Thai Beef Salad

A great way to enjoy more vegetables is to pack a punch with flavour.  The dressing for this Thai Beef Salad is zingy and flavourful.

Ingredients

100g rice noodles
1/4 cup lime juice
25ml fish sauce
3 teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped lemongrass
3 kaffir lime leaves finely shredded (remove the spine)
1 long red chilli finely chopped
400g beef rump steak or rib fillet
2 Lebanese cucumbers, halved, seeds removed cut into slices
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup fresh mint leaves
3/4 cup fresh coriander leaves
1 cup bean sprouts
3 spring onions thinly sliced on the diagonal
Chopped peanuts to garnish

Method

Prepare the noodles according to packet instructions
Combine lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass, kaffir lime and chilli in a bowl.

Preheat a griddle pan to high.
Brush the beef, both sides with a little of the lime juice mixture.
Cook on the grill for about 3 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking.
Set aside to rest.

Combine the noodles, cucumber, tomato, mint, coriander, bean sprouts and spring onion on a serving platter.
Thinly slice the beef against the grain.
Place the beef on top of the salad.
Pour over some of the remaining lime juice mixture to taste.
Toss to combine and the top with chopped peanuts.

Mamma Marmalade

Sweet potato and Pumpkin Curry and Ginger Soup

I feel very zen when there are a few bowls of soup in the freezer ready to defrost for an easy immediately satisfying meal anytime family or friends pop in.  My sweet potato soup is packed with lots of great flavours and nourishing goodness - and smells amazing.  Change the amounts of chilli and curry powder to suit yourself.  I like mine to have depth of flavour and spice without eye-watering burning chilli heat.  Plus it is dairy free and vegetarian.

   TIPS & HINTS  It freezes and defrosts best in small portion sizes - I like to pour some into freezer bags held in small plastic containers.  knot the bag, pop plastic boxes containing the knotted freezer bags into the freezer. The next day remove the plastic boxes and store the freezer bag soups in the freezer until ready to defrost.  Just remember to defrost in a container as some freezer bags leak when thawing. 

Take the opportunity to have some roasted sweet potato and pumpkin chunks on hand ready for soup making.  Roast as described below and save in freezer-safe bags in your freezer.  Always great to have on standby and easy to prepare when using the oven on other cooking days.
                                 Enjoy!   Colleen

Sweet potato pumpkin curry ginger soup by Feed Your Inner Cook

pumpkins for Sale in Stanthorpe Qld.  Feed Your Inner Cook

Ingredients

This is a very flexible recipe – add a bit more of what you like. 

I prefer to make a big batch so I can freeze portions for later. Also, if it is a little too thick when finishing cooking, just add a dash of boiling water from the kettle and stir in until smooth. Easy!

2 large sweet potatoes – peeled and cut into chunks

½ large kent pumpkin – peeled and cut into chunks

2 red onions – peeled and quartered

4 garlic cloves – leave in the skin

1 ½ tablespoons ground turmeric

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons madras curry powder  OR   1 -2 tablespoons your favourite curry powder

½ - 1 tablespoon Oil.  - something suitable for roasting

Big knob of ginger (about two thumbs size).  Clean the skin but keep the peel on.  Cut into slices

2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 -2 teaspoon ground ginger (depending on your preference)

1 -2 teaspoon dried chilli flakes (depending on your preference)

Now : taste the roasted pumpkin, if needs more curry oomph:

If you want, add another teaspoon or more of curry powder/turmeric /pepper

1 litre salt-reduced stock.  Vegetable or Chicken,  your preference.

1 – 1½  handfuls dried red lentils (more if too runny- in 20mins lentils thicken the soup)

400 ml tin coconut milk and water from rinsing tin

Boiling water from a kettle

Extra salt and pepper to taste

Chopped coriander or parsley - good handful

Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) to serve

Method

Preheat oven to 200 C  and prepare 2 or 3 roasting trays

Tumble the chopped vegetables, ground turmeric, pepper, curry powder and oil into a large bowl and toss to coat veggies with the spices and oil.

Place veggies on roasting tray and bake approx. 30 – 40 min turning regularly.

Use a very large deep stockpot and place the roasted veggies (squeeze the garlic from the skins) along with the ginger and extra spices in  pan and heat.

Pour in the stock and some kettle water to cover the veggies. Bring to boil then simmer.

Add the lentils and keep on a strong simmer for 20 min until lentils soften to mush.

Stir in the coconut milk and water.

Add the chopped coriander or parsley
if too runny - add more lentils -   in 20mins of simmering lentils thicken the soup

Taste and add extra salt, pepper, chilli etc to your taste.

Remove from heat and blitz either in a blender or with a stick blender.  Might need to do in batches.  If it becomes too thick just add a drizzle of hot water from the kettle to get a pourable but thick consistency.

Taste after blending and add extra seasoning if needed.

Serve with a sprinkle of toasted pepitas or toast cubes if desired.

Freeze remainder in portions as described above.    TIPS & HINTS

Scrape out the pot and lick the spoon - it is so good!

                                       Enjoy!    Colleen

Roasted Cauliflower Salad

This salad is packed full of flavour and texture. Easy to make and a nice accompaniment to a well cooked steak or roast chicken.

Ingredients

1/2 head of fresh cauliflower, washed

handful of washed baby spinach or rocket

2 Tablespoons of currants soaked in a small amount of white wine or wine vinegar.

Lemon zest

Half a red onion thickly sliced

Toasted pine nuts

Olive Oil

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius

Break or cut the cauliflower into similar size florets.

Place some Olive Oil and cauliflower in an oven roasting dish, season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.

Cook for 15 minutes then add the sliced red onion on the top of the cauliflower.

Roast for a further 10 minutes or until golden.

Combine the remaining ingredients and place on a serving platter.,

Ready to share and enjoy.

Mamma Marmalade

Rainbow Apple Sweet Sour Slaw by Hayden's Adventures

I was trying to think of a delicious vegetable dish to serve with the Pulled Pork slowly cooking for a special family dinner. Hayden from  Hayden's Adventures  knocked on the door and suggested this delicious fresh vibrant slaw as the perfect accompaniment!   We had so much fun in the kitchen cooking together and I learnt lots of tips which resulted in aromatic juicy pulled pork served with lots of vegetables in a fresh well balanced salad! Enjoy!  and thank you Hayden! @haydensadventures 

 


Ingredients

volume will depend on you - this amount gives a generous side salad for about 8 people
Mix and match with the veggies you love to eat.  Just try and balance the colours - we eat with our eyes as well as our mouths!

1/4 red cabbage - shredded
4 baby beetroots - peeled and finely sliced   
TIPS & HINTS wear a pair of single use food gloves to avoid purple stains on your hands
2 -3 carrots - peeled and shredded
1/2 red capsicum  finely sliced
1/2 green capsicum finely sliced
1/2 bulb fennel - finely sliced
small handful parsley - finely cut
plus
speck - about 1 inch wide - cut into fine batons.  Fry off. Retain the fat for the pulled pork then drain the cooked speck pieces on kitchen paper before garnishing the salad (Optional)
1- 2 sweet potatoes peeled, cut into bite size cubes and oven roasted with cumin/turmeric/coriander ground spices and drizzle of olive oil
plus
1 -2 green apples - skin on - cored and finely julienned

Dressing
again - amounts depend on volume of salad.
Add a little at a time. Taste and add again.  You want a sweet/sour/crunch - think fresh!

Apple Vinegar  I used Lirah  Apple Vinegar - an amazing Australian product from Stanthorpe or try their Caramelised Apple Vinegar!  maybe 40 - 60 ml?

a splash of maple syrup (the real stuff) - very strong, not too much
and
Juice from 1/2 - 1 fresh lime

Method
Roast the sweet potato in the oven - nice to have it just warm to add back into the salad.
Fry off the speck and drain (reserve the fat for pulled pork) - keep speck to garnish salad.

Use a really deep wide bowl because you will be mooshing the dressing into the veggies.
Combine and toss all the fresh shredded and sliced veggies - it should look bright and colourful
cover with plastic wrap and set aside.

About half an hour or so before serving add the sliced apple and the vinegar/maple syrup.
Really moosh it into the veggies to coat and let the vinegar work on the veggie fibres.
Taste.  Adjust if necessary.

Just before serving
Plate up the salad and dot through the sweet potato cubes.
Squeeze the lime juice through the salad.  Taste and adjust if needed.
Sprinkle over the crunchy speck pieces.

Enjoy!   Colleen
with a great BIG thank you to Hayden from  Hayden's Adventures 

All items were purchased personally.
Lirah Vinegar is a fantastic product from the Stanthorpe Granite Belt region.
If you are up that way be sure to pop into Pyramids Road Winery and be tempted by the wonderful handmade wines from Warren and Sue Smith! 

Buttery Apples

This is such an easy recipe to make.

Buttery Apples

Especially good for those nights when 

big brown eyes look forlornly at you, 

hopeful of scoffing a yummy dessert. 

(Still hot but Wilbur and his fork are 

hovering again!)

Stephanie Alexander’s original recipe 

called for more butter and sugar than I 

have listed, but if you want to add more …

It’s not necessary to only use the freshest, 

crispest apples. If you find a couple of sad 

apples (but I am not suggesting fossilised 

school bag relics) be sure to include them 

in the mixture as this is a good way to avoid 

waste and gain happy calories. 

I have also packed a container of the Buttery 

Apples in ‘weekend away’ food supplies and 

it is perfect with a slurp of custard, or eaten as 

part of a holiday breakfast indulgence.

Ingredients

6 – 7 medium sized eating apples. Peeled, cored and chopped into medium chunks.

      Pieces will shrink in size during cooking

               I use mainly Granny Smith and a couple of sad reds

100 gram butter.     (Could reduce to 80 gram if watching butter intake).

3 - 3 ½  tablespoons brown sugar – level, not heaped. Use  3 ½ if only using less sweet Granny Smiths

2  teaspoons Pure Vanilla Paste. Or substitute 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract.     Or use vanilla pod. 

1  cinnamon quill (remove prior to serving)   Or ½  teaspoon ground cinnamon. (More if you adore it)

¼  teaspoon ground cloves.  (Omit if not keen on cloves)

Method

You will be using the stove-top and a wide-based frypan with a lid, preferably a toughened glass lid.

Melt the butter and sugar together over a gentle heat.  Stir gently to combine.

Add the apple chunks and spices.  Mix gently to coat with the butter.

Cover pan with lid and simmer gently for 10 minutes.  Keep an eye on them, stir gently if catching.

Remove the lid and stir gently to coat the softened apple pieces with the sauce. 

Don’t squish the apple pieces – they need to retain their chunkiness.

Increase the heat slightly and allow the sauce to thicken.  It will start to turn golden and caramelly.

You need to watch the sauce and avoid it burning. Gentle heat and gentle, occasional stir to coat.

When ready the apple chunks are soft and coated with an oozy thickened golden sauce.

Options

Re-warm if needed. Serve hot or cool with ice-cream, cream or custard. 

Or add to pancakes, crepes or even muesli.

                                                                                                                               

 Enjoy – Colleen

Lemon Delicious Pudding

This hot pudding is easy to make and like it's name states it's delicious.  Utilising the abundant citrus from my garden to make this ultimate in comfort food.


Ingredients

3 eggs, seperated
1 cup caster sugar
2 lemons (spray and wax free)
60g butter
3 Tablespoons Self Raising Flour
1 1/2 cups Milk

Method

Preheat an oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Grease a 1 litre ovenproof dish.

Zest one lemon and juice both.
In a food processor, cream butter, zest and sugar.
Add egg yolks and alternately add flour and milk to make a smooth batter.
Scrape the mixture from the sides of the bowl and blend in lemon juice.
Transfer to a clean bowl.
Whisk egg whites with a hand mixer until creamy and firm. Then fold these gently into the batter.
Pour into greased ovenproof dish.
Stand the dish in a baking dish and pour in hot water until it comes half way up the sides of the dish.
Bake for 1 hour.

Serve with pouring cream, custard or ice cream or all 3 if you are my PaPa.

Mamma Marmalade.

Beef Short Ribs

So delicious this comfort food for cooler evenings, The Worcestershire sauce gives a wonderful depth of flavour.  Thank you to Donna Hay for this recipe and thank you to my husband who made it for Mother's Day dinner.

Ingredients

8 beef short ribs
3 fresh bay leaves (dried is fine)
1 whole bulb of garlic cut in half
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 litres cold water
1 cup of brown sugar
1 cup water, extra
2 Tablespoons of flat leaf parsley, chopped

Method

Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius
Combine ribs, bay leaves, garlic and 1/4 cup of the Worcestershire sauce in a large saucepan or oven and stove top dish.
Cover with the cold water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 1 hour or until tender.
Drain off all cooking liquid - discard.
In a bowl, combine the extra water, sugar and remaining Worcestershire sauce, then pour over the ribs.
Cover with a lid and cook for 30 - 40 minutes.
Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 or so minutes until the ribs are dark golden and sticky.
Sprinkle over the Parsley and serve with mash potato,

Mamma Marmalade

Raw Broccoli, Bacon and Pine Nut Salad

Tired of the same old boring salads? Then give this a try. Janice R's famous Broccoli Salad.  Any family event when you need to bring a dish Janice is always picked for her Broccoli Salad.  The small florets of raw Broccoli give this a peppery edge, rounded off by the creamy mayonnaise and salt from the bacon. Full of crunch.

Ingredients

I medium head of broccoli
2 x rashers of bacon
2 tablespoon of good quality mayonnaise
1 x red onion or 2 small pink eshallots
2 dessertspoons of pine nuts
Oil

Method

Toast the pine nuts in a small frying pan. Remove and cool
Add oil to the pan and fry finely diced bacon
Cut the broccoli into fine florets, add diced red onion or eshallots.
Combine in serving bowl or platter with mayonnaise, bacon and pine nuts.

Note: Just add sufficient mayonnaise to coat, it will depend on how much broccoli you have. I substituted peanuts for the pine nuts and was equally delicious.


Mamma Marmalade

Lime and Ginger Marmalade

It's that time of year when citrus fruit are at their best. We have had a bumper crop of limes and a nice way to preserve them is to make marmalade.  Sometimes a little twist in the flavour takes it to a new level.  This uses fresh ginger for that purpose.

Ingredients

8 x spray free limes
3 cups of water
3 cups of sugar - Note: I found it a little too tart so added another 1/2 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of fresh ginger finely sliced

Method

Slice the limes in half lengthways and then slice each half as thinly as you can.
Discard any seeds.
Pop sliced limes and juice in a non reactive bowl (glass or ceramic).
Pour over the water and leave stand overnight.

Next day pour into a large saucepan and simmer until soft (about half an hour).
Add the sugar and stir over a high heat to dissolve.

Then bring to the boil and continue to boil uncovered, but do not stir.
Rapid boil for about 20 minutes or until a teaspoon of mixture gels on a cold saucer.

Remove from the heat, add the ginger and let stand for 10 minutes before ladling into steralised jars.

Share with family and friends.

Mamma Marmalade

Anzac Biscuits - for a time to remember and reflect.

My version of the Anzac Biscuit combines Australian cooking tradition with ideas from New Zealander Annabel Langbein. When you return from the Dawn Service and have a cuppa with an Anzac Biscuit on April 25, remember these sweet versions were not the biscuits designed to last in transit that our Soldiers ate.  Over time, cooks have enhanced the humble biscuit  - but the core ingredients remain – Rolled Oats, flour, sugar and golden syrup or treacle and most importantly, thoughts of home.

My belief is that Anzac Day is not about celebration. It is a time to remember those who fought for our country.  On April 25 we reflect on their sacrifice and give thanks for our freedom.  Memories of visiting memorials, especially those in small Australian towns, and also of my travels to Gallipoli and the memorials to those who fought and suffered on both sides of the conflict will remain with me always. 

Lest We Forget. 

Preparation:   15 minutes (allow additional time needed if soaking raisins)

Baking:             15 minutes – approx.   Will depend on your oven

Line 3 flat biscuit trays.  Makes about 36 small or 20 larger biscuits

Ingredients

1 cup Rolled Oats

1 cup Plain Flour - sifted

1 cup Desiccated Coconut

1 cup Brown Sugar

Pinch each of cinnamon and cloves

½ cup raisins          OPTION:   soaked overnight in ½ tablespoon rum

½ cup slivered almonds

2 tablespoons golden syrup  OR   treacle – which will give a slighter darker, less ‘sweet’ taste.

125 gram butter – melted

2 tablespoon water

½ teaspoon Baking Powder

Method

Preheat oven to 160 oC.     Prepare 3 biscuit trays.

Using a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, sugar, spices, nuts and raisins.

TIP: (when the Baking powder is added to butter mix later on, it will froth up a little  - so use a saucepan with enough room for this to double in size for a minute or so)

In the separate saucepan gently heat the butter, water and golden syrup.

Add the Baking powder to the melted butter mixture.  Stir a little.

Add immediately to the prepared dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to combine.

Roll into small balls -  bit smaller than an apricot – and place on prepared trays. 

3 trays should have 12 ball on each, well separated.

Using the back of a fork, gently flatten for a cooked ‘crispier’ more traditional result  OR  just flatten slightly to achieve biscuits that will be a little softer and chewier after baking .

You could vary between trays if you like.  I prefer the flatter crisp traditional biscuit.

Bake until golden.  Approx  15 minutes.  If not golden you may need to rotate trays in your oven.

Should not take more than 18 minutes.   TIP: The biscuits will then harden during cooling .

Remove from oven and cool on trays on raised racks.    NB biscuits harden on cooling.

Once cooled down, remove from tray and allow to rest on cake rack to ensure base is dried off.

Store in an airtight container.  Biscuits should keep for approx. 1 week.

                                             Enjoy.  Colleen

Festive Stained Glass Jelly Dessert

This world of ours could use a little simplicity and kindness.  Desserts bring people together and this simple multi-coloured jelly is great to share as an occasional indulgence.  The first time I saw this dish was when a lovely neighbour knocked on my door with this wobbly crazy coloured jelly.  It was a festive tradition in her family to share this with neighbours.  I think our world could do with a little more of this simple philosophy.  
So, please be kind, share and enjoy time together.   

Stained Glass Jelly by Feed Your Inner Cook

Stained Glass Jelly by Feed Your Inner Cook

Stained Glass Jelly by Feed Your Inner Cook

Preparation,Chilling, Assembling:    1 hour plus 6 hours to set jellies then overnight chilling
Serves:     8 - 10  (you only need a tiny slice)

Ingredients

4 - 5 packets of colourful jelly crystals.  I like to use the 'natural colour' brand
NB  you make up the jelly using HALF the water usually required.

20 gram gelatine powder .  I do not bother with gelatine leaves for this recipe.  
NB 1 teaspoon gelatine powder = 3.3 gram.   1 sachet is usually 10 gram or 3 teaspoons.

1/2 cup cool Water
1 cup Boiling Water

1 tin (approx 390gram)  condensed milk
200 ml Thickened Cream
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla paste  Or extract   not essence

Method

Prepare the individual jellies following packet directions but using HALF the water.
Pour into individual dishes to chill and set.  You will be cutting the jelly into cubes once set so try and use a dish that makes this step easy.  eg a rectangular tray.

Next day, or 6 hours later, once jellies are set and cubed

Very lightly spray a mould or dish with a little spray oil to later help release the dessert

Gently scatter the coloured jelly cubes into the dish to distribute the colours

Place the gelatine in a jug adding the cool water and allowing gelatine to bloom.
Add the boiling water.  whisk well to dissolve the gelatine.

In a separate bowl, whisk the condensed milk, vanilla and cream together until frothy

Pour the gelatine into the milk mixture, whisking well to combine.

When the milky mixture is cooler, whisk again to ensure it is well combined, gently pour the  mix into the dish over the coloured jelly cubes.

Sometimes, I have excess - so I make up a little mini ramekin with the extra.

Chill preferably overnight.

To serve:  unmold the stained glass dessert onto a plate. You might need to use the blade of a knife to help it slip out.   Slice with a sharp knife to share.
I like to serve with a little fresh fruit on the side.
                                                       Enjoy!   Colleen

Stained Glass Jelly by Feed Your Inner Cook

Potato Latkes

Want something a little more special for weekend breakfasts?  Whip up a batch of these healthier hash browns (better than a packet!) and watch them disappear. Best make a double batch.  To make these gluten free, simply substitute coconut or potato flour instead of plain flour.  Or why not add some grated parmesan as my eldest son attests, everything tastes  better with cheese.

  

Ingredients

1 organic/free range egg

1 organic/free range egg yolk

1 large onion

1.2 kgs potatoes

25 grams plain flour

1 tablespoon salt flakes

2 tablespoons finely chopped chives or parsley

Oil for frying

Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Peel and grate onion and potatoes.  A food processor makes this a breeze. Place in a colander and squeeze out as much liquid.

Tip into a clean bowl, add beaten egg and extra yolk, flour, salt, pepper and herbs.

Heat oil in a heavy based frypan.

Place 2 tablespoons of mixture into the oil, flattening the mixture with a spatula.

Cook for 6-8 minutes each side until golden.

Keep warm by placing cooked latkes on a tray in a hot oven (200 degrees).

This will make them crunchy, whilst you cook the remaining mixture.

Serve topped with a dollop of crème fresh or sour cream.

Enjoy,

Mamma Marmalade

Smoked Salmon and Dill Risotto

Risotto is so versatile - choose your favourite ingredients to cook and create a delicious meal that is comfort food, flavoursome and satisfying.  This recipe is a good example of a little bit of something special going a long way in a risotto. If you are not a fan of smoked salmon, simply change it for a little cooked chicken or mushrooms if you prefer. 

Risotto making cannot be rushed, it is gentle, soothing and relaxing. Listen to some music and sip a little glass of wine.    Enjoy!

Smoked Salmon and Dill Risotto by Feed Your Inner Cook

Preparation               5 minutes
Cooking            20 - 30 minutes of relaxed, routinely stirring the rice
Serves                       4

Ingredients
1 cup Arborio Rice
4 cups (1 litre) Salt-Reduced Chicken or Vegetable Stock (may not need all)
1/2 cup dry white wine  
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Butter
1 onion - very finely diced
2 cloves garlic - crushed
2 stalks celery - finely sliced PLUS a few of the soft inside leaves shredded
pinch celery seeds
pinch fennel seeds
tiny pinch sumac (optional)
200 gram smoked salmon - roughly chopped into pieces
1 1/4 cups frozen green peas - prepare at start so defrosted a little when adding
small handful fresh dill - leaves .  Reserve a little for garnish    OR   parsley
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese  plus extra for garnish
Cracked black pepper
extra salt - to taste
Squeeze of fresh lemon - at the end - just a little 

Method
Heat the stock and wine in a separate saucepan.  Keep on simmer.  The warm liquid is needed for absorption by the rice.  Stock must be warm, not boiling. It is added 1 ladle at a time.

Use a deep wide pan - not too shallow or rice will spill out when you stir, not too wide or liquid will evaporate too quickly.  Large saucepan/stockpot usually works well.
The idea is the 'beating' of the rice against the pan sides brings out the starch and softens the grains. The regular stirring (not too forceful) helps make risotto creamy. I like to use a wooden spoon with a flattish base.

Heat the oil and butter together gently.
Stir in the onion. Cook gently until softens then add the garlic and seeds
Stir the rice into buttery onions for 2 mins approx. so Rice starts to become  translucent

Use a ladle to add 1 ladle of stock to the rice.  Now stir it in well.  The rice will slowly absorb the liquid. Don't allow pan to dry out, just keep stirring, let rice soak up the stock then add another ladle - one at a time.  Repeat until most of the stock is used. 

When about half the stock is in the pan - add the celery and stir in

Once most of the stock has been absorbed - have a taste - if the rice still has a hard centre you will need more liquid - hot water will be fine.  Just add a ladle and repeat the stirring process.  You want the risotto to have a creamy taste but not be sloppy. Different packets of rice vary and need more or less liquid.  That is why you add a ladle at a time, but generally the 4 cups of stock are needed.

Stir the peas through and add the sumac if using
Once the rice grains have softened to taste - the risotto is almost ready
quickly stir in the salmon pieces, fresh dill and shredded celery leaves along with cracked pepper
Taste and check - rice should be soft, and creamy
Add the parmesan reserving a little for garnish.
Taste again.  More salt?  more pepper?
Just before serving - squeeze a tiny amount of fresh lemon over the risotto and serve garnished with the reserved dill and parmesan.
                                    Enjoy!    Colleen

Crispy duck breast with vegetables braised in creamy mustard sauce

I rarely cook dishes with rich sauces but sometimes it is great to enjoy the creamy flavour especially with French Mustard and caraway. Cabbage is the main vegetable but feel free to add a variety of greens to the dish.   Enjoy!

Crispy Duck with creamy mustard vegetables by Feed Your Inner Cook

Serves                      4     -    1 small duck breast per person

Preparation            10 minutes

Cooking                 30 minutes including oven baking time

Ingredients

4 small duck breasts -    pat the skin dry.  Score the fatty skin in a criss cross pattern,  avoiding cutting into the flesh.

2 potatoes – very very finely sliced and par-cooked for a few minutes, then dried.

pinch of Salt

1 small onion – finely sliced

2 cloves garlic – crushed

Handful mushrooms – sliced

¼ small cabbage   - very finely shredded

Handful baby spinach leaves

1 bunch asparagus  -  remove the tip with about 2 inches stem then cut remaining thicker stem into 1 – 2 cm pieces  -  the tips will be added close to the end.  The stems take longer to cook

Baby green beans – cut into 1 – 2 cm pieces

Splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil  (optional)

2 Pinches caraway seeds

Pinch celery seeds

2 teaspoons French wholegrain mustard

Splash brandy (optional)

Tin Cannellini beans – rinsed and drained

Pepper – add generously to taste

Cream  (I sometimes use a longlife reduced fat cream)

Method

Preheat the oven to 190 - 200˚C.  Have a tray with baking paper ready for duck.

On a separate prepared tray place the dried potato slices ready to be brushed with the rendered duck fats.

Heat a wide deep non-stick pan over medium-high heat.  Do NOT add oil.

Season the scored dried duck skin with a little salt.

Place the duck breasts skin side down in the heated pan.

Leave the duck to cook without moving.  Cook the skin side for 3 minutes until golden

Turn over and cook flesh side for 1 minute

Remove from pan and place onto the tray and finish cooking in oven approx. 8 minutes. 

Check at 6 minutes.   When cooked, remove from oven tray and allow to rest on a warm plate, uncovered.

While the duck is in the oven:

Paint the prepared potato slices with a little of the rendered duck fat then immediately bake in the oven.

Keep and re-warm the fat in the same pan

Saute the onions until softening then add the garlic and mushrooms continuing to cook through.

Stir in the finely shredded cabbage and wilt over the heat

Add the baby spinach leaves, asparagus stems and green bean pieces

If it becomes too dry add a splash of Olive oil and continue cooking until cabbage tender

Stir in the mustard, caraway seeds, celery seeds and splash of brandy.

Add the cannellini beans and heat through

Taste and grind in a generous amount of pepper.  Possibly a touch of salt too.

Pour in the cream – enough to make a silky sauce but not sloppy.

Plate the warmed duck breast, potato slices and creamy vegetables.

                                                Enjoy!   Colleen