WHILE pasta is popular in the south of Italy, the northern provinces enjoy rice dishes, particularly risotto. In winter making a steaming pot of risotto for family and friends for dinner or a weekend lunch, while sipping a glass of wine is pleasantly therapeutic. Rice for risotto is usually high in starch and low amylase [...]
TURN these basic everyday vegetables into delicious dishes in minutes. All too often vegetable dishes are dull, boring and relegated to the corner of the dinner plate. Yet nutritionists’ tell us we should eat five serves of vegetables every day to maintain good health. Therefore, it’s best to make veggies the “hero” on a dinner [...]
PEARS are sometimes “the forgotten fruit” as competition these days in the fruit department is pretty tough. Throughout the year, there’s usually an Australian grown pear variety available and about 85% of pears are grown in the Goulburn Valley in Victoria. One of the best hi-fibre fruits, pears are loaded with antioxidants and are low [...]
PIETRO Demaio is a Melbourne GP. He was born in Australia of parents who arrived here with an empty suitcase but a heart full of traditions, stories and recipes from their homeland. These recipes allowed them to survive in Melbourne in the 1930s and 1940s. Pietro not only wants to share his family’s recipes with [...]
NOW I know the recipe title is politically incorrect, however the Chocolate Bullet lolly that has been around for decades is well loved. So I’ve taken bullet inspiration by adding soft organic licorice to a Brownie recipe as the flavour combination is already a proven success for both kids and adults. With a delightful satin-sheen [...]
IN parts of Europe, pumpkin is considered suitable only for cow fodder, however Australians can’t get enough of it! Pumpkin Scones hit the headlines in the late 1980s when Flo Bjelke Petersen created her legendary recipe for Pumpkin Scones, that pretty much rivalled her political career as a Senator. Pumpkin Fruit Cake is now “retro”, [...]
ON Mother’s Day families get together to celebrate an occasion which we all know has become a huge commercial exercise. However, one of the greatest gifts to give your mother is ‘food prepared from the heart’ – it will earn you plenty of brownie points too! So encourage the aspiring cooks at home to prepare [...]
QUINCES are plentiful. When cooked slowly for several hours an enzymatic reaction transforms them to a deep ruby red colour. Then the aroma that pervades the house is sensual and enticing. Quinces cooked in a slow-cooker are easy, so I’ve included a recipe below where you also gain a jar of quince jelly! Cooked quinces [...]
SHINY bronze chestnuts are an autumn treat. This year’s harvest has produced a bumper crop of many easy-peel varieties that can be used in sweet and savoury dishes. Taste freshly roasted chestnuts at the Harvest Celebration at La Trobe in Beechworth on the weekend of May 14 and 15. Also check out these websites to [...]
WHAT better way to entertain over Easter than to have a relaxing brunch with a few friends? Table décor is easy when you scatter the tablecloth with brilliant autumn leaves, plus a few small Easter eggs. Why not try some of these ideas. APPLE MUESLI A day ahead, combine three cups of your favourite untoasted [...]