Chawanmushi (茶わん蒸し) means ‘steamed in a tea cup or bowl’ and is the name for a Japanese savoury egg custard. Ingredients often include chicken or prawns (shrimp) but I chose to make one with just vegetables. Serve this delicate dish as part of a Japanese main course with rice and pickles. In a saucepan heat 2½…… Continue reading chawanmushi
Tag: custard
pumpkin with coconut custard
This popular Southeast Asian dessert is not too sweet and makes a lovely end to a spicy meal. It looks impressive when it’s cut open at the table too! Preheat your oven to 150ºC (300ºF). You will need a small Japanese pumpkin for this dessert. Wash and dry the pumpkin and cut a hole into…… Continue reading pumpkin with coconut custard
pastel de nata
The Portuguese custard tart, pastel de nata (plural: pastéis de nata), has become a popular treat worldwide. They were created in the 17th Century by the Catholic monks of the Hieronymites Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) in Belém, Lisbon. The monks used egg whites to starch their clothing, leaving a surplus of egg yolks which came to be used…… Continue reading pastel de nata
port wine trifle
David made this old-fashioned trifle using aged vintage port for the jelly. Perfect for Christmas in July! For the best result, make this trifle a day ahead. To make the jelly, place 6 sheets of gelatine in a bowl and soak in cold water. If you choose to use powdered gelatine, you will need 3…… Continue reading port wine trifle
vanilla custard with roasted rhubarb and strawberries
For a recent celebration, Mary made this dessert. It’s another fabulous recipe from Yotam Ottolenghi, this time from SIMPLE. The custard is made with double cream and is reminiscent of a crème brûlée without the crunchy layer. And the wonderfully red and tart fruit is a perfect foil. Preheat your oven to 200ºC (390ºF). Cut 200g…… Continue reading vanilla custard with roasted rhubarb and strawberries
tocinillo de cielo + almond and orange florentines
My good friend Daniel Aguera introduced me to this traditional Spanish dessert. Although similar to a crème caramel, this rich custard is non-dairy and is made with only eggs, sugar and water. In the early 20th century, the wineries of Jerez de Frontera clarified their wines with egg whites. The left-over egg yolks were donated…… Continue reading tocinillo de cielo + almond and orange florentines
rhubarb custard cake
Ruth made this attractive cake for a gathering recently. Lovely and moist and not too sweet with a good tang from the rhubarb. If rhubarb is not in season the cake will work just as well with other fruit. Preheat your oven to 180ºC. Lightly grease a 20cm round cake tin and line with baking…… Continue reading rhubarb custard cake
flan
The history of flan begins with the ancient Romans who spread their culinary traditions throughout Europe. Originally a savoury dish, it became popular as a sweet dish of slowly cooked custard with caramelised sugar. Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America brought flan with it and nearly all of Central and South America loves flan in one form or another. It has…… Continue reading flan
classic vanilla slice
Those of you who grew up in Australia will know this slice with it’s thick, yellow, cream-free custard sandwiched between two layers of flaky pastry and topped with passionfruit icing. A glorious, messy treat! Preheat your oven to 200ºC (390ºF). Take 2 sheets of store-bought puff pastry and (on lined or greased baking sheets) bake for 10-15…… Continue reading classic vanilla slice
michelle picker cooks 