Fresh figs are one of those ingredients that always feel a little special when they appear at the farmers market. Their season is short, and when they arrive piled high on the stall it feels like a small signal that late summer is here. This Fig and Almond Tart was inspired by a recent market…
Category: Afternoon/morning tea
Classic Red Velvet Cake
When I made this Classic Red Velvet Cake recently, what stayed with me wasn’t just the flavour — it was the texture. Red velvet, when it’s right, has a very specific feel. It’s light and airy, yet smooth and fine through the centre. It doesn’t crumble and it doesn’t sit heavy. It holds together cleanly…
Lemon and Ricotta Cake
The other day I made a batch of fresh ricotta, and as always, there was a little left over. Rather than let it sit in the fridge, I turned it into this Lemon and Ricotta Cake — soft, buttery, and delicately scented with lemon. It’s a classic Italian-style cake that’s wonderfully simple: just a handful…
Namoura (Lebanese Semolina Cake with Almonds)
Namoura is a Lebanese semolina cake, baked until golden, soaked in fragrant syrup, and topped with a single almond on each piece. It’s one of those sweets that instantly feels celebratory, and you’ll often see it cut into perfect squares or diamonds in Lebanese bakeries. When I baked it at home, the yoghurt gave a…
Classic French Madeleines
Light, buttery, and delicately perfumed with lemon and vanilla, these little shell-shaped cakes are the essence of French baking. Resting the batter is the secret to their airy texture and signature hump. I’d been curious about baking madeleines for years, ever since a French friend served them at her daughter’s birthday party. She pulled the…
Aussie Bakery Custard Tart
Aussie bakery custard tart is a classic, nostalgia-evoking dessert with a crisp shortcrust pastry and creamy vanilla custard filling, finished with a light dusting of nutmeg and baked until just set. There’s something about walking into a corner bakery that instantly takes you back. For me, it was always about the custard tart. After shopping…
Passionfruit and Raspberry Tarts
There’s something special about the combination of crisp, buttery pastry and smooth, tangy curd. These Passionfruit and Raspberry Tarts are a perfect bite-sized treat, ideal for afternoon tea or a light dessert. The bright yellow curd contrasts beautifully with the vibrant red raspberries, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Best of all,…
Homemade Hot Cross Buns – A Family Easter Tradition
Every year at Easter, my extended family packs up and heads away for the long weekend. With a big crowd of us together, we take turns cooking dinner each night, and while the meals always change, there are two traditions that never do. 1: The kids always have an epic Easter egg hunt, running around…
Persian Love Cake – A Fragrant and Romantic Dessert
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, Persian Love Cake is the perfect choice. This Middle Eastern-inspired cake is rich with almond meal, cardamom, and rose water, creating a soft, moist texture with a delicate fragrance. Finished with pistachios and dried rose petals, it’s a stunning treat for special…
Cinnamon Scrolls Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible!
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon scrolls. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this easy cinnamon scroll recipe is your ticket to a warm, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a soft, fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze, these scrolls will…