Originating from the Basque region in Spain, Bacalao a la Vizcaina is also popular in many Latin American countries. This Puerto Rican version is from Milly Suazo-Martinez via AllRecipes. Soak 450g (1 lb) of salt cod (wet or dry) in at least 2 litres (quarts) of water, changing the water three times over the course…… Continue reading salt cod stew
lemon and olive oil cake
This delightful, moist Mediterranean style tea cake has a bright lemon flavour and subtle fruitiness from olive oil. Make sure to use a good quality olive oil for the best results. Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) and grease and line a 23cm (9″) springform pan. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer whisk…… Continue reading lemon and olive oil cake
ricotta with fennel, peas and mint
This lovely fresh starter or salad comes from Where the Heart Is by Karen Martini. Blanch ⅔ of a cup of frozen peas in lightly salted boiling water for 15-20 seconds. Drain, then drizzle with a little good quality olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cut I large fennel…… Continue reading ricotta with fennel, peas and mint
carrot risotto with chilli
This risotto, made from everyday ingredients, is wonderfully creamy and naturally sweet with a great contrast of roasted carrots and crispy chilli on top. Adapted from this recipe by Alexa Weibel from NYT Cooking. Heat the oven to 205ºC (400ºF). Finely chop or grate 340g (¾ lb) of carrots and set aside. Now slice another…… Continue reading carrot risotto with chilli
chicken and chick pea tray bake
Here’s a simple no fuss meal thanks to Julia Busuttil Nishimura via the ABC. Preheat your oven to 180˚C (350ºF). In a roasting tray add a drained and rinsed can of chickpeas, a roughly chopped chorizo, 200g (7 oz) of cherry or chopped tomatoes, 1 red onion cut into wedges and 3 sprigs of fresh…… Continue reading chicken and chick pea tray bake
yuzu and coconut ice cream
An interesting combination of yuzu and coconut with a hint of lemongrass makes this a perfect dessert to follow Asian food. Dairy free and egg free too. Pour 1 can of organic coconut cream into a saucepan and add 2 stalks of lemongrass (bruised and cut into shorter lengths) ¼ of a cup of yuzu juice,…… Continue reading yuzu and coconut ice cream
miso tofu stew
In Japan, kitsune nabe is a stew made with fried tofu, vegetables and noodles in a miso and dashi broth. This version is not entirely traditional. Usually made with udon noodles, I used shiratake (konjac) noodles. I also used Chinese fried tofu which is not as large or as sweet as the Japanese version. Delicious…… Continue reading miso tofu stew
chawanmushi
Chawanmushi (茶わん蒸し) means ‘steamed in a tea cup or bowl’ and is the name for a Japanese savoury egg custard. Ingredients often include chicken or prawns (shrimp) but I chose to make one with just vegetables. Serve this delicate dish as part of a Japanese main course with rice and pickles. In a saucepan heat 2½…… Continue reading chawanmushi
salmon tofu balls + green bean goma-ae
This delicious Japanese dish, Sake tofu agedango, comes from a well-used favourite cookbook JAPANESE COOKING CLASS COOKBOOK by Consumer Guide. Best made with fresh salmon but canned salmon will work as well. First cook your salmon. Place 340g (12 oz) of salmon in 2 cups of cold water with ½ a teaspoon each of sake…… Continue reading salmon tofu balls + green bean goma-ae
strawberry and elderflower cake
Priscilla made this deliciously fragrant cake from a Helen Goh recipe. Yum! Preheat your oven to 170ºC (335ºF) and line a 20cm (8″) springform cake tin. Place 200g (7 oz) of caster sugar into a bowl or a stand mixer bowl and rub the zest of 3 limes or 2 lemons into it. Now add…… Continue reading strawberry and elderflower cake
michelle picker cooks 