The weather has turned in my part of the world and my thoughts have turned to food that warms the body and the soul. These peanut butter biscuits are quite plain in their appearance and are made with simple ingredients that would be in many people’s pantries. My recipe is based on one from a Women’s weekly…
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Chocolate cake for serious chocolate lovers
Chocolate cake speaks to me of home – birthdays, happy smiles on children’s faces, and the comfort of good conversation with a well loved, old friends. I suppose the first cake I ever made was a chocolate cake and my love affair with them has continued ever since. This cake is both fudgy and rich, but not…
Read MoreSweet chilli sauce – with a kick
Chillis were on special at the shops this weekend, and all sorts were available – long red ones, bird’s eye, Scotch bonnets, Jalapenos, green chillis and more. I bought a heap of long, red chillis and set to work making sweet chilli sauce. My recipe is based on one from an old Donna Hay cookbook,…
Read MoreHoney glazed carrots
This recipe exemplifies what I mean when I talk about simple food. Only the lightest touch of cooking is given to these sweet little Dutch carrots, but that is all that is needed. Naturally delicate, Dutch carrots are just beautiful when steamed until tender and then glazed with butter and a drizzle of honey. It’s…
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Herby vegetable soup
This soup is one of the easiest I have ever made, and it also only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It tastes fresh and clean, and leaves a warm glow inside, the way a good soup should. The most humble vegetables – carrots, leeks and zucchini – when combined with good quality…
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Lamb burgers with good things
Saturday lunch requires something easy and tasty, as the weekend mornings are often full of busyness and household chores. These lamb burgers fit the bill at our place, and they are packed with wonderful ingredients like garlic, pine nuts, chilli and cumin. Served on turkish bread with roasted capsicum, hummus and a minty fresh greek…
Read MoreSesame snaps – a snappy snack
This treat is very easy to make and although not something to eat every day, it satisfies the occasional (or frequent) cravings we all have for sweet things. It’s quite nutty in flavour because of all the sesame seeds. It’s also gluten free, so great to take to a party if you or someone in…
Read MoreCaramelised onion tarts
Caramelised onion is a wonder food. The humble onion, when cooked slow and long to release its natural sugars transforms into a sticky, sweet and savoury taste sensation that adds incredible flavour and richness to a simple host of foods – steak, roast beef sandwiches, root vegetables and more. In this recipe I celebrate caramelised…
Read MoreApple crumble – made with love
Simple food does not always mean quick to prepare, cook and serve. Simple food for me, is a celebration of natural flavours, seasonal produce, a lack of artifice and loads of love. This apple crumble takes some time to prepare – the apples are peeled, cored and sliced by hand before gently stewing – but…
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Roasted beetroot with hazelnuts and thyme
Until I was in my twenties, the only beetroot I had ever eaten was tinned and sliced, served on a hamburger and my first experience of roasted, fresh beetroot was a revelation. This way of cooking them seems to bring out their natural sweetness and nuttiness, and they taste wonderful. Hazelnuts provide a satisfying crunch…
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Simple food 