Seasonal Diners

Fruit&Veg Co-Op Tips

2011-11-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

Check out the Fruit&Veg page for tips on starting your own co-op.

Stay posted as I'll post tips on how best to store the produce so they keep longer.

Also this week keep on eye out have two more books up for grabs. If you want to go in the draw you must become a follower.

2011-11-16T16:43:00.000-08:00

Just wanted everyone to know that I'll be on the judging panel this year for the food photography competition run on http://theheartoffood.com/eatdrinkblogmedia/ and sponsored by Impact communications.

Keep on eye on the page to see who the winner is and keep it in mind next year if you'd like to enter

2011-11-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations kate Geraghty, you've won two books.

I'll get them out to you as soon as I can.

Keep posted have some wonderful reviews of place's I visited in New York and some local restaurants here in Sydney

Win two book

2011-11-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

Have look at two new books on the review page.

If you're a follower you go in the draw to win! I'll be giving both these books away together next monday. So join up today and go in the draw!

2011-11-08T15:34:00.000-08:00

Cumulus Inc

$59.95

Out now, this book is beautifully presented. Earl Carter the photographer has such a distinct style that really suits this masculine style of cooking. I've never been to the restaurant in Melbourne, so I can't say if it is indicative of the style of restaurant but you do get a sense of what the restaurant is like through the photos of people eating inside.

While this kind of cookbook is really a coffee table book, one to be admired. I find its not the kind of book I would cook from in my kitchen. I'm intrigued by recipes like coconut rice with fresh mango and caramelised orange syrup, or organic carrots with almond cream and harissa.

It seems to me a lovely fusion of flavours spanning the middle east to Italy and modern Australian. I always love to see this mixture of heritage on plate.

Pumpkin Recipes

2011-09-28T20:20:00.001-07:00

Its been a busy year, but have finally been able to post some new recipes.

For those in fruit and veg cop-ops, we recently got some small pumpkins.

There's a delicious recipe you just simple have to try. I also used mine up, in a warm salad with baby spinach, roasted pinesnuts with capsicum. But if you're looking for a snack, try puff pastry BORG's made with butter(check label as they make two types), cut into 4 squares, a sage leaf, slices of pumpkins another sage leave and drizzle of olive oil, and into the oven. Very tasty!

Should be getting some new books from penguin shortly so will keep you posted!

2011-08-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Theresagreen_84 you're the winner of The Great Aussie Asian Cookbook,

Enjoy!!!

MY PHOTOGRAPHY IN A NEW COOKBOOK

2011-08-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a newly released cookbook, Out of the Pantry by Trish Heagerty, a stylist I work with regularly. Out by New Holland and will be on the shelves $35.

It has recipes based on items in your pantry, but the photography is what I'd like you all to have a look at.

Aussie Asian

2011-08-08T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Great Aussie Asian Cookbook $35.00 from Penguin

Kim Terakes has collected all asian cuisine into one handy book.

I can get my head around Thai and basic stirfry's but this book really is lovely the way you can journey from Japanese influences to Vietnamese, Malaysian and Chinese. Its not too difficult and even the most inexperienced cooks could manage a dish or too. With handy hints on how to stock your pantry with basic asian ingredients, it will also help you shop in your local asian grocer.

I tried the Stir Fried Vegetables on page 132. I'm not a mushroom fan, but its uses fresh cloudwood mushroom. A little difficult to find but it was worth it. I loved it. Simple, fresh and all lovely fresh produce which is even better.

As always I have this copy to give away to a follower.

I'll be drawing a winner next monday the 15th August!

Winner

2011-05-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Jessica!

You are the winner of Mangia Mangia!

A wonderful book filled with home Italian recipes, see the review.....

New recipes and books!

2011-04-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

Have look at new recipe and books!

Nat

Winner and Look at this

2011-03-14T19:59:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon!

I just realised haven't given away a copy of Summer Cooking....

And the winner is, Kate Weeding!!! Yeah. I'll get the copy out to you as soon as I can.

I also wanted to shamelessly promote my latest piece in Aprils edition of BBC Good Food Australia magazine.

Some lovely recipes from Kylie Kwong to spice up easter.

2011-03-08T01:45:00.000-08:00

I know its been awhile since I've been able to update the blog, but please check all the pages.

There's some book reviews coming up at the end of the month, which means more give aways. Also check a very special restaurant review that close to my heart.

All you Fruit and Veger's stay tuned as there are some tasty recipes!

Summer Cooking by Penguin

2011-01-16T19:02:00.000-08:00

SUMMER COOKING $29.95
A quintessential cookbook for summer. Fresh ingredients, light easy to prepare meals.

This book is one that you would use everyday in summer to change up the usual garden salad for dinner. With interesting variations for a bbq such as Seared beef fillet & kumara with green tarragon salsa. Or accompaniments like Grilled parmesan and Basil polenta. With flavours coming from regions such as Korea, the middle east and greece, there is certainly something that will please everyone.

Become a follower and go into the running for this FREE copy

winner

2010-12-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Stephan Ohora, Winner of Tobie Puttocks "Cook Like an Italian"

Books Books Books

2010-11-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

Made By Hand, by Julie Le Clerc

Made by Hand by Julie Le Clerc, I love her books. I have all the others and I'm so sorry to say that this one I'm keeping. Her food is best described as cafe food. Simple, tasty, one dish meals that are easy to prepare. As with all cafe food, its food we love with a twist.

The book is broken into chapters of Kitchen garden, Superfoods, Grains, Light&Fragrant and many more. More interesting than traditonal, seasons, or by meals. The book is on matt paper with interesting pages on recycling, gardening tips, being organic and eco cleaning.

I can't wait to try the Vegetable Terrine, Upside down Tomato Tart and the Summer Herb & Brown rice sal

ad.

I was surprise to see this book has not only been written by Julie but she has also done all the photography, and although it doesn't say but I think she may have styled the book as well. Beautiful job very inspiring for me as a photographer and as a cook.

The cover is unusual as well. It has a half cover with the back of the book wrapping around so you can use as a bookmark. Love it!

Cook Like an Italian, By Tobie Puttock

A lovely book, with very much an Italian feel just by the photos. The cover has a nice textural feel to it, which adds the richness of the Italian history that emanates from its pages.

Its broken into chapters of regions which is different, and having travelled through Italy I think this is the perfect way to portray this wonderful cuisine.

I have a number of Italian cookbooks,

and the thing that stands out about this one is the richness. Richness of textures, richness of flavours and richness with colour.

I have this book to give away to a loyal follower. If you're not already registered as a follower please get in now. I'll be drawing this one Friday 26th November, so get on the followers list!

winner

2010-11-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

Congratulations James!

I've got copy of The Entire Beast for you.

Hope you enjoy it and cook lots of yummy meals

Book- The Entire Beast by Chris Badenoch

2010-11-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well its has finally arrived. I was really looking foward to this book coming. It is well thought out and I love that the recipes include all parts of the animal. There is so much unnecessary waste and especially with meat prices increasing, this book will give you more options. Now having said that I'm still not keen to try anything in the Sheeps Offal chapter. But alot of the recipes are slow cooked meals, beef cheeks braised in beer and tomato or Asian pork belly. I have tried a number of times now to cook lambs neck but get stuck when having to cut into the neck, but Chris has a recipe that will be very easy to follow without worrying if you're about to cut your finger off. I found the recipes to be easy to follow but adventurous enough not to insult the home cook.

There is also a lovely desert chapter, chocolate cigars with passionfruit curd, vanilla ice-cream and raspberries or ginger beerman, brown butter and cinnamon ice-cream sandwiches. Overall a very masculine book, that has been beautifully photographed. I highly recommend this book.

$39.95 Penguin Australia.

I have this book to give away! One of my followers will get pulled out of a hat next friday the 12th November 2010, so if you're not a member join now.

corn fritters and salsa

2010-10-31T19:27:00.001-07:00

Corn Fritters with Salsa

•2-3 fresh corn cobs( just cut corn straight off

• 1/2 cup plain flour

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh chives

Avocado salsa

• 1 avocado, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 red capsicum, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves (I always add more I love coriander)

• 1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce

Method

• Combine corn, flour, eggs, chives in a bowl.

• Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Using 1 tablespoon mixture

per fritter, cook 8 fritters until golden and cooked through.

• Make Avocado salsa: Combine avocado and lemon juice.

Place capsicum, coriander and sweet chilli sauce in a bowl. Stir to

combine. Plate up and eat. You can eat this warm or cold.

Tomato Relish

2010-10-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Tomato Relish

2.3 kg Tomatoes

30g fresh ginger

30g garlic

chilli's ( to your own taste)

450 g sugar

60g salt

1 cup vinegar

2 tbls plan flour

Boil the tomatoes until the skin starts to peel off. Then let cool and take the skins off. Place in another saucpan with chopped up garlic, ginger, chilli and vinegar. With a little extra vinegar mix the plain flour to a paste and add. Boil until thick. It will remain a lovely red colour. I didn't let mine thicken too much as I like mine a little runny. Sterilize bottles and lids and store in a cool place.

A touch of spice to a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich- lightly toasted. Yummy.

BiStrode

2010-09-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

BiStrode

478 bourke st

Surry Hills

9380 7333

Lunch friday only

Dinner Tuesday-

Saturday

Starters from $16.50

Mains from $$29.00

Desserts from $4.00

An old favourite but worth another visit as there have been some big changes in the kitchen here. Jeremy has opened another Bistrode in CBD in the city. Jane has taken over the kitchen and is bringing with her those influences in which she trained. You'll see a boldness in fl
avours from the previous menu, with Grilled calamari in green marsala, Pino's chorizo sausage with chickpea and paprika WOW. Those asian and mediterranean flavours are very apparent. Jane also specializes in desserts so there is a much bigger selection. Check out the strawberry and mascarpone mess, make sure you leave room! You'll see a slight change in the dinning room. With all the portraits of famous chefs now with Jeremy. Jane has continued the theme from the menu and business cards onto the wall with line drawings, filling the whole wall. Its just a lovely dinning experience when visiting BiStrode. Why wait for a special occasion, treat yourself. Make a booking.

Winner

2010-09-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

The winners of these books which I am giving away together is Rhonda.

Congratulations! Remember become a follow and you go into the draw everytime a new book gets reviewed.

Books

2010-09-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Country Women's Association Preserves, $24.95

The art of Preserving is slowly dying. Being a part of the fruit and veg co-op, I often have an excess of one or two items and hate wasting them. I've learnt to dry fruit, bottle sauces, make icecr

eam and sorbets, invent fruit smoothy/whips, but am yet to learn preserving.

The Country Womens Association is keeping this tradition alive. I love their books as the history and story behind the recipes are often a book onto themselves. Its also a lovely reminder of time when women would get together and share recipes, that sense of community and helping one another that is now slipping away. It would be lovely if the younger generations could keep this wonderful association alive. Its through these books that recipes such as Spiced beetoot pickle, cucumber relish, bush lemon jelly will never be forgotten. The photography is lovely , simple, rustic and really presents each recipe at its best.

Low Gi High Flavour, $35.00

A beautifully photographed book that is light and easy to look at, giving you a sense that you're loosing weight just by reading it. At a time in Australia when almost 50% of our population is overweight we can not afford to not have a book like this one our shelves. Its back to basic's, eat well. We are so used to to bulking up our meals that often we need a reminder and and some inspiration on how best to eat and to make it enjoyable. Recipes like Eggplant, spinach and ricotta lasagne, Lamb shank,mushroom and puy lentil soup. Yum!With 130 recipes everyone will find a favourite here. This is a book full of one dish dinners, which I love. There's really no need for sides, and who has the time mid week to cook all that extra food anyway.

2010-08-20T01:22:00.000-07:00

My deepest apologies for not being able to write anything for the last month.

I've ben busy working and renovating at home, not leaving any time to update.

I've got two books to give away, which I can't post the review until the 30th August, so get anyone you know to sign up as a follower, you just might win.

I've got three new restaurants to review and I'll be posting one a week over the next three weeks. Very different cuisines, great pub food, polish and an update for an existing restaurant who have made wonderful changes.

Thank you for following and look forward to posting more in the future

Nat

2010-07-26T16:16:00.001-07:00

We have a winner!

Michelle you're the winner of The Soup Book, if you'd like to get in contact with me and let me know the best way of getting the book to you, Congratulations!

Everyone stay posted as I have more books on their way.....

Nat

The Soup Book

2010-07-20T21:22:00.001-07:00

Check Out the books page and see the review of this book.

I have a copy to give away to a follower.

If you'd like a copy please join and I'll draw a name out of the hat monday 26th July 2010.

Good Luck!

Nat

New recipes and review

2010-06-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

Have look at the new recipes posted, wonderful winter treats, and for those in the fruit and veg co-op there are ways to use up your potatoes and bananas! but not together...

Also check out the review for Pub Cha!

Nat

Kakawa Chocolate

2010-05-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

Have a look on the product page for this new post,

Chocolatier Jinsun Kim and partner David Ralph opened Kakawa 7 months ago in Darlinghurst. This amazing little shop is filled with handmade delights.

2010-05-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Two minutes with Jeremy and Jane Strode

What was the first dish you ever cooked and how old were you?French Toast and Ketchup - Apricot Slice

Favourite restaurant?St John - The Fat Duck

Who inspires you in the kitchen? we inspire each other

Favourite ingredient? salt - honey / fennel / avocado / vinegar

Best piece of advice you were given when training as a chef? to travel - to do your biggest job first or prioritise

Who would you most like to cook for? Alain Ducasse - my children and for them to eat everything without winging.

2010-05-10T01:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations

Winners of the book give away

Stephen- Macarons

Gusset- The Thrifty Cook

I'll get those books out to as soon as I can

Keep posted as I'll be putting up some new recipes later this week and have a special review of BiStrode Restaurant

Thank you for joining my following list, please tell your friends as I hopefully will be getting more books to give away.

2010-05-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS

I have two books to give away to a lucky follower. These books are from Penguin, please have a look at the review.

I'll draw the winner next monday! GOOD LUCK

2010-04-21T22:37:00.001-07:00

Lest We Forget

2010-04-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a lovely Easter and now we have another long weekend coming up with Anzac Day!
Check out the new recipes that I'll be posting this week, and also a couple of restaurant reviews.
I have two books coming in from Penguin, in which all subscribers will be in the draw to win. So sign up and you could get a book!

2010-03-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

Chez Pascal

2010-03-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed a lovely dinner at Chez Pascal the other weekend.
Highly recommend to everyone to visit the wonderful restaurant by the end of the year. See full review on the Restaurant Review page.
For those Fruit and vegers out there, just a reminder that the next pick up on the 3rd of April-Easter weekend, the pick up will be from Chris and Michelle place. Address to be advised next week, stay posted. We are still looking for three more people should you know of anyone.

2010-03-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Have just updated a new recipe. This one is low in fat and high in protein. It doesn't look like the prettiest dish but is very tasty. A good way to use up carrots and zucchini. With the nights getting cooler this is a comfort dish that can easily be whipped up. A good one to freeze if you make too much, and presents well in ramekin. It's a dish that bought me back to my childhood, so I really liked it!
Have some great winter ones coming up, stay posted!

Fruit & Veg Co-Op

2010-02-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone.
We still have places for 5 more groups in our fruit and veg group.
If you know of anyone who is interested please get them to contact me via this blog and we'll get them started.
The pick up address is in Wolli Creek 10 km south of Sydney, behind Marrickville, and you must pick up between 8.30-9.30am every second saturday.
Look forward to seeing you this saturday, N

2010-02-23T01:31:00.001-08:00