Author: Andy

BLUEBERRY OATMEAL BREAD

BLUEBERRY OATMEAL BREAD

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Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 2 cups flour plus 1 tablespoon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup oats

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 190c. Line a 22 x 12cm loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly butter and dust with flour.
  2. In a small bowl, toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon flour to keep blueberries from sinking. In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, eggs, melted butter and vanilla together and then fold into the dry ingredients. Add the blueberries and oats and gently combine.
  3. Scrape the mixture to loaf pan. It will be thick and a little sticky. Bake for 50-55 minutes and golden brown and when a toothpick inserted into the bread comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 5 minutes then cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

STRAWBERRY NUTELLA CHEESECAKE

STRAWBERRY NUTELLA CHEESECAKE

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Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate biscuit crumbs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 910 g cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 400 g jar Nutella
  • 6 in sheets gelatine softenedwater
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup chopped strawberries
  • whole strawberries for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 180.c. Line a 9-inch spring form pan with greaseproof paper.
  2. Place chocolate cookies into a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse again until mixture comes together. Transfer the crumbs into prepared spring form pan. Using the back of a large spoon, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even and firm crust. Bake crust in preheated oven for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Place the softened cream cheese into stand mixer bowl and beat on high speed for 10 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the sour cream, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Transfer the Nutella into a bowl and microwave for a few minutes to melt it until smooth. Pour Nutella into mixer bowl. Whisk mixture on high speed for 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Prepare the gelatine. Turn mixer to high speed and while mixing, pour in the gelatine. Continue mixing for a few minutes until well combined.
  5. Add a few cups of the cheesecake filling on top of the cool chocolate crust. Cut large strawberries in half and place them around the edge of the pan, open face facing out. Add the chopped strawberries into the centre. Pour in the remaining filling and use a flat spatula to even off the top of the cake.
  6. Place cake into refrigerator to set overnight, usually takes about 5 to 6 hours to set completely. To remove the cake from the pan, run a flat spatula along the edge of the pan, then release spring form. Transfer onto cake platter and garnish top with more strawberries if desired.
  7. Keep cake refrigerated. Remove about 30 minutes prior to serving to allow the cake to soft slightly.

SMOKEY BLACK BEAN BEETROOT BURGERS

SMOKEY BLACK BEAN BEETROOT BURGERS

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Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish, Platter
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 large red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
  • pinch each salt & pepper
  • 1 400 g can black beans well rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup finely grated raw beetroot
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts crushed or ground into a loose meal

Method
 

  1. Heat a large fry pan over medium-low heat and add some nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil. Once hot add the onion and sauté, seasoning with a pinch each salt and pepper.
  2. When the onions are soft – about 5 minutes – turn up the heat to medium and add the mushrooms. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper and cook until the mushrooms and onions are slightly browned and fragrant – about 3 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add black beans and mash roughly.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and add the quinoa, beets, spices and stir. For even more flavour, add a shake of worcestershire
  5. Lastly, add the walnut meal a little at a time until the mixture is able enough to form into patties. Set in the fridge to chill,
  6. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray or olive oil. Form mixture into roughly 8 patties.
  7. Heat a non stick pan over medium heat lightly coated with olive oil. Cook until brown on both sides around 3 - 4 minutes each.
  8. Serve on small buns or atop mixed greens with desired toppings.

SWEET POTATO TOAST WITH HERBY BEANS

SWEET POTATO TOAST WITH HERBY BEANS

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Servings: 2
Course: Entree, Main Dish
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the topping:
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic crushed or finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tsp capers finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of your choice optional)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 zucchini courgette
  • 1 can of cannellini beans drained
For the toast:
  • 1 large sweet potato orange kumara

Method
 

For the topping:
  1. Mix everything except for the cannellini beans and zucchini ribbons together in a mixing bowl. The sweetener is optional - taste your dressing and see if it needs it. My lemons were new season, only just ripe and very tart, so some sweetener was essential to balance out the flavours.
  2. Stir the cannellini beans through the dressing.
  3. Use a vegetable peeler to make ribbons with your zucchini, then add the ribbons to the bowl too. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the ribbons separate from each other and are all coated in dressing. Set aside to soften and soak up the flavours while you make your toast.
For the toast:
  1. Slice your sweet potato lengthways, into pieces about 1cm (just under half an inch) thick. Trim the ends if necessary to allow the slices to fit inside your toaster for cooking.
  2. Put the sweet potato slices in your toaster and let it do its thing, repeating the toasting cycle as many times as needed to reach a level of doneness you're happy with. Mine took four goes.
  3. Once your toast is cooked, serve immediately with a big pile of herby beans and zucchini ribbons on top.

Curried Cauliflower and Apple Soup

Curried Cauliflower and Apple Soup

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Servings: 6
Course: Entree, Main Dish, Platter
Cuisine: Indian, Modern Australian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium brown onion roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves smashed and peeled
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 large cauliflower cut into small florets
  • 1 large pink lady apple peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1.5 litres low salt chicken stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons honey plus more to taste
  • 1/3 cup thickened cream
For Curried Apples Garnish
  • 1 pink lady apple
  • 1/4 teaspoon curry powder

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the curry powder and cinnamon and cook a few minutes more.
  2. Add the cauliflower, apple, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and then turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
  3. Purée the soup with an immersion blender until completely smooth. (Alternatively, use a standard blender to purée the soup in batches.
  4. Stir in the honey and heavy cream. Bring the soup to a simmer, and then taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and more honey. (For a sweeter soup, you'll need 2-3 tablespoons more honey). Keep the soup warm while you prepare the garnish.
  5. For the Curried Apples garnish, toss the diced apples with the curry powder. Ladle the soup into shallow bowls and top with a spoonful of curried apples.
Author Posted on Categories Soup

TOMATO, AVOCADO AND MOZZARELLA SALAD ON GRILLED GARLIC TOAST

TOMATO, AVOCADO AND MOZZARELLA SALAD ON GRILLED GARLIC TOAST

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Servings: 4
Course: Entree, Main Dish, Platter
Cuisine: Italian, Modern Australian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 in large baguette slicedhalf
  • 6 tablespoons roasted garlic oil
  • 3 to 4 heirloom tomatoes thinly sliced
  • 2 avocado thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 balls fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese
  • leaves fresh basil and oreganofor topping
quick herb drizzle
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
  • pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1/3 cup olive oil

Method
 

  1. Heat the grill on the highest setting. Once hot, place the bread cut-side down on the grates until golden brown and toasty. Remove from the grill and place on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the toast with the roasted garlic oil, about 3 tablespoons for each side. Layer on the sliced tomatoes and avocado. Liberally season the tomatoes and avocado at this point.
  2. Add on the sliced red onion – as much or little as you’d like. Drizzle about half the herb dressing on now, then cover the top with pulled mozzarella. Drizzle the rest of the herb dressing on. Cover with the fresh basil and oregano leaves. A sprinkle more of salt and pepper if you’d like – and serve!
quick herb drizzle
  1. Add the herbs, vinegar, salt and pepper to a food processor or blender. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped. Stream in the olive oil until the mixture comes together.

Pumpkin Cannelloni with Sage Brown-Butter Sauce

Pumpkin Cannelloni with Sage Brown-Butter Sauce

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Servings: 4
Course: Entree, Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 700 g pumpkin
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large Garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup ricotta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh sage
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. Freshly ground pepper
  • 1 packet oven-ready lasagna sheets
  • 6 tbsp. unsalted butter

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
  2. Place pumpkin, along with 3/4 cup water, in a large pan over medium heat. Cover and steam until tender, 20 minutes. Remove to a medium bowl and mash until smooth.
  3. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet and sauté garlic until golden. Transfer garlic to a mortar and pestle, then crush to a paste. Stir cheeses, chopped sage, salt, pepper, and garlic paste into mashed pumpkin. Set aside.
  4. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook lasagna sheets until tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and drizzle with olive oil to prevent pasta from sticking together. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  5. Liberally brush a medium baking dish with oil. Place a lasagna sheet on a clean work surface. Add 4 tablespoons pumpkin mixture to centre of lasagna, roll into a cannelloni tube, then transfer to prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining sheets.
  6. Pour reserved pasta water over lasagna and cover tightly with foil. Bake until heated through and pasta is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Cook butter and sage leaves in small skillet over medium-high heat until golden-brown. Drizzle over pumpkin cannelloni and serve immediately.

Best Ever Mushroom Soup

Best Ever Mushroom Sauce

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Servings: 6
Course: Entree, Main Dish
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 kg mushrooms sliced
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 brown onion diced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup thickened cream
  • 1 pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves for garnish or to taste
  • 1 pieces baguette halved lengthways and cut into 5cm
  • 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
Herb butter
  • 60 g softened butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tbsp thyme
  • 1/2 clove garlicfinely chopped

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat; cook mushrooms in butter with 1 pinch salt until the mushrooms give off their juices; reduce heat to low. Continue to cook, stirring often, until juices evaporate and the mushrooms are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Set aside a few attractive mushroom slices for garnish later, if desired.
  2. Mix onion into mushrooms and cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 more minutes.
  3. Stir flour into mushroom mixture and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Tie thyme sprigs into a small bundle with kitchen twine and add to mushroom mixture; add garlic cloves. Pour chicken stock and water into mushroom mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 hour. Remove thyme bundle.
  4. Transfer soup to a blender in small batches and puree on high speed until smooth and thick.
  5. Return soup to pot and stir in cream. Season with salt and black pepper and keep warm.
  6. For herb butter, combine ingredients in a small bowl, season to taste and set aside.
  7. Preheat a grill to high. Place baguette cut-side up on a baking tray and grill until golden (1-2 minutes each side), then spread with herb butter.
  8. Serve soup in bowls, garnished with reserved mushroom slices, a few thyme leaves and the baguette slice.

Rosemary-infused strawberry empanadas

Rosemary-infused strawberry empanadas

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Servings: 12
Course: Dessert, Platter
Cuisine: Sth American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For filling
  • 1 450 g strawberries
  • 4 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp chocolate chips approx or a little more, optional
For empanada dough
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour 135g
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 140g plain flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 55 g unsalted butter 55g cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4-5 tbsp water cold
  • 1 egg lightly beaten for egg wash

Method
 

  1. Hull and roughly chop the strawberries. Put in a pan with the honey and rosemary, mix and bring to a low boil. Boil gently for around 30 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool to around room temperature.
  2. While the filling is cooking, make the dough. Put the flours and the salt in a food processor and pulse to mix. Add the egg, butter and oil and pulse until like small breadcrumbs.
  3. Add the water a tablespoon at a time until the mixture is coming together in larger lumps. Remove from food processor, press together and cover and refrigerate for around 30min (less is fine).
  4. Meanwhile preheat oven to 200C.
  5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until about as thin as you are comfortable with (around 2-3mm) and cut out circles - about 10cm diameter.
  6. Put a spoonful of the strawberry filling in the middle of each circle of dough leaving around 2cm around the outside. Press in two or three chocolate chips in each if using. Brush the outside of the circle with egg wash.
  7. Carefully pull together the sides of the pastry and stick the edges together - this is easiest by bringing together at the middle then working to one side before then working back along the whole edge. If you like, crimp the edge as you go by gently pulling the underneath side over the edge and tucking in. Alternatively press the edges together with the tip of a fork.
  8. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment and transfer the empanadas to the tray. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash then bake for approx 15min until the empanadas are starting to brown.

Mini Apple Rose Pies

Mini Apple Rose Pies

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Servings: 16 mini pies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 sheets frozen short crust pastry
  • 6 pink lady apples thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice about half a lemon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • 5 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam

Method
 

  1. Chill mini muffin tin in the fridge. Thaw pastry sheets as instructed. Once ready, place on a lightly floured surface; using a 8cm cookie cutter, punch out rounds. Remove muffin tin from fridge. Gently press rounds into each well. Transfer pie crust-lined muffin tin back to fridge to prepare filling.
  2. Core apples. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, cut apples into half-moon shapes about 2mm thin. Gently toss apples in lemon juice. Place brown sugar, butter, and jam into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir and cook until ingredients are melted and combined. Remove from heat. Pour mixture over apples slices. Toss to combine. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes to allow apples to become pliable. If apples are still not pliable, quickly microwave in 15-second bursts until apples are pliable. Strain apples slices and discard liquid.
  3. To form roses, arrange about 8 apple slices in a straight row, with each slice overlapping one another to create a 12-inch line. Starting with one end, gently roll apples. Transfer rolled apples into pie crust. Repeat rolling apples, until all pie crusts are filled. Heat oven to 180c. Transfer to oven and bake until the crust is golden and apples have cooked, about 30 minutes. If apples start to brown faster than pie crust, lightly place foil on top.
Author Posted on Categories Cakes