Here in Australia chocolate crackles are a childhood favourite. The earliest recipe appeared in the iconic magazine The Australian Women’s Weekly in 1937. The classic version, made with the breakfast cereal Kellogg’s® Rice Bubbles®, is set in a chocolate and copha mix with the addition of coconut. This version is for dark chocolate lovers. Line a muffin…… Continue reading double chocolate crackles
steamed sticky rice
Chinese savoury sticky rice, nuo mi fan (糯米飯), is made of glutinous rice with various ingredients and flavourings, which are wrapped in lotus leaf parcels and then steamed until the flavours combine into a delicious mass. This is one of those ubiquitous dishes which has many different variations. I chose to make one large parcel…… Continue reading steamed sticky rice
sticky sesame cauliflower
Sticky and spicy, these cauliflower bites make a perfect vegetarian starter or side. Preheat your oven to 220ºC (425ºF). In a large bowl combine ½ a cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch), ½ a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, ½ a teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk well while…… Continue reading sticky sesame cauliflower
chicken with preserved mustard stems
A quick and saucy Cantonese style stir-fry which ticks all the boxes, from The Woks of Life. Cut 450g (1 lb) of boneless chicken thighs into chunks and place them in a bowl. Add 30ml (1 fl oz) of water, 3 teaspoons of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of…… Continue reading chicken with preserved mustard stems
gorgonzola and honey ice cream
If you like a bit of blue cheese after dinner, try this ice cream instead. Unlike most of my ice creams, this one was made with egg yolks. In a small saucepan or in a cup in the microwave warm ⅔ of a cup of honey and set aside. Roughly chop 110g (4 oz) of…… Continue reading gorgonzola and honey ice cream
bran muffins
These easy to make and delightfully light muffins from Janet Kalman Villada via allrecipes are not too sweet. Perfect for breakfast or morning tea. Preheat your oven to 190ºC (375ºF) and grease or line a standard 12-muffin tin. In a bowl combine 1½ cups of wheat bran with 1 cup of buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk…… Continue reading bran muffins
ceviche 2.0
Ceviche is a dish of fresh fish cured in citrus. Traditionally Peruvian, many versions of ceviche are found in Central and South America. In Mexico tomato and avocado are often included and the ceviche is served with tostadas. This dish cannot be made ahead of time as the fish will overcook. Make sure the fish…… Continue reading ceviche 2.0
spicy Mexican beef ribs
These beef ribs are easy to prepare and have an amazing depth of flavour. Dry 2kg (4½ lbs) of beef ribs, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and set aside. Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). In a blender combine ½ a cup of Chipotles in Adobo (you can buy these in cans…… Continue reading spicy Mexican beef ribs
banana upside-down cake
A deeply caramelised and super delicious banana cake from Melissa Clark via NYT Cooking. Preheat your oven to 175ºC (350ºF) and grease and line a cake tin. In an frypan melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add ⅓ of a cup of light brown brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and ¼…… Continue reading banana upside-down cake
spicy tofu stir fry
Firm tofu lends itself to frying and is a perfect vehicle for a tasty sauce. Cut a 400g (14 oz) block of tofu into flat squares, dry them with a paper towel and dredge with a little cornflour (cornstarch). Heat some peanut or other neutral vegetable oil in a frypan and fry the tofu over…… Continue reading spicy tofu stir fry
michelle picker cooks 