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…
From its origins in mid-19th-century Russia, Beef Stroganoff has become one of the most popular Russian dishes around the world. Our recipe has its origins in Siberia where…
If you’re lucky enough to be sipping some elegant white wines at home during the COVID-19 lockdown, then this simple recipe makes a good pairing. It can also…
Shortcrust pastry is often used for the base of a tart, quiche or pie. It can be used to make both sweet and savoury pies such as apple…
Have you ever considered the volume of food ingredient-to-price ratio when buying vegetables? Often pumpkins come out on top and more importantly, they’re loaded with a variety of…
These simple and delicious soups offer an energy and emotional lift. Incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables with garden pickled herbs and the added protein of seeds, they’re a…
Borodinsky Bread is one of the most favourite varieties of bread in Russia. This traditional dark-brown sourdough loaf is made of rye and wheat flour, with a pinch…
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of harvesting ripe and fragrant red or black currants, then you’ll know of the rich and spicy-sweet floral aromatics that cover your…
Over the coming weeks and months, Essentials will to continue to support its readers during the COVID-19 crisis with clever food strategies, supportive ideas to share. We’ve now…
Broth, brodo, bouillon – call it what you will; if you think it’s simply for peasants, then I’m here to inform you that you’re wrong, and are missing…
Given the current COVID-19 crisis, it’s rapidly becoming very apparent that money saving recipes – soups, braises, sauces, tarts, preserves, foraged foods and more is going to help…
In terms of cash saving Soviet era recipes, this Belyashi (Russian pan-fried pies) with lecho (pepper ragu) pair is one of the most satisfying and flavoursome we’ve tasted.…
Kefir is fermented milk and an amazing source of probiotics. It offers a pleasing tang and the softness on the tummy comes from the slow fermentation of quality…
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…
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…
Essentials’ Megan Chalmers unleashes a decadent dessert – Poached Fruit Crostata Tart with Lemon Ricotta Ice cream – the perfect accompaniment to the changing summer-to-autumn season. Poached Seasonal…