garnish with parmesan and serve!