For more than two hundred years, people have been getting together in January in memory of Robert Burns, the Bard of Ayrshire and Scotland's favourite son. These get-togethers are in the form of a dinner, or supper, around the time of Burn's birthday on 25 January. … [Read more...] about Burns Night Supper
Kitchen Chat
Preserved Lemons
You preserve lemons by packing them with salt and lemon juice, then leaving them in a cool dark place for at least a month. Over time, the tartness of the lemon all but disappears but the intense lemon flavor found in the peel remains, making this a deeply flavoured … [Read more...] about Preserved Lemons
All the Baking Sodas
What's baking soda? Baking soda and bicarb soda are the same thing. In USA, bicarb soda is called baking soda. What's bicarb soda/bicarbonate of soda? Bicarbonate of soda (otherwise known as bicarb soda) is a pure leavening agent. It's alkaline and commonly … [Read more...] about All the Baking Sodas
Lotus Root
They're expensive at the moment but very hard to resist. Lotus Root isn't actually a root at all, it's the edible rhizome (the subterranean stem) of the lotus plant, a perennial aquatic plant that grows beautiful pink-hued or white flowers and, yes, it's native … [Read more...] about Lotus Root
Pantry Moths
Has your home recently been overrun by tiny grey moths, flapping erratically around your kitchen? Spotted some suspicious webs in a cereal box? You might be sharing your dried food with pantry moths (Plodia interpunctella). Who cares about the Latin name, we only want … [Read more...] about Pantry Moths
Chickpeas
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
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
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
Capsicums
Lots of people get excited about brightly coloured food. Fair enough, it looks good, but be aware of what you're getting when you buy capsicums Red, green, yellow or orange, theyre all essentially just green capsicums. Green Capsicums the green ones are … [Read more...] about Capsicums
Quince
The quince has fallen out of favour these days and there are plenty of people who wouldn't recognise a quince if it were served up on a plate in front of them. What a tragedy! . A Fragrant, Feminine Fruit The quince is intensely fragrant, with a perfume like a … [Read more...] about Quince
Know your Onions – Spring Onions or Scallions
Scallions are what I call Spring Onions and you can use the white and the green parts in recipes or just eat them raw. Spring Onions have a sweeter, milder flavor than mature onions and are a bit stronger than chives. The white part has more flavour than the green … [Read more...] about Know your Onions – Spring Onions or Scallions
Put that in your Pipe
Lapsang Souchong is smoked, as are lots of cheeses, salmon, hams and plums. And that's just for a start. But I didn't expect to see eggs joining the list. So here's a surprise at the Queen Vic Market. How could I resist the lure of a smoked goog? I … [Read more...] about Put that in your Pipe
How to sterilise jars
Heat oven to 280F / 160C fan/gas 1. Wash the jars in hot, soapy water, then rinse well. Place the jars on a baking sheet and put them in the oven to dry completely. If using Kilner jars, boil the rubber seals, as dry heat damages them. You can also sterilise … [Read more...] about How to sterilise jars
Best Beef for the Slow Cooker
Fortunately the best cuts of beef for the Slow Cooker are cheaper! Shin Very tasty cut which needs a long, slow cook. The shin has highly worked muscle supported by high levels of connective tissue. This connective tissue is broken down through slow cooking over a low … [Read more...] about Best Beef for the Slow Cooker
Quick Cooking Tips
Basic Cooking Tips Take the time to actually read recipes through before you begin If you're cooking for guests never try a new recipe and a new ingredient at the same time Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package instructions and cook it the rest of the way in … [Read more...] about Quick Cooking Tips
Quick Cleaning Tips
Kitchen Half a lemon stored in your fridge controls and eliminates unpleasant smells When cleaning your kitchen, start on the right hand side of your stove and move around clockwise. Your stove is usually the grubbiest part, so ending with it keeps you from … [Read more...] about Quick Cleaning Tips