in the raw
Monday, June 9th, 2008
raw beet salad Well there’s no secret around here that I love beetroot. A quick scroll through the stonesoup recipe index bears testament to that: From roast beet soup with dukkah and yoghurt, to a beetroot puree to accompany a salt baked leg of lamb, to the ever versatile beetroot pesto which to my mind is a strong rival to the traditional basil based version, to a simpler spiced beet puree this time partner to crispy skinned duck, to a shaved beet and pear salad, to a warm salad of golden beets pancetta and pecans, to roast baby beets with yoghurt, I’m definitely a beetroot girl.
a vegetarian feast for the newlyweds.
Monday, May 26th, 2008
roast mushroom ragu with soft polenta & marscarpone
There are times when I am just so glad I love to cook. Times when it gives me an opportunity to bring people together, times when it relaxes me, times when it allows me to indulge my creative side, times when it comforts me, times when it allows me to nurture and spoil my loved ones and times it helps get me out of a scrape. Read the rest of this entry »
a cabbage obsession
Monday, May 19th, 2008
shaved cabbage salad with parmigiano reggiano & aged balsamic
If it is true that imitation is the highest form of flattery, then chef Andy Bunn of Café Sopra at Fratelli Fresh in the inner city Sydney suburb of Waterloo should consider himself well and truly flattered. You see it was Andy, or more specifically his to-die-for shaved cabbage salad that kick started my current cabbage obsession. Read the rest of this entry »
for mothers old & new
Monday, May 12th, 2008
bbq tuna steaks with pretty pomegranate & coriander
They say that often when one door closes, another opens and I’m thankful that in my experience this does seem to be the case. You see in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day last Sunday, I’ve found my thoughts turning to my own beautiful mother who passed away back in August last year. There have been some sad moments but mostly I’ve just been thinking about how much I miss her and wish she was still here. Read the rest of this entry »
inspiration in tassie.
Monday, April 14th, 2008
vaguely Spanish braised beef cheeks with tomato bread There a few things in life more enjoyable than a long leisurely lunch. Throw in an idyllic setting in the form of a tree-fringed balcony with views over rolling hills straight out to the ocean. Throw in a group of like-minded girlfriends from Melbourne town, relaxing on a weekend away and ready for a few good laughs. Throw in an ex-Sydney based chef turned food photographer turn born again chef and his ever-so-charming partner manning the front of house. Throw in a relaxed yet modern menu that takes cues from both Italy and Spain I’m pretty sure you have the makings of a seriously memorable lunch. Read the rest of this entry »
a great, not-so-aussie pie
Monday, March 31st, 2008
It’s funny to think that not so long ago when it came to describing the best of Australian cuisine the first thing that tended to spring to mind was the humble meat pie with tomato sauce or ‘dead horse’ (that’s Oz for ketchup). And while nowdays we have the amazing melting pot that makes up modern Australian cusine with the emphasis on fresh produce treated simply, it’s still hard to beat a good pie.
For many an Aussie the mere mention of a pie conjurers up nostalgic thoughts of crisp winter days watching the footy with a toasty warm pie in hand, doing the delicate dance of nibbling around the pie edges balancing the need to scoff it all down before you spill piping hot meat and gravy on your trackies. Yeah there sure is an art to being able to down a pie without a plate or heaven forbid…cutlery. Read the rest of this entry »
relaxing with easter lamb
Monday, March 24th, 2008
marinating butterflied spiced leg of lamb
People often ask me whether I regret leaving the wine industry to return the life of a corporate slave. And to tell you the truth, I don’t think there’s been a single moment when I’ve wished I was back in a dark cellar with waterlogged boots and hands stained a very mechanic-like deep purple from repeated exposure to red ferments. Read the rest of this entry »
so-long summer
Monday, March 3rd, 2008
bbq jumbo quail marinated with lemon, thyme & walnuts
While I try to not play favourites with the seasons, I must admit that Summer does hold a special place in my heart. Long balmy evenings, beautiful light, bountiful stone fruit, frosty glasses of crisp crisp Riesling, luscious tropical fruit (how good were the mangoes this year?), not to mention the berries, or the humble tomato, long lazy holidays, beach sand between your toes, bikinis & sarongs, that reassuring warmth of sun on naked skin. What’s not to love? Read the rest of this entry »
love for food : food for love
Monday, February 11th, 2008
crispy duck confit with fig and walnut salad
I know as a single person I’m meant to hate Valentines Day. I know I should be way to cool to buy in to all that Hallmark generated hype. I know I should be resenting all those happy couples and their intimate candle lit dinners. And while I’m not a fan of perfume-less roses, heart shaped chocolates, or cheesy red lace lingerie, I must admit I do love the day of Saint Valentine. I mean a day that focuses on romantic dinners and celebrates love, what’s not to love about that?? Read the rest of this entry »
movida mojo
Monday, January 21st, 2008
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 »
