We’re big fans of @emilyontoast here in the Mellow Yellow kitchen. A true creative at mustering up innovative, flavour-packed vegetarian meals and recipes, she has a penchant for anything on toast (as her Instagram handle suggests) and is a whizz with a bean!

Emily is known for her beautifully fresh seasonal dishes, with crisp, summer salads taking the stage in summer and warming winter stews and soups for winter. A big hit this year was her halloumi recipe series, which saw Emily conjure up a multitude of fresh vegetarian recipe ideas with halloumi – including this Mellow Yellow Potato, Pepper and Halloumi Traybake, which she made especially for Mellow Yellow.

We sat down with her to chat all things food…

What’s your desert island meal?

It’s probably a really good sourdough pizza with loads of garlic mayo for the crusts…

What do you love the most about food?

Other than the enjoyment of eating, it would have to be the creativity. The possibilities of combinations, new tastes, and flavours are endless.

Top go-to ingredient in your kitchen?

Hands down, it’s got to be sourdough bread. I’ve recently started to make my own and am completely hooked!

Most memorable meal?

It’s really hard to say one particular meal, but one side of my family is very food-orientated – we’ve lots of very good cooks in the family. On boxing day we always have the best spreads, where everyone chips in.

What is your favourite season for cooking?

Autumn without a doubt. Squash is probably my favourite vegetable. And as much as I LOVE salad season, I enjoy the shift towards more comforting meals when the weather cools down. There’s something so lovely and cosy about cooking and eating that kind of food when it’s freezing outside!

Cook Emily’s Mellow Yellow Potato, Pepper & Halloumi Traybake

Follow Emily on Instagram

Subscribe to her Substack ‘The Toast Chronicles’ for weekly recipe drops