Torn between a traditional pudding and something chocolate? Here’s a recipe which combines both and is truly scrumptious. It appears here after an early Christmas due to some requests for the recipe. There’s no need to age this pudding so there’s still time. Combine 250g (9 oz) of dried fruit mix (sultanas, raisins, currants, mixed peel and glacé…… Continue reading chocolate christmas pudding
lazy weekend breakfasts
Smoked salmon scrambled eggs with quick-fried tomatoes and spinach Fresh avocado on toast with lemon juice and black pepper Fried chorizo, eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms on toasted sourdough with parsley garnish Huevos Mexicana (scrambled eggs with the colours of the Mexican flag – tomato, onion and green chilli) served with fresh tortillas and avocado, Homemade beans in…… Continue reading lazy weekend breakfasts
banana, cream cheese & walnut muffins
When bananas become over-ripe I peel and freeze them to use in ice cold smoothies. When defrosted, they’re still perfectly suitable for a recipe which requires mashed bananas. Cream 100g softened butter and 100g light cream cheese with ¾ of a cup of brown sugar. Add 2 large eggs (one at a time until just mixed), 3 mashed bananas and 1…… Continue reading banana, cream cheese & walnut muffins
grilled pork + coconut vegetables
These dishes, Vietnamese in style, both feature lemongrass. Marinated in a mixture of fresh lemongrass, fresh kaffir lime leaf and Vietnamese chilli paste these pork chops were cooked quickly under a hot grill and garnished with coriander. The vegetables are a sweet and mild contrast to the spicy pork chops. Fry diced shallots with finely diced…… Continue reading grilled pork + coconut vegetables
eggplant and pepper salad
Eat this Italian style salad as a side dish with pasta or just have it for lunch with some bread and cheese. Cut 2 eggplants (aubergines) into wedges and sprinkle with salt. Allow them to sweat for 30 minutes (to remove any bitterness) and then rinse and pat dry. Heat some olive oil in a…… Continue reading eggplant and pepper salad
flourless almond bread
This low carb bread has a natural sweetness and is good fresh or toasted, with butter or without. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F) and grease a mini loaf pan. Mix 300g (12½ oz) of almond meal with 60g (2½ oz) of melted butter, 100ml (3½ fl oz) of light sour cream, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of baking…… Continue reading flourless almond bread
lentil moussaka
This vegetarian version of a classic is both satisfying and tasty. First slice 2-3 eggplants (aubergines), sprinkle with salt and leave for 1 hour. Heat some olive oil in a pan and add 2 chopped onions, 2 finely diced cloves of garlic, 2 diced carrots, 2 sticks of diced celery, a bay leaf and some thyme…… Continue reading lentil moussaka
Spanish style roast beef
This simple method results in a moist, tender pot roast with a wonderfully tasty sauce. Season the meat with salt and then coat it with a little flour. In a heavy casserole dish, heat some olive oil and brown the meat on all sides. Add 2 onions cut into wedges and cook them a little…… Continue reading Spanish style roast beef
flourless orange and almond cake
Claudia Roden’s orange and almond cake is popular for good reason. Served simply with fresh cream or sour cream it makes a deliciously moist after dinner dessert. First boil 3 oranges until soft. This can be done ahead of time and a pressure cooker greatly reduces the cooking time. When cooled, cut the oranges open…… Continue reading flourless orange and almond cake
lamb racks with almond and za’atar crust + cauliflower tarator
These lamb racks are moist and tender with a delicious Middle Eastern flavour. Rub the lamb racks with some Greek style yoghurt and allow to marinate for at least one hour. Before cooking preheat the oven to 200C (400F). Mix ½ a cup of almond meal with 2 tablespoons of za’atar (store bought or home made)…… Continue reading lamb racks with almond and za’atar crust + cauliflower tarator
michelle picker cooks 