Romanesco broccoli, or Roman cauliflower, has to be one of the most beautiful vegetables I’ve ever encountered. The first time I saw one, I was reminded of a piece of chartreuse coral. The pale green florets are arranged in an intricate, fractal-like, conical spiral formation. Romanesco belongs to the plant species Brassica oleracea, which also ... Read More
At Amanda’s Table Blog
Pea and Lettuce Soup with Mint and Chives
Pea and lettuce soup with mint and chives takes only a few minutes to prepare. It’s a simple entree for a spring lunch. However, if you like a more substantial soup, it works beautifully with some almond meal stirred in, or some strips of grilled prosciutto strewn over the top. It’s also a lovely way to use the outer, tougher leaves of a lettuce ... Read More
Strawberry and Blood Orange Yoghurt Creams
These strawberry and blood orange yoghurt creams make use of the plentiful and cheap strawberries in spring, and the blood orange just adds another layer of flavour. They look so pretty in their little pink tea cups, with pink blossoms from the garden. When I'm having friends over, I love to to prepare things as much possible in advance. These are ... Read More
Grilled Vegetables with Carrot Leaf Pesto
Grilled vegetables with carrot leaf pesto is a beautiful accompaniment to the baked leek and saffron risotto. You’ve probably realised by now that I’m fan of green sauces, having included several versions in previous blog posts. I particularly like to use parts of vegetables that would otherwise be discarded, such as the leaves of baby carrots. You ... Read More
Baked Leek and Saffron Risotto
Baked leek and saffron risotto is a cheat's version of the traditional Risotto alla Milanese, which is continuously stirred for 20 minutes or so on the stove, and served as an accompaniment to osso bucco (veal shin bones). I love this baked version because it frees you up to prepare other things in the kitchen while it cooks. The leek is sweet, ... Read More
Pear, Date and Seed Loaf
I've been making this pear, date and seed loaf since the kids were little. It's great for lunch boxes, morning tea, cake stalls and picnics, as it transports well. The loaf is delicious toasted the next day with either cashew cream or butter smeared on top. Feel free to play around with different ingredients. The loaf works well with all sorts of ... Read More
Spring Minestrone with Celeriac Leaf Pesto
Spring minestrone with celeriac leaf pesto is my kind of dish. It's a quick soup made with what I had on hand before the weekly shop- a tin of cannellini beans, frozen peas, a leek and a zucchini. In last week's blog, I posted a recipe for celeriac remoulade. I recently chatted with Sally from Farmer and Son https://www.farmerandson.com.au about ... Read More
Celeriac Remoulade
Once upon a time at a cafe in Noosa, QLD, I ordered a brunch plate with celeriac remoulade. It was absolutely delicious smeared on flat bread with smoked salmon and poached eggs. Sally from https://www.farmerandson.com.au has been giving me lesser known produce to try, so I thought I'd try my hand at making my own remoulade. Celeriac, or celery ... Read More
Spelt Buttermilk Scones with Cashew Cream
Spelt buttermilk scones with jam and cream are my absolute favourite for a tea-time treat. My dear friend Domenica makes the most delicious scones, served with strawberry jam and freshly whipped cream. I confess, I usually leave with a tummy ache because I can never stop at just one scone! I love to bake with wholemeal spelt flour, and I thought ... Read More
Fig, Cardamom and Orange Brownies
Fig, orange and cardamom brownies are a sophisticated version of a much loved Bill Granger 'healthier chocolate brownie' recipe that I've been making since the kids were little. I love the texture of the dried figs and the crunchy pumpkin seeds, while the ground cardamom and orange zest deliver a beautiful aroma. The brownies don't ... Read More