Thanks to Thomas for this delicious meal. Cut the red peppers in half (remove all the white membranes and seeds) and cut the zucchinis lengthwise. Scoop out the centre of the zucchinis with a melon baller, chop the centres finely and set aside. In a frypan heat some olive oil and fry a finely chopped small onion, a…… Continue reading stuffed zucchini and peppers
pork fillet with sage and garlic
Succulent, pink and juicy, these pork fillets were cooked by the sous vide method. Hassle free and perfect for Christmas lunch! Salt the pork fillets with approximately ½ a teaspoon per 450g (1lb). At this stage I sealed mine into a cryovac bag, however it’s possible to re-create this method using a very well sealed ziploc bag and…… Continue reading pork fillet with sage and garlic
aniseed and blackberry ice cream
The inspiration for this ice cream flavour comes from a favourite bonbon of mine – white liquorice surrounded by tart blackcurrant. Happily, I managed to create a very similar flavour, despite flavouring the ice cream with anise instead of liquorice and using a blackberry swirl instead of blackcurrant. For the ice cream measure 2 cups of milk. Remove 2…… Continue reading aniseed and blackberry ice cream
lentils with mushrooms, bacon and sage
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
michelle picker cooks 