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
vanilla and berry baked cheesecake with almond brown sugar crust
This deliciously naughty cheesecake is just big enough for 6 generous serves. If you wish to make it in a standard-sized cake tin then add 50% to the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 200℃ (390℉). For the crust combine 135g (4¾ oz) of almond meal, 50g (1¾ oz) of 5brown sugar and 70g (2½ oz) of melted butter and…… Continue reading vanilla and berry baked cheesecake with almond brown sugar crust
meatloaf + barbecue sauce
A simple meat loaf with a wonderfully complex barbecue sauce. Thank you Matt Preston. Preheat the oven to 180℃ (350℉). Into a large bowl place 500g (1 lb 1½ oz ) each of beef mince and good pork sausages ( casings removed ), 1 finely chopped red onion, 3 finely diced cloves of garlic, 125g ( 4½ oz )…… Continue reading meatloaf + barbecue sauce
hot and sour soup
This Szechuan soup makes a wonderfully satisfying meal. Take a small packet of bean thread noodles and soak them in cold water. Now take some pieces of black fungus or wood-ear fungus (available in Asian grocery stores) and cook them until tender. Meanwhile bring 1½ litres (50 fl oz) of stock to boil. Remove the…… Continue reading hot and sour soup
michelle picker cooks 