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Winter has arrived, and brings a lovely selection of fruits and vegetables. This month you will find the best value, quality and taste by cooking with: Fruit Apples Cumquats Custard Apples Grapefruit Kiwifruit Lemons Limes Mandarins Nuts Oranges Pears Persimmons Quince Rhubarb Vegetables Asian Greens Avocadoes Beetroot Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celeriac Celery [...]Wha
This month, you will find the best value, quality and taste by cooking with: Fruit Apples Bananas Cumquats Custard Apples Feijoa Grapes Kiwifruit Lemons Limes Mandarins Nuts Pears Persimmons Quince Rhubarb Starfruit (carambola) Vegetables Asian Greens Avocadoes Beetroot Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celeriac Celery Eggplant Fennel Garlic Ginger Leeks Lettuce Mushrooms Okra
Like the chic black cocktail dress, there are some old-fashioned cocktails that never go out of style. The retro-drink culture is definitely in vogue today. From speakeasy-style bars and celebrity-style clubs to popular TV shows like “Mad Men,” old-fashioned cocktails have once again taken centre stage. Some of these popular cocktails originated up to 200 [...]Old Fashioned Cocktails that Continue
There are many benefits to eating fruits and vegetables that are in season, including superior quality, taste, nutrition and value. Look out for the following in-season produce this month: Fruit Apples Bananas Cumquats Custard Apples Figs Grapes Guava Kiwifruit Lemons Limes Mandarins Nuts Oranges Papaya Passionfruit Pears Persimmons Plums Pomegranates Quince Rhubarb Vegetables Asian Greens [...]W
This dessert is my idea of decadence – a truly delicious dessert. Due to the ridiculously high fat and sugar content it’s not something I make on a regular basis, but because it’s Easter all bets are off with calorie counting and a few indulgent treats are on the menu. Besides, anything is always better for [...]Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte is a post from: entertaining
Autumn is upon us, and with it comes a new selection of fresh produce. The benefits of seasonal cooking and eating are many, including better taste and health benefits, kinder to the environment and easier on your wallet. Here is a list of what’s in season for March: Fruit: Apples Bananas Berries Figs Grapes Guava [...]What’s in Season – March is a post from: entertaining made e
Who doesn’t love Thai food, with its beautiful balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours? This refreshing but substantial salad ticks all the boxes, and is a perfect meal for this time of the year when the temperature and humidity levels are high. I make this dish at our popular Easy Asian Dinner Party [...]Recipe: Thai Beef Salad is a post from: entertaining made easy
I’ve recently joined the Meat Free Monday initiative, a campaign which encourages people to go without meat for one day a week to improve their health and the health of the planet. As I’ve dragged my carnivore husband into this Monday ritual, it’s important that whatever I cook is tasty and satisfying. This dish ticks [...]Recipe: Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Walnut Sauce is a post f
Meat Free Monday is an international not-for-profit campaign which encourages people to go without meat for one day a week to improve their health and the health of the planet. It’s a simple way you can reduce your ecological footprint and reconnect with food that is nutritious and good for you. There is an urgent [...]Go Meat-Free on Mondays for your Health and the Planet is a post from: entertai
As we’re nearing the end of summer, the selection of seasonal produce, particularly fruits, is extensive! Enjoy the wonderful variety of fresh produce available, with the best taste, quality and value found in the following: Fruit Achachas Bananas Berries Figs Grapes Guava Kiwifruit Lemons Limes Lychees Mangoes Melons Nectarines Papaya Passionfruit Peaches Pears Plums Rambutan [...]What̵
With summer almost over, it’s time when many start planning a holiday for the winter months to escape the cold. I myself am in the process of planning a month in Europe – it’s been a while since I’ve planned such a complex trip. The past couple of weeks have been busy researching and booking [...]Top Tasty Travel Apps for Foodies is a post from: entertaining made easy
Happy New Year! This is our first post for 2013, our popular list of fruit and vegetables Australia wide that currently represent the best quality, value and taste. Being conscious about your food choices and eating seasonally is a great way to start the year on a healthier and more responsible note. Enjoy the best [...]What’s in Season – January is a post from: entertaining made easy
Instead of serving a traditional Christmas pudding this festive season, why not serve something more appropriate to our climate like this light and fruity and slightly decadent dessert? In this recipe, Australia’s national dessert gets a makeover, with the meringue flavoured with hazelnut meal and the Nutella added to the cream. The pavlova can be [...]Recipe: Hazelnut Pavlova with Chocolate Hazel
Where I live (Queensland’s Sunshine Coast) is pineapple country and we are lucky enough to enjoy the sweetest of pineapples at a fraction of the price that city dwellers pay. Because they are readily available all year round, I normally have one sitting in my fruit bowl and enjoy using them in my cooking in [...]Recipe: Barbequed Barramundi with Pineapple Salsa is a post from: entertaining m
Who doesn’t love pasta, especially when it is served with a sumptous sauce? I created this delicious dish for my Pasta Making and Italian Sauces Cooking Class, and it is always a winner with my participants. Stracci in Italian means “rags” and as a culinary term means loosely cut or torn pasta. All you need [...]Recipe: Stracci with Italian Sausage & Tomato is a post from: e
Late Spring brings a fantastic selection of fruits and vegetables, including tropical fruit such as mangoes and it’s the beginning of the stonefruit season. The best value, quality and taste can be found this month with the following fruits and vegetables: Fruit: Bananas Berries Cherries Cumquats Grapefruit Lychees Mangoes Melons Oranges Paw paw & papaya [...]What’s in Season ̵
We’re well into Spring, and with the warm weather comes Party Season! With Melbourne Cup Day less than 2 weeks away, the countdown to Christmas begins and it’s the time of year many are inclined to invite friends over and share some good old fashioned hospitality. These Spiced Roasted Almonds are a cinch to make [...]Recipe: Spiced Roasted Almonds is a post from: entertaining made ea
We’re mid-way into Spring now, and the warmer weather brings with it a delicious selection of fruit and vegetables. This month, you will find the best value, quality and taste by cooking with: Fruit Avocadoes Berries (strawberries, blueberries, rasberries) Cumquats Grapefruit Lemons Mangoes Oranges Paw paw & papaya Pineapple Starfruit Vegetables Artichokes Asian Greens Asparagus [...]Wh
I have been on a bit of a health kick over the past couple of weeks following a particularly nasty bout of flu which is taking a while to completely recover from. To aid my recovery, I have been pumping my body full of wholesome, healthy foods, and staying away from the naughty stuff. As [...]Recipe: Vitality Balls is a post from: entertaining made easy
Anyone who has been to Bali or holidayed in Indonesia knows how delicious Indonesian food is – full of flavour and exotic ingredients. I am lucky enough to be married to a Dutch-Indonesian, and his mother is an amazing Indonesian cook. Growing up in Indonesian, she cooks authentic Indonesian food and has taught me the [...]Recipe: Nasi Goreng is a post from: entertaining made easy
Spring has sprung, and with the new season comes a beautiful assortment of fruits and vegetables. For optimum quality, taste and value, incorporate the following in your cooking: Fruit: Apples Cumquats Grapefruit Lemons Mandarins Oranges Papaya & Pawpaw Pineapple Rockmelons Strawberries Tangelo Vegetables: Artichokes Asian Greens Asparagus Avocados Beans (broad & green) Beetroot Broccoli
With the days becoming longer and the temperature warming up, it won’t be long before we’re enjoying Spring produce. For now, make the most of the last of the winter fruits and vegetables. This month, the best taste, quality and value can be found by including the following in your meals: Fruit: Apples Cumquats Custard Apples Grapefruit Lemons Limes Mandarins Nashi Oranges Paw paw Pin
Make the most of the wonderful selection of winter fruits and vegetables currently available by stocking up with: Fruit Apples Cumquats Custard Apples Grapefruit Lemons Limes Mandarins Oranges Papaya Pears Pineapple Rhubarb Strawberries Tangelo Vegetables Asian Greens Avocadoes Beetroot Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celeriac Celery Fennel Garlic Ginger Jerusalem Artichoke
Creamy ricotta cheese married with the Italian flavours of parmesan cheese, olives, basil and sun-dried tomatoes creates an irresistible dish that could be served as either a sumptuous starter or a satisfying lunchtime main course. These Baked Ricotta Moulds are great for entertaining, as they can be prepared in advance and only require baking prior [...]Recipe: Baked Ricotta Moulds is a post from
Winter is upon us, and with the chilly weather comes a bounty of in-season fruit and vegetables. Incorporate the following in your cooking and you’ll be getting the best quality, value, taste and nutritional benefits: Fruit: Apples Cumquats Custard Apples Grapefruit Kiwifruit Lemons Limes Mandarins Nuts Oranges Pears Persimmons Quince Rhubarb Vegetables: Asian Greens Avocadoes Beetroot Bro
Even though the temperatures are falling, this time of year brings a fantastic selection of fruit and vegetables. Add the following to your shopping list and you can be sure you are getting the best quality, value and taste with your fresh produce. Fruit Apples Bananas Cumquats Custard Apples Feijoa Grapes Kiwifruit Lemons Limes Mandarins Nuts Pears Persimmons Quince Rhubarb Starfruit (carambola)
If you like dining out (who doesn’t?), live in Queensland or visit Queensland, you’ll love this offer. For a limited time only, the online version of the newly released 2012 Queensland Good Food Guide is available for just $4.50 – that’s half price! The Good Food Guide is the definitive authority on Australian restaurants and this [...]Queensland Good Food Guide Offer is a
Rhubarb is currently in season in Australia, and whilst most people think rhubarb is a fruit it is actually a vegetable. Known for its tart, tangy and slightly sharp taste, rhubarb is a great filling for pies and crumbles, marries beautifully with cream and custards and also has its place in savoury dishes. I have [...]Recipe: Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake is a post from: entertaining made easy
Sometimes I crave simple, honest food. Foods prepared with a minimum of fuss, without fancy ingredients or complex flavours. Something deliciously and unpretentiously homemade, like this banana bread. Apart from being incredibly easy to make, this banana bread has a gorgeous texture and actually tastes like bananas. In this recipe, there are no added spices or [...]Recipe: Banana Bread is a post
We’re halfway into autumn, and although the selection of tropical fruit has diminished, there is an abundance of other delicious in-season produce available. Incorporate the following into your cooking for best quality, value and taste: Fruit Apples Bananas Cumquats Custard Apples Figs Grapes Guava Kiwifruit Lemons Limes Mandarins Nuts Oranges Papaya Passionfruit Pears Persimmons Plums Pome
You will be transported to Provence as the aroma of garlic, tomatoes, fresh herbs and olives fill your home when making this recipe. Chicken is everyone’s favourite, and this tasty dish is equally good as a mid-week meal or a dinner party dazzler. The use of sun-dried tomatoes give this dish an added tangy taste. Even [...]Recipe: Chicken à la Provençal is a post from: entertaining made ea
These delectable savoury nibbles are perfect served with a pre-dinner drink. Made with ready-made puff pastry, they are a cinch to make and extremely moreish! Ingredients (makes about 30): 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, partially thawed 1 egg, lightly beaten with a little cold water 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, or a combination) 2 tablespoon finely chopped mixed [...]Recipe: Che
Autumn is with us, and with it brings a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables. This month, you will find the best value, quality and taste by cooking with: Fruit: Apples Bananas Berries Figs Grapes Guava Kiwifruit Lemons Limes Mangosteens Melons Nectarines Nuts Oranges Papaya Passionfruit Peaches Pears Persimmons Plums Pomegranates Rambutan Rhubarb Tamarillo Vegetables: Asian Greens Avocado
Limes are in season, and I am fortunate to have a tree which is currently bulging with fruit. As well as give limes away to friends and neighbours, I like to make the most of them in my cooking. This includes these delicious muffins which sing with the flavours of summer. At this time of [...]Recipe: Lime & Coconut Muffins is a post from: entertaining made easy
Pissaladière is a type of pizza, originating from Provence in the South of France, and comprises caramelised onions, anchovies, olives and fresh herbs. This is an easy version, using ready-made puff pastry and is equally delicious. Serve it as an entrée , for lunch with a salad, or cut it into small pieces and serve [...]Recipe: Caramelised Onion and Anchovy Tart (Pissaladière) is a post from: ent
With summer drawing to a close at the end of the month, all the more reason to make the most of the wide variety of fruit and vegetables currently in season. The best eating and value can be found by enjoying the following produce: Fruit: Achachas Bananas Berries Figs Grapes Guava Kiwifruit Lemons Limes Lychees Mangoes Melons Nectarines Papaya Passionfruit Peaches Pears Plums Rambutan Rhubarb Sta
This impressive yet dead easy dish is equally good served at a casual barbeque with salad, or a more formal affair with all the trimmings. Use a selection of whatever herbs you have on hand, such as thyme, rosemary, flat-leaf parsley, oregano and basil, or use coriander, lemongrass, grated lime rind and ginger for an [...]Recipe: Herb & Garlic Crusted Fillet of Beef with Aioli is a post from:
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful festive season and start to 2012. I’m sure, like many, you have taken on goals and resolutions and chances are that one of them is to eat more healthily. Seasonal eating is the best way to go, and if you need convincing here are 10 reasons [...]What’s in Season – January is a post from: entertaining made easy
The winner of our Singing Bread Bin competition is…. (drumroll) – Melissa Stanton. The winner was chosen from the most creative answer to the question: “how do you like to recognise Mum for the important role that she plays in your family?” Melissa’s answer was “sometimes I write thank you and some special message [...]Winner of our Singing Bread Bin Competition Announced
The winners of our Jacob’s Creek Cool Harvest wine competition are Amy Mitchell and Elisha Salkeld. Congratulations Amy and Elisha – you have won a prize pack of the Jacob’s Creek Cool Harvest range, comprising one bottle of each of the following wines: Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Pinot Grigio 2011, Shiraz Rosé 2011, Sauvignon Blanc Cuvée [...]Winners of our Jacob’s Creek Cool Harvest
Being an avid cook and foodie, quality kitchenware is very important to me. Years of cooking and trying different kitchen products has resulted in me being very selective about which brands I use for different kitchen tasks. For example, I wouldn’t use anything but a Microplane Grater to zest citrus fruit, nor would I use [...]Review: The Chefs Toolbox Cookware is a post from: entertaining m
Entertaining Made Easy blog is thrilled to anounce a competition where you can win a limited edition singing bread bin. Celebrity Aussie mums Anna Gare and Fiona O’Loughlin have helped Tip Top®to design the world’s first singing bread bins, which play the Tip Top® “Good on ya Mum” jingle when opened. The unique bread bins [...]Win a Limited Edition Singing Bread Bin! is a post from:
There’s nothing nicer than a cold, crisp glass of wine when the weather is warm, and just in time for summer Jacob’s Creek has launched a new range of wines called Cool Harvest. Iconic Australian wine brand, Jacob’s Creek, is proud to team up with Australian actress Naomi Watts, to launch Cool Harvest – [...]Win the new Jacobs Creek Cool Harvest range of wines is a post from: entertaining made e
Get more bang for your buck and eat more healthily, tastily and responsibly by choosing in-season fruit and vegetables. In season for the month of November are: Fruit Bananas Berries Cherries Cumquats Grapefruit Lychees Mangoes Melons Oranges Paw paw & papaya Pineapple Starfruit Vegetables Artichokes Asparagus Avocadoes Beans (green) Choko Corn Cucumber Lettuce Onions Peas (green, snow &
With the festive season fast approaching, it’s that time of the year to catch up with friends and family before Christmas. Whether you are hosting a party, or have been asked to bring a plate of nibblies along to a someone’s else’s gathering, these tasty morsels will be a hit. Quick, easy and elegant, the [...]Recipe: Smoked Salmon Spread in Pastry Cases is a post from: entertain
If you’re in a culinary rut and are looking for some inspiration, or just want to up the ante a little in the kitchen, The Chef Project could be just the impetus you need. More than a cookbook, The Chef Project is a cooking experience which brings you 10 of the World’s Best Chefs, from [...]Review: The Chef Project is a post from: entertaining made easy
We’re well into spring now, and the warmer weather brings with it a delicious selection of fruit and vegetables. This month, you will find the best value, quality and taste by cooking with: Fruit: Avocadoes Berries Cumquats Grapefruit Lemons Mangoes Oranges Paw paw & papaya Pineapple Starfruit Vegetables: Artichokes Asian Greens Asparagus Beans (broad & green) Choko Cucumber Ga
Tarte Tatin is an upside-down tart, made most commonly with apples, where the fruit is caramelised in sugar and butter prior to baking. Because I like to incorporate local and seasonal produce into my cooking, I came up with this version, where pineapple and passionfruit replace the traditional apple. It’s a tropical twist on an [...]Recipe: Tropical Tarte Tatin is a post from: entertaining
The winner of our Baked & Delicious magazine subscription is…. (drumroll) – Trish Radge from Noosa Heads. Congratulations Trish! You have won a subscription to Baked & Delicious which includes 60 issues of Baked & Delicious, each coming with a piece of silicone bakeware or fancy decorating tool, and 4 exclusive (subscriber only) gifts, in [...]Winner of our Baked & De
Ayam, providers of authentic Asian groceries since 1892, generously sponsor the life’s a feast cooking school by providing us with a selection of their products. As Asian food has such a large influence on cuisine in Australia , many of our cooking classes feature Asian-inspired dishes. Quality of ingredients is paramount at life’s a feast, [...]Beef Ribs Baked in Coconut, made using Ayam Asian pr
