Chicken liver pâté is one of those dependable standbys that’s quick to rustle up the day before, leaving you more time to be with your family or guests. It’s a really affordable brunch meal or snack for the weekends, served with some melba toast, and goes a long way with toasted ciabatta, matzo biscuits or thinly-sliced fresh baguette. For some reason, many shops these days only…
There seems to be a glut of plump little roma tomatoes at the moment. These beauteous oblong red globes are sweet as plums and it’s tempting to just stuff a couple into your mouth when you walk past the fridge. But besides slathering a salad with these scarlet gems, you might not realise how perfect they are for preserving too. Put in some time one weekend and you’ll be rewarded with…
This is one of those drinks that was born to soothe our souls on a hot day. Thick, decadent, thirst-quenching and filled to the brim with the same coffee kick you’d usually be sipping from a flat white or long black. But with a rich coco twist that makes it something really special. Best of all, it can be made in minutes. So if the first one doesn’t touch sides, just rinse and…
Ah, sauce! The secret weapon of cooks everywhere, with the power to make or break even the tastiest of meals. They’ve been used since cooking began to add flavour, moisture and visual appeal to a dish. Just think how integral they are to famous pairings: Eggs Benedict and hollandaise sauce, lasagne and bechamel, pasta and tomato sauce, lamb with mint sauce, and peri-peri chicken. The list…
Pickled fish is a Cape Malay speciality, normally eaten at Easter, together with hot cross buns. The recipe was originally devised by Cape Malay fishermen in an effort to preserve their catch for as long as possible. It’s a delicious South African meal, tangy and spicy, best served with salads or just on its own with some crusty bread. Serve it hot or cold, depending on the weather and your…
Poffertjes are mini Dutch pancakes that just happen to be the perfect size to fit into your mouth in one go. That’s no coincidence. These plump little morsels are made in large batches for a reason. Once you’ve tasted them, you’re instantly hooked, become their slave for life, and you wake up every morning just wanting more and more and more. And more. Most people are…
The aroma of different spices instantly evoke so many different memories, don’t they? A faint whiff of cinnamon and suddenly you’re back around the family table in December, pouring custard on the Christmas cake that’s just come out the oven. Or suddenly craving toasted hot cross buns with a thick layer of butter soaking into its pores. Sometimes, spices carry you away to distant…
Gazpacho is a refreshing cold vegetable soup that originated in the Andalusian area of Spain. It’s usually served in summer, when meals are best enjoyed cool and fresh. It’s a really versatile base too, making it easy to spice up with a bit of chilli or transformed into a cheeky Bloody Mary by adding a splash of vodka. This easy starter adds a bit of pizzazz to the table, with lots of…
Cheesecake is one of the world’s favourite desserts. No matter how it is made – just plain or with a topping of berries, caramel, chocolate or cinnamon – everyone has their favourite favourite. Some prefer the crumbly, more chalky texture of a traditional baked New York or ricotta cheesecake. Some don’t mind it whichever way it comes, including the fridge gelatin-based…
A Dutch Baby is one of those surprising things that you might only stumble across after 40 years of cooking, but wish you’d discovered much earlier. If you’ve never had one before, think of it as part pancake, part crepe, part popover, part giant Yorkshire pudding. While cooking, it puffs up all round the edges of the pan to form a crispy rim, leaving a softer flat base that comes out…