mojo picon with shaved zucchini & mint salad

When talking to people about hobbies and I mention that I’m into cooking, I often get asked what type of things I like to cook. And my response is always, well everything. It all depends on so many things. My mood, the weather, my level of hunger, whether I’m heading out hunting and gathering first or just knocking something up from the fridge. The seasons of course play a big part in it but often I’m inspired by whatever cookbook I happen to be reading at the time. Read the rest of this entry »

ready for a sunday lunch
table setting & ambiance by missy helgs

I’ve never really been into the concept of having a best friend, or ‘bestie’ as my mad no-so-little brother likes to call them (he also calls his mates who live on the farm next to his ‘nexties’… but that’s a whole other story).  It’s not like I believe in quantity over quality when it comes to friendships more that I’d rather just enjoy them instead of wasting time comparing my nearest and dearest. But if you were to force me to name my best mate, then it would probably have to be my favourite Melbourne resident, the lovely Missy Helgs. Read the rest of this entry »

confit of tuna  

The other day I was starting to plan the first dinner party in my new apartment. In my head visions of lamb shanks slow cooked to melting perfection were dueling with hearty pot roasted duck and a warm lentil salad when the ringing of my phone snapped me out of my reverie. Read the rest of this entry »

roast rainbow trout with crispy sage & almonds & a green salad

There are few things I enjoy more than having people over for a weekend lunch or dinner. Plenty of time for hunting and gathering and preparing makes for relaxed entertaining. But sometimes the only time available is a mid week special and its times like these that keeping things simple is really critical. Read the rest of this entry »

scallops with peanut nahm jim 

While I pretty much love all Asian food, the cuisine from the beautiful country formerly known as Siam holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in country NSW, the local Chinese and its deep fried icecream and Australianised menu was my first introduction to something resembling Asian food. And while it did have its own charms (still love a lazy Susan), you can imagine how surprised and thrilled my tastebuds were to discover Thai food when I moved to Sydney for university. Read the rest of this entry »

dried fig icecream with fresh figs & pistachios 

It’s no secret that I love a good dinner party. I love the whole process; planning the menu, procuring the ingredients, doing the cooking, cleaning the house and setting the table (actually this bit I’m not that fond of), greeting the guests, enjoying the evening, even cleaning up afterwards and reviewing the night. I love how having guests changes the dynamic of your home, bringing it alive with the glow of friendship and laughter. I love how the casual intimacy allows for a much more relaxed catchup away from the formality and interruptions of a restaurant. But if the truth be told, I’m also a sucker for the praise….I mean I am human.

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little passionfruit cheesecakes 

It’s amazing how life can still take you by surprise. One moment it’s Christmas and your mum has found a lump in her breast. The next moment it’s early February and she is coming home from hospital after having a mastectomy. In spite of all the worry and anxiety there are a few positives to this scenario. It certainly makes you reconsider your relationships and what you hold as important, and it makes you treasure your mum all the more. Read the rest of this entry »