June’s fruit of the month is the orange. Navel oranges have just hit the shelves and this year’s crop is smaller but full of flavour. Other common orange varieties include Valencia (in season mid-spring to mid-autumn), Seville which is the preferred variety for making marmalade (in season late winter to early spring) and Blood oranges (in season late winter to early spring).

A navel orange

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April’s fruit of the month is the pear. Pears have been grown in Australia since the arrival of the First Fleet and there are many varieties to choose from including Packham, Williams, Beurre Bosc, Corella, Nashi and Josephine.  Australia’s Williams pears are used to make the famous French liqueur poire William. [Read more →]

February’s fruit of the month is berries in all their diverse varieties: strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries to name a few!  They are at their best and least expensive right now, although many are available year round (often at a price). [Read more →]

My local newspaper The Manly Daily, yesterday published this article of mine together with three of my photos. To view the newspaper article, click here.

The start of the New Year is a time when many people embark on diets and New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight and become healthier. Entertaining can be tricky: as a host you may be on a special eating program and be reluctant to inflict your diet on your guests. Conversely, your guests may be trying to lose a few kilos and would rather decline the invitation than subject themselves to temptation. [Read more →]

The beautiful summer fruit has inspired me to start a new regular monthly post: fruit of the month. With such a diverse array of fruit available in Australia, I thought it would be useful to have a spotlight on a seasonal fruit with tips and ideas.

January’s fruit of the month is the peach. Who can resist a perfectly ripe, juicy peach on a hot summer’s day?  Packed full of vitamin A, B and C, peaches originated in China more than 2500 years ago. 
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Party season is well and truly here, and finger food is the way to go for cocktail parties and informal get-togethers. Rather than serve chips, nuts, dips and crackers, why not put together a few easy canapés that will be sure to impress your guests? Here are 5 ideas for canapés that can be put together in minutes:
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Many people are put off by the idea of serving three courses at a dinner party, possibly because of lack of confidence and culinary expertise, and usually because of time constrictions with the food preparation. Serving a first course lengthens the time spent around the dinner table, hence adding to the enjoyment of the occasion.

Here are a number of ideas for easy entrees that can be put together in less than 10 minutes. So no more excuses for not serving a starter! 
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