News & Blog by Janelle Bloom
Read the latest news and bulletins, essays, features, opinions from our bestselling authors. Find out what's being said, debated, and discussed in the world of books and ideas.
Though I cook for a living, I bake for pleasure – and the sheer delight I get from serving treats to the people I love. It’s something that runs in my family, so in this chapter I share a few more of my family recipes. As you remove my nan’s Gugelhoph from the oven, as you dredge my mum’s powder puffs with icing sugar, I hope you’re as proud as they would be. Remember to hide away a little something...
While the recipes in this chapter are perfect for leisurely weekend fare, you shouldn’t discount them for midweek meals. Running around all over town looking for something new isn’t how I like to spend my days off , so the ingredients I call for are all familiar and easy to find. The steps and techniques have also been kept simple. As you create, serve and enjoy these dishes, you will experience a...
Apple & Mint Lamb Serves 4 12 lamb cutlets ½ cup apple juice 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon shredded mint leaves 3 golden delicious or granny smith apples, cut into wedges 2 teaspoons white sugar* 1 tablespoon olive oil mint sauce, to serve *The sugar prevents the apples collapsing and turning to mush, while also helping to caramelise and crisp the surface. Place...
Ice-cream with chocolate sauce or canned fruit and custard is more often than not what’s on offer midweek. While there’s nothing wrong with that, especially if the chocolate sauce and custard are homemade, sometimes a little more effort is called for. Whether it’s a family birthday, a note from school about an upcoming fundraiser, friends dropping in for a casual get-together, or just time to spoil...
This week we will be featuring a recipe a day from FAMILY FOOD & WEEKEND FEASTS With limited time to plan and shop on weekdays, we find ourselves cooking the same meals over and over again. This chapter is dedicated to expanding your weeknight repertoire - whether it's dressing up barbecue lamb chops with a delicious lemon curd dressing, experimenting with sensational new salads and side dishes,...
Standing rib roast is not for every day, but it’s by far the best beef roast. Cooking on the bone gives it a depth of flavour. STANDING RIB ROAST WITH BEARNAISE SAUCE 2kg standing rib roast olive oil 4 red onions, thinly sliced Processor béarnaise sauce ¼ cup white wine vinegar ¼ cup dry white wine 2 eschalots, finely chopped ½ bunch tarragon, leaves and stems finely...
My friend Naomi made a version of these last year. Her recipe inspired me to combine two of my recipes to create this, my new favourite shortbread. Naomi ices hers with rose pink and chocolate icing, which reminds her of her childhood. PASSIONFRUIT DRIZZLED SHORTBREAD BUTTONS Makes 22 250g butter, softened ½ cup caster sugar 2 cups plain flour ½ cup custard powder Icing 2 cups...
Sitting around the table with family and friends, a wok filled with san choy bau and a few bottles of wine is what I call a memorable meal. SAN CHOY BAU 1 tablespoon peanut oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 3cm piece fresh ginger, peeled, finely grated ¼ teaspoon dried chilli flakes 500g pork mince 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon kecap manis 3...
There are many versions of this delicious Argentinian sauce/marinade. This hand-chopped version results in a thinner consistency, ideal for marinades and basting during cooking. CHIMICHURRI LAMB 12 lamb loin chops, trimmed 300g green beans, trimmed 400g cherry tomatoes extra virgin olive oil Chimichurri sauce 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 lemons, juiced ½...
I was allowed to buy lunch from the canteen occasionally when I was at school. I always bought the same thing – a vanilla slice. This homemade version has been a closely guarded family secret for years. Enjoy! CAKE SHOP VANILLA SLICE 4 sheets ready-rolled frozen puff pastry, thawed ? cup white sugar ¾ cup custard powder ½ cup cornflour 1 cup caster sugar 2 cups milk 2 cups...
