It seems that for every great bruschetta out there, there’s 10 that are crap. This includes, of course, the version called ‘blue shitter’ that I spotted on a menu in Thailand. Along with most pizza and pasta I just don’t understand how we get it so wrong. Italians are purists who love simplicity and minimal […]

There are always vegetarian conundrums in my Christmas cooking regime. What to cook? How much effort? Never fear, you can bake this sumptuous option the day before and simply warm a few minutes before gorging. This tart was inspired by an unbelievable plate of broccoli and truffled ricotta I ate at Hartsyard in Enmore. It […]

Ah haloumi! Is there anything your malty, sweet taste can’t do? Sure, it can’t change your underpants, but it makes everything in the day a bit brighter and shinier. Haloumi loves anything sweet. Per the traditional Espanol way I usually serve each slice with a little roast capsicum and a squeeze of lemon, but here […]

My polenta will (at least temporarily) satisfy a yearning for Moroccan food-stuffed holidays long frustrated by poorness or a mortal fear of bed bugs. I whipped up this dish last night after “going shopping” in my over-stuffed fridge (one of the perks of writing a food blog). I’d been to lunch at Fratelli with a […]

Canned sardines made delicious, this omega 3-packed snack makes a fantastic dinner party starter. It aint no oil painting, but this fishy delight is always an unexpected hit at parties. Inspired by a late night supper proffered up by my very good (doubtless tipsy) friend Davey Mac, the modest canned sardine is transformed by onion, […]

Hummus needs no introduction. Ubiquitous party food and late-night kebab essential, it has been gracing the tables of our cultural mixing-pot nation for long time. The word ‘hummus’ simply means chickpeas in Arabic, and it has been a Middle Eastern staple since the twelfth century. I can understand why; the lemon does a remarkable job […]