Lemon and Berry Tiramisu

Tiramisu, Italy’s version of English Trifle, is usually flavoured with coffee and chocolate however I have taken a fruity approach to create a summery dessert to suit our Southern Hemisphere climate. I made a Lemon & Raspberry version however the Lemon & Mixed Berry version is more suitable if you have a berry patch out …

Christmas Trifle with Chianti & Berry Sago

A trifle can be as time-consuming or quick as time permits.  If, as I used to be, you have all day to create, cook and enjoy time in the kitchen then make each element of this dessert yourself. I haven’t provided recipes for sponge cake, custard or meringues as mostly likely you’ll have a go-to …

Strawberry Syrup

While preparing my regular recipe for our local paper The Gisborne Herald, I went into the local shops I frequent to make sure all the ingredients were still available.  A while ago I had purchased a large bottle of Giffard Strawberry Syrup and had plans to add the Peach Syrup to my pantry.  However, as …

Apple & Winter Fruit Self-Saucing Gingerbread Pudding

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js Self-saucing puddings are one of the easiest puddings to make. They are pretty much a cake batter covered with a liquid mixture that sinks down below the cakey-top to form a sticky rich gooey sauce as it cooks. The trouble with the sticky rich gooey sauce is that it is made up of sugar, sugar …

Winter woes + delicious apple shortcake

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.jsWinter is not my favourite season when the weather is wet and cold but when the sky is blue, the air is crisp and the sun gently warms as it delivers a dose of Vitamin D, I can’t complain.  In fact, I get a little antsy sitting inside…… I need to be out in the garden …

Apple & Rhubarb Cobbler

This cobbler is a recipe I created for our local newspaper, The Gisborne Herald.  Cobbler is one of those dishes that means something different to almost everyone that makes it. A traditional cobbler is a dish of stewed fruit, topped with a sweetened scone mixture and baked – much like the cobbler I have made. However, …

Swapping produce: Pomegranates for Quinces

Pomegranates vs Quinces When asked out for dinner and told not to bring anything but yourselves, the need to take at least a block of chocolate or some juice is very strong.  And when we say the same to our guests, we really do mean for them to just bring themselves and an appetite.  So after …

Strawberries & Pav in disguise

A Kiwi Christmas feast will most likely include a Pavlova of sorts, slathered in whipped cream and topped with berries – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries.  Or maybe kiwifruit, but berries seems more festive.  I guess kiwi & berries would assist the red & green Christmas colour scheme but I like berries with my Pav.

Upside-down pudding cake

The month of May in New Zealand is the dregs of Autumn (Fall), the ground is carpeted with decaying leaves as the trees embrace nudism.  The earth is starting to knuckle down for the Winter season. The last of the summer produce looks pathetic – the tomatoes are clinging to dying vines and the chillies are …

Apple crumble in disguise

Apple Crumble Trifle Miss M requested apple crumble and custard for her birthday party dessert – however as we are in the throes of summer, apple crumble seemed a tad inappropriate to end a hot summer’s night’s feast of party food and pot luck.  So I put on my thinking cap and decided apples and …