This recipe comes from Yotam Ottolenghi’s wonderful cookbook Jerusalem. In a large bowl mix 300g (10½ oz) of beef mince, 150g (5¼ oz) of lamb mince, a finely chopped onion, 120g (4¼ oz) of breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons each of finely chopped parsley, mint, dill and coriander (chop some extra for garnish), 2 crushed cloves of garlic, I tablespoon…… Continue reading meatballs with broad beans
baked nectarines
Here’s a simple, stunning-looking and truly delicious dessert. Wash, pit and halve nectarines and lay them into a baking dish. Sprinkle with sugar, perhaps 1-2 teaspoons per nectarine half, drizzle with a little orange blossom water (you will find this at Middle Eastern grocers) and place a small piece of butter into each half. Bake…… Continue reading baked nectarines
braised quail
The latest addition to my cookbook shelf is Yotam Ottolenghi’s Jerusalem where I found this wonderful recipe. Take 4 large or 6 small quails and cut them in half along the breastbone and back. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with ¾ of a teaspoon each of dried chilli flakes and ground cumin, ½ a teaspoon…… Continue reading braised quail
caesar salad
It is said that the chef and restaurateur Caesar Cardini invented this salad in 1924 when a rush depleted his kitchen’s supplies. Since then many versions have appeared on countless menus globally, and for good reason! The most important ingredient is the lettuce. A good romaine lettuce will have leaves of a consistent size which can be kept whole. Wash thoroughly…… Continue reading caesar salad
flourless chocolate hazelnut sour cherry cake
A moist and deeply rich chocolate cake with classic hazelnut flavour and a good amount of sour cherry. Preheat the oven to 160 ℃ (320 ℉).  In a small bowl blend 80g (2¾ oz) of Dutch cocoa powder with 80g (2¾ oz) of melted butter. Add ½ a cup of boiling water and mix until you have a…… Continue reading flourless chocolate hazelnut sour cherry cake
pork belly with mushrooms, noodles and bok choy
Caramelised and anise-flavoured pork belly over noodles- what could be better? This recipe, adapted from gastronomydomine, is even better the next day (which also allows for the removal of unwanted fat from the sauce). Chop a 1kg (2 lb) piece of pork belly into pieces leaving the skin on. Mix one tablespoon each of the soy…… Continue reading pork belly with mushrooms, noodles and bok choy
the whole radish
There’s no better way to enjoy radishes plucked fresh from the garden than on buttered white bread with a sprinkling of salt. For the full nose-to-tail experience try this salad of wilted radish greens. Wash and dry the radish greens and place them in a salad bowl with 2 chopped spring onions and some freshly ground…… Continue reading the whole radish
coconut quinoa porridge
Here is a delicious porridge that not only makes a change from the usual breakfast but also gives you a high-protein start to the day. This was made with a mixture of black, red and white quinoa and amaranth. Whichever quinoa you choose, place 1 cup in a saucepan with some chopped dried apricots, chopped…… Continue reading coconut quinoa porridge
fish cooked in banana leaves
Cooked in Vietnamese style this fish dish is delightfully fragrant and succulent. If you can’t find a banana tree you can find fresh vacuum-packed banana leaves at Asian stores. If there are too many for one occasion they freeze well. Cut 900g (2lbs) of Ling (or a similar firm-fleshed white fish) into 4 large pieces. In a…… Continue reading fish cooked in banana leaves
sweet corn bake
Golden and cheesy on the top, the centre of this bake is reminiscent of a soft corn tamale studded with juicy sweet corn. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F). Fry 1 large chopped leek, 1 diced green pepper and 2 finely diced green chillies in some vegetable oil until just starting to soften. Cut the…… Continue reading sweet corn bake
michelle picker cooks 