Tomato salsa goes by many names. Also known as 'salsa fresca,' 'salsa cruda' or 'salsa bandera,' it's a traditional Mexican dish of raw ingredients that's quick and easy to make, nutritious and delicious. My favourite name is 'pico de Gallo.' The literal translation is 'beak of the rooster.' It's believed to be called that because people used to ... Read More
appetizers
Chilled Roasted Tomato and Capsicum Soup
Chilled roasted tomato and capsicum is perfect for a light meal on a hot day. I often use nuts in soups as they give the soup a lovely creamy texture (without the cream), and they tend to make the soup a bit more filling. I also like to make my own chicken stock, either with chicken carcasses from the butcher, or with the leftover frozen bones of a ... Read More
Eggplant Mezze Plate
I served this eggplant mezze plate yesterday as a starter for lunch with friends. I used eggplants in two ways - thinly sliced and roasted with smoked salt and olive oil, and also roasted whole, with a head of garlic, to turn into a dip. They tasted delicious on top of toasted pita bread with a dollop of homemade labneh and rose harissa. The labneh ... Read More
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
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