This dessert is an elegant end to any meal and is perfect when you need to prepare ahead of time. In a large bowl sprinkle 4½ teaspoons of gelatine powder over 90ml (3 fl oz) of cold water and allow to soak. Combine 2 cups of cream, 2 cups of milk and 100g (3½ oz) of sugar in a saucepan and heat…… Continue reading passionfruit panna cotta
Category: desserts
lemon pudding
My sister made this wonderful lemon pudding for a special occasion. Adapted from a Jamie Oliver recipe, This pudding cooks in layers with a soft lemon custard underneath and a light cake texture on  top. To make enough for 8, cream 100g (3½ oz) of butter with 230g (8 oz) of sugar and the finely…… Continue reading lemon pudding
rhubarb, apple and pear crumble
This crumble has the most delicious balance of fruit and spicy topping. Cut a bunch of fresh rhubarb into slices and place in a large bowl. Add 5 sweet apples (I used golden delicious) and 4 pears all peeled, cored and cut into chunks. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and the grated zest of ½ a…… Continue reading rhubarb, apple and pear crumble
bread pudding
Made from ciabatta rolls (lots of crusts) this pudding was still wonderfully moist. Cut 5 large bread rolls or a large crusty loaf of white bread into small dice. Put them in a large bowl and soak for 1 hour in 5 cups of milk. In another bowl combine 4 large eggs, 1¾ cups of…… Continue reading bread pudding
deconstructed lemon meringue pie
Vanilla ice cream, shortbread cookie crumbs and quick microwave meringues are the perfect combination to showcase home-made lemon curd. To make the lemon curd beat 4 egg yolks and ¾ of a cup of sugar until well blended. Combine in a heavy saucepan with 120ml (3 fl oz) lemon juice and 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Cook over medium-low…… Continue reading deconstructed lemon meringue pie
chocolate self-saucing puddings
Hot and deliciously gooey these puddings are from a recipe by Donna Hay. Preheat oven to 180C (350F). In a bowl sift together 75g (½ a cup) plain flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Add 1½ tablespoons of hazelnut meal and 45g (¼ of a cup) brown sugar and stir to combine. Add 125ml (½ a cup)…… Continue reading chocolate self-saucing puddings
tiramisu
Made with strong espresso coffee, this Italian dessert translates as ‘pick-me-up’. I made this one using Antonio Carluccio’s recipe. Place 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of caster sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar in a bowl and mix gently to a creamy consistency. Add 250g (9 oz) of mascarpone cheese and fold it in.…… Continue reading tiramisu
figs in red wine
This Nigel Slater recipe was intended as a dessert to be served with all it’s syrup. I decided instead to serve the figs as delightful cold morsels. In a saucepan place 375g (8oz) of dried figs, a bottle of red wine, 3 tablespoons of honey and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring to the…… Continue reading figs in red wine
coconut rice pudding
This rice pudding is so simple and delicious as well as being a great way to use up any left-over rice. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice you use. Start with cooked rice and for every cup of rice add 2 cups of milk and one cup of water. Bring to…… Continue reading coconut rice pudding
fig, date and goat cheese tart
Moroccan tagines often include fruit and I love the way it’s cooked. Take 12 pieces of dried fruit and cook them in a cup of water with a tablespoon of sugar. Allow to boil until the fruit is soft and the liquid is low. Now add a tablespoon of orange blossom water (available at Middle…… Continue reading fig, date and goat cheese tart
michelle picker cooks 