On a recent trip to southern France, I was delighted to see my friends Franbi and Milan who invited me to a wonderful lunch. The starter was Franbi’s pissaladière, a traditional onion, olive and anchovy tart which originated in Nice. I don’t have Franbi’s recipe but I hope she approves of this one. To make this…… Continue reading pissaladière
Category: small bites
ceviche
This ceviche, in Mexican/American fusion style, was made with King Dory, a delicate flavoured fish with reasonably firm white flesh. Sole or Flounder could be substituted. Thinly slice 225gm (½ lb) of the fresh fish of your choice and place in a glass, ceramic or stainless bowl. Pour ¼ of a cup of fresh lime juice over the…… Continue reading ceviche
antipasti
Always impressive and popular as a first course, many antipasti can be prepared ahead of time. The olives pictured here are homegrown and the antipasti were served with crunchy homemade sourdough bread. The red peppers should be roasted or barbecued whole until the skins are charred. Place them in a sealed container or plastic bag and allow them to sweat…… Continue reading antipasti
dumplings
A cooking club is my latest venture. And what better way to start than with dumpling making? With our home-made dough and freshly minced meat the results were delicious, although a little tricky to keep from sticking together (I now realise they should be either cooked or frozen immediately). Many dumpling dough methods were researched before deciding to use plain unbleached…… Continue reading dumplings
bruschetta
This pesto and tomato bruschetta and caramelised onion and blue cheese bruschetta are equally good for lunch or a light evening meal. Make sure you have crusty Italian bread. For each bruschetta peel and finely slice 2 brown onions and dice 2 cloves of garlic. Cook them over low heat with a generous amount of…… Continue reading bruschetta
three piggy and pistachio terrine
My first terrine but definitely worth repeating. Over gentle heat fry 1 large finely diced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves and 2 finely crumbled bay leaves in 1 tablespoon of butter until translucent. Turn up the heat and add ¼ of a cup of white wine. Cook until the wine…… Continue reading three piggy and pistachio terrine
almonds iberica
The Spanish are one of the world’s largest producers of almonds and they definitely know how to bring out the very best of their flavour. Almonds like these are often served as tapas. If you have almonds with skins, pour boiling water over them and wait until the skin is wrinkled. You can now pinch…… Continue reading almonds iberica
corn fritters with smoked salmon
A lavish finger food that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Mix 2 cups of cooked corn kernels with 1 finely diced green chilli, ½ cup chopped coriander (cilantro), 2-3 finely diced brown shallots, ¾ cup self-raising flour, 2 eggs and salt and pepper to taste. Heat a little corn oil in a fry-pan and drop spoonfuls of the mix in,…… Continue reading corn fritters with smoked salmon
rice paper rolls
Rice paper rolls are delicious prepared ahead but are more fun and much fresher made at the table. Take a single rice paper, soften it very briefly in hot water and place it on your plate. Now put a little of everything on it: rice vermicelli which has been soaked in hot water until just soft enough…… Continue reading rice paper rolls
michelle picker cooks 