Fig and Almond Tart

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…

Passionfruit Bavarois

At the start of the week, I bought a big bag of passionfruit at the markets and popped them in the fruit bowl, thinking everyone would help themselves. But by the weekend, they were all still sitting there — not mouldy, but starting to look a little crinkly and forgotten. I think it’s the extra…

Duck Marylands with Cherry Vermouth Sauce

Every summer I arrive home from the markets with far more cherries than we can possibly eat fresh. It’s the perfect excuse to cook with them, and duck Marylands are my favourite way to lean savoury. The cherries soften into a bright pan sauce with thyme and vermouth, and the whole dish feels special without…

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…

Chocolate Mousse with Salted Hazelnuts

There’s something timeless about a simple chocolate mousse. It feels both effortless and indulgent, the kind of dessert that always impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen. I’ve made this recipe for dinner parties and family gatherings, and it never disappoints. The light, airy texture of the mousse with the crunch of salted hazelnuts on…

Trout Almondine Recipe (Classic French Trout with Butter & Almonds)

Trout almondine is a classic French dish where pan-fried trout is finished with butter and toasted almonds for a simple but elegant result. I first tasted Trout Almondine at a French restaurant in London, back when my husband and I were living there. As a special treat, his boss sent us out for dinner, complete…

Chicken Forestière: A Perfectly Cosy French Classic

There’s something innately comforting about French cooking, especially in the cooler months. Chicken Forestière – a simple yet elegant dish – brings together the rich flavours of mushrooms, a hint of brandy, and creamy crème fraîche to create a rustic yet refined meal. With bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs crisped in the oven, this recipe is…

Classic Beef Bourguignon: Traditional French Stew

It’s the middle of winter here in Sydney and a bit on the chilly side and that means I am craving comfort food. For me there are few dishes that are more comforting than a hearty stew and this Beef Bourguignon is an all time favourite at my house. Packed with succulent beef and delicious…

Classic French Mussels (Moules Marinières)

The classic French dish, Moules Marinières, has a rich history dating back centuries in coastal France. With simple ingredients like mussels, garlic, white wine, and cream, it has evolved from a humble sailor’s meal to a beloved delicacy worldwide. Serve with frites or crusty bread and pair with a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a delightful culinary experience.