Having a staycation this year? You can still serve up tasty continental grub from your own kitchen with these great recipes!
Whether you've been sunning yourself in Europe, screaming your way around the theme parks in the US or enjoying the glorious UK coast, one of the best things about going on holiday is the food.
From crispy fish and chips by the British seaside to a decadent crème brûlée in a French bistro, food just seems to taste so much better on your hols - which is why we've put together recipes for our favourite classic holiday foods, so you can recreate the magic of that incredible paella or amazing baklava in your own kitchen.
With this selection of delicious dinners and desserts from round the globe, we can't promise you great weather or the sound of crashing waves, but we can promise that your tastebuds will be transported back to your trip from your very first bite. Click through to see all our classic holiday food recipes...
UK: Fish and chips
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside, especially when there's a big bundle of fish and chips involved. This bistro-style fish and chips recipe pairs flaky white plaice with Maris Piper potatoes for a chip that's crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle - now all you need is salt and vinegar and a tub of mushy peas!
Get the recipe: Bistro-style fish and chips
Spain: Paella
Seafood? Check! Rice? Check! Chorizo, paprika and saffron? Check! If you've got all of these ingredients in your kitchen, you're well on the way to a delicious bowl of Spanish paella. Close your eyes and you can almost imagine the sounds of the sea and the sand beneath your feet.
Italy: Classica margherita pizza
There's no denying it, Italians make the best pizza in the world, and this little recipe from proud Italian Gino D'Acampo will teach you how to recreate their delicious dough at home. One bite of this mozzarella, tomato and basil pizza will instantly transport you right back to Italy.
Get the recipe: Classica margherita pizza
Florida: Bacon pancakes with maple syrup
This classic American combo is like Marmite - you either love it or you hate it, but we're firmly in the love it camp. Crispy bacon might not seem like the most obvious choice for fluffy pancakes and syrup, but you'll be amazed at the salty-sweet flavour combo.
Get the recipe: Bacon pancakes with maple syrup
Greece: Moussaka
Chances are that if you've been to Greece, you ate moussaka. With tender aubergine, spiced minced lamb, sliced potatoes and a thick layer of white sauce, moussaka is one of Greece's most unbeatable dishes. This recipe takes a bit of time to make but the effort is well worth it. Serve with a Greek salad full of feta and olives for a truly authentic experience.
Portugal: Peri-peri chicken
Peri-peri, which literally translates as 'pepper pepper', is one of the
most important seasonings in Portuguese cooking. This
Portuguese-inspired chicken marinade is packed with bold flavours like
red chilli, sweet paprika and garlic, and works just as well on other
meats like pork or seafood, too.
Get the recipe: Peri-peri chicken
Croque Monsieur
The star of the menu in many a Parisian café, this chic little sandwich is like our humble cheese on toast taken to another level. With egg yolk, butter and a heap of grated cheese, it's not one for those who are watching their weight, but done right, it's a delicious, decadent treat that will take you right back to those French boulevards.
Get the recipe: Quick croque monsieur
Turkey: Lamb koftas with minted couscous
Kofta (or 'kofte' as they are known in Turkish) are served almost everywhere in Turkey, from street food vans to the finest restaurants. This easy recipe replicates all of those delicious Middle-Eastern flavours. Served with fresh minted couscous, it makes a great lunch or light dinner wherever the sun is shining.
Get the recipe: Lamb koftas with minted couscous
Italy: Spaghetti carbonara
Almost everyone knows how to make a good spag bol, but the art of spaghetti carbonara is a slightly finer one, which is probably why we eat so much of it on our hols when the experts are doing it for us! This rich Roman pasta does require a bit of careful timing and attention, but once you've cracked it, it'll taste just as good as it did at the ristorante.
Get the recipe: Spaghetti carbonara
Spain: Patatas bravas
This Spanish potato dish packs a serious punch of flavour with just a few ingredients. Serve on a platter with other tapas like chorizo, spicy prawns and tortilla for a family feast while you flick through the holiday album.
Get the recipe: Patatas bravas
Portugal: Pastel de natas
These gooey, flaky tarts are one of Portugal's finest creations. The last time we went there we ate one a day! Serve up a plate of these for a coffee morning or bake sale once you're back home and you'll have everyone wowed with this taste of the Med.
Get the recipe: Pastel de natas
Greece or Turkey: Baklava
Honey, pistachios, almonds and cinnamon: this sticky dessert has got all of the good stuff! In the UK it's usually found in Turkish food markets or specialist stores, but with just a few storecupboard ingredients you can make a batch in your own kitchen.
France: Crème brûlée
This is arguably France's best-loved dessert, and once you've cracked the sugary shell on one, it's easy to see why. This creamy pud has a reputation for being tricky to make at home, but with this recipe from Rachel Khoo, you know you're in good hands.
UK: Cornish Pasty
We can't imagine going to Cornwall and not tucking into at least one pasty. A British institution originally created as a portable lunch, these flaky pastry parcels of meat and veggies have become a true holiday classic. The good news is that they're just as tasty without the seaside setting, and you don't have to watch out for seagulls trying to steal your crumbs!
Turkey: Turkish delight
Once you've tasted proper Turkish delight, you'll never want to go back to the packet stuff! Luckily, this recipe is easy enough to whip up in your own kitchen.
Get the recipe: Turkish delight
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