How to cook dried chickpeas You have a choice of cooking dried chickpeas, I prefer to put them in my slow cooker overnight Long soak and simmer on the stovetop, which takes about 10 hours or overnight plus 2 hours Quick soak and simmer on the stove, which takes … [Read more...] about Chickpeas
Highlights of the Market
I really enjoy my Queen Victoria Market Tours. It's difficult to work out how to schedule these tours. The time zones for a start are comfusing - should I set a time which suits the Canadian Tourists? Or a time for those in UK? Will a tourist return? I mean, how many … [Read more...] about Highlights of the Market
Poached Quince
The classic poaching method, tried and true and here's an easy way to peel the quinces. It's wonderful poached in a syrup spiced with cinnamon and clove and reveals another quality of wonder - it turns a luscious shade, anywhere from deep pink to rich red. From rosy … [Read more...] about Poached Quince
Hello Possums
I share my garden and rooftop with possums. A family of possums. A tribe of possums. Not surprising with the Merri Creek behind me and the 21 km of parkland and bush trail. Perfect for our little furry friends. Nowhere near perfect for me. But I'm the interloper, the … [Read more...] about Hello Possums
Sovereign Hill
It's easy to forget what fun Sovereign Hill can be. The skies of Ballarat were brilliant and the sun beamed hot. The wind, this being Ballarat after all, ripped through my jacket and I could smell snow. A perfect day to wander around the open air museum. Around, and … [Read more...] about Sovereign Hill
Festival at the Market
Another tour today at the Sri Lankan New Year Festival. A number of these events and celebrations are held in the Queen Victoria Market, I'd like to find a list of them somewhere! You know my style of interview? I ask the interviewee questions, starting with basic … [Read more...] about Festival at the Market
Marinated Brussels Sprouts
Marinated Brussels Sprouts 500 g brussels sproutsMarinade1 lemon, juiced1 Tablespoon olive oil1/2 teaspoon paprika1/2 teaspoon pepper1/4 teaspoon garlic salt Combine all ingredients into a large plastic bag. Seal and shake until the … [Read more...] about Marinated Brussels Sprouts
Beans Crostini
Here’s a lunch enjoyed in Ancient Rome, crostini with broad beans and pecorino. Broad beans were used in voting, and also a common item on the dinner table. The Ancient Roman first course, the appetisers or starters gustatio, was made up of small dishes of broad … [Read more...] about Beans Crostini
Broad Beans with Bacon
What's not to love about broadbeans? A tasty dish high in protein, usually served as a side but I serve it as a main. With some crusty bread and a bowl of fresh tomatoes, it’s all that you want. Broad Beans with Bacon 500 grams broad beans1 … [Read more...] about Broad Beans with Bacon
Broad Beans with Cumin and Coriander
A quick and easy way to enjoy broad beans with added spice. Tastes good either hot or cold One of the common ways green broad beans are eaten in Middle Eastern cuisine is simply sauteed (stir fried qickly) with garlic and coriander. The cumin adds a real … [Read more...] about Broad Beans with Cumin and Coriander
Sri Lankan New Year
Queen Victorian Market honours Avurudu Pola, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebration. Australia is home to roughly 60,000 people who were originally from Sri Lanka and 49% of them choose to live in Melbourne. Sri Lanka is often called the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' … [Read more...] about Sri Lankan New Year
Queen Victoria Night Market
Had a good tour of Queen Victoria Market tonight! It's Autumn and time for the FoodFest again. Loads of food trucks and pop-up kitchens. Food everywhere. What a choice! I was hanging out for some lamb from the 'Cypriot Kitchen', I could smell it roasting through … [Read more...] about Queen Victoria Night Market
How to Make Cheese Sauce
The measurements don't have to be exact. You may prefer more cheese for a cheesier sauce. Just make sure that the flour is cooked through, at least 10 minutes. Cheese Sauce 3 Tablespoons butter3 Tablespoons plain flour1 - 2 cups milk1 cup … [Read more...] about How to Make Cheese Sauce
Lamb Flatbread
It's an Australian tradition to have lamb for Easter. When I was a child we had lamb nearly every day of the week and Easter wasn't such a special thing - apart from the promise of chocolate. This year I put together a lamb sandwich - Turkish style. Lamacun. I've … [Read more...] about Lamb Flatbread
Where are my missing hours?
Every year when Summer Time kicks in, I miss out on an hour of sleep. Every year when Summer Time ends, I wake up an hour early. I still feel that an hour has been stolen from me. Imagine the confusion and ire when thirteen days were removed from the … [Read more...] about Where are my missing hours?
Whisky Sour
Whisky Sour is a mixed drink with whisky (naturally) sugar and lemon juice. Perfect on a summer evening or at any time at all. The time is up to you. I like to add Five Spice powder to mine. How to Make Chinese Five Spice Powder Whisky Sour Whisky Sour … [Read more...] about Whisky Sour
Umami
Dear Queenie, can you explain umami to me? Veena D., Mosman Dear Veena - Taste is one of our basic senses. It helps us evaluate food and drinks. Like when you realise the milk has gone sour, it lets us know what’s safe to eat and also gets our bellies ready to … [Read more...] about Umami
The Demon Duck
A lot of people think Australians make up stories to pass the time. That may or may not be true. But the Demon Ducks of Australia are certainly true. The Demon Duck is dromornis stirtoni, weighing over 500 kilos and nearly 3 metres tall, indeed the biggest bird that … [Read more...] about The Demon Duck
Christmas Mourning
When Christmas isn't Merry Christmas isn't happy for everyone. For some, it's a time of aching grief, remembering holidays of the past. For those who carry the pain of lost family and friends, Christmas is a cruel reminder of happier days, carefree days that … [Read more...] about Christmas Mourning
Broad Beans
Broad Beans, Horse Beans, Windsor Beans.or Fava, by any name they're beautiful beans. These beans grow quite well in my garden, they're winter vegetables here in South Eastern Australia and the perfect time to cook good and wholesome meals for the family. I like to … [Read more...] about Broad Beans