Opito Bay Sazón Wedges

Optio Bay Salt Co’s sazón is a taste of Mexico and Central America. We love using it on wedges, so the flavour shines through. Serve with a dollop of sour cream. ⅓ cup plain flour 3 tbsp Opito Bay sazón 2 tsp Opito Bay Sea Salt 1kg of scrubbed Agria potatoes, cut into wedges. neutral […]

Frankies Mash and a Decent Steak

When I was a gawky teen with too many sports and art projects on the go, my mum Frankie would knock up this cure all dinner to sort out my stamina woes. Presumably a recipe handed down to her from Scots relatives, it’s a basic concoction of boiled parsnips, carrots and a few spuds all […]

Chocolate and Orange Bread and Butter Pudding

Bread and butter puddings have turned rather fancy of late. While rich brioche or croissants do make a delicious pud, there is something to be said for the simplicity of the pudding’s origins and using and inexpensive loaf of white bread, especially for a simple weeknight pudding that screams comfort food. 25g butter, softened 8–10 […]

Parsnip Tarte Tatin

I do love a classy tart for lunch on the weekends, and this pretty little pie of sorts is just the ticket for a dreary winter’s day. Caramelised rounds of soft carrot and parsnip are nestled in a crunchy bed of mustard, crème fraîche and flaky pastry all showered in thyme and creamy chevre. Serve […]

Harriet’s How to: Beef Bourguignon

My earliest memories of beef bourguignon weren’t fond, as it was full of mushrooms and onions, which my younger self couldn’t get on board with. You’ll be pleased to know my palate has matured and it’s now a dish I crave every winter. Beef bourguignon is a hearty beef stew that features red wine from […]

Confit Parsnip on Romesco

Until recently I’ve never really rated confit anything, the thought of all that oil back when I was fancy-free made me cringe. However, this old French way of preserving food has a magical effect on many things and in this instance turns seemingly dreary parsnips into melt in your mouth deliciousness. Served with punchy Romesco […]

Confit de Canard

I have just returned from a very overdue visit to Europe, taking in France of course, as well as Spain and Portugal. One of my all-time favourite things to eat in France, other than foie gras, is confit de canard, or twice cooked duck. Available here in cans from Vetro Hamilton, and very good too, […]

Lemon, Rhubarb and Coconut Cake

This cheesecake-like dessert was an instant hit for family Sunday night dinner, so there were no complaints when I had to test it a few more times! Warning, it is big, rich and sweet, which is probably why it was a hit. The tartness of the lemon and rhubarb add a little balance, so if […]

Baked Chocolate Chestnut Mousse

Recipe: Wayne Good | Photography: Ashlee DeCaires 150g dark chocolate 1⅓ cups chestnut puree (available from La Cave) ⅔ cup cream 4 large eggs, separated ⅓ cup caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract   Heat your oven to 170°C. In a double boiler, heat the chocolate, chestnut puree and cream over a medium heat, to melt the chocolate and soften the puree. Once the chocolate is […]

Small Batch Pickled Tamarillos with Oven-Roasted Pork Shoulder

Pickle tamarillos ahead of time, as they are best eaten after two weeks of being submerged in the pickling liquid. Makes 1 large jar 3 whole cloves ½ small cinnamon stick 2.5cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 500ml red wine vinegar 200g sugar a pinch of flaky salt pared rind of 1 small orange, […]