These fish recipes are based on traditional fish dishes that have been favorites for many years. The meals can range from fish cakes to spicy curries. These dishes have been developed using leftovers and basic items fro the cupboard, along with fresh fish. Don't let yourself be limited by old tales of which herbs go with what. Experiment and try things for yourself.

Fish is very healthy, and is known to help protect the heart and can improve memory.

Chili and Coconut Scallop Curry

• 200g fresh whole scallops

• 50ml coconut milk

• 4 tbs white wine

• 1 sweet red pepper

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 chili pepper, seeds removed and diced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 tsp curry powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp turmeric

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, curry powder, garlic, turmeric, chili, red pepper and white wine. Add scallops and leave to marinate.

In a frying pan, saute onion with the bay leaf, in olive oil until the onion begins to get soft. Add the scallops and marinade mixture to the pan. Turn the heat up to high for 30 seconds, the lower down to a simmer. Add 100ml of water and reduce down the sauce. Add the coconut milk to the pan and stir through for 2 minutes.

Makes 2 servings. Preparation time is 8 minutes.

Bread Pizza with Prawns and Cheese

• 250g cheese, grated

• 1/2 Bloomer or loaf of bread

• 2 tomatoes, de-seeded and diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 small onions, sliced

• 10 black olives

• 3 tsp sweet corn kernels, boiled

• 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped

• 10 fresh basil leaves

• 10 large prawns

• Olive oil

The first step is to make the sauce by blending the tomato, oregano, garlic and about 1 tsp of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Slice the bloomer loaf in half to make 2 large flat pieces of bread. Layer on the tomato sauce, then sprinkle with grated cheese. Place onion slices, olives and corn on top of the cheese.

Set the basil leaves on top, and one prawn on each leaf. This way the prawns will be flavored by the basil during grilling. Drizzle the whole thing with olive oil and cook under the grill for about 5 minutes. Serve right away while hot.

This is an excellent recipe for when you have extra bread to use up. For a vegetarian pizza recipe, it's both easy and fast.

Makes 2 servings. Preparation time is 10 minutes.