Complimenting the European wine varietals at High Country Victoria’s Ros Ritchie wines cellar door, Essentials Megan Chalmers has put together a collection of French recipes to indulge in…
Autumn has arrived and so too has the cooler weather. It’s early morning: Essentials chef Megan Chalmers begins exploring the forests of her native Beechworth region in High…
There comes a time when decadent desserts are the order of the day. Essentials’ Megan Chalmers unleashes her creativity to deliver a sweet and extravagant banoffee buttermilk pancake…
Now available in stores nationally until the end of March, The Queen Garnet plum is one fruit variety we love, as its combination of sweetness and depth in…
The Queen Garnet plum is considered by many the crown jewel of Australian plums. Jam-packed with seven times more antioxidants than other plum varieties, the Queen Garnet is…
The story of the gin-based Singapore Sling is well known: invented by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel around 1915, there are plenty…
Kefir is fermented milk and an amazing source of probiotics. Blue Bay Kefir, from Mornington, Victoria (in our opinion) is Australia’s best, as it’s made from premium organic…
This decadent desert is perfect fireside. It offers the balance of warm fresh waffles with poached pears and a rich salted caramel. Chef Megan Charmers tops it off…
Australia’s dining scene may be in COVID-induced hibernation, but our fascination with food will be (virtually) well-fed this weekend in a one-off livestream feast starring the country’s best…
Rise and shine this Sunday morning with a lesson on how to do brunch, cooking alongside Masterchef host Andy Allen, the co-owner of the Three Blue Ducks restaurants…
While a half side of premium fish might sound a touch luxurious or expensive during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s surprising just how much volume cured fish is produced…
It has to be said, if you’re buying store-bought pickles you’re simply missing out. Often commercially packaged pickled vegetables are made with minimum, simple ingredients – water, vinegar,…
Learning how to avoid the mistakes when pickling is a critical step. Some may have experienced ferments exploding or turning fizzy, or jarred pickles turning mouldy. There’s certainly…
The Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) today has issued a plea for all Australians to support the industry through the coronavirus crisis. Simply put, they’re asking Aussies to buy…
These decadent looking chocolate tarts may look expensive, however they’re made with relatively low cost raw ingredients. While we’ve dressed up our tarts with small garnishes of edible…
Crêpes are not as complex to make as one might think. These very thin and delicate French variations of the humble pancake can be quickly and easily poured,…
Over the coming weeks and months, Essentials aims to continue with clever food strategies, supportive ideas to share with your family. This Venison Goulash with Homemade Sour Cream…
Kholodets is a jellied meat dish traditional in Russian cuisine. Its name is derived from the Russian word ‘kholod’, meaning ‘cold’ and is a popular dish of the…
Beechworth Honey has long been at the forefront of championing Australian honey and Australian varietal honeys. The business was created 25 years ago by husband and wife team…
Scandinavian design has long held the world in thrall with its clean, considered simplicity. And the cookbook Nordic Light by Australian-born, Stockholm-based chef, food stylist and photographer Simon…
If you’re growing tomatoes at home, you’ll know it’s been an unusual season in Australia. A late summer to autumn harvest for many in the southern states is…
There can be no simpler meal – mushrooms on toast. For many, during autumn, you’ll know where to find some fresh pine or field mushrooms. But if you’re…
It’s garlic, but not as you know it. Rich, dark and delicious, black garlic is an ingredient for the everyday cook to make dishes more interesting, more fun…
So what makes a batch of hot cross buns extra special and are they difficult to bake? The simple answer, we feel, is loads of added flavour and…
There’s nothing as good as the flavour of freshly BBQ corn on the cob, but did you know the same result can be achieved on regular gas stove…
Autumn has arrived and so too has the cooler weather. It’s early morning: Essentials chef Megan Chalmers begins exploring the pine forests of her native Beechworth region in…
This no-bake cheesecake is one of the most simple and delightful offerings we’ve presented. While it does include some sweetened baked strawberries, this will only take a few…
Few desserts entertain better than a decadent cheesecake bursting with colour and natural fragrances. They may look tricky but we’ll let you in on a secret… they’re a…
Master stocks are typically a mix of Asian ingredients beginning with water, soy sauce, rock sugar and Shaoxing or rice wine. Other commonly added spices and flavourings include:…
Sweet and tangy classic lemon tarts with buttery sweet pastry are low cost, easy and delicious treats. Adding to their presentation, we’ve added sweet lemon zest and the…