Cookbookmaniac
  • Wild Barramundi with Black Olive Salsa by Sophie Dahl
    Wild Barramundi with Black Olive Salsa by Sophie Dahl
    European Recipes

    There are days when I really want to indulge. These are times when only chocolate and red frogs will do. Then there are days when I want something light and good for me. One Sunday afternoon I was feeling like eating for my health and so I flipped through some of my more healthier cookbooks. Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights has an exciting range of meals based around the seasons and breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whenever I want to make something quick and healthy I often reach for this book. I will often find something or feel inspired by it. She doesn't eat red meat or chicken, however there a couple of lamb and chicken recipes (strange...). Vegetables and grains are predominate throughout the book. I also find that I am adding ingredients to her list. Whether it be a squidge of butter, an extra clove of garlic or some dried…

  • Efendy in Balmain – Lamb Testicles… to eat or not to eat?
    Efendy in Balmain – Lamb Testicles… to eat or not to eat?
    Asian Restaurant Reviews

    "Efendy means 'Gentleman' in old Turkish. It is commonly used to describe people with traditional upbringing adopting modern views" During the Easter break I was invited to attend a food bloggers dinner event at Efendy by Simon Leong of Simon Food Favourites. The purpose of the evening was to introduce and highlight the cuisine of one of the most ancient capitals: Istanbul. I do not know much about Turkish food. My knowledge of it doesn't extend further than Turkish Delight and what is offered at the kebab shop. So, I was quite excited to attend and sample some new things. The evening was hosted by Asli and Somer Sivrioglu. The elegant Asli dined with us, whilst the jovial Somer attended to the kitchen. We sampled many wonderful dishes and had quite a few eye-opening moments too. *wink wink* We were treated to: * Three cold mezes * Three hot mezes…

  • Ham in Coca Cola by Nigella Lawson
    Ham in Coca Cola by Nigella Lawson
    American Recipes

    I have a quiet obsession with all things retro-kitsch-trashy. You wouldn't know it if you saw me. I mostly keep it to myself as I fear the sideways glance when people realise that I collect some of the stuff they tried to get rid of in their garage sale. I am not hardcore when it comes to going through vintage markets, I simply pick up items whenever I spot them. My obsession with cookbooks takes precedence. Here are some retro-kitsch-trashy things in my kitchen or on my mind * I have a timer in the shape of a hen with little chicks as the time guide * Two chicken-shaped egg holders live next to two owl salt'n'pepper shakers that sit on a celery green soap dish. * I have an ice cream scoop in the shape of an ice cream * Most of the items in my kitchen do not…