This ubiquitous Thai dish called pad kra pao (pad gaprao, pad krapow), is traditionally a stir-fry of ground meat (Thomas made this with pork), lots of Thai holy basil and lots of chilies. It’s always served on rice and usually has a crispy fried egg on top. In a mortar and pestle pound 4-5 hot…… Continue reading pork and holy basil stir fry
olive oil ice cream
A good quality, fruity extra virgin olive oil is a surprisingly good addition to ice cream. This eggless version is rich with a wonderfully smooth mouth feel. I’m a convert! Measure 2 cups of full fat milk, removing 2 tablespoons of the milk to make a slurry with 4 – 5 teaspoons of cornflour (cornstarch).…… Continue reading olive oil ice cream
beet greens, sweet potato, lentils and coconut
Here’s a fabulous way to eat those beet greens and stems that often go to waste. Truly delicious! In a large, heavy pot heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced brown onion and sauté until translucent and soft. Add 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes and ¾ of a teaspoon…… Continue reading beet greens, sweet potato, lentils and coconut
dark rye fruit bread
A dense fruit-heavy loaf with a wonderful balance of bitter and sweet. Excellent with cheese or just with salted butter. In a bowl combine 1 cup of sultanas, ¾ of a cup of chopped dried figs, ½ a cup of currants and ½ a cup of chopped dates. Pour in 1 cup of hot water…… Continue reading dark rye fruit bread
mussels with chilli
Simple but always delicious! Clean and de-beard 1 kg (2 lbs) of fresh mussels and set them aside. In a large stock pot melt a generous knob of butter and gently fry 2-4 diced shallots, 4 finely diced cloves of garlic and 2-4 finely sliced birds-eye chillies. Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine…… Continue reading mussels with chilli
individual flourless almond and berry cakes
Here’s a mini flourless cake that’s easy to prepare ahead and serve as a hot dessert. Or, if you’re on your own and craving a quick dessert, cook it in a mug in the microwave for 2 minutes. Delicious either way! For each cake combine ⅓ – ½ cup of almond meal with 1½ -…… Continue reading individual flourless almond and berry cakes
spinach, gorgonzola, cranberry and walnut salad
This simple salad is a winner! Add pears for extra sweetness. Place plenty of baby spinach leaves in a large salad bowl. Add chunks of gorgonzola, dried cranberries and whole toasted walnuts – be generous! Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with a good olive oil and a good balsamic…… Continue reading spinach, gorgonzola, cranberry and walnut salad
beef gravy (FODMAP)
This beef gravy is worth the effort to include guests who can’t tolerate onions, garlic or wheat. You will need 2 – 3kg (4½ – 6½ lbs) of meaty beef bones. You will also need some onion- and garlic-infused oil. This is available to buy but if you want to make your own simply heat…… Continue reading beef gravy (FODMAP)
porterhouse (strip loin) roast + horseradish sauce
For the perfect beef roast Thomas followed this method from Kenji López-Alt at Serious Eats. No complaints! We had a 2¼kg (5 lb) piece of porterhouse. Make sure to season generously with salt the day before and tie the meat at intervals to keep it in shape. Keep it in the fridge uncovered and on…… Continue reading porterhouse (strip loin) roast + horseradish sauce
kulfi ice cream
Kulfi is a type of Indian ice cream that has been around since the 16th century. Denser and creamier than regular ice cream, kulfi was traditionally made by slow-cooking and constantly stirring sweetened flavoured milk until the sugars caramelised, the milk proteins browned and the mixture became thick and condensed. Mine is a more modern version…… Continue reading kulfi ice cream
michelle picker cooks 