Yesterday, at the Food and Words 2016 seminar in the atmospheric Mint complex in Macquarie Street Sydney, we were encouraged to eat more vegetables and less meat. The thread of the presentations throughout the day stitched together ideas about local food, global systems, ethical production, health and sustainability. All interesting and important stuff....
LET US EAT CAKE
It seems that when it comes to cake everyone has something to say. Of course, we all know what Marie Antoinette said. Apparently George Harrison observed “All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.” And I admire the tipster who suggested that to keep a cake moist just eat it in one sitting....
FITTING FINGER FOOD
The Gang got together recently for a small cocktail party to celebrate a ‘significant’ birthday by doing what we like to do best – catch up, hear some bad jokes, have some excellent drinks and eat some fabulous food. Of course the food had to fit the occasion and Caren decided she’d like to take the helm on that count....
DUCK ON A SPOON TO START
REVENGE LAVOSH
GOOD OLD BANANAS
RADICCHIO THE VIBRANT
Radicchio, like many of us, has to be helped along to retain its vibrancy. That lovely, trademark, red colour can only be achieved by inhibiting its exposure to light. Growers often put an inverted pot over their radicchio in the latter stages of growth to inhibit chlorophyll production and promote its lovely colour. If only it were so easy for the rest of us....
GOING MINI
ONION MARMALADE
This easy but delicious accompaniment can be made even easier if you can commandeer a friendly partner to peel the onions for you. I usually take unfair advantage and hand over kilos. My partner will happily peel away as long as he is positioned in front of a football game so it seems that in our house onion marmalade is a winter, weekend production....
FOOD, NO TRIFLING MATTER
I recently read an article on the School of Life website entitled ‘Food as Therapy' which asserts that what we eat and cook has benefits far beyond just nutrition. We all know this of course but food, it seems, is an interesting tool when analysing our emotional needs. It has psychological value......
FAMILY MATTERS
GLUTEN-FREE CREAM CHEESE PASTRY
This rich and tasty pastry is a perfect vehicle for any sort of topping and can be served with drinks or made in a larger size and served as an entrée or light meal. The cooked pastry can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container ready to be titivated just before your guests arrive ....