Author: the expat traveller
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Chicken with Pepper (Poulet au Poivre)
Taking a classic French bistro favorite and transforming it into a hearty, roasted centerpiece, this Chicken Au Poivre swaps the traditional pan-seared steak for a juicy, spatchcocked whole roast chicken. Crisp, golden skin meets a rich, velvety cream sauce spiked with crushed peppercorns, fresh rosemary, aromatic garlic, and a splash of dry sherry. By roasting…
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Leeks in White Wine and Cream
This recipe transforms the humble leek from a supporting side dish into the undisputed star of the table. By standing the leeks upright, they bathe in a luxurious, savoury cream reduction while the tips catch just enough heat to become tender and flavourful. The secret here is the umami punch from the anchovies, which melt…
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Baked Mushrooms
These baked mushrooms are an incredibly simple yet elegant side dish, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any meal. Button mushrooms are gently baked with a splash of white wine, a drizzle of olive oil, fragrant minced garlic, and aromatic fresh thyme. The result is a tender, savory, and wonderfully fragrant dish that’s…
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Sour Cream vs Crème Fraîche
Sour cream and crème fraîche are both cultured dairy products that offer a tangy kick and creamy texture, but they have some key differences that make them suitable for different culinary applications. Fat Content and Texture Sour cream: Typically has a fat content of around 20%, resulting in a thinner consistency. Crème fraîche: Boasts a…
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Oven Temperature Conversion Chart
Very Slow Slow Moderate Moderate Hot Hot Very Hot F 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 425 450 475 C 110 120 140 150 165 180 190 200 220 230 245 C Fan 90 100 120 130 150 160 170 180 200 210 220
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Garlic Ginger Paste
A homemade garlic and ginger paste suitable for south Asian recipes. Ingredients 100g garlic, peeled 30g ginger, peeled 50ml water Directions Roughly chop the garlic and ginger. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend a fine paste. Tip: peel the ginger with a teaspoon. Just drag the spoon across the ginger and the peel…
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Basic Tomato Sauce
For pasta, soups, stews, pizza or anywhere you need a flavoursome tomato sauce. Ingredients olive oil butter (optional) garlic tinned tomatoes (good quality), chopped pinch of salt Directions In a saucepan, sauté the garlic and salt in the olive oil and butter until fragrant. Add the tin of chopped tomatoes. Use a potato masher to…
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Saudi Cocktail
When I lived in Saudi Arabia, every restaurant served this refreshing, cooling drink. Alcohol is banned in Saudi so the Saudi Cocktail aka Saudi Champagne was a nice alternative. Ingredients apple juice, chilled sparkling water, chilled 1 red apple 1 orange 1 lemon mint sprigs ice Directions core and slice the apple into discs, keeping…
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Ambrosia Salad
OK, so I haven’t eaten this “salad” in about 20 years but I’m including it here so old recipes like this don’t disappear and be lost forever. Maybe I’ll have to try it again. Ingredients 2 cups miniature marshmallow pieces (the coloured ones look best) 3 sliced bananas 1 tin drained mandarin segments 2 cups…
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Sourdough Starter
Use this simple recipe to create your own sourdough starter. I use bread flour but you can use any type. Rye and spelt flour usually ferment quicker than white bread flour. Experiment to see what works best for you. The easiest way to get a sourdough starter is to ask a sourdough bread baker for…
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Alaskan Sourdough Pancakes
I first had these beautiful light and fluffy pancakes onboard a boat in Valdez, Alaska, in 1996. I wrote down the ingredients but never quite got the method right. After many, many years of failure and experimenting I settled on the following method and I have to say, they are close to perfect. This recipe…
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Bread and Butter Pudding
This easy Bread and Butter Pudding has always been a family favourite. Great comfort food on a cold winter night. Ingredients 8 slices day old white bread, crusts removed butter 1/2 cup sultanas 4 eggs 1/4 cup caster sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla essence 300ml milk 300ml pouring cream apricot jam Directions Soak the sultanas in…
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Max’s Super Smoothie
Ingredients 250g nut or dairy milk 1 handful of berries 1 banana 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream 30g quick cook oats Directions Blend everything and enjoy!
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ANZAC Biscuits
These iconic biscuits are even better if you can get your hands on freshly grated coconut. Ingredients 90g whole rolled oats (NOT instant oats) 150g plain flour 100g brown sugar 55g caster sugar 85g desiccated coconut 125g unsalted butter 2 Tbsp golden syrup 2 Tbsp water 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda Directions Preheat oven to…
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Vanilla Chia Pudding
Enjoy this vanilla and maple syrup flavoured chia pudding for breakfast with your choice of toppings. Ingredients 170 g vanilla almond milk 15 g maple syrup 30 g chia seeds Directions In a medium sized jar with a lid, combine the vanilla almond milk, maple syrup then the chia seeds. Tighten the lid and shake…
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Chocolate Ripple Cake
When researching this recipe, I discovered it’s an Australian classic! It’s simply chocolate biscuits arranged in a log shape with whipped cream between each biscuit then smothered again with cream. You need to prepare this cake ahead of time to allow the cream to soften the biscuits. Chocolate Ripple Cake was a Christmas treat in…
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Garden Party Scones
Buckingham Palace chefs have shared the Queen’s recipe for fruit scones, which are traditionally served at Buckingham Palace every summer during the garden party season. Ingredients 500g plain flour 28g baking powder 94g butter 86g sugar 2 whole eggs 140ml buttermilk 100g sultanas (cover in hot water and leave to soak for 30 minutes) Directions…
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Pineapple Soufflé
My mother had a collection of strange recipes that she would prepare and we were forced (yes, forced) to eat as kids. She lived in an era when dishes like K.C. Ming, tongue in aspic and Ambrosia salad were popular. Her Pineapple Soufflé was probably the best of this lot and I’ve included it here in memory of…
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Australian Style Iced Coffee
Australian iced coffee is like a super sized cold affogato with extra milk. Homemade or Italian café style iced coffee is the best and very refreshing on a hot summer day. Ingredients a single or double shot of espresso coffee, chilled full cream milk vanilla ice cream a few ice cubes demerara sugar Directions In…
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Clafoutis
This easy to prepare French baked dessert is custardy in the middle and cake-like around the edges. Clafoutis is best made with tart fruits for a contrast in flavour. Ingredients 3 eggs 1 cup full cream milk 1/2 cup caster sugar 1 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup plain flour (all purpose)…
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Baked Pears with Orange and Maple Syrup
An easy to prepare dessert of hot baked pears with a tangy, sweet citrusy sauce. Ingredients pears a few good splashes of maple syrup juice of 1-2 oranges 1 cinnamon stick Directions Peel and halve the pears and remove the stem, core and seeds. Place in a baking dish with some maple syrup, orange juice…
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Aunty Ivy’s Sponge
This recipe for a featherlight sponge was first published in the Australian Women’s Weekly magazine but in my family it’s known as Aunty Ivy’s Sponge and has been passed down through the generations. Ingredients 4 eggs 165g caster sugar 150g cornflour (wheaten) 30g custard powder 1 tsp cream of tartar 1/2 tsp bi-carbonate of soda…
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Tikka Paste
I bought this tikka paste at my local farmers’ market and was impressed by its freshness and punchy flavours. It soon became my favourite. Thank you Cath for this recipe. Find other great recipes from Cath on her Ocean Pilgrim blog. Ingredients 40g coriander seeds 40g cumin seeds 10g red chilli, dried 50g coriander, fresh 100g garlic…
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Seb’s Salsa
This easy-to-make salsa is the perfect companion to chips, tacos, or any dish that needs a zesty kick. Ingredients 2 ripe tomatoes 1 jalapeno 1/2 onion 4 cloves garlic lime juice cumin and salt to taste flat leaf parsley or coriander (optional) Directions Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Use…
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Cheese Sauce
The ultimate comfort food: homemade cheese sauce. For macaroni or cauliflower cheese. Ingredients 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp plain flour 1 cup milk 2 tbsp cream 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated Directions Melt the butter in a heavy based saucepan. Whisk in the flour until all the lumps are gone and cook about 1-2…
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Creamy Salad Dressing
This creamy, tangy salad dressing is great for chicken salad or coleslaw. Ingredients 1/4 cup good quality mayonnaise 1/4 cup Greek yoghurt 1-2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp brown sugar salt and pepper to taste Directions Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Adjust the lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.…
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Soy Dipping Sauce
An easy to make all-purpose soy dipping sauce for gyoza, dumplings, spring rolls, lettuce wraps and cooked meats such as chicken wings. Ingredients 2 tbsp light soy sauce 1 tbsp vinegar (any) 1 tbsp honey 1/2 tbsp sesame oil Directions Mix well.
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Pesto alla Genovese
Once you make basil pesto at home you will never buy it from the store again. The aroma of the basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic and parmesan is heavenly. Ingredients 1 clove garlic salt 1 bunch fresh tender basil leaves 40g very finely grated parmesan cheese 40g toasted pine nuts 1/3 cup extra virgin…
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Yoghurt and Tahini Tarator
Is this a dressing, a dip or a sauce? It’s all of these, it’s so versatile. Ingredients 1 clove garlic salt thick Greek yoghurt tahini paste lemon juice grated cucumber (optional) Directions In a mortar, crush the garlic with a pinch of salt. Add a few heaped tablespoons of Greek yoghurt, 2 teaspoons of tahini…
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Vinaigrette
Before reaching for the store bought bottle of salad dressing, try making your own. Your taste buds will thank you for it. Instructions The ideal ratio for a good vinaigrette is 1 part vinegar or other acidic juice plus 3 parts flavoursome oil plus aromatics and seasonings. Experiment with different oils, vinegars and juices to…
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Blue Cheese Sauce
Any type of blue cheese is suitable for this steak sauce. Experiment with different types to find your favourite. Ingredients 150g blue cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional) Directions Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and mash the blue cheese into the cream. Warm until melted. Season with…
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Black Olive Tapendae
Black olives, capers and anchovies are the base for this richly flavoured paste. Serve with crusty bread or toasts as an appetizer. Perfectly paired with a crisp sauvignon blanc. Ingredients 200g whole kalamata or niçoise olives 3 Tbsp capers 2 anchovy fillets 1 clove garlic freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste 1 tsp fresh thyme…
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Hummus
Great with wraps, crudités, rice cakes, flat bread and, my favourite, arugula with sumac. Recipe from Marc’s Mum, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Bless her whoever she is. Ingredients 1 jar of chickpeas/garbanzo beans 1 small clove garlic juice of a medium sized lemon 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp Tahini 1 cube of ice 1 Tbsp olive…
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Yoghurt Marinade for Meat
Ingredients 2 tsp ground cardamom 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp ground turmeric ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves freshly grated nutmeg 2 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder ½ tsp cayenne pepper 50g fresh root ginger, grated 6 garlic cloves, crushed 500g full-fat yoghurt 1 lemon, juice only salt and…
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Fresh Pasta Dough
This recipe for homemade pasta dough makes enough for 4 people or about 250 grams. Ingredients 150g Tipo 00 flour 50g durum wheat semolina 2 eggs Directions Sift the flours into a bowl or straight onto the bench top. Add the eggs and mix with your hands until all the flour is hydrated. Knead the…
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Sourdough Bread
Just the basics here. Every time I switch it up and try something new it works out just fine. Research and experiment with different methods. Ingredients Small Loaf 300g very strong white bread flour 200g lukewarm water 100g ripe sourdough starter 6g kosher salt rice flour Medium Loaf 500g very strong white bread flour 350g lukewarm…
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Max’s Lemon & Prawn Pasta
This dish is the yummiest! No quantities, just work it out. Ingredients raw prawns seasoning eg peri peri olive oil butter (lots) 4 garlic cloves, crushed linguine chilli flakes juice of 1 lemon lemon zest lots of very finely grated parmesan cheese pepper 1/2 cup starchy pasta water fresh chopped flat leaf parsley Directions Season…
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Ragù alla Bolognese
A slow cooked meat and tomato sauce served with pasta. Best cooked using an earthenware or enamelled cast iron pot that retains heat. Ingredients 2 Tbsp olive oil 3 Tbsp butter 1/2 cup diced onion 1/2 cup diced celery 1/2 cup diced carrot 500g beef mince (fatty, neck portion of the chuck) 500g pork mince…
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Naked Pigs in Blankets
This twist to Pigs In Blankets has become our family favourite at Christmas. This recipe can be made totally gluten free, just make sure the sausages and bread do not contain gluten. Ingredients 1 packet gluten free pork sausages flavoured with caramelised onion 80g dried cranberries or chopped apricots 80g walnuts or cooked chestnuts, chopped…
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Lamb Casserole
A filling meal for cold winter evenings. Perfect with crusty sourdough and lashings of butter. Ingredients 750g boneless shoulder or leg of lamb, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 3cm pieces olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, chopped into rounds 3 sticks celery, chopped baby/new potatoes 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/4 cup…
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Marinated Prawns
Slightly spicy marinated prawns, perfect for picnics. Ingredients 400g cooked prawns 3 Tbsp good quality olive oil or other flavoursome oil* 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice or other acid* 1 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 medium sized red chilli, deseeded and chopped 2 Tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley salt and pepper to taste Directions…
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Bone Broth
Bone broth has many nutritional benefits and it also tastes really good. This recipe is for beef broth but you can use any type of bones. Ingredients beef bones 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar onion carrot celery bay leaves peppercorns fresh herbs e.g. parsley Directions Firstly, roast the bones in a hot oven until well…
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Roast Vegetable Bake
This dish is a vibrant and flavorful medley of roasted vegetables, sprinkled with toasted seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinegar. The vegetables are roasted to perfection, caramelized and tender, while the seeds add a delightful crunch and the feta provides a creamy, salty contrast. The balsamic vinegar ties everything together…
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Lemon Butternut Chicken
Lemon, butternut and chicken sound like an odd combination but this dish is very tasty indeed and super easy to prepare. Ingredients juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 clove garlic 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley or rocket 1 Tbsp olive oil 1kg chicken thigh, skinless and boneless 1 red onion, sliced butternut pumpkin, peeled…
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Beef Stroganoff
This recipe doesn’t use Brandy or flour. It’s heavy and rich, best served with steamed vegetables and rice. Use gluten free Worcestershire sauce to make this a gluten free dish. Ingredients beef, scotch fillet or sirloin, cut into long, thin strips button mushrooms, quartered onion, sliced butter olive oil 1 cup beef stock 2 bay…
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Clear Chicken Soup
Nourishing and delicious, this clear chicken soup is packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to boost your immune system and stay healthy. Ingredients 1 whole chicken carcass 1 inch ginger, sliced 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled pepper and salt Directions Wash the chicken well and place it in a pot and cover with cold water.…
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Beetroot Brownies
Decadent chocolate brownies with a surprising twist of beetroot for a rich, moist, fudgy texture. It might sound like an unusual combination, but the earthy sweetness of beetroot complements the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate beautifully. Ingredients 3 eggs 190g gluten-free plain flour 150g soft, light brown sugar 200g dark chocolate chips 60g cocoa powder…
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Parsnip and Stilton Soufflé
This light and airy soufflé combines the earthy sweetness of parsnips with the rich, tangy flavour of Stilton cheese. Ingredients 25g unsalted butter, plus extra 300ml milk 250g parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped 3 medium eggs 25g plain flour + extra for dusting 100g Stilton cheese 2 Tbsp Parmesan, grated Directions Preheat the oven to…
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Levantine Salad
A fresh accompaniment for fish, meat, curry, yiros or enjoy just on its own. Ingredients cherry tomatoes cucumber red onion capsicum fresh mint leaves sumac lemon juice olive oil cider vinegar Directions Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, capsicum and mint into small pieces and combine. Sprinkle generously with sumac. Whisk together some freshly squeezed lemon…
