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
appetizers
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
Fig and Olive Herb Paste
Fig and olive herb paste was a recipe from my sister in a book of culinary musings from good friends. The book was a gift on my hens' day and I have referred to it often over the years. I've changed the paste recipe a little. It's perfect on a cheese plate, served with a sharp cheddar, manchego or goat's cheese. The paste is also a delicious ... Read More
Winter Caprese Salad with Burrata
Winter caprese salad with burrata is simply a twist on the Italian classic. It's a melange of roasted Roma tomatoes, finely sliced green tomatoes and sweet cherry tomatoes. The salad originates from the island of Capri. The popular belief is that is was made for the Egyptian King Faruk, a gourmand living in exile on the island. He is said to have ... Read More
Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions are really easy to make and you don't have to be too fussy about the quantity of the ingredients. Experiment with whatever combination of spices you like, such as mustard seeds, cumin seeds or juniper berries. The leafy fronds of dill or fennel are a favourite of mine. I also like to add some orange rind. Pickled red onions ... Read More
Pea and Mint Puree with Lemon and Ricotta
Pea and mint puree with lemon and ricotta is a beautifully light dip to serve with crudités. I recently served it as an alternative alongside a stronger salsa verde with radish leaves. Frozen peas are such a handy staple to have on hand, don't you think? The eschallot, which is sautéed before cooking with the peas, adds another layer of flavour, ... Read More
Salsa Verde with Radish Leaves
Salsa verde with radish leaves is simply my interpretation of a green sauce of chopped herbs. Many versions exist - think of the British mint sauce, the French sauce verde with chives and tarragon, or the the Argentinian chimichurri with coriander, just to name a few. I bought a bunch of beautiful radishes from my local market this ... Read More
Roasted Onion and Beetroot Dip
Roasted onion and beetroot dip is so easy to make, and it makes a very pretty appetiser. A painter, who did some work at our place once, noticed how much I loved cooking. He would bring me culinary treats - pomegranates from his garden, halva and a jar of pomegranate molasses. Pomegranate molasses is a Middle Eastern reduction of pomegranate ... Read More
Romesco Sauce with Smoked Paprika
Romesco sauce with smoked paprika is one of the most delicious sauces I've ever eaten. There is something about the sweet capsicums, the tart tomatoes, the caramelised garlic, all blended together with roasted nuts, smoked paprika and sharp vinegar that makes it irresistible! Did you know that the sauce originates from Catalonia in Spain? It was ... Read More
Edamame Dip with Coriander, Lime and Sesame
This edamame dip with coriander, lime and sesame is easy to make. It uses both the stems and the leaves of the coriander, and the zest and juice of the lime. Did you know that edamame are actually whole, immature soy beans? They're a good plant-based source of protein and fibre, and also a good source of folate and Vitamin K. Edamame are an ... Read More