The only reason I stumbled across this recipe was the fact it mentioned ‘tartare’ which appealed in it’s resemblance to the common steak tartare – which I LOVE. I thought it was time to feature something a bit ‘healthy’ and bright on here and with such a low risk of bacterial infection, how could I…
Bagel Power – Kablam
We’ve all experienced the wonder of bagels, whether it be plain as butter or completely complexioned – as far as bagel fillings go. There were my younger days, when I would peruse the vast, white impersonal shopping centres with friends…..clinging onto an onion bagel for comfort. We’d eat them just as they came, no jazz,…
No Knead Pizza Dough & 2 Very Simple Toppings
About a month ago we ordered takeout pizza from ‘Baby Pizza’, Church St, Richmond in Melbourne. Maybe because it was the night before our holiday or maybe it was the pizza but it sparked off a bit of a pizza phase for us and when I came across Jim Lahey’s no knead dough recipe, I…
Roasted Pumpkin Cappellacci with Crispy Sage Butter and Pancetta
Considering we eat pasta so often, it seems strange that we have never made it but I think part of the reason why is due to fear. Fear that it may be too hard or that I’ll just be plain rubbish at it. The other reason is because I think dried pasta can be so…
Date, Apricot and Walnut Loaf…or is it cake?
You don’t need to ‘use your loaf’ to make this one, it’s very simple, very nutritious, a great breakfast and quite tasty too. We ran out of bread and milk yesterday and had nothing to ‘rustle up’ quickly, apart from beans (which you don’t always fancy at 7am). In order to make up for this…
Decadent Pork Ragu
I’ve made this ragu so many times since I first tried it, about 2 years ago. Its simplicity always deems it a pleasure to make and it’s perfect for a dinner party, as it can feed 6-8. If you have fiddly starters or desserts, this can just be left either in the oven or on…
Country Eggs and Slow Roast Tomatoes
We booked a weekend away in Daylesford, staying in a house with beautiful olive groves and a kitchen with the charm of an old farmhouse, all wood and utensils galore (which is what inspired the cooking on this trip). I brought Bolognese with us, straight out the freezer which was as usual devoured in 3…
Sweet Pepper, Cherry Tomato and Basil Oil Orecchiette
I am really happy to be posting this, as it’s really delicious and I feel safe having the recipe here as I will never lose it or forget about it. It’s one of the simplest pasta dishes there could possibly be and meat lovers – add pancetta or some other meaty morsel, it will also…
Welsh Cakes
I don’t know what first prompted to make these, but my boyfriends from Wales (even though he has lived here in Melbourne since he was 8 and has an Aussie accent) funny, thinking he was fluent in Welsh as a little boy…..but I wanted to see if he’d had these. Maybe the taste would spark…
Broad Bean, Pea, Pancetta and Herby Spring Salad
Just as I’d found the perfect finger less gloves, spring arrives and it’s already too warm to wear them. On the positive side, spring brings with it some exciting, colourful foods that I felt like I’d forgotten, in the midst of all the kale and sprouts. Smack bang in the middle of a pretty intense…
Sweet Roasted Pepper, Leek, Thyme and Pancetta Rigatoni
I came across this recipe on the blog ‘Fig and Quince’, a great blog about Persian food and culture. http://figandquince.com/2014/07/21/italy-pasta-no-basta/ Since I found it, I have been making it weekly, so it’s been about 4 weeks, 4 times I’ve made it and only on the last could I bring myself to photograph it as it’s…
Harissa Fish with Zucchini, Mint and Lemon Potatoes
Described commonly as Tunisia’s main condiment, harissa is used in all kinds of stews, a rub for meat, a flavouring for couscous and in a chickpea soup which is usually served for breakfast. No harissa I have ever bought has tasted the same as the next and as always it’s far better to make your…
Slow Roast Chicken with Sun burnt Broccoli and Maple Sprouts
There’s not much I love more than getting up on a Sunday to put something in the oven, then out for breakfast, pub in the afternoon and returning to a house smelling delicious and as if someone else has made it for you – something perfectly slow roasted, ready to take out the oven and…
Debbie’s Carrot Cake
Yes, it’s been around the block a bit…Carrots were used in medieval times as an alternative to expensive sweeteners, this cake has been popular in Switzerland since 1892, revived in Great Britain due to the rationing of the Second World War, voted no 5 in Americas top fad foods of the 1970’s and even been…
Pasta with Roast Pumpkin, Rosemary, Smoky Bacon and Spinach
I came across this recipe in my diary, it’s slightly embarrassingly called ‘The Foodies Diary’ maybe you have one too? The thing is, it’s great for listing seasonal produce, festivals and farmers markets and me being from the UK – everything’s back to front over here and good to know what’s in season – even…
8 Hour Lamb with Herby Dressing and Crumbled Feta
I came across this particular recipe in the first cook book I bought since being in Australia ‘What Katie Ate’ and this is what inspired me to create my own food blog. Katie Quinn Davies only really got into cooking in her early thirties, spending most of her twenties as a graphic designer where she…
Sun-dried Tomato and Green Olive Garganelli
A quick one here, great for weeknights and again – a pantry pasta. Garganelli is one of my favourite egg pasta shapes and I believe the names derives from the dialectal word garganel, chicken’s gullet (which the ridged garganello resembles). This was inspired by a well-known brand, the only pasta sauce I have ever really…
Maple Pecan Pie
I have heard that the French invented this pie after settling in New Orleans – having been introduced to the pecan nut by Native Americans. I have been reading about the nutritional value of the nut and let’s just say, if you don’t already have it in your diet, get it in there (even if…
Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce
I enjoyed this breakfast over the weekend but also felt slightly annoyed I hadn’t thought of this before, as it was so good. Perfect quick, simple breakfast but hearty enough to obliterate the worst of hangovers, great to feed a crowd, nurse a cold or flu and made from pantry staples too! – just add…
Croxetti with Walnuts and Lemon
For those who aren’t familiar with this odd looking pasta shape, it’s name is Croxetti and it is circular and stamped usually with an intricate pattern. It’s something I’ve only become familiar with recently and can’t resist an unexplored pasta variety! This is really very simple and absolutely delicious, I would recommend using a thick…
Pantry Harissa Wholegrain Linguine
I love to find a new pasta dish that is created (I wanted to say spawned but it sounds a bit alien) from pantry staples. This is it! It has flavour, it’s healthy and it really works! Substitute ingredients for others you have, such as swapping kale for spinach or changing the type of pasta…
Best Ever Pantry Sticky Barbecue Chicken
I have eaten this particular recipe my whole life, which has been passed on from Mary Berry to my mum then to me. It never ceases to delight me and whoever I cook it for, it’s one of those recipes that kids love, fuss pots love – everyone loves and it’s fun to make, being…
Getting Exotic with Corn on the Cob
Every season brings with it great foods and corn has that oomph factor in the spring/summer (Sept-March in Australia). We usually eat this as a starter but have recently become more experimental with the sunny kernels. Some ideas to jazz up your cobs……. Spiced butter – I have a recipe in my post as follows,…
Waffling About
Everyone needs a bit of waffle now and then….so here’s to waffling on…and on………and on…………… I have a stove top waffle iron, which is good but I would still favour the old electric waffle irons purely for the fact it’s easier to get the timing right and the edges are less susceptible to burning. Anyway,…
Farro Spaghetti with Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes, Pine Nuts, Lemon, Chives and Parmesan
The oldest cultivated grain in the world……. Even though this title sounds long, the actual dish is really simple, fresh and delightful – quite frankly. Farro had intrigued me for some time but I didn’t hold out too much hope as even though I like spelt pasta, I haven’t yet tried a wholemeal pasta that…
Mezza – Spiced Prawns, Coriander Chicken Wings and Fresh Oregano Salad
Who doesn’t love a leisurely banquet? Mezza is a tradition celebrated in Lebanon and neighbouring countries throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. It is usually comprised of small dishes to be enjoyed as a main meal, or lead up to the main meal. I’ve always favoured a long laid-back lunch and a light dinner and…
Haloumi with Honey, Lemon and Thyme
A salty, mild cheese originating from Cyprus with a high melting point, which makes this perfect to fry. It would normally be pronounced (huh-loo-mee) but my Turkish friend Leyla would always tell me off, saying (hell-im), so pronunciation varies. I have seen this become more and more popular in the UK, having felt very new…
Zucchini Fritters with Sour Cream and Smoked Salmon
I had always fancied making breakfast fritters of some kind as I’m always partial to ordering them if on breakfast menus. Potato rosti are also a massive temptation, I remember one of the best meals I have ever eaten in Palma was lobster tortellini served on potato rosti – I’ll have to try and recreate…
Crunchy Polenta Onion Rings
Someone very dear to me told me this was the best onion ring recipe…ever. As usual there was a slight doubt in my mind as this person is well known for let’s say ‘exaggerating the truth’. For example, the revolving BT tower in London – she went here for dinner one night, got a little…
Spiced Cauliflower Torchietti with Chilli, Tomato and Bacon
Mark Twain described the cauliflower as ‘cabbage with a college education’. Now I am starting to educate myself about this mysterious white vegetable. I started to sauté cauliflower about a year ago, which went down very well with my partner who normally detests the stuff. I llike to fry the florets in a little oil…
Markets
As I’m a nosey parker who likes to know what other people eat and everyone loves to know about a good market – I thought I’d combine the two. Here’s some photos documenting what we buy from our local market in Richmond, as well as some suggestions as to where we have been and enjoyed…
Avocado on Toast – with Friends…
This post is really just to inspire ideas as we don’t want anyone’s breakfast getting mundane. I’m sure those of us that like avocado have had it on toast before, it’s a breakfast/lunch that I find myself snapping up again and again so it’s constantly evolving. Just simple additions can make it so much more…
Zucchini Flowers with Peas, Tomato, Basil and Saffron Parpadelle
A Ridiculously simple pasta dish, celebrating the zucchini flowers with the invigorating sharpness of saffron, the sweet tomato flesh and earthy fresh peas…. I found the flowers at my local market and was inspired by the enthusiasm of the stall holder, whose love for his produce shone clear through his recipe concoctions. I have stuffed…
Dips – Humous and Baba ghanoush
I love both these Middle Eastern and Arabic dips which are beautiful as starters or as part of a main meal. They have saved me from supermarket excursions, served as a starter many times for friends/family, satisfied as a late night snack and always feel special even though they are so simple to make. Both…
Easy No Knead Flatbreads
When I say these are easy, quick and delicious I am telling no lie. You literally add the ingredients together, divide the dough into 12 pieces, roll out each piece to a bread the size of a side plate and griddle. Perfect for dinner party/BBQ or just to rustle up as a snack for yourself….
War of the Fish Pies
Where to start with this one….everyone seems to have their own way of making this dish and people are very precise about the particular way they like theirs to be. I am no master of the fish pie by any means but I did research into the best looking concoctions and have even divulged my…
Sage Butter Spaetzle, Burnt Tomato Bake and Fennel Salad
A type of German egg noodle, literally translated to ‘little sparrow’ as the odd shapes were thought to resemble these little birds. I like this interpretation, imaginative – more alluring than ‘little sperm’ which I have also heard along the way. First time I tried this was in a little wooden restaurant in Dorset with…
Fig and Honey Lamb Shanks with Jewelled Rice and Cucumber Salad
I cut this recipe out of a magazine months ago and was excited to finally give it a whirl. I liked the fact they were ‘overnight’ and looked so sticky and plush in the photo, I imagined the sweet, rich, warming flavour with a soft, aromatic rice and zingy, fresh salad. The recipe belongs to…
English Breakfast Muffins
English because they are savoury muffins, rather than the sweet American variety. Well worth the little effort taken to rise 2 hours before you plan to eat – here’s how it could go for you….. 7am – Up to make the simple batter (15-20 minutes, including kneading) then back to bed for 1 hour whilst…
Creamy Bacon, Boursin and Courgette Pasta – My best kept secret
I know we’ve all added various cream cheeses to pastas before but this particular combination is something that pains me slightly to divulge as it has been a personal love affair since my mum first made this for us. A dish that pleases all, and can be made vegetarian easily with the exclusion of bacon….
Quick Poached Chicken Salad with Basil Mayonnaise
This is another quick recipe, perfect for week nights. I don’t know why but if you’re scared of making mayonnaise….don’t be – as for some reason I’ve always had success with this recipe which doesn’t happen that often. The mayonnaise and shredded chicken also works well as a tasty filling for a nice crusty baguette…
Crab, mint and lemon spelt pasta
Joker/Comedian – ‘What did the crab pull at the disco?’ Receiver – ‘I don’t know’ (yawn) Joker/Comedian – ‘A mussel/muscle’…. This is the only joke I have remembered since being about 5 years old. I don’t think I even got it at first but for some reason, it has stayed with me. It’s not exactly…
Easy and Crispy Fried Gnocchi with Sundried Tomatoes, Olives, Mozzarella and Basil
Seriously, one of my favourite dishes, little effort required – maximum delight gained. To make this extra quick, use good quality shop bought gnocchi (but you will get a far better result making your own). When my mum came to stay recently I made a list of places to go and recipes I wanted to…
Supreme Butter Chicken with Herby Flatbreads
This recipe was inspired by good friends and their delectable (can’t help feeling like Hannibal when I say that word) curry we enjoyed over the weekend. I had never heard of adding saffron milk to rice and wanted to try this out for myself…I also came across the blog by Mimi, (below) and her butter…
Fettuccine with Spiced Butter
I came across this recipe on the blog ‘101 Cookbooks’ – the healthy recipe journal, who I think was inspired by a version from Yotam Ottolenghi. I believe he uses fresh saffron tagliatelle – the recipe is in his book. http://www.101cookbooks.com/ I haven’t actually changed a thing apart from using fettuccine and adding more chilli…
The Perfect Tiramisu
This was my first attempt at tiramisu so I wanted to do my research to find the perfect recipe. I like the traditional method and Baileys or beer just wouldn’t cut the mustard. I use madeira lots when cooking and enjoy the flavour so decided to use this, although Pedro Ximenez sherry was tempting too….
Lovely Crumpets
A weekend breakfast maybe, but not difficult by any measure. Whether you go for bacon and maple syrup or poached eggs and dukkah – they are almost as revered as pancakes in my house (which is really saying something). I hope you give this recipe a go and you enjoy them as much as we…
The Perfect Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Slaw
Having read and tried my hand at many fried chicken recipes, this one stood out by having the best flavour, crunch and when mated with this particular coleslaw and the white rolls on my previous post – I have to say, what an absolute delight! It’s the kind of meal you talk about after, as…
Soft pull-apart rolls
I first made these as buns for fried chicken and they were so light, soft and fluffy that I have decided to stick with this recipe for all future fried chicken escapades. You could use these as burger buns but I am still in the mind-set that brioche works best with any burger other than…
Boston Beans, Two Ways
I’m pretty excited about this one. Baked beans have been one of my pantry staples since first leaving home and I have always wondered if it’s a bit of a ‘cop out’ to buy them in the tin. This was a little experimentation involving two recipes – a quick one and a long one (the…
The Travelling Pantry 