i am so so sorry for such a long time between posts. Much has happened - europe primarily. However this Friday we have a Frocktober "BYE" high tea and there is a little intrateam rivalry... on my menu, feuillete (puff pastry) and fresh raspberry marshmallows. i bring it to win it!
Guest judge will be Anthea Loucas, Australian editor of Gourmet Traveller and it is all in support of Ovarian Cancer. The marshmallows are setting now - pictures to come!
xx emmsy
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Hooters.
Now that I have your attention, can I share with you just how sick I felt after an outing to the family friendly Hooters?! Looking at these pictures I know why - everything was deep fried, americano style.
Before you start judging I would just like to point out that this was very much a birthday party with great company (and the snazzy strawberry daquiris with vodka added) over anything else. At least it provided a charming conversation topic come Monday morning catch ups at work :)
The Western burger came with your cheese, bacon, onion rings, smokey sauce and curly fries. Despite being better than expected, after the oily carnage below I only managed around 3 bites before calling it a day.
Lots A Tots: Tater Tots covered in plastic cheese sauce, bacon, sour cream and chives. The tots are deep fried, not baked. Such an indulgence that turned into such an error after consuming the 5th tater tot. (and the fifth, and sixth, seventh and probably also the eighth....) . The onion rings aren't great and I'm pretty sure they came out of a packet - but I love deep fried onions and these ticked both boxes (being "onions" that are "deep fried) so really, who am I to complain?!
Hooters Australia
132 James Ruse Drive
Parramatta
Before you start judging I would just like to point out that this was very much a birthday party with great company (and the snazzy strawberry daquiris with vodka added) over anything else. At least it provided a charming conversation topic come Monday morning catch ups at work :)
The Western burger came with your cheese, bacon, onion rings, smokey sauce and curly fries. Despite being better than expected, after the oily carnage below I only managed around 3 bites before calling it a day.
Western burger |
Lots A Tots |
Onion Rings |
Chicken Wings in spicy garlic marinade |
I had heard much male excitement over the wings and I started getting my hopes up when I found they came boneless, and you can pick from 8 different marinades that vary in spice and flavour. The spicy garlic hit was certainly there but it was probably fried for a few minutes too long and these were a little on the dry side. Others with boned wings didn't seem to have the problem.
And thus brought the end to an interesting night. The girls are attractive and the service extremely friendly. I was bombarded with tacky dancers, but what else would you expect at Hooters?!
xx emmsy
Hooters Australia
132 James Ruse Drive
Parramatta
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Cafe Mint, Surry Hills
I love finding new spots that just pleasantly leave you walking out full, happy, and regretful that such a nice experience has come to an end. Cafe Mint can be summed up as exactly that sort of cafe. It is small, friendly, vibrant with a delicious modern middle eastern fare to match.
Coffee is done by allpress and it is strong (just how i like it) if a little on the creamy side, i think due to their choice of milk. It is definitely not a "Weak" drop and I found myself considering a second cup to take away with me. We ended up at Mint by accident - a trip to Mecca at Pyrmont was waylaid (closed. on. sundays.) and four ate five was, as usual, way too busy. and this was pre-10am!
According to Cafe Mint's website, it has been recently renovated and it does dinners from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Definitely going into my little black book of places to try!! :)
On a Sunday we were limited to the breakfast menu only (hardly a "limitation") but lunch specials do start from 10.30. Smaller, cheaper meze options are also available and sound deeelicious.
The kuneffa is a clear winner for the table. Sweet ricotta baked in kataifi pastry with poached fruit and yoghurt. I could eat this all day, every day, and it is what a giant baklava would be like when served in dessert form.
Next up is the breakfast hummus, the type of breakfast that dreams are made of. Spiced lamb mince served on hummus with za'atar spiced turkish toast. This is addictive and completely moreish, a perfect breakfast. I am such an avid egg fan and I didn't even miss it on this dish.
Cafe Mint serve several sweet breakfasts and the daily muffins out front looked perfectly baked and fresh out of the oven. We stupidly thought we would have room for it - luckily we ordered on the side of caution :). The bircher muesli comes with a variety of fresh fruit (and the fruit is super fresh) and yoghurt. It is a little on the sweet side and will fill you up quickly. The breakfast cous cous is served warm and isn't too sweet, perfect for breakfast! It is beautifully spiced with (i think) - rose water, blossom, cardamom and cinnamon and is served with poached dried fruits (turkish figs, peaches, apricots), yoghurt and pistachio. The dish is a hit with the girls, who are generally better inclined to enjoy such a dish, with the boys at the table feigning the need to "adjust" to the flavour.
The merguez sausages are served with chackchouka, an Israeli spiced sauce with a base of red capsicum. It comes on a bed of cous cous and is a large, man eating portion. I think we counted about 8 merguez sausages in there!!
And last but not least, the turkish breakfast (possibly the healthiest plate of the table!). Boiled egg with roast tomato, spinach, olives, haloumi and za'atar toast.
The meal draws to a close after plenty of laughter around the table and friendly banter from staff. We will definitely be back to eat up the rest of the menu - lunch, dinner and meze!
Thank you, Cafe Mint, for such a pleasant start to Sunday.
xx emmsy
Cafe Mint
579 Crown St
Surry Hills
http://www.cafemint.com.au/home/
Coffee is done by allpress and it is strong (just how i like it) if a little on the creamy side, i think due to their choice of milk. It is definitely not a "Weak" drop and I found myself considering a second cup to take away with me. We ended up at Mint by accident - a trip to Mecca at Pyrmont was waylaid (closed. on. sundays.) and four ate five was, as usual, way too busy. and this was pre-10am!
According to Cafe Mint's website, it has been recently renovated and it does dinners from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Definitely going into my little black book of places to try!! :)
On a Sunday we were limited to the breakfast menu only (hardly a "limitation") but lunch specials do start from 10.30. Smaller, cheaper meze options are also available and sound deeelicious.
The kuneffa is a clear winner for the table. Sweet ricotta baked in kataifi pastry with poached fruit and yoghurt. I could eat this all day, every day, and it is what a giant baklava would be like when served in dessert form.
Kuneffa, $14.50 |
breakfast hummus, $13.90 |
Next up is the breakfast hummus, the type of breakfast that dreams are made of. Spiced lamb mince served on hummus with za'atar spiced turkish toast. This is addictive and completely moreish, a perfect breakfast. I am such an avid egg fan and I didn't even miss it on this dish.
Cafe Mint serve several sweet breakfasts and the daily muffins out front looked perfectly baked and fresh out of the oven. We stupidly thought we would have room for it - luckily we ordered on the side of caution :). The bircher muesli comes with a variety of fresh fruit (and the fruit is super fresh) and yoghurt. It is a little on the sweet side and will fill you up quickly. The breakfast cous cous is served warm and isn't too sweet, perfect for breakfast! It is beautifully spiced with (i think) - rose water, blossom, cardamom and cinnamon and is served with poached dried fruits (turkish figs, peaches, apricots), yoghurt and pistachio. The dish is a hit with the girls, who are generally better inclined to enjoy such a dish, with the boys at the table feigning the need to "adjust" to the flavour.
Bircher muesli, $15.50 |
breakfast cous cous, $14.90 |
The merguez sausages are served with chackchouka, an Israeli spiced sauce with a base of red capsicum. It comes on a bed of cous cous and is a large, man eating portion. I think we counted about 8 merguez sausages in there!!
And last but not least, the turkish breakfast (possibly the healthiest plate of the table!). Boiled egg with roast tomato, spinach, olives, haloumi and za'atar toast.
merguez sausages, $15.50 |
turkish breakfast, $15.90 |
Thank you, Cafe Mint, for such a pleasant start to Sunday.
xx emmsy
Cafe Mint
579 Crown St
Surry Hills
http://www.cafemint.com.au/home/
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Cauliflower & pea soup with roasted garlic
On a stormy, tumultuous night such as this when you know winter has definitely hit, there is nothing tastier or more appealing than a creamy, warm soup.
Cauliflower & pea soup with roasted garlic - an original recipe
1 large cauliflower, chopped roughly
1 cup peas
1 L chicken or vegetable stock
3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped or minced
200 ml thick cream
1 tablespoon butter
salt & pepper, to taste
chopped chives
grated cheese (tasty, swiss, mozzarella or gruyere)
In a large pot, bring stock, cauliflower and peas to boil. Turn to medium heat and cook for around 20 minutes.
Separately, fry garlic in some olive oil (i used truffle infused oil) until it starts to caramelise. Add to soup.
Once vegetables are soft, place in blender or food processor and whiz until smooth.
Place back in pot on low heat and add cream. Add salt and pepper to taste, and extra water if soup is a little lumpy.
Just before serving, add butter into pot and stir.
Serve with grated cheese, chopped chives and a dash of olive oil (all optional). Best slurped up with a soft dinner roll.
Enjoy :) xx emmsy
Cauliflower & pea soup with roasted garlic - an original recipe
1 large cauliflower, chopped roughly
1 cup peas
1 L chicken or vegetable stock
3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped or minced
200 ml thick cream
1 tablespoon butter
salt & pepper, to taste
chopped chives
grated cheese (tasty, swiss, mozzarella or gruyere)
In a large pot, bring stock, cauliflower and peas to boil. Turn to medium heat and cook for around 20 minutes.
Separately, fry garlic in some olive oil (i used truffle infused oil) until it starts to caramelise. Add to soup.
Once vegetables are soft, place in blender or food processor and whiz until smooth.
Place back in pot on low heat and add cream. Add salt and pepper to taste, and extra water if soup is a little lumpy.
Just before serving, add butter into pot and stir.
Serve with grated cheese, chopped chives and a dash of olive oil (all optional). Best slurped up with a soft dinner roll.
Enjoy :) xx emmsy
Monday, 18 July 2011
Lammys
I have been wanting to make pink and white lamingtons for the longest time...and now here they are! Vanilla sponge squares decorated with a white chocolate ganache (equal parts cream and white chocolate), and covered in lightly toasted shredded coconut.
xx emmsy
xx emmsy
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
and finally, the top ten: les premiers dix
I know it has been a while but it really has taken me this long to sort out my top ten. And I feel I need to post this now, before I think too much about it, again.
So here it is : my perfect ten course meal.
1. Bistro Felix's Gruyere Souffle.
As far as one dish goes, this packs a mean punch. It is pillow soft, cheesy goodness with baked cheese sauce and a souffle so fluffy it just melts away. Highly recommended. Your greedy eyes tell you you can finish it - your stomach will tell you otherwise. Listen to the latter.
2. BarRaval's Carpacho Barraval (Beef Carpaccio) served with garlic toast.
Barcelona's BarRaval provided without debate the best meal of my time there. The grey goose came filled in a large glass, with our very own soda maker. The huevos estralados; chorizo, potato and runny egg, was a close contender but this dish won out for its freshness: quality beef, sliced envelope thin; garlic compote; the best spanish olive oil one could find; and the perfectly toasted baguettes. A dream meal.
3. Aria's Peking Duck Consomme with duck dumpling and asian mushrooms.
This dish is so much more complex than it looks, and the flavour of the consomme really surprised me. At Aria's degustation only two things stood out for me - this consomme, and the mango pavlova. The dumpling is what I imagine a soft, juicy peking duck to be like if it came in dumpling form, and the consomme was so clear that I feel sorry for the poor chef cooking it for hours and constantly skimming it. Perfect on a cold night like tonight.
If you ever find yourself in grey, overcast Edinburgh, make your way to Oink and be greeted by this - lunch :). Hog Roast Rolls are served on small, soft dinner buns and come with/without crackling and four options - the only four you will ever need: apple sauce. sage and onion relish. chilli relish. haggis. I had mine with cracking, apple sauce and sage and onion relish, which tasted like stuffing. While Haggis definitely isn't my thing, my travelling companions ordered it and were pleasantly surprised. I have also just read that the pigs are raised on the owners farm in Berwick - one of the most beautiful places in Scotland and a mere hour or two away from Edinburgh.
To quench the thirst of a hog roast roll, the only choice would be the lemon granitas of Amalfi/Sorrento, Italy. I die.
I know when I have had a killer meal when I am at the end of a 3, 5, or even 10 course meal, and I am so inquisitive about their other dessert options that I find the stomach space to order it. After a three course meal at Gordon Ramsay's Maze in London, I was a very lucky girl. It was an early dinner on a week night and we were seated right in front of the "private dining room" which was empty, and provided me with a perfect view into the glass windowed-kitchen to discover that magic really does exist. How do I explain this? Peanut brittle that was buttery and broke with a sharp crack. Cherry Jam ice cream that was slightly tart and a perfect marriage with the salty peanut. And the tonka bean cream and dehydrated cherries, fused together to have the best. ever. party. in. my. mouth. I miss this dessert.
9. Sepia's Chocolate Forest Floor with Soft Chocolate, Lavender Cream, Hazelnut cream, Sour Cherry Sorbet, Licorice, Green tea moss
As they set this dish down you are transcended to the type of forest floor that would be present in Elvandar meets Willy Wonka. Bliss. It is recommended that you mix it all up to have a taste of everything in each bite. Give in to your inner child and do it. So many textures, so many flavours, so much love for Mr Benn and his team. eff. my. life.
Perfectly matched with a Greek coffee frappe... one can dream :)
10. Pastricceria Papa's Ricotta Cannoli
PSP is truly the only place to get your cannoli fix from, and one cannot deviate from this nor can one match it. The cannoli shells are so fresh and crunchy, the ricotta is smooth and perfectly seasoned, and at $2.50 a pop (don't waste your time on the minis - large large LARGE!!!) I walk out with my wallet much lighter than before. There is a reason why PSP's display is 5 metres long. There is a reason why every italian family in a 20km radius lines up non stop. Be a good sydney sider and find the crowd, and jump in. (I only say that because I have learnt that Melbournites never, ever line up. Silly if you ask me...)
And no 10 course meal is complete without a petit four: an egg tart from either Emperor's Garden in Chinatown, Zilver's chinese restaurant or Sky phoenix. Why these three? Because their egg tarts are served warm and coupled with gorgeous flaky pastry - not that short crust rubbish.
And there is, very difficulty, my top ten. I must confess that even while typing I have added and removed about four different dishes... and I end this at 10.40pm starving and in desperate need of anything.
xx emmsy
So here it is : my perfect ten course meal.
1. Bistro Felix's Gruyere Souffle.
As far as one dish goes, this packs a mean punch. It is pillow soft, cheesy goodness with baked cheese sauce and a souffle so fluffy it just melts away. Highly recommended. Your greedy eyes tell you you can finish it - your stomach will tell you otherwise. Listen to the latter.
2. BarRaval's Carpacho Barraval (Beef Carpaccio) served with garlic toast.
Barcelona's BarRaval provided without debate the best meal of my time there. The grey goose came filled in a large glass, with our very own soda maker. The huevos estralados; chorizo, potato and runny egg, was a close contender but this dish won out for its freshness: quality beef, sliced envelope thin; garlic compote; the best spanish olive oil one could find; and the perfectly toasted baguettes. A dream meal.
Beef Carpacho, BarRaval |
3. Aria's Peking Duck Consomme with duck dumpling and asian mushrooms.
Peking Duck Consomme, Aria |
4. Paul's Famous Hamburgers' Special Burger with special sauce, cooked onions, chips with extra chicken salt and a 2L bottle of pineapple crush.
Ladies and Gentlemen, you can not have lived until you have had this. The "Special" is the bacon and egg burger, and the special sauce is aioli. Order it with the cooked onions and you won't be left with Paul's breath the following morning - I am very proud/embarrassed to share with you that it took many, maaaany Paul's burgers for me to work this out. A burger is not the same without the crispy chips with extra chicken salt. Ask nicely enough and they will let you sprinkle your own outside. And of course - slam it down with the legendary cold, refreshing and chunky pineapple crush. I have tried replicating this at home to no avail, and at around $7 for a 2L jug it is the best value ever. Yes, I have found other burgers just as delicious but nothing comes near Paul's - its unrateable.
Paul's special burger |
Pineapple crush |
5. Oink's Hog Roast Roll with crackling.
Oink hog |
granita |
6. Quay's White Nectarine Snow Egg
Since making an apperance on last year's Masterchef, the Snow Egg has become arguably Australia's most recognised and highly sought after dessert. Only two top restaurants have completely taken my breath away with every single component of its degustation menu, and Quay is one of them. Sepia is the other. The Snow egg is a poached meringue "egg" with a "yolk" of flavoured ice-cream, coated in a crunchy praline maltose shell that sits on a bet of white nectarine granita and white nectarine "fool". Cracking it open to discover its hidden surprise could be one of the best moments of my life. I was given a voucher for Quay (and even a surprise booking!) for my birthday this year and it is absolutely the best gift of my life. Thank you.
Quay's snow egg |
Inside the snow egg |
7. Maze's Peanut Butter and Cherry Jam Sandwich with tonka bean cream and dehydrated cherries
Maze's peanut butter cherry sandwich |
8. Bodega's Banana Split with cream flan, dulce de leche ice cream, ginger biscuit and banana
Not your average banana split, this dessert knocks your socks off and keeps you needing more. The "banana" is in the form of a banana marshmallow (in the background), served like a "smore". Its smokey flavour melds with the peanuts, the cream flan, the biscuit and the ice cream. Each component has an element of brilliance but when its powers combine, it becomes the Captain Planet of all desserts.
Bodega's Banana Split |
9. Sepia's Chocolate Forest Floor with Soft Chocolate, Lavender Cream, Hazelnut cream, Sour Cherry Sorbet, Licorice, Green tea moss
As they set this dish down you are transcended to the type of forest floor that would be present in Elvandar meets Willy Wonka. Bliss. It is recommended that you mix it all up to have a taste of everything in each bite. Give in to your inner child and do it. So many textures, so many flavours, so much love for Mr Benn and his team. eff. my. life.
Perfectly matched with a Greek coffee frappe... one can dream :)
Sepia's Choc forest floor |
Greek coffee frappe |
10. Pastricceria Papa's Ricotta Cannoli
PSP's ricotta cannoli |
egg tarts |
And no 10 course meal is complete without a petit four: an egg tart from either Emperor's Garden in Chinatown, Zilver's chinese restaurant or Sky phoenix. Why these three? Because their egg tarts are served warm and coupled with gorgeous flaky pastry - not that short crust rubbish.
And there is, very difficulty, my top ten. I must confess that even while typing I have added and removed about four different dishes... and I end this at 10.40pm starving and in desperate need of anything.
xx emmsy
Labels:
aria,
bistro felix,
bodega,
burgers,
cannoli,
degustation,
dessert,
dinner,
egg tart,
gordon ramsay,
matt moran,
maze,
Merivale,
peter gilmore,
quay,
sepia,
snow egg,
top ten meals ever,
yum cha
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
the 20 minute meal
This is the meal I find myself cooking at least once a week because it is quick, nutritious, tasty and EASY. It is full of protein and good, complex carbs and you can include pretty much whatever takes your fancy.
Okay, so the only reason this meal takes 20 minutes instead of 10 or 15 is because brown rice takes about that long to cook slowly and softly. But if you have rice on hand, or would prefer to replace it with canned lentils or beans, this meal is on the table theoretically in under five minutes...
Tonight's meal is made using the ingredients below, but you could also make it with steamed green beans, potatoes, cannellini beans, lentils, quinoa, roast pumpkin, poached chicken - the list goes on :)
Ingredients:
While cooking the brown rice (in a pot on low heat - it will burn in a rice cooker!) I cube and mix all cold ingredients in a bowl - tuna, cucumber, tomato, lemon juice, parsley, olive oil, pomegranate. I drain the oil out from the tuna to add my own but if you decide to keep the oil, you might not even need extra olive oil.
I haven't used pomegranate before and it is a mean thing to tap out of its shell but it is so tasty that it is worth my while. I tapped out each and every mean sucker inside (except around 1/8th that fell on the floor....)
Just before the rice is cooked, I lightly fry the haloumi. Once done, I mix the hot ingredients with the cold and voila - le dîner!
If adding canned legumes, I will add these to the pot of rice to heat for a bit - I like this salad served warm. The unhealthiest it gets is when I decide to have 5 slices of haloumi instead of 3...
xx emmsy
Okay, so the only reason this meal takes 20 minutes instead of 10 or 15 is because brown rice takes about that long to cook slowly and softly. But if you have rice on hand, or would prefer to replace it with canned lentils or beans, this meal is on the table theoretically in under five minutes...
Tonight's meal is made using the ingredients below, but you could also make it with steamed green beans, potatoes, cannellini beans, lentils, quinoa, roast pumpkin, poached chicken - the list goes on :)
Ingredients:
- 1 can of good quality tuna
- 1 medium-large cucumber, cubed
- 2 medium tomatoes, cubed
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
- 2 Tb of olive oil (i use half extra virgin, half lime)
- 2 Tb pomegranate
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup of cooked brown rice
- Haloumi, fried to perfection
Cold ingredients |
pomegranate suckers |
While cooking the brown rice (in a pot on low heat - it will burn in a rice cooker!) I cube and mix all cold ingredients in a bowl - tuna, cucumber, tomato, lemon juice, parsley, olive oil, pomegranate. I drain the oil out from the tuna to add my own but if you decide to keep the oil, you might not even need extra olive oil.
I haven't used pomegranate before and it is a mean thing to tap out of its shell but it is so tasty that it is worth my while. I tapped out each and every mean sucker inside (except around 1/8th that fell on the floor....)
Just before the rice is cooked, I lightly fry the haloumi. Once done, I mix the hot ingredients with the cold and voila - le dîner!
If adding canned legumes, I will add these to the pot of rice to heat for a bit - I like this salad served warm. The unhealthiest it gets is when I decide to have 5 slices of haloumi instead of 3...
xx emmsy
Labels:
brown rice,
dinner,
healthy,
quick meal,
salads,
tuna
Monday, 4 July 2011
food to die for: your top ten
If you had to pick a ten course meal based on your absolute favourite meals, what would make the list?
At first I would be spoilt for choice in ten courses but then when I think about my favourite cheap eats, my favourite meals from my mother, my favourite meals at a nice restaurant AND my all time favourite desserts... it doesn't leave much space for each.
I am thinking that a Paul's special hamburger with special sauce, chips with extra chicken salt AND a 2L bottle of pineapple crush would definitely make the list. It is one complete meal because you couldn't possibly have any one of those components without the other. I am also thinking that this peanut brittle and sour cherry dessert that I had at Mr Ramsay's Maze in London would make the list. But what about mum's chicken soup? And xiao long bao? And peking duck? Shang Tung chicken from Kingsford Chinese? Bodega's entire menu? Rice and Tabouli from Hannibals? And the amazing bread from Justin North's Becasse? Pierre Hermes macarons? The Snow egg from Peter Gilmore's Quay? Hot & Spicy KFC chicken?!
I will give this some serious thought and get back to you... stay tooned... and tell me what makes your list!
xx emmsy
At first I would be spoilt for choice in ten courses but then when I think about my favourite cheap eats, my favourite meals from my mother, my favourite meals at a nice restaurant AND my all time favourite desserts... it doesn't leave much space for each.
I am thinking that a Paul's special hamburger with special sauce, chips with extra chicken salt AND a 2L bottle of pineapple crush would definitely make the list. It is one complete meal because you couldn't possibly have any one of those components without the other. I am also thinking that this peanut brittle and sour cherry dessert that I had at Mr Ramsay's Maze in London would make the list. But what about mum's chicken soup? And xiao long bao? And peking duck? Shang Tung chicken from Kingsford Chinese? Bodega's entire menu? Rice and Tabouli from Hannibals? And the amazing bread from Justin North's Becasse? Pierre Hermes macarons? The Snow egg from Peter Gilmore's Quay? Hot & Spicy KFC chicken?!
I will give this some serious thought and get back to you... stay tooned... and tell me what makes your list!
Paul's famous hamburgers, San Souci |
xx emmsy
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Let them eat cake: A new twist on an old favourite
Bored one day and desperate to create, I thought I would trial a new flavour combination: a basic vanilla sponge with lavender infused honey, vanilla cream and fresh raspberry puree.
Basic sponge recipe:
190 g plain flour
1/4 t bi-carbonate soda
6 eggs (3 separated)
3/4 C sugar
65 g butter, melted
1 t vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 165 degrees.
Thoroughly sieve flour and bicarb soda (2-3 times). Set aside.
Whip 3 egg whites for approximately 3 minutes, until whites start to thicken and gloss. Slowly add 1/2 cup sugar while beating. Beat until stiff peaks form, similar to meringue mixture. Set aside.
Beat 3 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks with sugar until mixture becomes light and creamy, and has tripled in size (approx 5 minutes on a medium beat). Add melted butter and vanilla extract.
Using a spatula, fold flour into the egg mixture. Fold until flour is incorporated, but do not over-mix. Start by adding approx 1/3 of the meringue mixture and fold through very gently, as you want to keep as much air in as possible. Repeat until all ingredients are mixed together.
Pour batter into lined and greased 20cm cake pan and bake for around 55 minutes, until the cake is springy to touch and a skewer comes out clean.
As soon as the cake came out of the oven, I lightly heated 200g honey, 50g water with 3 lavender buds. Do not let the honey mixture boil as it will thicken and turn to toffee.
Once your lavender infused honey syrup is complete, slice the top off the cake to flatten and cut cake in half. Open the middle halves and drizzle honey syrup onto cake. I used approx 3/4 of this mixture, just enough so the honey and lavender fragrance really shone through.
Beat 500g cream and add 1 cup icing sugar. Cream should be thick enough to spread and keep its shape. Add cream to the middle of the cake and place the second layer of cake on top. Spread with more cream and drizzle with fresh raspberry puree*.
*To make the raspberry puree, I put 250g raspberries with a dash of sugar and water in a heavy based pot or saucepan. Cook until raspberries break down and mixture is thick and glossy. Push through sieve to remove seeds.
It seems like a dedicated process but it's not - and the little touches made the cake completely worthwhile!
a bientot et bonne nuit
xx emmsy
Basic sponge recipe:
190 g plain flour
1/4 t bi-carbonate soda
6 eggs (3 separated)
3/4 C sugar
65 g butter, melted
1 t vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 165 degrees.
Thoroughly sieve flour and bicarb soda (2-3 times). Set aside.
Whip 3 egg whites for approximately 3 minutes, until whites start to thicken and gloss. Slowly add 1/2 cup sugar while beating. Beat until stiff peaks form, similar to meringue mixture. Set aside.
Beat 3 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks with sugar until mixture becomes light and creamy, and has tripled in size (approx 5 minutes on a medium beat). Add melted butter and vanilla extract.
Using a spatula, fold flour into the egg mixture. Fold until flour is incorporated, but do not over-mix. Start by adding approx 1/3 of the meringue mixture and fold through very gently, as you want to keep as much air in as possible. Repeat until all ingredients are mixed together.
Pour batter into lined and greased 20cm cake pan and bake for around 55 minutes, until the cake is springy to touch and a skewer comes out clean.
As soon as the cake came out of the oven, I lightly heated 200g honey, 50g water with 3 lavender buds. Do not let the honey mixture boil as it will thicken and turn to toffee.
Once your lavender infused honey syrup is complete, slice the top off the cake to flatten and cut cake in half. Open the middle halves and drizzle honey syrup onto cake. I used approx 3/4 of this mixture, just enough so the honey and lavender fragrance really shone through.
Beat 500g cream and add 1 cup icing sugar. Cream should be thick enough to spread and keep its shape. Add cream to the middle of the cake and place the second layer of cake on top. Spread with more cream and drizzle with fresh raspberry puree*.
*To make the raspberry puree, I put 250g raspberries with a dash of sugar and water in a heavy based pot or saucepan. Cook until raspberries break down and mixture is thick and glossy. Push through sieve to remove seeds.
Preparing the puree (excuse the terrible lighting!) |
It seems like a dedicated process but it's not - and the little touches made the cake completely worthwhile!
a bientot et bonne nuit
xx emmsy
Monday, 27 June 2011
The Commons, Darlinghurst (an uncommon adventure)
Dear internet followers
First off I must apologise for leaving it so long between posts. Especially with my favourite foodie, Jas, travelling the US of A, I really need to be much more diligent because there is no shortage of food in my life!
Believe you me that that is nothing common about The Commons. It is located on the uber trendy Burton St and, following several write ups in SMH's Good Living, it is officially an uber trend. The Commons was my place around town that always served delicious, hearty fare and always had a nice seat for me, either on the sun-drenched courtyard or inside the shadowed sandstone cottage. But no more - upon my arrival on Saturday, I was devastated to see that it was almost entirely booked out. On the plus side - at least they take bookings :)
The Commons do a well-rounded, but short menu and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on certain days (refer to website!). They also do a pretty mean list of daily specials that call out your name.
The pan fried silver dory on mash with caper lemon butter is soft, juicy and rich. The fish is cooked perfectly and just falls away with the fork and the delicious lemon caper butter is well seasoned and smooth. It does get a little rich by the time you find yourself with an empty plate, but isn't that what eating out is all about?
The blue cheese beef burger comes on fresh sourdough. The blue cheese is very mild and the predominant flavour are the caramelised onions and aioli. It is definitely tasty, and worth picking up and getting your hands dirty, but it really doesn't come close to my recent burger experiences. That said, it is completely unfair of me to evaluate this to the Deus Veal and the LOTUS MY LOVER burgers of late. The hand cut chips are sadly a let down - soggy!
Uncharacteristically, I am full after most of my burger, so i have to walk away before trying the rhubarb crumble - something I already know I would love!!
The Commons also has a private dining room upstairs, and a "Secret garden" that can be booked for approx 12-16 people. Downstairs they have what I like to call the whisky & beer den - it is underground, a little damp, and filled with pool tables and old armchairs. In the summer time (and perhaps all year round!) you can hire bicycles from the Humble Vintage Cyclists through The Commons, with the option of a "guide to Sydney" and a gourmet picnic hamper. It is one little gem you should check out!
xx emmsy
The Commons Local Eating House
32 Burton St
Darlinghurst
First off I must apologise for leaving it so long between posts. Especially with my favourite foodie, Jas, travelling the US of A, I really need to be much more diligent because there is no shortage of food in my life!
Believe you me that that is nothing common about The Commons. It is located on the uber trendy Burton St and, following several write ups in SMH's Good Living, it is officially an uber trend. The Commons was my place around town that always served delicious, hearty fare and always had a nice seat for me, either on the sun-drenched courtyard or inside the shadowed sandstone cottage. But no more - upon my arrival on Saturday, I was devastated to see that it was almost entirely booked out. On the plus side - at least they take bookings :)
The Commons do a well-rounded, but short menu and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on certain days (refer to website!). They also do a pretty mean list of daily specials that call out your name.
The pan fried silver dory on mash with caper lemon butter is soft, juicy and rich. The fish is cooked perfectly and just falls away with the fork and the delicious lemon caper butter is well seasoned and smooth. It does get a little rich by the time you find yourself with an empty plate, but isn't that what eating out is all about?
The blue cheese beef burger comes on fresh sourdough. The blue cheese is very mild and the predominant flavour are the caramelised onions and aioli. It is definitely tasty, and worth picking up and getting your hands dirty, but it really doesn't come close to my recent burger experiences. That said, it is completely unfair of me to evaluate this to the Deus Veal and the LOTUS MY LOVER burgers of late. The hand cut chips are sadly a let down - soggy!
Uncharacteristically, I am full after most of my burger, so i have to walk away before trying the rhubarb crumble - something I already know I would love!!
The Commons also has a private dining room upstairs, and a "Secret garden" that can be booked for approx 12-16 people. Downstairs they have what I like to call the whisky & beer den - it is underground, a little damp, and filled with pool tables and old armchairs. In the summer time (and perhaps all year round!) you can hire bicycles from the Humble Vintage Cyclists through The Commons, with the option of a "guide to Sydney" and a gourmet picnic hamper. It is one little gem you should check out!
xx emmsy
The Commons Local Eating House
32 Burton St
Darlinghurst
Friday, 17 June 2011
District Dining has all the right stuff
The younger, light-hearted sibling to two-hatted Assiette, District Dining seemed like a perfect spot to grab lunch with colleagues on a Friday. Although only 9 months in the making, Warren Turnbull's new baby has already had some excellent reviews for it's bistro quality, value and professionalism. As the clean and bright dining room gets busier, it becomes evident that DD is a favourite for the local media and corporate business crowd. It's an ideal place to catch up, share some plates and indulge in a bit of everything for a nice price.
To begin, Crispy school prawns & lime mayonnaise ($16) were going down too easily, with the right balance of crunch and flavour. The steak tartare, aioli, french fries & sourdough ($20) was lovely and fresh and could even be enjoyed by seasoned palettes sans garlic mayo. The Seared scallops(4), jerusalem artichoke, crispy pancetta & prune ($20) were a treat - like most scallops are - although we'd probably forgo them a second time around and just order another serve of those winning crispy prawns.
Soon after to arrive were our more substantial dishes of Sweet potato, gorgonzola, risotto & preserved pear ($25) and Rabbit ragout, parpardelle, green olive & pangrattato ($29). The risotto was a good texture and a fine balance of sharp and sweet flavours, nice for sharing. Though, the star of this show was clearly the ragout and had some of our previously apprehensive fluffy animal eaters totally reformed.
A special mention about the excellent service; the right level of hospitality really helped to enhance our dining experience. Keep up the good work Mr Turnbull and team, and congratulations on your gorgeous new arrival !
Jas.xx
District Dining
17 Randle Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Merivale madness: Lotus
It is a cold Thursday night in winter and 8 girls are out on the town. The wine list is 9 pages and the cocktail list bumps it out by another 5. Couple that with the $60 banquet menu, it is a recipe for schoolnighthangoverdisaster. Otherwise known as a great night out.
Until the end of July Lotus have a 6-7pm earlybird dining special where two courses is $30 and 3 courses is $39. We are too late for this, so we opt for the 8+ pax set menu consisting of NINE dishes for $60. That's right, nine. neuf. nove. chin. negen. siyam. 九. My mind is excited but my stomach knows the struggle ahead as my appetite was still MIA.
Merivale describes Lotus as "one of the jewels of Sydney's eastern suburbs... a sophisticated, award-winning bistro and cocktail bar with a reputation for outstanding service... Dan Hong's menu marries European influences with fresh Asian flavours". Dan Hong, I am under severe European influence and some might describe me as a "fresh asian flavour". Marry me.
Until the end of July Lotus have a 6-7pm earlybird dining special where two courses is $30 and 3 courses is $39. We are too late for this, so we opt for the 8+ pax set menu consisting of NINE dishes for $60. That's right, nine. neuf. nove. chin. negen. siyam. 九. My mind is excited but my stomach knows the struggle ahead as my appetite was still MIA.
Merivale describes Lotus as "one of the jewels of Sydney's eastern suburbs... a sophisticated, award-winning bistro and cocktail bar with a reputation for outstanding service... Dan Hong's menu marries European influences with fresh Asian flavours". Dan Hong, I am under severe European influence and some might describe me as a "fresh asian flavour". Marry me.
Saturday, 11 June 2011
My oh Ms.G's !
Sydney Eastern Suburbs. Late one chilly Thursday night. Hungry for something tasty. Need warmth. A trendy vibe too. Hmmm, not that much choice really (attention Clover Moore !) But then we remember Ms. G's in Potts Point, a new-ish estblishment that's quickly making itself into a Sydney institution. Then again, Merivale hardly ever get it wrong. With views over the city and harbour and four levels of ultra cool design, ithis is a truly unique modern Asian dining and drinking extravanganza. Here's why.
We're the last to leave but will be the first ones back because Ms. G's, you are special.
Jas.xx
Ms. G's
155 Victoria Street
Potts Point
Mon - Sat 5pm-11pm
Fri 12pm-3pm
Sun 1pm-9pm (Bar 1pm-10pm)
By the time we arrive, it's around 10pm and not too crowded. We are seated on a table for two, although there are several communal tables for large groups and shared dining alike. The menu requires some careful decision making because it all sounds way too delicious - and inventive. Now the specialty cocktails here are not just any cocktails. You might feel like you're a kid at Easyway as they arrive packaged just like an asian pearl tea, sealed with plastic. Just grab an extra wide colourful straw from your table setting and bottoms up; so much fun. I'm glad I chose the Green Iced Tea ($13). The flavours of Zubrowka vodka, Cloud & Mist tea, grapefruit bitters, green apple and soda are right up my alley.
It's not a long wait before our Chicken Katsu Mini bánh mì ($6ea) arrive and boy, does this little burger deliver big satisfaction. By this stage, we are settled right in and salivating for more. Cue the Egg noodles with XO sauce, braised duck, soft poached egg ($18), which taletented chefs Dan Hong and Jowett Yu (Lotus) recommend we mix before eating. Once everything is deliciously coated in that beautiful yolk, the texture and flavour lifts to another level. The duck is lovely and I wouldn't change anything about it. But our stand-out favourite was Jow’s Sweet & Sour lamb ribs ($23). Ribs aren't usually on my radar but I'll never forget this dish. In fact, I won't go back to Ms G's without having it. The lamb is so tender, so meaty and so soft, that you could almost eat these ribs with a knife and fork. The sauce is so heavenly that we don't want to waste a drop.
Must try - Jow's Sweet & Sour lamb ribs |
Hungry to experience more, we were sure to leave enough room for dessert. True to it's name, the “Stoner’s Delight” consisting of doughnut ice cream, chocolate, rice bubble, pretzel, peanut brittle and marshmallow ($12) was worth it. The best part is the saltiness of the peanut brittle combined with the sweetness of the other elements of the dish. It's almost an absurd idea but this after dinner treat kicks ass.
At this stage, all our senses have been pleased and we're even dancing in our seats to the cool beats reverbrating through the graffitied dining room. The waitstaff have been fantastic and their night is winding down, so they even have time to chat and share a joke with us, although maintaining profressionalism always. After a Vittoria coffee and digestif (no authentic Italian limoncello though, unfortunately), we're ready to rock'n'roll on home.We're the last to leave but will be the first ones back because Ms. G's, you are special.
Jas.xx
Ms. G's
155 Victoria Street
Potts Point
Mon - Sat 5pm-11pm
Fri 12pm-3pm
Sun 1pm-9pm (Bar 1pm-10pm)
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