These dumplings remind me a little of the Austro-Hungarian food of my childhood. Place 2 cups of fresh ricotta cheese in a bowl and add 1 large egg and ¾ of a cup of plain flour. Mix thoroughly with a fork then, with wet hands, roll the mixture into balls and place them on a plate.…… Continue reading ricotta dumplings with apricots and walnut crumb
salt cod (bacalhau, bacalao, morue, baccalà)
It’s said that the Portuguese have 1000 recipes for bacalhau. Here’s a traditional one with potatoes and onions that’s worth the planning. Before using salt cod it must be soaked. If it’s wet-salted then soaking for one day with a couple of changes of water will be enough. If it’s dried salted cod then it…… Continue reading salt cod (bacalhau, bacalao, morue, baccalà)
okonomiyaki
These Japanese vegetable pancakes are a delight. Unlike some take-away versions the vegetables still have some bite, the taste is fresh and there isn’t too much stodgy batter. Thanks to Smitten Kitchen for this one and to Thomas for cooking it! Make the tangy sauce first. Combine ¼ of a cup of ketchup, 1½ tablespoons of Worcestershire…… Continue reading okonomiyaki
flourless beetroot, espresso and walnut cake
Beetroot has such an earthy flavour and it’s natural sweetness makes it an excellent cake ingredient. I chose to combine it with two other ingredients with earthy flavours. The result is a super-moist cake in an amazing colour! The espresso glaze helps to boost the coffee flavour. For the cake, cook 2 medium-sized fresh beetroots…… Continue reading flourless beetroot, espresso and walnut cake
cavolo nero chips
Cavolo nero or Tuscan kale has come back into fashion of late. These delicious chips are a great way to eat your greens. Serve them as a side dish with pasta or risotto and watch them disappear. Preheat your oven to 150℃ (300℉). Wash a bunch of cavolo nero and dry it thoroughly. Remove and…… Continue reading cavolo nero chips
lamb with pumpkin and apricots
I found this recipe in a wonderful cookbook MEDINA KITCHEN home cooking from north africa by Fiona Dunlop. Soak 100g (3½ oz) each of dried pitted prunes and dried apricots in some water. In a large casserole dish heat some vegetable oil. Lightly fry 2 large finely chopped onions sprinkled with a little salt until golden then…… Continue reading lamb with pumpkin and apricots
walnut galettes with caramelised bananas and sour cream
Galette is a term used in French cuisine to designate various types of flat, round cakes. These walnut galettes are like large cookies, crunchy on the outside with a softer sticky centre. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature. Grind 60g (2oz) of shelled walnuts into a coarse meal. Add 85g (3oz) of caster sugar and 45g (1½oz) of…… Continue reading walnut galettes with caramelised bananas and sour cream
mussels and prawns with chorizo
This Potuguese style dish is simple to make and great with crusty white bread and a fresh green salad. Dice 1 Portuguese style chorizo and fry it in a little olive oil. Add a sliced red pepper, a finely diced fresh red chilli and 3 diced cloves of garlic and cook until they begin to soften.…… Continue reading mussels and prawns with chorizo
hot borscht
The recipe for this winter-warming Ukrainian-style borscht comes from PLEASE TO THE TABLE The Russian Cookbook by Anya von Bremzen & John Welchman. This quick version without meat and can be made with chicken or vegetable stock. Melt 60g (2 oz) of butter in a large soup pot and gently fry 1 large finely diced…… Continue reading hot borscht
chocolate zucchini cake
My sister Susi told me about this cake after making it for my niece’s birthday. It’s very chocolatey, very moist and keeps extremely well. Drizzle with chocolate ganache for added decadence. Preheat oven to 180℃ (350℉). Grease and flour a Kugelhupf pan. In a medium bowl stir together 2 cups of all purpose flour, 2 cups of white…… Continue reading chocolate zucchini cake
michelle picker cooks 