Port Poached Pears
As you know, my preference is to eat by the seasons and incorporate seasonal produce into my cooking daily. There are so many benefits to this! To name a few: the produce is at its optimum taste, it lasts longer, it is least expensive, and with less food miles to travel it is better for […]
Cauliflower au Gratin
Cauliflower au Gratin (aka Cauliflower Cheese) is always popular on a winter table. With cauliflower in season (and now affordable), it would be a shame not to make this at least once or twice while the weather is chilly. My version uses Gruyère cheese to make it extra special, but a mature cheddar would also […]
Fettuccine Carbonara
Nothing says comfort food like pasta, especially if it’s fresh and home-made. Pair that with a Carbonara sauce and you have a winner! There are many versions of Carbonara sauce, and this is my take on the classic, which contrary to popular belief is traditionally made without cream. Unlike the original Roman recipe, mine uses […]
Dutch Pea & Ham Soup (Erwtensoep)
Many years ago before I made food my career, I worked in the corporate world and my job took me to The Netherlands for a three year assignment. Yes, I survived three long winters (not to mention three pitiful summers). In fact, two of the three winters I spent there were so cold the canals […]
Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Being a staunch advocate of OzHarvest, I am always looking for ways to reduce food waste. Nasi Goreng (which literally means “fried rice” in Indonesian), is typically a dish made from leftovers. This is an authentic recipe which we cook in our Indonesian Banquet Cooking Class, and was passed down from my Mother-in-law who grew […]
Braised Lamb Shanks
This is one of my favourite winter recipes when the temperatures get really chilly, as they did last weekend. Tender lamb, falling off the bone in a rich and tasty sauce of vegetables, wine and seasonings. Who can resist?
Sweet Roasted Carrots
With temperatures plummeting, it’s the perfect time of year to fire up the oven and cook a homely roast. Whenever I have the oven in use I like to maximise its space, so I will invariably find something else to throw in there too. This side dish accompanies any roast very well, and indeed most […]
Smoked Salmon & Basil Mini Frittatas
With Covid-19 restrictions starting to ease, picnics are a great way to reconnect with friends (in Queensland we are permitted groups of up to 10 from this weekend). These frittatas are a cinch to make and are perfect picnic food as they can be made up to 24 hours in advance. They are also wonderful […]
Stir Fried Beef with Szechuan Peppercorns and Vegetables
Another mid-week marvel that I make regularly, this Chinese-style stir fry packs a punch thanks to the Szechuan peppercorns and fresh chilli. You can replace the beef with either chicken or pork, and substitute beans, asparagus or other vegetables for the snow peas.
Pasta with Broccoli, Garlic, Anchovies and Chilli
This is a go-to mid-week meal at my place when I need to have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s tasty and satisfying plus you’ll get a good serving of greens. Serve it with a mixed salad and a glass of pinot grigio and you’ll feel like you’re dining in the best […]
