A simple but wonderful dessert when fresh figs are in season. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Cut fresh figs in half and lie them face-up in a baking dish. Scatter walnuts around them. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 2 tablespoons of honey. Add 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water, stir to combine and drizzle the…… Continue reading grilled figs
Tag: walnuts
ricotta dumplings with apricots and walnut crumb
These dumplings remind me a little of the Austro-Hungarian food of my childhood. Place 2 cups of fresh ricotta cheese in a bowl and add 1 large egg and ¾ of a cup of plain flour. Mix thoroughly with a fork then, with wet hands, roll the mixture into balls and place them on a plate.…… Continue reading ricotta dumplings with apricots and walnut crumb
flourless beetroot, espresso and walnut cake
Beetroot has such an earthy flavour and it’s natural sweetness makes it an excellent cake ingredient. I chose to combine it with two other ingredients with earthy flavours. The result is a super-moist cake in an amazing colour! The espresso glaze helps to boost the coffee flavour. For the cake, cook 2 medium-sized fresh beetroots…… Continue reading flourless beetroot, espresso and walnut cake
walnut galettes with caramelised bananas and sour cream
Galette is a term used in French cuisine to designate various types of flat, round cakes. These walnut galettes are like large cookies, crunchy on the outside with a softer sticky centre. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature. Grind 60g (2oz) of shelled walnuts into a coarse meal. Add 85g (3oz) of caster sugar and 45g (1½oz) of…… Continue reading walnut galettes with caramelised bananas and sour cream
goat cheese on toast with balsamic baby beets and salad
Simple and satisfying this meal is perfect for an alfresco lunch or, in smaller portions, as a first course. Wash, peel and halve a bunch of baby beets. Place them in a shallow saucepan, season with salt and pepper and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Cover and cook…… Continue reading goat cheese on toast with balsamic baby beets and salad
basil walnut and pecorino bread
This bread makes a perfect centrepiece for a casual lunch. To make it, first mix 2½ teaspoons of dry active yeast and ½ a teaspoon of sugar into 3 tablespoons of warm water (this can be fairly warm to touch but not hot). Leave this to prove for at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, into a large…… Continue reading basil walnut and pecorino bread
banana, cream cheese & walnut muffins
When bananas become over-ripe I peel and freeze them to use in ice cold smoothies. When defrosted, they’re still perfectly suitable for a recipe which requires mashed bananas. Cream 100g softened butter and 100g light cream cheese with ¾ of a cup of brown sugar. Add 2 large eggs (one at a time until just mixed), 3 mashed bananas and 1…… Continue reading banana, cream cheese & walnut muffins
apple, pear and walnut spice cake
This cake is based on one created by a 10-year-old named Amanda. The original recipe is published in Tamara Millstein’s book “Bake your cake & eat it too!” Preheat the oven to 160C (320F) and butter a spring-form cake tin, lining it in baking paper. Steep 120g (4¼ oz) of sultanas in 4 tablespoons of warmed…… Continue reading apple, pear and walnut spice cake
celeriac with lentils and walnuts
This enormous celeriac was just begging to be taken home and cooked! Equally good on it’s own or as a side dish with meat, this recipe is based on a Stephanie Alexander recipe which is based on a Deborah Madison recipe…… First, heat some olive oil in a heavy pot and gently fry a diced onion,…… Continue reading celeriac with lentils and walnuts
carrot cake
Here’s a wonderfully moist version of an old favourite. To make this cake, prepare 1½ cups of grated carrots and ½ a cup of roughly chopped walnuts. In a bowl combine 2 eggs, 1 cup of caster sugar, ¾ of a cup of vegetable oil, ½ a teaspoon of vanilla, 1 cup of sifted flour, 1 teaspoon of…… Continue reading carrot cake
michelle picker cooks 