These Bloomin’ Brilliant Brownies, inspired by Jamie Oliver, are a decadent treat that perfectly balance rich, dark chocolate with the natural sweetness of figs and the crunch of mixed nuts. With a gooey centre and a slightly crisp exterior, these brownies are sure to impress. They’re easy to make and serve beautifully with a dollop of crème fraîche or yoghurt mixed with a touch of orange zest for a zesty twist. Perfect for a special occasion or simply indulging at home!
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This Seared Tuna with Salty Nut Crust and Fig Chutney recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavours, combining the fresh, meaty taste of tuna with the crunch of a salty nut crust and the sweetness of a homemade fig chutney. The dish is simple but elegant, perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort. The sweet and savoury contrast creates a sophisticated balance, while the quick searing of the tuna keeps it tender and juicy. This recipe is proof that sometimes the best dishes are the ones that celebrate simplicity.
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This recipe brings together the savory richness of pork and the delicate, tender texture of squid, wrapped in a golden puff pastry for a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The addition of a creamy leek sauce adds a subtle sweetness and a smooth, luxurious touch, making this dish feel both comforting and refined. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking to try something new and impressive, yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just craving something indulgent, these stuffed pastries with creamy leek sauce will leave a lasting impression.
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Veal Saltimbocca is a classic Italian dish that embodies the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine. The name “Saltimbocca” literally means “jumps in the mouth”, a fitting description for this flavourful dish. It typically features tender veal cutlets topped with fresh sage leaves and prosciutto, then lightly sautéed until golden. The veal is often finished with a simple, yet rich, pan sauce made with white wine and butter, which enhances the savoury flavours. This version is slightly different.
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I got the original recipe from Jess Pryles for this twice cooked drunken beef short ribs from here, but I altered it quite a bit for our taste. Although this recipe is quite straight forward it does take some time to prepare. This dish is perfect for those cold winter evenings when you crave “comfort food”.
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I recently got hold of some good quality springbok knuckles on my travels and decided to make this dish. The way the meat is prepared is based on Jamie Oliver’s Insanely Good Oxtail Stew Recipe and the pilaf is based on Nagi Maehashi’s Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit recipe. Jamie’s recipe I tweaked a bit and turned it into a one-pot dish while adding some ingredients like garlic and onions. Nagi’s recipe I pretty much kept standard, but I decided to work with ingredients at hand.
For those of you that are not familiar with springbok, it is a medium-sized antelope found in South Africa and also the national animal of this country.
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I stumbled across this Ottolenghi style oxtail casserole using ingredients like cinnamon, star anise and orange peel, as well as gremolata as a topping. Seeing that winter is upon us and I had some oxtail in the freezer, I decided to give it a go.
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This Octopus and Squid Casserole is a flavourful and hearty dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, it’s rich in spices and aromas, making it a delightful meal for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. The combination of octopus and squid, slow-cooked with a medley of vegetables and spices, creates a tender and aromatic casserole that pairs wonderfully with bulgur wheat or couscous. This recipe might take a bit of time, but the delicious result is well worth the effort.
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This “Fast & Furious” Duck recipe is a quick and simplified version inspired by the more complex “Angry Duck” dish, which requires sichuan peppercorns with Chinese black vinegar that might not be readily available. With fewer ingredients and less effort, you can still achieve a similar bold and spicy flavour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something a little more adventurous without the fuss.
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