Author Archives: thepaddingtonfoodie

Dominica’s Christmas Pavlova. With a Medley of Fresh Berries

Today I rendezvoused at a local cafe quaintly named The Grumpy Baker. With my cousins to discuss our Christmas Day menu. There is one unspoken rule. Everyone pitches in and shares the load. We like to keep it simple. A … Continue reading

Posted in Baked, Sweet Treats, What I Love to Cook | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Fresh From My Father’s Summer Garden. Battered Zucchini Blossoms with Ricotta, Herbs and Lemon.

Such a  busy, busy time of year.  As we are celebrating Christmas in Sydney this year, we have just returned from a pre Christmas visit to Canberra to see family and friends. One of the joys of each of our … Continue reading

Posted in To Serve with Drinks, Vegetables, Vegetarian, What I Love to Cook | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

My French Heaven. A Festive Christmas Starter. Salmon Tartare a la Stéphane.

Christmas is just twelve days away. Time to seriously think about what will be on the menu for Christmas lunch. Here is our starter. A very sophisticated but deceptively simple Salmon Tartare. Courtesy of Stéphane at My French Heaven. I could … Continue reading

Posted in Seafood, To Serve with Drinks, What I Love to Cook | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Dinner in a Flash. Orecchiette with Sautéed Prawns, Lemon, Chilli and Garlic.

Orecchiette. Little ears of pasta. A speciality of the Puglia region of Southern Italy. Small and circular. Their little indentations perfectly suited to capturing a chunky sauce. Having just returned from the fish markets with some beautifully fresh prawns I’m craving seafood … Continue reading

Posted in Pasta, Seafood, What I Love to Cook | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Roast Capsicum with Grape Tomatoes and Pangrattato

In keeping with my quest to embrace a new, healthier me in what remains of the lead up to Christmas here’s a very festive, Mediterranean inspired roasted capsicum dish. Using seasonal vegetables its absolutely delicious. Big, bold Mediterranean flavours with … Continue reading

Posted in Vegetables, What I Love to Cook | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Strawberry Santas With a Cautionary Tale. Of Christmas Excesses. Past, Present and Future.

Tis the season to be jolly. Fa la la la la, la la la la. I’ve lost count of all the pre Christmas catch-ups, get togethers and cocktail parties I have attended over the past few weeks. Don’t get me … Continue reading

Posted in Breakfast, Musings & Inspiration, Sweet Treats, To Serve with Drinks, What I Love to Cook | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Any Fool Can Cook. Modern Fruit Mince Tarts.

My husband loves fruit mince tarts. When we were first married I always used to buy them for him from the Queen St Deli. Hand-made by a little old lady at Christmas time. Then one day I found this recipe … Continue reading

Posted in Baked, Sweet Treats, What I Love to Cook | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Construction Zone. Building Lemon Scented Gingerbread Houses. With All The Trimmings.

My girls love decorating gingerbread houses. Its something of an early December, start of school holidays ritual. A celebration of the festive season with friends. The problem is that here in the Southern hemisphere Christmas coincides with summer. Hand in … Continue reading

Posted in Baked, Confectionery, Sweet Treats, What I Love to Cook | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Simplicity of Christmas. Fresh from the Farmgate. Cherries and a Bowl of Eggs

Its always the simplest gestures that  bring a smile to my face. Amidst the frenetic madness of this past week I came home to a wonderful surprise. More fabulous farm fresh eggs from Pat’s chooks and a box of just … Continue reading

Posted in Musings & Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

It’s Beginning to Taste a Lot Like Christmas. Brownies with Ginger, Cranberry, Pecan and White Chocolate Chunks

Here I am baking again. For my son.  Last day of school.  Last day of exams. He’s off to rowing camp for a week at 6 am in the morning.  I won’t get to see him tonight as it’s Speech … Continue reading

Posted in Baked, Chocolate, Sweet Treats, What I Love to Cook | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments