Category Archives: What I Love to Cook

Old Fashioned Baking. Light and Delicate. Vanilla Butterfly Cakes With Strawberries and Cream.

I love old fashioned baking recipes. Uncomplicated. Down to earth. Practical. Using nothing more than basic pantry ingredients. This cupcake recipe is a staple in our house. A birthday party and afternoon tea treat resurrected from my childhood. Light. Delicate. Buttery. … Continue reading

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The 5-2 Challenge. The Lowdown on Potatoes. Baked Potato Skins With Colcannon.

Back in Sydney after days of holiday eating I’ve decided to squeeze in a fast day before the weekend. The bottom line? One fast day this week is better than none. Thankfully the 5-2 diet is proving to be a … Continue reading

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Meltingly Delicious. King Island Double Cream Brie. Baked In Its Box With Garlic, White Wine and Thyme.

This is quite possibly the most decadent way to eat cheese ever invented. Based on the Swiss delicacy Baked Vacherin Mont D’Or.  Seasonally enjoyed in the depths of winter with a good  bottle of  wine. It’s mid July and mighty … Continue reading

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Crisp, Crunchy and Healthy. Oven Baked Panko and Parmesan Crumbed Zucchini Fries

First it was the polenta chips, then the mini Italian doughnuts. There seems to have been a lot of frying happening in our house these school holidays. Here is a much healthier alternative to the much loved potato chip or … Continue reading

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The 5-2 Challenge. Sweet and Healthy. Blueberry and Apple Breakfast Compote.

I’m taking a break from the 5-2 Challenge this week. Third week of the school holidays and we’re going away. As flexible as this eating plan may be, there is no way I’m adhering to two restrictive 500 calorie fast … Continue reading

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From My Kitchen Pantry. Mini Italian Fried Doughnuts. Zeppole With A Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote.

What to do with half a bunch of  rhubarb and a punnet of strawberries languishing in my refrigerator? A super quick and simple compote. To be spooned over yoghurt or oats for breakfast.  At least that was the plan until … Continue reading

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The 5-2 Challenge. Winter Warmer. Chicken and Leek Soup With Lemon and Pearl Barley.

Another 5-2 challenge fast day.  Another winter warmer. This time it’s Chicken and Leek Soup With Lemon and Pearl Barley. Made with chicken stock, poached, shredded chicken breast fillet and loads of leek to keep the calorie count down. Add … Continue reading

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One Dish. Three Delicious Elements. Polenta Chips With Sauteed Swiss Brown Mushrooms and Gorgonzola Cream Sauce.

When I was growing up hearty winter stews were often served over soft, creamy polenta. My mother would always cook a large pot of polenta and the real treat would be had next day. Cold, leftover polenta, set in the … Continue reading

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The 5-2 Challenge. How To Build Your Own Skinny Stir-Fry. My Version? Stir Fried Chicken With Red Capsicum, Broccolini and Chilli Jam.

Stir fries have to be the perfect 5-2 fast day meal. Healthy, nutrition, low in calories and very easy to prepare. Fast day or feast day I’ll often prepare a stir fry for dinner using whatever is in season or … Continue reading

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More Rainy Afternoon Baking. Rhubarb and Strawberry Buttermilk Cake With Hazelnut Streusel

It’s official.  Sixteen consecutive days of rain. One week of school holidays down. Two more to go. It’s been the wettest June I can remember, hopefully July will be better. I guess we will find out tomorrow. The Bureau of … Continue reading

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