Saffron is the dried stigma of crocus flowers and has been used and traded for thousands of years. At US$5K per kilo it’s the world’s most expensive spice. It’s thought to have originated in Iran and is widely used throughout the Middle East as well as Europe and South East Asia in both savoury and…… Continue reading saffron and honey ice cream
ricotta gnocchi
Light and fluffy, these ricotta gnocchi are served in a rich tomato sauce. To make the gnocchi, combine 340g (12 oz) of fresh full-fat ricotta with 2 whole eggs, ¾ of a cup of plain flour and ⅓ of a cup of finely grated parmesan. I find a pastry cutter works well, otherwise use a…… Continue reading ricotta gnocchi
whole grain bread
I decided to revisit my childhood with a German-style bread. It’s a heavy, satisfying and tasty bread full of grains and seeds. In a small bowl combine 2 teaspoons of dry active yeast, 6 teaspoons of sugar and 2 cups of warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a stand mixer or…… Continue reading whole grain bread
moussaka
The Greek version of Moussaka was created by Nikolaos Tselementes, a French-trained chef, in the 1920s. Somehow I’ve managed to post two vegetarian versions without ever posting the classic one that David loves to cook. Here is his adaptation of a recipe from The Complete Middle Eastern Cookbook by Tess Mallos. Preheat your oven to…… Continue reading moussaka
burnt Basque cheesecake
From San Sebastien, in Basque Country northern Spain, comes a cheesecake like no other. Invented three decades ago by Santiago Rivera, the owner of the pintxos bar and restaurant La Viña, the cake is so popular that La Viña makes 20 a day and the cake has become famous globally. It’s a deliciously creamy baked…… Continue reading burnt Basque cheesecake
scallops and cauliflower
Scallops and cauliflower make a fabulous pair. Cauliflower is often served as a purée with scallops but here it retains its integrity. This wonderfully well-balanced and complex recipe, by Chris Blanchard and Richard Reddington for Food & Wine, is quick and easy to cook. What more could you ask? First cut a cauliflower into florets…… Continue reading scallops and cauliflower
socca
Socca is a thin unleavened bread or pancake made from a batter of chick pea flour, water and oil. A speciality of the area around Nice in southeast France, variations known by other names and cooked by different methods can be found in many countries. This version is most closely related to the bordering Italian…… Continue reading socca
fish-fragrant pork slivers
Fish-fragrant or yuxiang flavouring, despite its name, doesn’t contain any fish or seafood. It’s a wonderful combination of doubanjiang (broad bean paste), sugar, vinegar, soy sauce and pickled chillies. This is a slightly adapted version of another sensational recipe by Fuchsia Dunlop from The Food of Sichuan. First, soak 4-5 wood-ear fungus in boiling water…… Continue reading fish-fragrant pork slivers
toasted pistachio ice cream
Pistachio ice cream is a classic for good reason and toasting the nuts brings out their flavour to the max. This recipe is once again thanks to Jeni Britton Bauer from her Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home. Preheat you oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Spread ½ a cup of pistachios on a baking sheet and…… Continue reading toasted pistachio ice cream
pasta e fagioli
Pasta and beans is a classic soup in Italy and can be served thin or thicker as you prefer. This is an adapted version of a recipe from THE RIVER CAFE COOKBOOK by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers. Hard to beat. The beans need soaking and cooking first. I used fava beans as I didn’t…… Continue reading pasta e fagioli
michelle picker cooks 