This classic French dessert comes from the Hotel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron south of Paris. The hotel was run by two sisters, Stéphanie and Caroline Tatin. The tart was apparently created by Stéphanie Tatin when she left her apples on the stove too long and decided to put the pastry on top, serving it hot from the oven. It became a signature dish at…… Continue reading tarte tatin
roasted jerusalem artichokes
Looking for something a little different to serve as a side dish? Mediterranean flavours make this a perfect accompaniment for barbecued, grilled and roasted meat or fish. Peel and chop 450g (1 lb) of jerusalem artichokes. Drop them into a bowl of acidulated water as you go to prevent them from turning black. You can also add some peeled and diced…… Continue reading roasted jerusalem artichokes
piquant beef stew + pilaf + zucchini with yoghurt
For this delectable meal I delved into PLEASE TO THE TABLE – THE RUSSIAN COOKBOOK by Anya von Bremzen and John Welchman. In Georgia this beef stew is cooked with sour plums but tamarind concentrate (available in Asian stores) makes a good substitute. I used beef shin on the bone for this stew but any stewing beef…… Continue reading piquant beef stew + pilaf + zucchini with yoghurt
pistachio and almond biscuits
These simple biscuits (cookies) are a little crisp on the outside and wonderfully chewy in the centre. Combine ⅔ of a cup of almond meal, ½ a cup of pistachio butter (if you can’t find this you can make it by grinding shelled pistachios in a food processor until the oils comes out), ⅓ of…… Continue reading pistachio and almond biscuits
whole barramundi in banana leaves + asparagus salad
David treated us to this wonderful Thai meal recently. For the marinade process these ingredients in a food processor: 1 brown shallot, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 sliced thumb-size piece of galangal (or ginger), 2 teaspoons of ground coriander, a handful of basil leaves, ½ a can of coconut milk, 2 finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, 1…… Continue reading whole barramundi in banana leaves + asparagus salad
sausage and tortellini soup
A hearty Italian meal in a soup. You will need some good Italian sausages for this soup. Remove the casings from 2-3 sausages and fry the meat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add a diced onion, 2 chopped carrots and 2 chopped stems of celery and continue to cook until the onion…… Continue reading sausage and tortellini soup
grilled figs
A simple but wonderful dessert when fresh figs are in season. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Cut fresh figs in half and lie them face-up in a baking dish. Scatter walnuts around them. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 2 tablespoons of honey. Add 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water, stir to combine and drizzle the…… Continue reading grilled figs
purple sweet potato noodle salad
I found noodles made from purple sweet potatoes in my local Asian supermarket. Not only did they inspire this pretty salad but they also turned out to have a delightfully chewy texture. First cook the noodles according to instructions or just test until you like them. Cool them under cold water then cut them into shorter lengths…… Continue reading purple sweet potato noodle salad
smoky chipotle ham hock with red beans + barbecued corn
A Tex-Mex chilli of sorts using smoked ham hock, chipotle and red beans. Cook 1 large smoked ham hock with at least 2 cups of water until the meat is falling from the bone (in a pressure cooker this will take 30 minutes). Allow to cool and reserve the liquid. Cook 2 chopped onions and 3…… Continue reading smoky chipotle ham hock with red beans + barbecued corn
cheese strudel
Here’s a nod to my Austro-Hungarian background. Preheat the oven to 200℃ (390℉). Combine 250g (8¾ oz) of farmers cheese, ⅓ of a cup of sugar, 1 cup of almond meal and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or paste and beat until smooth and creamy. Add 1 egg and beat well. Melt 40g of clarified butter or ghee. Lay out 5 sheets…… Continue reading cheese strudel
michelle picker cooks 