Category: gourmet cooking classes

Of Mince Pies & Christmas Crackers

by chefmarkmc, posted in australian chefs, baking, cakes, cooking classes, delicious recipes, food and drink, gourmet cooking classes, Seasonal Kitchen, sugar confections

When I think of Xmas, one food i always comes to mind , home made fruit mince pies featuring savoury short pastry and a snow like dusting of powdered sugar.

Don’t be mean with the beanz…..

by chefmarkmc, posted in food and drink, gourmet cooking classes, legumes, peasant cuisine, Spicy recipes

Imagine the classics cuisines of Europe without dried beans of the Phaseolus vulgaris family. We would be deprived Cassoulet and Capparrones, Pasta e fagioli and Ribollita  in fact all the dishes that feature Cannellini, Borlotti, Flageolet, Navy, Pinto and Black turtle beans just for starters....

Those Spicy Portugeezers!

by chefmarkmc, posted in australian chefs, chilli recipes, cooking classes, food and drink, gourmet cooking classes, indian cuisine, Spicy recipes

The Portuguese influenced food and eating on almost every continent. Responsible for not only introducing tomatoes, chilies and potatoes to India, Sri Lanka and the Moluccas, but also transplanting cassava from the Americas to Africa and South East Asia. In return they took fragrant eastern spices like cinnamon and cloves to their Brazilian colony in the new world along with exotic foods like rice and bananas. In the process they introduced the concept of "Tempura" to Japan, Vinho de Ahlo or “Vindaloo” to Goa, and delicious soft Portuguese bread rolls or “Pao” throughout Asia

Kale…FFS……its just ancient cabbage …..

by chefmarkmc, posted in australian chefs, cooking classes, delicious recipes, food and drink, gourmet cooking classes, indian cuisine, Seasonal Kitchen, Spicy recipes

To be honest I have had it with the mania surrounding Kale, not that I don’t like the stuff, it has its place, but talk about over exposed and over hyped. Seriously does anyone really “love” the taste of Kale juice or think that shredded kale in a salad is “amazing” and don’t get me … Continue reading Kale…FFS……its just ancient cabbage …..

I Love a Bit of Crumpet!

by chefmarkmc, posted in australian chefs, baking, Barossa Wine, Bread and Yeast goods, cakes, chocolate cake, cooking classes, delicious recipes, dessert recipes, food and drink, food and wine, gourmet cooking classes, wine country cooking

A few days ago we hosted a little afternoon tea, nothing exciting in that I hear you say, maybe some simple tea cakes or scones and jam, even a sandwich or two but you would be wrong, what we served brought back memories of something very special because more years ago than I would care to … Continue reading I Love a Bit of Crumpet!