Another one from the archives, this sauce was made and photographed as part of that Texas-inspired BBQ Brisket feast back in December. ------ BBQ Sauce makes everything better, simple as that. Eggs? Better with sauce. Tacos? Better with sauce. Burgers? Better with sauce. But most importantly, smoked brisket is most certainly better with a side of rich and fragrant BBQ Sauce for dipping and drizzling. This version is a bit thinner than your more traditional BBQ Sauce, more suited to … [Read more...]
Gingerbread Syrup
It's always the unexpected things that get a reaction. A random burger, a stunningly odd pie crust, a unique ice cream recipe, and in this case a completely last minute extra Secret Santa Gift. I had made Gingerbread Biscotti for my Foodie Secret Santa recipients and it could have been enough, but then Gingerbread Syrup popped into my head and simply wouldn't budge. I made it, not knowing what to expect, figuring that if it was awful the cookies would have to suffice. I threw … [Read more...]
Baked Ricotta Cheesecake with Fig & Strawberry Compote
This story begins and ends with me eating cake for breakfast so, if you get worried along the way, be safe in the knowledge that everything will be ok. On cheesecake and fat If you are going to eat cheesecake just accept that it should be full fat. You can try to mess with it, go low-fat, but honestly ... why bother? It's cheesecake. I'm not going to get into the pro/con argument over fat, there are plenty of people leading that particular charge just fine on their own, but keep in mind … [Read more...]
Rocket, Parsley & Pepita Pesto
Necessity is the mother of invention and this pesto is the result of a last ditch rescue mission in my crisper. There are a few of those happening lately. A Spaghetti Squash - more on that later - purchased from the same stand as those tomatillos, steamed up. A couple of frozen mackerel filets, pan fried. And the pesto, blended together in the blink of an eye. Fridge surprise lunch at its best. Rocket, Parsley & Pepita Pesto Rather than letting yet another couple bunches … [Read more...]
Spicy Passionfruit, Coconut & Prawn Lettuce Wraps
A tangy, sweet, spicy, crunchy explosion of flavor and texture. A dose of summer in the middle of winter. A slightly unexpected combination that turned out simply perfect... Can you tell I'm kind of in love with this recipe? Even the colours make me happy. This is not the first time passionfruit has appeared round these parts, but it is usually included in a dessert such as Passionfruit & Coconut Self-saucing Pudding Cake or this insane White Chocolate Cream Cheese Passionfruit … [Read more...]
Tangy Mustard Dressing
Growing up there were only two foods I wouldn't touch - mustard and mushrooms. Ironic isn't it that I'm pickier now than I was as a child... At some point I discovered the magic that happens to mushrooms when you cook them - lets be honest, it probably happened due to either Chinese take-away or pizza - and it was game on from that point forward. I still won't touch raw mushrooms but any and all cooked mushrooms are welcome on my plate. Mustard was a tougher one and who knows what … [Read more...]
Chimichurri Sauce in 5 minutes
When we were in Buenos Aires last year RJ ate more steak in five days than he had in the five previous months. He was in heaven. I managed to locate the grilled veggies hidden in the bottom of the sides section of menus and discovered the most amazing potato and artichoke tortilla ever. Both of us doused everything in large dollops of Chimichurri Sauce and washed it all down with stunning claret Malbec. Sigh. I could label this '5 minute Friday' and pretend that this insanely … [Read more...]
