cauliflower panna cotta with smoked trout

My family is pretty diverse when it comes to our climatic preferences. While I am a big fan of dry heat and really struggle with Sydney’s humidity, my Dad longs for the air to be warm and soupy. My little brother, Dom, just likes it hot. So much so that he has driven across the Nullarbor a couple of times without even thinking about turning the air conditioning on. And then there’s my snow bunny sister, batgirl, who loves the cold and practically breaks out in a heat rash if the temperature creeps higher than 20degC. Read the rest of this entry »

asparagus with poached egg and pancetta 

The humble egg is a pretty amazing food. Not only are they the most complete source of protein, containing all the essential amino acids that our bodies need. They are the cornerstone for many different dishes. Imagine a kitchen without eggs and you would be picturing a very sad place. Read the rest of this entry »

lamb curry

Yesterday marked a massive milestone for me. It was the anniversary of moving into my apartment. This meant that for a whole twelve months I have actually been living in the same house with the same job. Now I know that for most people this isn’t a major feat but when you have been leading the itinerant life that I have over the past few years, staying put for a year and still loving life is something to celebrate.

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globe artichoke confit

It seems slightly ridiculous to me now but I used to be afflicted with a phobia of the edible thistle that is the artichoke. It wasn’t the actual eating them that was the problem. In restaurants I’d happily wolf down delicious artichoke hearts in all their forms: antipasto, in salads, on pizza or mixed through pasta. No worries. But the thought of actually buying and taking home one of those pretty flower buds to prepare myself used to make me very nervous. Read the rest of this entry »

tuna carpaccio

For some time now about I’ve been worried about the plight of sushi restaurants and soft cheese producers in Australia. I mean you’d have to be living under a rock not to have noticed that we are in the midst of a mini baby boom. The good women of Oz are doing Johnny Howard proud and are popping out offspring at rates not seen since the golden year of 1972. But what has this got to do with sashimi and ricotta?? Just think about it, all those ladies abstaining from forbidden delights for nine months…something’s gotta give.

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