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
Tag: dessert
frangipane tart with brandied prunes
Frangipane is a sweet filling made with almonds. Here it’s paired with brandied prunes in a classic French combination. Soak your prunes in brandy for as long as possible or at least overnight. To make the pastry, place 180g (6⅓ oz) of flour in a food processor. Add 100g (3½ oz) of cold butter cut…… Continue reading frangipane tart with brandied prunes
lingonberry and cranberry frozen yoghurt
Lingonberries and cranberries are similarly tart so I chose to combine them in this frozen yoghurt. To make this frozen yoghurt first soak ½ a cup of dried cranberries in ¼ of a cup of vodka, preferably overnight. Make a sugar syrup by heating 2 parts sugar to one part water until dissolved. Combine 2…… Continue reading lingonberry and cranberry frozen yoghurt
home-made pistachio halva
Middle Eastern style halva was an exotic and much-loved treat of my childhood and I still love it. This type of halva is always made with some kind of nut butter, most often tahini (sesame paste). Lightly toast 50g (1¾ 0z) of pistachios until they are toasty and fragrant, chop them roughly and allow them…… Continue reading home-made pistachio halva
chocolate cake
This recipe for “always moist chocolate cake” was given to me by Darla many, many years ago and has been a favourite at many events since. It’s easy to make, lends itself to many variations and is always a hit. This one is topped with a chocolate, coffee and sour cream frosting. Preheat your oven…… Continue reading chocolate cake
mojito tiramisu
Tiramisu might be a misnomer for this dessert but as it’s made with some of the same ingredients and methods as a traditional tiramisu, I’m sticking with it. I’m also being a bit liberal with the mojito label as a mojito is generally made with lime and not lemon juice. It’s a great combination of…… Continue reading mojito tiramisu
red wine sorbet with strawberries
This recipe from River Café Green by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers called for a Valpolicella wine. The region produces largely red wines which range from light-bodied young Novello to full-bodied Amarone made from dried grapes. I chose a full-bodied Ripasso which uses a traditional technique that promotes a second fermentation through contact with warm dried grape…… Continue reading red wine sorbet with strawberries
lemon panna cotta with oranges in syrup
This zingy lemon panna cotta pairs beautifully with the sweetness of orange segments in a honey and cardamom syrup. It’s an impressive dessert that can be made ahead of time. To make the panna cotta, first place 3 sheets of gelatine (15g or .53 oz) in some cold water for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place 300ml…… Continue reading lemon panna cotta with oranges in syrup
flourless chocolate cake
This cake has a great chocolate flavour and is fudgy with a satisfyingly chewy crust. Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) or 160ºC (320ºF) for fan-forced. Butter and line a 20cm (8)” spring form pan. Melt 120g (4¼ oz) of butter and 200g (7 oz) of good quality dark chocolate pieces in a microwave, stirring…… Continue reading flourless chocolate cake
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
michelle picker cooks 