Although I don’t normally use packet mixes, my good friend Rosalie gave me this recipe. The cake is moist, alcoholic and reminiscent of Rum Baba. Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). In a bowl combine 1 packet of vanilla cake mix, 1 packet of vanilla instant pudding mix, 4 eggs, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg…… Continue reading vanilla sweet vermouth cake
black pepper beancurd
A birthday request was fulfilled with Yotam Ottolenghi’s inspiring cookbook Plenty. This first recipe I tried didn’t disappoint. Cut 400g (14oz) of firm tofu (beancurd) into cubes and toss in some cornflour. Shallow fry in batches in hot vegetable oil and remove onto paper towel. Discard the oil and sediment and melt some butter in the same pan. Gently…… Continue reading black pepper beancurd
lamb shanks with baharat
Baharat is a wonderful combination of spices from Iraq. You may find baharat at your local Middle Eastern store but check for salt before seasoning your dish. To make your own spice mix grind 2 tablespoons of black peppercorns, 1½ tablespoons of cumin seeds, ½ a teaspoon of cardamom seeds and 1 tablespoon each of coriander seeds, cassia bark and…… Continue reading lamb shanks with baharat
bread pudding
Made from ciabatta rolls (lots of crusts) this pudding was still wonderfully moist. Cut 5 large bread rolls or a large crusty loaf of white bread into small dice. Put them in a large bowl and soak for 1 hour in 5 cups of milk. In another bowl combine 4 large eggs, 1¾ cups of…… Continue reading bread pudding
braised fennel with peas
This makes an excellent accompaniment for fish and seafood or can be served as an antipasto dish. Trim and cut your fennel bulbs into even sized wedges. Put them into a wide saucepan and drizzle with a generous amount of olive oil. Add the juice and finely grated rind of ½ a lemon and season with…… Continue reading braised fennel with peas
squid ink linguini with tomato chilli prawns
A delicious and dramatic-looking meal. Finely chop 2 or 3 brown shallots, 2 cloves of garlic and 1 long red chilli. Gently fry them in some olive oil until soft. Add ½ a cup of white wine and allow this to evaporate before adding a can of peeled chopped tomatoes and seasoning to taste. Allow to simmer…… Continue reading squid ink linguini with tomato chilli prawns
deconstructed lemon meringue pie
Vanilla ice cream, shortbread cookie crumbs and quick microwave meringues are the perfect combination to showcase home-made lemon curd. To make the lemon curd beat 4 egg yolks and ¾ of a cup of sugar until well blended. Combine in a heavy saucepan with 120ml (3 fl oz) lemon juice and 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Cook over medium-low…… Continue reading deconstructed lemon meringue pie
chick pea tagine
Although I’ve never eaten at a Christine Manfield restaurant, this recipe is so impressive in its wonderful balance of flavours that I intend to soon own some of her cook books. Soak 1 cup dried chickpeas overnight. Drain and place in a saucepan with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low…… Continue reading chick pea tagine
chargrilled chicken 2
Once again my husband has combined some wonderful flavours from HOT PLATE Asian-Inspired Barbeque, a Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School cookbook. To make the marinade for the chicken place 6 brown shallots, 8 long red chillies, 2 tablespoons of chopped ginger, 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh turmeric (½ a teaspoon if using ground turmeric), 1 tablespoon of roasted…… Continue reading chargrilled chicken 2
ricotta, lemon and almond cake
Not too sweet and bursting with lemon, this cake lets the ricotta flavour shine through. Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). Place 285g (10 0z) of fresh ricotta cheese, 2 large eggs and 170g (6 oz) of caster sugar in the bowl of a food processor and process until well combined and smooth. Add 85g…… Continue reading ricotta, lemon and almond cake
michelle picker cooks 