This hearty lentil dish makes a satisfying meal. Heat some olive oil in a saucepan and fry some chopped bacon, onion and celery, some chunky pieces of carrot and some finely diced garlic. When the onion is soft add a little red wine vinegar to deglaze. Add the lentils (I used du Puy lentils) and hot water…… Continue reading lentils with mushrooms, bacon and sage
salmon wellington
Milan made this impressive salmon wellington (or should I say Saumon en croute), as the main course of a delicious lunch in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. He didn’t pass on the recipe so I hope he approves of this one. Cook 70g (2½ oz) of well-rinsed quinoa for about 15 minutes until tender. Drain, cool under running water, drain again, then set aside.…… Continue reading salmon wellington
chocolate babka
A traditional Eastern European Jewish cake, Babka or Kranz is a cinnamon and/or chocolate-filled, doubled and twisted length of yeast dough typically baked in a high loaf pan. David Lebovitz had already adapted a recipe which I used, although instead of being visible on top my layers of chocolate are hidden inside. For the Babka dough mix 2 teaspoons…… Continue reading chocolate babka
gnocchi masterclass
My lovely foodie friend Fifi took me along to Taste of Melbourne where we attended a Electrolux Chefs’ Secrets masterclass by Scott Pickett. The attendees divided into teams and helped to prepare lunch. The gnocchi were made with 1kg (2¼ lbs) of cooked and passed potatoes, 150g (5¼ oz) of plain flour, 1 egg + 1 yolk, 80g or more (3…… Continue reading gnocchi masterclass
sous vide beef ribs
Having just acquired an Anova Precision Cooker, I decided to experiment with some beef ribs. This very useful page at chefsteps helped me choose a temperature and timing. After 24 hours of cooking at 70ºC (158ºF) the result was moist and tender meat, not falling apart but coming away from the bone cleanly. Of course you can still cook…… Continue reading sous vide beef ribs
vegan meringues
I was fascinated to learn that the water from chick peas (aquafaba), or in fact any legumes, behaves a lot like eggs in various recipes, including meringues. As you probably know by now, I’m not a vegan but I found these meringues amazing. They have a more interesting, nutty flavour than egg meringues and the mixture is…… Continue reading vegan meringues
broad bean and feta salad
These lovely young broad beans came fresh from our garden. Steam 450g (1 lb) of fresh broad beans until just tender. Drain and shock them under cold running water. In a bowl combine the beans with a generous amount of fresh mint, 60 – 80g (2 – 3 oz) of feta cheese and the finely grated or chopped rind…… Continue reading broad bean and feta salad
pork cotoletta + 3 veg
Cotoletta is the Italian version of the ubiquitous Schnitzel. Unlike schnitzel, though, it is not usually breaded with egg but dipped in oil and then breadcrumbs and often grilled, not fried. It’s also often cooked with the bone in. Traditionally veal, I chose pork for this meal and made Italian vegetable accompaniments. The 3 veg I served…… Continue reading pork cotoletta + 3 veg
hazelnut caramel cake
This nutty, not too sweet and very delicious cake is from a Dan Lepard recipe. The flavour of the hazelnuts is enhanced by the subtle addition of cocoa. Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) and butter two 18cm (7″) baking tins, lining the bases with baking paper. Beat 175g (6⅛ oz) of softened butter with 100g (3½…… Continue reading hazelnut caramel cake
spanakopita
A traditional Greek pastry, Spanakopita is made with filo, has a filling of spinach and feta cheese and is normally triangular in shape. Here’s a round version. First you will need plenty of filo pastry. The bottom and sides should have at least 7 or 8 layers. Grease the bottom of your pie dish and as…… Continue reading spanakopita
michelle picker cooks 