Serpent’s Coil Pastry With Spinach & Feta

serpent coil recipe

Girl meets pastry.

Girl eats pastry.

Girl gets on treadmill.

This is the story of my life currently. Yes Dear Readers, I have finally got myself a treadmill (I was gifted a dormant one from my parent’s house). I realised that sitting at home eating pastries was not the best way to stay in the same size bracket and that I had to literally get off my ass if I wanted to stay within the small clothing range. Humph.

serpent coil recipe

The motivation was a fashion spread for Nine to Five magazine. Now understand that calls to feature in fashion spreads have never graced my inbox before. People do not come a knocking on my door asking me to wear clothes for a living. The closest that I came to it was the ad for Cornetto. I was suddenly going to have to put in place all that I (didn’t) learn from watching ANTM. I was unfortunately missing about 1 foot of height among many other essentials.

The day that the email came in from them was unfortunately the day I happened to brush 200grams of butter on 14 sheets of pastry and bake them in the oven. It wasn’t the best day for the invitation to come in although I do think that something was looking out for me in that it came before I had raised the pastry to my mouth to try it. The serpent pastry sat there, in it’s bronzed coiled glory tempting me, hypnotising me.

The devil on one shoulder said

“It’s got a vegetarian filling, it’s practically healthy!”

And the angel on the other shoulder said:

“Hardly, given the amount of butter you’ve used!”

serpent coil recipe

Calories and fashion spreads aside, this is a great way to serve up a dinner party worthy dish with casual ingredients. The same ingredients go in to making the spinach and filo triangles but this goes from a snack to something that you could serve guests. You could make this a huge serpent, and to be honest, the bigger the better it looks as you can get more coils but I only had a 25cms pie tin. I first saw this on Tenina’s site where she made it using a salmon and cream cheese filling. Its original name is M’Hanncha which means “snake” and it is usually a sweet Moroccan pastry usually filled with an orange blossom infused almond paste. But I realise that there is a proliferation of sweets here and I needed to make a savoury dish.

As for me, staring in the face of such temptation I did what anyone would have done. I simply bit the head off the snake and got on my treadmill and ran like the wind!

So tell me Dear Reader, do you go on crash diets or fitness regimes?

And here is the result of the shoot, my very own feature in the final issue of Nine to Five magazine! Sadly it was the very last issue of Nine to Five and I’m sure commuters will mourn its disappearance.

Click to enlarge. Photo by Naomi Rossdeutscher.

serpent coil recipe

Serpent’s Coil Pastry With Spinach & Feta

An Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella

Filling

  • 250g/9 ozs. fresh or frozen spinach chopped and drained
  • 200g/7 ozs Danish feta (or other creamy feta)
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (tasty, cheddar, mozzarella, whatever you like)
  • 2 eggs, separated into a bowl of the whites and a bowl of the yolks

Pastry

  • non stick spray or butter to grease
  • 14 sheets fresh filo pastry (I used brand Antoniou which is in the refrigerated section of supermarkets)
  • 150-200g (5-7 ozs) butter, melted
  • 4-5 tablespoons fine breadcrumbs
  • a handful of nuts to decorate (I used almonds but pine nuts are also good)

1. Make the filling by combining the spinach, feta, garlic, walnuts or pine nuts, garlic, cheese and egg whites in a food processor and process until cohesive. Fill a piping bag with the mixture and refrigerate until needed.

serpent coil recipe

The mixture

serpent coil recipe

Rolling up the snake

serpent coil recipe

Placing it in the greased pie dish

2. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Grease a 25cms/10inch pie plate with butter or non stick oil spray. Line a clean surface with a sheet of non stick parchment and take out your filo pastry. Filo dries out very quickly so have a damp tea towel on top of it to prevent it from drying. Take out one sheet and recover pastry. Brush with butter and then place another on top of this and butter and repeat until you have four buttered sheets on top of each other. Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top as shown and then pipe the filling along the bottom.

serpent coil recipe

All rolled up ready for the egg glaze…

3. Lift the edge of the paper and roll the pastry over rolling quite tightly. Lay it out carefully on the greased pie dish covering this with a damp tea towel. Repeat another two times so that you use a total of 12 sheets of pastry (4 sheets for three logs). I found that I needed a bit more to fill in the centre so I cut the last two sheets of pastry in half and did a shorter log.

serpent coil recipe

Yes I swear it was egg glaze and not more butter!

4. With the two egg yolks, brush the top of the pastry well with the egg yolk mixture and scatter nuts on top. Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

serpent coil recipe

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94 Comments | Add your own

  • 1. Julie @ Willow Bird Baking | March 23rd, 2011 at 5:16 am | #

    Congratulations on the gorgeous feature! This pastry looks delicious!

  • 2. Rosa | March 23rd, 2011 at 5:18 am | #

    That pie is fabulous and must taste incredibly good!

    Congrats on the article.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • 3. Dimah | March 23rd, 2011 at 5:32 am | #

    Great combo and looks delicious…lovely pics

  • 4. Celia | March 23rd, 2011 at 6:11 am | #

    What a gorgeous photo of you! I hope they sent you a copy to blow up for your wall! serpent pie looks great too.. :)

  • 5. Alessandra | March 23rd, 2011 at 6:37 am | #

    First of all I like to say: what a beautiful photo of you! And What a beautiful girl!

    Second: I like the serpent pie, yes I always seen it sweet before, even in Italy we have a serpent pie (more like a cake really, not with filo) and it is sweet. And I love to try a savoury version, maybe my next spanokopita (my kids favourite pie) will be like a snake!!!

    The kids will love that!!!

    Thank you and ciao

    Alessandra

  • 6. At Anna's Kitchen table | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:11 am | #

    Absolutely amazing!
    Try it with a whipped cream, sugar and cinnamon filling…, heavenly!

  • 7. zenchef | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:18 am | #

    Last time I was on a treadmill I went to buy a pork belly right after. Now hand over that delicious thing!

    That’s the prettiest interview I ever seen! :) Congrats!

  • 8. Cate | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:36 am | #

    I just went to Adriano’s yesterday – I’m afraid a very intense workout is due today!!! Love the photo of you!

  • 9. Angela | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:44 am | #

    Absolutely gorgeous, and that pastry looks amazing too! xxx

  • 10. Heavenly Housewife | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:53 am | #

    Oh yes, such is the story of my life too. I seem to live on the treadmill, which makes me cranky :( . I wish i had one in the house… maybe.
    Love the pastry coil. I love anything inside filo pastry, sweet or savoury.
    *kisses* HH

  • 11. Sydney Shop Girl | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:53 am | #

    Way to go, Lorraine!

    You look so fab in the article.

    SSG xxx

  • 12. Rachel (S[d]OC) | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:54 am | #

    Yum. This would be a few hours on the treadmill. There are theories out there that vegetables cancel out butter. Should I take the risk?

    I’ve been a gym rat for 20 years,but sadly it has done nothing for the state of my butt and I continue to put on another 10 pounds every decade. I can kick the butts of some of the skinny folk in teh gym though. You should have no such worries. You are one smokin’ hot babe!

  • 13. Michelle Chin | March 23rd, 2011 at 8:27 am | #

    Oh the dilemma: Food and fashion!

  • 14. Heidi | March 23rd, 2011 at 8:41 am | #

    I’m not a fan of crash diets – clearly, being a Dietitian ;) But you’re right, exercise is SO important – not just for weight management but for stress release and general health benefits. This coil of deliciousness looks amazing!!! Oh and so do YOU, seriously lady, working it! You’re glowing :)
    Heidi xo

  • 15. yaelian | March 23rd, 2011 at 8:45 am | #

    That is such a wonderfully (albeit fattening…)delicacy! We have that here in some places too,but I try to stay away from it…
    Congratulations on your feature in the magazine;you look so pretty!

  • 16. muppy | March 23rd, 2011 at 9:01 am | #

    This looks very delicious, i can relate to your treadmill issue except that i had a bub and gained lots of weight….
    I love your article, such a gorgeous photo. Thats incredible that you have so many page views per month, you certainly are one talented little lady :)

  • 17. Scott | March 23rd, 2011 at 9:14 am | #

    This “Serpent’s Tail” pastry is the same that we get here in Portland at a food carts called “Ziba’s Pitas”. She serves Bosnian items called pita, or bourek. She does them with a cheese filling, a spanikopita style filling, and one with spiced, ground meat that it so good it will make you cry!

  • 18. heyemmaline | March 23rd, 2011 at 9:17 am | #

    you look gorgeous!!
    and that serpent’s coil look delicious – i’m a pastry girl too, can’t get enough of the stuff! im starving already and looking at that got the tummy rumbling rather loudly :)

  • 19. kim sisto robinson | March 23rd, 2011 at 9:20 am | #

    Girl meets pastry.

    Girl eats pastry.

    Girl gets on treadmill.

    You are a classic, L. PS. this dish looks like a wonderful sin. xx

  • 20. LindaF | March 23rd, 2011 at 9:27 am | #

    Simply divine Lorraine! I love anything that encases filo pastry, i love its flaky light texture any time, any day! Dieting???? Well I try…… but unfortuately unless i become bullimic, I dont think I will ever lose the weight as I love my cooking and food too much :(

  • 21. thebakingaddict | March 23rd, 2011 at 9:39 am | #

    Your photo looks amazing. Congratulations!! The pastry looks great too. I definitely live to eat :)

  • 22. Barbara Bakes | March 23rd, 2011 at 9:53 am | #

    You look so tiny you could eat anything you want. Including this gorgeous, golden pastry. xoxo Mum

  • 23. Sneh Roy | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:22 am | #

    That is a gorgeous picture of you Lorraine! You will be perenially, beautifully petite :-) and you are right, any pastry with spinach in it has to be healthy!

    Congratulations on the feature. You go girl!

  • 24. MissPigg (MelbaToast | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:24 am | #

    Great article – you look great! And that pastry looks pretty good too.

  • 25. deana | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:24 am | #

    You look TINY and absolutely gorgeous, young lady!!! Go ahead and eat that insanely delicious looking tart… me want!! With a package of filo just waiting in the freezer… I think I have snakes in my future!

  • 26. Claire | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:29 am | #

    Hmm this looks and sounds delicious! It’s so hard to be good and eat well when there’s all these beautiful (but naughty) foods and recipes around to try.
    Congrats on the shoot and interview too! You look gorgeous in it! :)

  • 27. ck | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:41 am | #

    It looks gorgeous, you are gorgeous, as your photos always provide. Love your shoulder friends! Glad the tready may allow the devil more freedom! Sadly I am one who has to keep a close eye on the calories and the exercise. I have a technique though, I eat all the yummy thing I want, I just don’t eat everything. If I am going to eat something bad (but soooo good!), I don’t eat a meal as well, so the ‘bad’ is not on top of everything else. I don’t eat prepared food or take away food and in this way, I eat amazing food, but none of the rubbish. Seems to work!

    I love your daily updates, but I have no idea how you manage it! Congrats on the feature.

  • 28. Lisa (bakebikeblog) | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:42 am | #

    WOW oh WOW!!! What an awesome article / piccie :) You serioulsy have NOTHING to worry about!

    Bake on! :)

  • 29. Ali | March 23rd, 2011 at 11:03 am | #

    Yum – looks right up my alley – the vegetarian filling sounds delicious!!

  • 30. mashi | March 23rd, 2011 at 11:11 am | #

    Congratulations on the feature! You look lovely in the picture x

    This pastry sounds so good, I’m salivating at the thought of it. This girl needs to run on the treadmill after having a slice too lol

  • 31. Nic@diningwithastud | March 23rd, 2011 at 11:17 am | #

    I saw your 9to5 article – you look so fab in it!!
    I ran straight home and told Stud about it. Such an inspiration!
    p.s. the snake looks delish!

  • 32. Tina@foodboozeshoes | March 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 am | #

    Yummo! I picked up this last edition and was surprised to see you there!

  • 33. Lau@corridorkitchen | March 23rd, 2011 at 11:30 am | #

    That is a stunning photo Lorraine. Congrats on the article!

  • 34. EHA | March 23rd, 2011 at 12:05 pm | #

    So much I want to say!: (What’s new?):

    1 The photo IS stunning!

    2 Much prefer your savoury version of the ‘snake’! Very appetizing! Gorgeous appearance!

    3 Welcome to the real world of intake/output = visible result! There is an art to treadmills – love ‘em! Put on the earphones with music you love/have an interesting DVD you could not find time for in front of the machine/think of a mantra like ‘every day, in every way . . ‘etc Switch off the rest of the world – PLEASE believe me you can make it the best part of the day!

    4 NO CRASH DIETS – they DO NOT WORK IN THE LONG RUN! UNHEALTHY TO BOOT! Please remember I trained as a doctor and have studied nutrition for 25 years!

    At the momnet I am studying off DVDs with Prof Roberta Anding of Baylor School of Med in Texas – any foodie wanting to both love food but eat healthy, turn onto ‘Great Courses of the World’ on the Net – 1/2 year her wonderful, wonderful, quite simple lectures are less than $A100 for a terrific 36-lecture course! This DOES NOT ruin you being a foodie. Is heaps of fun!

    Anyways, since you don’t like walking, Lorraine, please keep on with the treadmill!

  • 35. Holly | March 23rd, 2011 at 12:14 pm | #

    You look gorgeous!

  • 36. Lucy @ lucyeats | March 23rd, 2011 at 12:18 pm | #

    What a great photo, you look stunning! Loving the article as well as your pie!

  • 37. Susan | March 23rd, 2011 at 12:35 pm | #

    That looks so gorgeous! They have the best filled filo pastries from Adora’s in marrickville. Congrats on the feature too, you look gorgeous. I used to watch what I ate all the time and lived off frozen meals, but I have seen the light now and eat what I want but in smaller quantities.

  • 38. Adrian in Food Rehab | March 23rd, 2011 at 12:58 pm | #

    Treadmill?! For reals…

    Congrats on the article homegirl, very nice! Is that an iPad in your hand or just a thin lappie?

  • 39. Reemski | March 23rd, 2011 at 1:01 pm | #

    You look smokin’ in that pic!

  • 40. YaYa | March 23rd, 2011 at 1:21 pm | #

    haha, I made this just last week, admittedly it wasn’t as pretty as yours and omitted the nuts! But delicious and yes, I didn’t use butter but sprayed olive oil between the sheets, worked just as well though! Great spread in the magazine!

  • 41. OohLookBel | March 23rd, 2011 at 1:28 pm | #

    You are so glam in the 9 to 5 pic! Keep up the good work. And by that I do NOT mean the horrid treadmill but the butter-laden pastry sheets :)

  • 42. Jasmin | March 23rd, 2011 at 2:19 pm | #

    Can’t wait to try this one out!
    Looks incredible.

    As far as Treadmills go, I was a big lazy jessie and I didn’t do any exercise for a long time. Then I got off my ass and did some work and managed to lose my extra weight. In the past year, laziness has seen it come back so the Exercise needs to begin – but it can be so hard to find the motivation.

    This time – It’s a trip to Greece and the need to not be wearing lovely disguising fifties dresses.

  • 43. Cindy | March 23rd, 2011 at 2:56 pm | #

    Well whatever you’re doing, you are gorgeous! How can such a tiny waist eat so much rich food and only now start to think of maintainance? Apparently your meatabolism really does make you perfect for your chosen career.

    Adding the coil idea to my list of “things to make for parties”.

  • 44. EHA | March 23rd, 2011 at 3:10 pm | #

    Oh, sugar – the power of the Net!! And NQN!! Roberta Anding on ‘The Great Courses’ was NOT on special this morning – try it now!! I believe I paid over $10 more some months ago!! Make use if you are interested! And, Lorraine, you DO know I do mean it for the best of all your bloggers! Was in contact with the US this am because of a mistake, mentioned I had blogged and . . .

  • 45. marcellina | March 23rd, 2011 at 3:10 pm | #

    Ooooh this looks similar to one I make and have blogged about though I have never added the nuts – what a great idea! I love the crunch factor! Congratulations on the magazine article – you look fabulous, don’t worry about the treadmill ’cause whatever you’re doing, it’s working for you!

  • 46. Merryn Galluccio | March 23rd, 2011 at 3:14 pm | #

    What a delightful twist on spinach, nut and cheese pie. The photo of your coil looks magnificent, paled only by the gorgeous image of you Lorraine. Congratulations!

  • 47. Ellie@fitforthesoul | March 23rd, 2011 at 3:14 pm | #

    awwwwww!!! congratulations lorraine!! and by the way, you are so beautiful in every way. :D And no i don’t crash diet!! I just try to keep simple habits consistently! little by little each day :) this looks amazing!! how are you sooo talented?? you’re really inspiring me to delve more into this lil hobby of cookin’ and bakin’ of mine. as i’m sure you are inspiring others just as much <3

  • 48. Hannah | March 23rd, 2011 at 4:01 pm | #

    Oh Lorraine, it hardly seems fair that you’re allowed to be so incredibly kind and lovely as well as stupendously gorgeous :P Well done on this next step of yours to superstardom!

    P.S. Anything in the shape of a snake is healthy. I’m sure I read that somewhere.

  • 49. Tenina | March 23rd, 2011 at 4:21 pm | #

    WOW, thanks for the mention! You look absolutely stunning in the feature…and certainly not like the eater we all know you are! Go butter…go pastry…go treadmill!
    I am about to do a sweet one of these, apres Dubai trip. All Arabian food motivated!

  • 50. Erin@TheFoodMentalis | March 23rd, 2011 at 4:51 pm | #

    I love this pie so much but have never actually made it myself!

    Great post and pic btw :)

  • 51. s | March 23rd, 2011 at 5:41 pm | #

    the snake looks GOOD! and so do u. Why do u need to get on the treadmill u looks amazing already!

  • 52. Swee San | March 23rd, 2011 at 6:05 pm | #

    Congrats on the article. You looked gorgeous!

  • 53. Joyti | March 23rd, 2011 at 6:08 pm | #

    Congratulations! You are GORGEOUS! What fun, to be in a photo shoot….
    I tend to crash diet – I skip a lot of meals (well, seeing how much sweet stuff I make, you can see why).
    O, and the pastry sounds incredible. Yum.

  • 54. MaidInAustralia | March 23rd, 2011 at 6:50 pm | #

    I’m usually really abstinant but I do love a good pastry. I also love traditional Turkish pide – spinach and feta a fave. Or some deliciousness from the Japanese bakeries that are springing up everywhere. They do not agree with my figure, but every now and then I have one and eat it mindfully and enjoy every bite!

  • 55. Claire K Creations | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:29 pm | #

    Great photo! That pastry looks well worth the calories. Funny you should write about that today. It was my Birthday yesterday and I ate so much my stomach is still full. I’m on simple, fresh food for at least a few days. That’s about as close as I get to crash dieting.

  • 56. Tori (@eat-tori) | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:29 pm | #

    Congratulations- that photo is beautiful! I’ve had to develop a close and loving relationship with a cross trainer. Pastry doesn’t love me the way it used to.

  • 57. Linda | March 23rd, 2011 at 7:29 pm | #

    This is like borek, which uses sheets of yufka. But I rather like your recipe better. Phyllo is a delicate, wonderful thing.Oh, and thanks for sharing the article. Awesome photo,Lorraine! It’s perfect.

  • 58. InTolerantChef | March 23rd, 2011 at 8:06 pm | #

    What a lovely photo, and you are definatly not needing a diet! A treadmill is lots of fun though. I love the snake too. At work to save time, I just use spray oil between sheets.

  • 59. Liv | March 23rd, 2011 at 8:11 pm | #

    Oooh…yum. I admit I’m not a spinach fan, except when it’s paired with feta or ricotta, and wrapped in pastry! :) This pastry looks very nice.
    Congratulations on the article – I love the photo (your makeup is gorgeous!), and the interview is really good :)

  • 60. Not Quite Nigella | March 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 pm | #

    Hi Julie-thanks so much Julie! :D

    Hi Rosa-Thanks Rosa! :D

    Hi Dimah-The pie was delicious! :)

    Hi Celia-haha I was lucky enough to get these on disk! :D Thankyou!

    Hi Alessandra-Aww shucks thankyou! you are too kind! :D I’d love to try it as a sweet pie I think! :D

    Hi At Anna’s Kitchen table-mmm that sounds absolutely lovely! :D

    Hi zenchef-haha of course! That’s what I like to do too :lol: Thankyou! :D

    Hi Cate-Ahh yes post or pre cakes is definitely recommended! Thankyou! :D

    Hi Angela-aww thanks Angela! xxx

    Hi HH-Oh I know, where are those damn endorphins? :lol: :( Me too! xxx

    Hi SSG-Thanks SSG! :D xxx

    Hi Rachel-Yes I know, I wish I had the stamina to eat this and then go on the treadmill! Haha indeed! I hope they do! :D You must be very impressive indeed! Good on you! Aww you are so sweet! :)

    Hi Michelle-yes two so wonderful things!

    Hi Heidi-hehe I’d imagine not! :D Yes I wish I got more of an endorphin rush. I just get cranky and irritable when I’m on it :lol: Aww thankyou! xxx

    Hi yaelian-yes you are waist wise I’d say Yaelin! :D Thankyou! :)

    Hi muppy-Ahh yes of course! I’m sure you’re doing much better than I am :) Thankyou so much Muppy! :D

    Hi Scott-Oh that sounds delicious! I love burek too! :D Ooh that meat filling sounds lovely!

    Hi heyemmaline-thankyou so much! :) I know I’m such a pastry freak too :lol:

    Hi kim-Hehe thanks Kim! xxx

    Hi Linda-Thankyou! :) I know, it’s so hard, there’s so much good food out there! :o

    Hi thebakingaddict-Thankyou! :D Me and you both! :lol:

    Hi mum-aww you’re so sweet! :D xxx

    Hi Sneh-Thanks Sneh! :D Aww I wish although I feel like I’m losing the battle :lol: Thankyou! :D

    Hi MissPigg-Thankyou so much! :D

    Hi deana-Aww thanks Deana! hehe I like your way of thinking! I hope you like it! :D x

    Hi Claire-Thanks Claire! I know if only there wasn’t so much good food around :lol: Thankyou!

    Hi ck-hehe I really like your food philosophy! I couldn’t agree more although sometimes I do like bad food :P Why thankyou so much! :D

    Hi Lisa-Aww I wish I could exercise like you! :o

    Hi Ali-Yes it’s fit for a vegetarian or am omnivore!

    Hi mashi-Thanks Mashi! :D Hehe I’ll join you :lol: x

    Hi Nic-Hehe that’s so sweet! Thankyou! :D

    Hi Tina-Thanks!

    Hi Lau-Thanks Lau, you are too kind :D

    Hi EHA-Hehe well I do look forward to your comments! :) Thankyou! I felt like I already do so many sweets already :lol: Yes I should really watch something good with earphones or something to make it more entertaining! Now that sounds very interesting! :o

    Hi Holly-Thanks Holly! :D

    Hi Lucy-thanks Lucy! I was so nervous to see what it looked like! :D

    Hi Susan-Ooh I must try Adora’s! Yes that’s a really good way to do things. Quality not quantity! :D

    Hi Adrian-Yep for real! Thanks! It’s an iPad :)

    Hi Reemski-thanks babe!

    Hi YaYa-I bet it tasted great though! :D Ahh good idea, much quicker too I would imagine! :D

    Hi Bel-Aww thanks so much! :D haha thanks for clarifying!

    Hi Jasmin-Thanks Jasmin! :D Good on you! You’re my inspiration now! :D

    Hi Cindy-Aww thanks Cindy, you are so sweet to say that! Hehe well I mourn the loss of my dresses :lol: Great idea and perfect party food! :D

    Hi EHA-Thanks Eha! You’re always thinking of us! :D

    Hi marcellina-yes I love a bit of crunch in my food :D Thankyou so much! :D

    Hi Merryn-Aww I am so chuffed by your encouraging comments. They are putting a real smile on my face! :D

    Hi Ellie@fitforthesoul-Thankyou! You are always so sweet! yes you’re very good about it-very admirable. I ought to try and be more like you! :D

    Hi Hannah-Well Miss H I could say the same thing right back to you!! Thankyou! Haha I’m sure I read that too :lol:

    Hi Tenina-thanks! I really wanted to make a salmon one but then decided to make it vegetarian :) Have fun in Dubai! :D

    Hi Erin-Oh it’s so lovely and easy! Thankyou! :D

    Hi s-Aww thankyou so much! I’m feeling like I desperately needed it but thankyou :lol:

    Hi Swee San-thanks Swee San!

    Hi Joyti-I know, it was so much fun to be in it! I had a ball :D Thankyou!

    Hi Bronnie-Aren’t you disciplined! I wish I could say the same! :lol: Absolutely, savour it! :D

    Hi Claire-thanks Claire! Happy birthday to you! Aww you need to do things like that during your birthday :D I hope it was wonderful!

    Hi Tori-Thanks Tori! :D Haha I have the same tumultuous relationship with pastry :lol:

    Hi Linda-Thanks Linda! I’ve never made burek but have eaten it and I think you’re right, it’s very similar. Thankyou so much! :D

    Hi Rebecca-Aww thankyou! You are too sweet! really? I must have a faulty treadmill :lol: Good idea!

    Hi Liv-Haha well then this might suit you! :D Thankyou! yes I loved the makeup artist and the interview was really fun to do!

  • 61. Carine | March 23rd, 2011 at 9:49 pm | #

    Congrats on the feature, NQN, you look amazing!

    And so does the spinach pastry – they are very common here in Greece where I live – in fact this morning I had a mini one, but with leek, which is my favourite (and for breakfast nonetheless…). My collection of tae bo DVDs would’ve be helpful to beat the bulge – but since my big bulge will disappear somewhat in the beginning of May and be replaced with a baby, I think I am off the hook when it comes to vigorous exercise for now :)

  • 62. Anna Johnston | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:14 pm | #

    Oh you gorgeous gal you, I loved the photo & your beautiful snake… and the article. Awesome to read this one :)

  • 63. Alisa | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:20 pm | #

    Oh yum….. my favourite combination of ingredients ever!
    I often use milk for filo pastry instead of butter, and just put butter on the outside. Although you don’t get the gorgeous buttery flavour, it’s not bad if you’re too lazy to face the thought of a treadmill!
    Gorgeous photo too!

  • 64. Blond Duck | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:20 pm | #

    Spinach, feta and pastry is like the best combo ever.

  • 65. Jen | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:33 pm | #

    You look fabulous in the photo Lorraine! You don’t need to diet but I know how you feel about needing to balance out all the eating sometimes. :)

  • 66. Matilda | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:41 pm | #

    Congratulations Lorraine, another feather in your cap! Great pic of you and good on you for taking up the treadmill,no-one is immune to the weight eventually creeping on, especially when we’re all food mad!!
    Love your Serpent, must make this for my vegetarian brother but I rather like the sound of the sweet Moroccan version being an incurable sweet-tooth. :-)

  • 67. Hanna | March 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 pm | #

    I love pastry too! And this pie looks so pretty.

  • 68. Gummi Baby | March 23rd, 2011 at 11:07 pm | #

    Oh this looks devine! I think Jamie did a sweet version of this and I remember thinking I must try that but as I don’t eat almonds, I was never tempted, but this suits me perfectly. lol about the treadmill, know the feeling! : D

  • 69. Midge | March 23rd, 2011 at 11:28 pm | #

    This looks positively divine – I’d imagine it would make a fab lunch with a portobello salad on the side.

    And I looooove that mag feature on you!

    (As for diets and fitness regimes, I’m with Isabel Allende on this one: “I repent of my diets; those glorious dishes shunned out of vanity…”)

  • 70. Jenn | March 23rd, 2011 at 11:58 pm | #

    Yum, I often make spinach fillo triangles so this would be a wonderful change in serving technique! And sometimes I brush my fillo with orange juice to keep the fat down – it actually works surprisingly well.

    Your interview is so exciting, congrats!

  • 71. Fikranilam | March 24th, 2011 at 12:24 am | #

    Fashion or food, indeed a difficult choice.. :)

  • 72. Karen | March 24th, 2011 at 12:29 am | #

    Lorraine, you look just gorgeous.

    I have made that Moroccan almond version and it’s both simple and stunning.

    Alot of spanakopita in Greece are actually made in this shape, so you’ve successfully fused once again!

  • 73. Karen | March 24th, 2011 at 12:30 am | #

    PS – I always want to take a peek inside your yummy delights. Do you think you could feature more pics of slices as well as the “whole” products?

  • 74. Nuts about food | March 24th, 2011 at 1:02 am | #

    A very original way to present something we all make at home, turning it into a special dinner for guests! Love the picture of you and enjoyed reading the article. It is true, the internet is a meritocracy and there is a reason for your success. You earned every ounce of it with your lovely blog.

  • 75. Bren | March 24th, 2011 at 1:03 am | #

    congratulations on the fashion spread! How awesome is that. and the tart/pie looks amazing so all the treadmill walking/running is worth it!

  • 76. Min {Honest Vanilla} | March 24th, 2011 at 2:03 am | #

    Ha, this really looks like a serpert’s coil! Not sure if I’ll get around to making this scary pastry :P The combi is definitely interesting :)

  • 77. Carolyn Jung | March 24th, 2011 at 2:52 am | #

    You look fabulous, my dear. Heck, it makes me want to eat more pastry if I can look equally as good. ;)

  • 78. Vicki Challancin | March 24th, 2011 at 3:44 am | #

    Gorgeous–both the recipe and the photo of you in the article. Congratulations!

  • 79. Pudding Pie Lane | March 24th, 2011 at 4:14 am | #

    Aw, I love your blog! It’s so funny :) Congrats on the article in Nine to Five, and the serpent pastry looks amaazzzingggg. Treadmill smeadmill, we want to eat! :P

  • 80. clearlytangled | March 24th, 2011 at 4:56 am | #

    congrats on the article !
    i will have to try this dish, it looks really delicious.
    i try to balance with a strict diet and a fitness regime if i need to lose weight quickly.

  • 81. pigpigscorner | March 24th, 2011 at 8:07 am | #

    Crash diet for me when there’s a special occasion coming up =P The dish looks gorgeous, love the way you snake it.

  • 82. Cakelaw | March 24th, 2011 at 8:16 am | #

    LOL – what a dilemma! Love the photo shoot. I miss 9 to 5 every day on the train (I lived in Sydney for one whole year).

  • 83. AR | March 24th, 2011 at 9:08 am | #

    Lorraine, CONGRATULATION on the interview and I must say you looked great!!!
    I’m glad Mr NQN made you sit and do your first blog, I’ve been reading your blog for almost 2 years now and wouldn’t miss it for a day.

  • 84. grace | March 24th, 2011 at 9:27 am | #

    yum. for something like this, i say forget counting calories and just enjoy.
    great picture–congrats on the article!

  • 85. penny aka jeroxie | March 24th, 2011 at 11:21 am | #

    I need some action on the treadmill as well and just started riding to work!
    Great feature Lorraine! Go girl :)

  • 86. Christine | March 24th, 2011 at 11:42 am | #

    congrats on the feature.. love the pic! you look gorgeous!

    haha i do that ‘vegetarian filling’ vs. ‘epic lots of butter’ debate in my head as well.. lol

  • 87. Johanna GGG | March 24th, 2011 at 10:21 pm | #

    oh that sounds good – my niece’s macedonian grandmother makes one like it but she even makes her own filo pastry – I dream of the day I make one – I agree that they are so much more impressive than triangles

  • 88. ToniTones | March 27th, 2011 at 10:18 am | #

    Wow you look pretty Hawt for someone who’s just got a treadmill! I always said if I ever buy a ‘diet’/eating plan book it’d have to be by either yourself, Maeve O’Meara or ChocolateSuze, cause I see what you girls eat and you’re all so thin! xx

  • 89. Not really blonde | March 28th, 2011 at 7:33 pm | #

    Nice pastry

  • 90. Jenny | April 3rd, 2011 at 10:44 am | #

    It looks really delicious. Did you leave the paper on the phyllo?

  • 91. Not Quite Nigella | April 3rd, 2011 at 10:50 am | #

    HI Jenny-You just use the paper to roll the phyllo :)

  • 92. Cathy | April 7th, 2011 at 5:35 am | #

    Hi Lorraine! Just to let you know I tried this recipe and it was lovely. I used ricotta instead of shredded cheese, multigrain bread crumbs and about 100g of butter (could have used less) and it was delicious.

  • 93. Cathy | April 7th, 2011 at 5:43 am | #

    Ps thankyou so much! I love your blog!

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  • [...] to my fave Aussie food blogger’s site where NotQuiteNigella did another filling, but with the serpent coil idea…which sounds so much better than a ‘snake coil pastry’ which is something I have seen [...]

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