7 February, 2012

Nonya cuisine

I’ll never forget my visit to Penang, a busy island on the west coast of Malaysia. I’d been invited by the Sydney-based food writer Carol Selva Rajah to join a group of foodies on a tour and although I knew something about Malaysian food, I’d not then discovered the spicy, aromatic Nonya cuisine. Carol is … Continue reading →
31 January, 2012

Kung hei fat choy

When I was a kid, Sunday nights were special. That was the night my parents would take my sister and I to the Lean Sun Lowrestaurant in Dixon Street in Sydney’s Chinatown. They’d arrange to meet friends there and we kids would sit at a separate table, well away from the grown-ups, and have a … Continue reading →
17 January, 2012

Kids Cooking Classes

Hurry, hurry – book in now to my Mini Chef Kids Cooking Classes  Junior Mduring the school holidays. My aim is to teach children to prepare a wholesome, nutritious meal which they love to eat and can reproduce easily at home. This is not celebrity chef restaurant-style food. Hygiene, nutrition – and loads of laughs … Continue reading →
10 January, 2012

“Mini Chef” Kids Cooking Classes

Hurry, hurry – book in now to my Mini Chef Kids Cooking Classes during the school holidays. My aim is to teach children to prepare a wholesome, nutritious meal which they love to eat and can reproduce easily at home. This is not celebrity chef restaurant-style food. Hygiene, nutrition – and loads of laughs – … Continue reading →
3 January, 2012

Anyone for leftovers?

Happy new year.  And hello summer!  Here in Sydney, where I live, the sun is finally showing its face and the skies are blue. I’ve had a blissful few days at the beach and when I returned home yesterday, I could no longer put off the dreaded job of tackling my fridge. Ugh. It was … Continue reading →
20 December, 2011

On the days before Christmas…

A successful Christmas meal is dependent on careful timing, and its preparation is an important part of the Christmas day ritual. The reason why my family leave our feast until later in the day is so we have time to set the table, prepare and cook the turkey, vegetables and make the the creme anglaise. … Continue reading →
13 December, 2011

Are you ready for Christmas?

I’ve hung the wreath on the door, taken the tall gold angels out of the cupboard and placed them in the hallway. Today I’ll take down the boxes filled with Christmas decorations and brush off the dust.  Guaranteed, there’ll be lots of sneezing. So begins another Christmas.  My mother actually prepares for Christmas all year … Continue reading →
6 December, 2011

Berried Treasures

The day I fell off a donkey and into some blackberry bushes is one I shan’t forget, nor recommend. Just what  those blackberry bushes were doing right in the middle of a grassy paddock, I don’t know. When the settlers introduced the blackberry to Australia, little did they realise it would be declared a noxious … Continue reading →
29 November, 2011

Stoned on Fruit

Of all the stone fruits, the peach is the one I love most.  The others – nectarines, apricots, plums and cherries, come a close second, though, because I am a devoted fan of all stone fruits. I think they’re best eaten fresh. And, as I mention in The Cook’s Garden, they also make lovely gifts, … Continue reading →