This chocolate sauce is so easy and so much better than any you can buy. It is delicious with ice cream, on a banana split, over Pear Helene or with anything that is good with chocolate sauce! Here it’s served warm over good quality vanilla ice cream, with frozen pitted cherries (thawed) and a good…… Continue reading the best chocolate sauce
spaghetti carbonara
This classic Roman dish made with eggs, cheese, bacon and pepper dates from after the second World War when many Italians were eating eggs and bacon supplied by US troops. Although there are many theories about the name ‘Carbonara’ (derived from the Italian word for charcoal burner) it still remains a mystery. Thanks to Chef John at…… Continue reading spaghetti carbonara
grilled vegetable and ricotta terrine
This terrine makes a colourful and elegant first course and is bound to impress. You will need 6 large red peppers, 4-6 zucchinis, 2-3 large eggplants, 1-2 bunches of asparagus, 450g (1 lb) of fresh ricotta, a little vegetable stock and some gelatine. First cut the peppers into large pieces. The best way to do…… Continue reading grilled vegetable and ricotta terrine
baked rice pudding
This is an old favourite with a fragrant Middle Eastern twist. Preheat the oven to 160℃ (320℉). In a saucepan heat 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of cream with a cinnamon stick, 3 strips of orange rind, ¾ of a cup of caster sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla paste and a generous grating…… Continue reading baked rice pudding
pork bulgogi stir-fry
This Korean style stir-fry is spicy and sweet. The Korean ingredients are available at most Asian food stores. In a food processor combine a peeled and cored pear with 4 minced cloves of garlic, a minced knob of ginger, ¼ of a cup of Korean chilli paste, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil,…… Continue reading pork bulgogi stir-fry
baghdad eggs
Here’s a breakfast idea that’s popular in Iraq and quite delicious! For each serve of 2 eggs allow one tablespoon of butter, one tablespoon of lemon juice and a finely minced clove of garlic. In a fry pan melt the butter and cook the garlic until it just begins to colour. Add the lemon juice and break…… Continue reading baghdad eggs
baumkuchen
Like the cross section of a tree trunk, this Bavarian baumkuchen or ‘tree cake’ is traditionally painted onto a rotisserie grill in thin layers forming the ‘rings’ of the tree. This version is cooked in a cake tin and the layers are horizontal. This cake is best made one or two days ahead and keeps well.…… Continue reading baumkuchen
glass noodles and edamame beans
This warm salad of glass noodles and edamame (young soya) beans is another delicious Yotam Ottolenghi recipe from his book Plenty. If your local supermarket doesn’t stock them you will find edamame beans, glass noodles and tamarind concentrate in Asian supermarkets. Soak the noodles in hot water for 5 minutes or until just soft. Drain and let them dry.…… Continue reading glass noodles and edamame beans
chicken galantine
A galantine of chicken is boned and stuffed before roasting. Only the very ends of the legs remain to stop the stuffing coming out. This one was an impressive first attempt by Tom who followed Jacques Pépin’s instructional video. For the filling cook some chopped onions and finely diced garlic in oil and butter until they are soft…… Continue reading chicken galantine
almond and cinnamon scones
I had no cookie cutter when I made these hence the rustic look but the cinnamon flavour was delicious! Preheat the oven to 230℃ (450℉). Place 1½ cups of flour and 4 teaspoons of baking powder in a bowl. Add 45g (1½ oz) of cubed cold butter with a pinch of salt (unless you’re using…… Continue reading almond and cinnamon scones
michelle picker cooks 