Road Tested Recipes

In my other life, I work as an archaeologist at Pella in northern Jordan. At any one time during the dig season there are about 30 people for the Jordanian cooks to feed and Mansaf is everyone’s favourite dinner. It is the Jordanian national dish and a special Bedouin...

Argentina is famous for football, good-looking polo players and the feisty tango but it is equally celebrated for its beef. Here is an excellent reason to dust off the BBQ and enjoy Summer and some great Aussie beef with an Argentine flavor. The tender, grilled meat...

This tasty variation on an Italian classic is very popular at my place because it is so simple to prepare and really scrumptious. It is fantastic when you have a lot of people to feed- just keep doubling the recipe and adding what-ever bits and pieces you like and it...

Ah yes, Autumn. The time when all cooks thoughts turn to red wine and slow cooking. At least mine do. This very modest little dish has the wonderful distinction of combining two of man’s favourite things: Beef and Beer. Plus, it is incredibly quick and easy to make...

There is no doubt that every family could benefit from the addition of a wine connoisseur. In our case, we are lucky to have our brother in law, Ian Cook who owns Five Way Cellars in Paddington, Sydney. Cookie is a highly respected expert in all aspects of wine and...

We need all the heat we can get at the moment so here is a recipe for a big warming curry which is spicy and feisty. I serve it with steamed beans and jasmine rice and it goes a long way to thawing out an icy Blayney evening. It also just has to be good for you with...

I have been cooking this beef recipe since my Uni days and it would have to be one of my all time favourite dinner party standbys. It has all the prerequisites of a ‘keeper” in that it is super easy to prepare, tastes great and has a definite oh ahh factor when you...

I do love the bison ribs at Black’s pub in Whistler Canada where I recently spent many enjoyable, snowy evenings. This recipe is from Black’s chef Felix Higgs who, like many others in Whistler is an Aussie. Felix is a dedicated young chef and Blacks is a friendly, fun...

I cook this all the time in summer and even took it along for Christmas day with the Gordons. On that occasion I served it with a salsa verde which packed a fair punch but we washed it down with some Orange area wines which definitely took the edge off. By the way,...

Yes, I know your family will not eat eggplant but this dish is really worth a try. It is, as you may have guessed a combination of lasagne and moussaka and it is perfect for a cold night in front of the footy or a movie with your mates. As far as comfort food goes it...

Who doesn’t love a comforting MEATLOAF? Here is an old recipe which works every time and is even better the next day on a sandwich (if there is any left!) YUM! Method: Preheat oven to 180°C. Line base and sides of a 7cm-deep, 11cm x 21cm (base) loaf pan with baking...

Perfect for a chilly evening this fabulous dish is aromatic, spicy and delicious. You don’t need a traditional tagine to cook it in as a slow cooker gives the same result. Just toss it all in! Method: Brown the beef quickly in oil with some of the onions In the slow...

All I want for Christmas is…. well only Santa knows the truth but I will settle for some chilled rare roast beef with three sauces which is the dish I will be taking along for Chrissie day with the Gordons. Don’t ask me why I think three sauces are better than one but...

The first recipe comes straight from our recent trip to New Zealand, where apart from seeing some magnificent cattle we also spent time with Pat and Helen O’Keefe who own Blarney Fly Fishing Lodge at the foot of Mount Tarawera in the North Island. Pat is one of NZ’s...

The suburb of Newtown in Sydney is renowned for its arty lifestyle and diverse array of shops and restaurants. At last count there were well over a dozen Thai eating spots in King Street alone. My good friend Lee has lived and worked in Newtown for over twenty years...

Back in the dark ages when I was just a slip of a girl amusing myself around the many watering holes of Sydney, my drop of choice was Vodka Tonic (lots of ice in a tall glass, with a twist of lime - thanks for asking). A lot has changed since then but I am still quite...