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
party pastries
This patchwork quilt of French style savoury pastries kept the food coming at our recent party. Made on sheets of store bought puff pastry they were baked ahead of time and served at room temperature. Here are the six different toppings: artichoke, green olive and pecorino cheese; tomatoes and onions topped with chorizo,…… Continue reading party pastries
brioche rolls
Inspired by French visitors, these brioche rolls make a good breakfast, or morning tea, or afternoon tea…….. The night before baking them mix 200g (7 oz) of butter, 2 tablespoons of caster sugar and 3 eggs until just combined. Add 500g (17½ oz) of fine “00” flour, 7g (¼ oz) of dried yeast and 200 ml…… Continue reading brioche rolls
prawn, okra and tomato curry
A deliciously spicy and slightly sour curry. This curry was made with a hot Balti style curry paste. In a saucepan, melt some ghee and gently fry a diced onion, 2 finely diced cloves of garlic and a similar amount of finely diced fresh ginger. When the onions become translucent add 4 tablespoons of the…… Continue reading prawn, okra and tomato curry
feta cheese pie
This pie has the consistency of a baked cheesecake and resembles a Greek feta pie which is normally cut into squares or diamonds to serve. Delicious with a fresh salad. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F) and oil a round cake tin or baking pan with olive oil. Into a food processor put 300g (8…… Continue reading feta cheese pie
apple, pear and walnut spice cake
This cake is based on one created by a 10-year-old named Amanda. The original recipe is published in Tamara Millstein’s book “Bake your cake & eat it too!” Preheat the oven to 160C (320F) and butter a spring-form cake tin, lining it in baking paper. Steep 120g (4¼ oz) of sultanas in 4 tablespoons of warmed…… Continue reading apple, pear and walnut spice cake
rabbit baked in breadcrumbs and milk
This was inspired by a friend’s description of her mother’s recipe. The rabbit was wonderfully tender. Cut the rabbit into pieces and soak in some warm salted water for a few hours. To assemble, lay half the rabbit pieces in the bottom of a casserole and cover with about half a cup of breadcrumbs. I used…… Continue reading rabbit baked in breadcrumbs and milk
mexican brunch
This is one of our favourites and just as good for dinner. With tortillas and the usual accompaniments, we make a fried mixture of Mexican-style ingredients. The combination varies and always includes onions, tomatoes and coriander (cilantro), often chorizo and perhaps peppers, beans, corn or even potato. Season with a little oregano and cumin and,…… Continue reading mexican brunch
rosemary polenta bread
Stephanie Alexander’s recipe for Polenta bread sounds wonderful, but I didn’t have any cream and I used whey instead of buttermilk. I also disregarded her advice and made it with rosemary and ate it with honey! Preheat oven to 220′C. Brush a shallow tin generously with olive oil. In a bowl whisk a large egg with…… Continue reading rosemary polenta bread
michelle picker cooks 