These two dishes use Belacan, a shrimp paste pressed into a block and sun-dried. It’s an essential ingredient in Malaysian cooking which adds a unique depth of flavour. Pre-roasting, a necessary step, reduces it’s very strong smell and flavour. Wrap a piece in foil and roast it over an open flame or in the oven until…… Continue reading spicy prawns + vegetables in coconut
Tag: recipe
pandan chiffon cake
Here’s a wonderful Asian treat. This amazingly green and fantastically light sponge cake is popular throughout South-East Asia. Pandan leaf is often used to flavour desserts and, as in this cake, is often paired with coconut. I’ve bought excellent versions of this cake at Asian grocery stores but for a while there was a shortage…… Continue reading pandan chiffon cake
stuffed mushrooms
Whoever said life was too short to stuff a mushroom was wrong. I love mushrooms and this recipe uses 3 types of mushrooms to make a most delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal. For this recipe use portobello mushrooms (these are large, mature button mushrooms) with a good edge to hold the filling. For the filling…… Continue reading stuffed mushrooms
rack of lamb + peas with feta and mint + roasted red peppers
Rack of lamb coated with mustard, garlic and rosemary and blushing inside – classic but still fabulous. Season each rack generously with salt and allow it to permeate for at least an hour. Meanwhile, crush some garlic with a mortar and pestle or a mini food processor and add plenty of fresh rosemary, some mustard…… Continue reading rack of lamb + peas with feta and mint + roasted red peppers
two desserts in one
Lovingly prepared by Cindy after a Moroccan meal, this dessert combines Baclava-style nuts with a simple strawberry yoghurt. Morocco has it’s version of Baclava and strawberries and yoghurt are a no-brainer as Morocco is the 5th-largest exporter of strawberries in the world. For the nuts, combine 2 cups of roughly chopped almonds, walnuts, pistachios and macadamia…… Continue reading two desserts in one
shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are used widely in Asian cuisines and considered to have many health benefits. They are widely available in their dried form but are a little harder to find fresh, although Asian stores are a good place to try. We decided to attempt to grow them. This a lengthy procedure with some inherent difficulties for…… Continue reading shiitake mushrooms
miso chicken with grapes and walnuts
Another unexpected and delicious combination of flavours in this recipe from (of course) Yotam Ottolenghi. In a large bowl combine 80g (2¾oz) of white miso paste, 40g (1½oz) of finely grated ginger, 4 tablespoons of mirin (sweet cooking sake) and 4 tablespoons of cider vinegar. To this add 8 bone-in pieces of chicken and mix well. Cover and allow to…… Continue reading miso chicken with grapes and walnuts
flourless mini chocolate cakes
Another recipe from SWEET by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh. We ate these delightful little cakes while they were still slightly warm. With a thin crispy crust, they were moist and light on the inside and had a wonderful deep chocolate flavour. The amazingly glossy chocolate ganache was not so easy to make but tasted great…… Continue reading flourless mini chocolate cakes
chilli oil
For those of you who love chilli, you’ll know that chilli oil is an important condiment at Chinese tables and a useful pantry staple. Made with facing heaven peppers, chilli oil is not very spicy (for a chilli oil) and has a nutty, toasty flavour enhanced by aromatics. To make this chilli oil you will need 110g (4oz)…… Continue reading chilli oil
mexican beef skewers
From Chef Gabriel Gambou of Arrecife Restaurant in Colima, Mexico, this recipe was published in The Taste of Mexico by Patricia Quintana. Tender barbecued beef skewers are served with a rich and dark sauce made with cascabel chillies (shown here with refried black beans). For the beef, use strips of sirloin or hanger steak, preferably with some…… Continue reading mexican beef skewers
michelle picker cooks 