Fabulous figs are in season most of the year in Australia, except for parts of spring. Did you know that they support the digestive process as their tiny seeds assist the colon in elimination? In Chinese medicine, rhubarb is considered a bitter ‘fire’ food, which tends to dry the digestive system, therefore, balancing excess dampness and cleansing the intestines.  … [Read more...] about Autumn rolls of fig, rhubarb and pistachio with rhubarb puree
Sweet
How to make a peppermint paleo slice
At the time of writing this post early 2014, I was becoming more and more intrigued by the Paleo way of life so I experimented with grain-free snacks and came up with this treat. It needs refrigerating in the warmer weather, which we're loving here in Byron this summer. Substitute the nuts, dried fruit and seeds for whatever you have in your pantry and just use more vanilla or maybe lemon essence or zest if you have no peppermint oil. This is the ultimate raw treat – no cooking required. Love to … [Read more...] about How to make a peppermint paleo slice
Plant-based Tiramisu
Here's a variation on an old favourite. It's a bit fiddly, but a recipe well worth practicing for a special occasion. I've altered it a little to remove traditional stimulants of coffee and rum so it's health retreat friendly! https://www.foodhealthwealth.com/how-to-make-your-own-cashew-milk/ … [Read more...] about Plant-based Tiramisu
No bake pecan cacao brownies
Who would have ever believed that something so healthy could taste so damn fine?! I guarantee that you will just love these sweet rich treats. But go easy, one a day is more than enough! … [Read more...] about No bake pecan cacao brownies
Pavlova
Australia Day strikes a bittersweet note on our calendar signalling the end of long summer holidays and heralding the return to work and school. Many Aussies honour the landing of white man onto this great southern land while others prefer to label it Invasion Day, not to mention the New Zealand versus Australia for the ownership of the glorious pavlova! No matter which side of the ditch you reckon this classic comes from, it’s a national dish here in Oz and one that is so easy to make. It’s a … [Read more...] about Pavlova
Balinese sticky black rice pudding
Thanks to my dear friend Janet DeNeefe from Bali's famous Casa Luna Cooking School and her Honeymoon Guesthouse for this recipe. This highly nutritious,  famous pudding is mainly eaten in Indonesia as an afternoon snack. It’s great topped with fresh fruit, toasted coconut and, of course, a liberal amount of coconut milk. Next time you're in Bali, head up to Ubud and say hi to Bali Janet at Casa Luna and if you can't get there soon, be sure to buy a copy of her book Bali The Food of my Island … [Read more...] about Balinese sticky black rice pudding
Special fried rice
When I was growing up, bean sprouts were the only Asian ingredient you could find, and you could tell a good fried rice by the peas! When I moved to Byron Bay in 2008, the flavours of Melbourne’s Chinatown and Victoria Street are what I missed the most, so sometimes you have to make it yourself, just the way you like it. This is comfort food - which can be healthy in its own right if it makes you feel good and you only have it occasionally. I bought all the ingredients at a local Asian … [Read more...] about Special fried rice
Delish beetroot relish
Perfect with fish, chicken or red meat and even better with a sharp cheddar or over a bowl of steaming brown rice. Delish beetroot relish 1 dessertspoon olive oil 1 red onion, peeled, diced 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg ½ cup coconut sugar 750 grams beetroot, peeled, quartered, grated Heat oil, sauté onions until transparent. Add remaining ingredients, reduce heat and simmer on very low for … [Read more...] about Delish beetroot relish
Parsnip, pear, pecans with pomegranate
Put the 4 P’s into a winter warming salad this season for a sweet, nutty and nourishing accompaniment to any slow cooking, braise or roast. Also good with baked fish or just on its own as a light lunch. Crumble some fetta, blue or goats’ cheese through it, if that’s your thing. … [Read more...] about Parsnip, pear, pecans with pomegranate
Sri Lankan muesli
This recipe comes from the sub-continent of Sri Lanka, which I visited on assignment in 2010 to create a wellness offering of Pilates and yoga and spa cuisine menus. Yes, that's me leading the practice in paradise! The resort is called Kahanda Kanda and your host is the delightful George Cooper (above in white T-shirt), and KK is the flagship boutique hotel near Galle. George is a renowned British interior designer who came across a magnificent 10-acre hilltop plot near Galle and overlooking … [Read more...] about Sri Lankan muesli
Festive cheery cherry, berry and almond tart
This stunning tart was inspired by the Christmas edition (Dec. 2010) of Australian Gourmet Traveller and we made it very late on Xmas night - when we clearly did not need anymore food! It was an absolute triumph and quite easy to bake, just a little time consuming. I changed the recipe slightly to make it gluten free and suit what I had on hand, however all due respect must go to the source - and cherry sauce! Cherry-vanilla jam 300 gm  cherries, pitted 220 gm (1 cup)  caster sugar Juice … [Read more...] about Festive cheery cherry, berry and almond tart