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

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

gluten free raspberry and lemon cake

Don’t wait for your celiac friends to come over to try this amazingly delicious cake. No gluten means the mixture can’t be overworked and mashed potato makes the cake really moist. Perfect for Valentine’s Day! Heat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Butter and line a deep 20cm (8″) round cake tin. Beat 250g (8¾ oz)…… Continue reading gluten free raspberry and lemon cake