Table of contents for May 2017 in Taste.com.au

Coffee fans who have a taste for fuss-free style will love the compact Nespresso Essenza Mini machine. It’s set to become the elegant essential in any modern pared-back kitchen. It’s often the little things that make a difference in life – and for many people, a great coffee would rate as a favourite everyday luxury. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the company’s smallest-ever machine and it delivers a big reward – a rich, well-balanced espresso or lungo (Italian for “long”) – without taking up too much bench space. Partner the machine with a Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother and you have all you need to make the perfect flat white. As well as its good looks, the Essenza Mini is energy efficient, the aluminium coffee capsules are recyclable and Nespresso works…

BALINESE BEEF CURRY   serves 4 | prep 20 mins | cooking 2½ hours 1 tbs oil 1.5kg gravy beef, cut into 3cm pieces 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 long fresh red chillies, finely chopped 1 French shallot, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 3cm-piece ginger, peeled, chopped 4cm-piece lemongrass, sliced 4 kaffir lime leaves, sliced ¼ tsp turmeric ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper 2 tbs oil 200ml coconut milk 4 tbs ABC Sweet Soy Sauce Kecap Manis 30g cashews, processed until ground Fried shallots, steamed white rice and lime wedges, to serve 1 Heat the oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Cook the beef, in batches, until well browned. Transfer to a flameproof casserole dish. 2 Add the onions to the…

new   • apples • celeriac• leeks• navel oranges• packham pears• silverbeet now •  avocados• broccoli• brussels sprouts• cauliflower• English spinach• mandarins• parsnips• potatoes• red cabbage• swedes be quick •  chestnuts• corn• eggplant• grapes• pomegranate hasselback zucchini This is hasselback veg, Italian style! Cut thin slits along zucchini (don’t cut all the way through). Place on a lined baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 180°C/160°C fan forced for 10-15 minutes, until zucchini starts to soften. Fill the cuts with strips of torn prosciutto and sliced bocconcini. Bake for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and grated parmesan. Bake for 5-10 minutes, until golden. autumn salad Place shredded brussels sprouts and baby spinach in a bowl. Add julienned pear, walnuts, crispy bacon and dried cranberries. Toss. Combine olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Pour over salad and toss. Crumble over blue…

cook & win! Recreate this Frying Pan Roll-up Lasagne to enter our Cook the Cover competition and you could win one of two Vitamix Professional Series 750 “Limited Edition” Copper Finish blenders, valued at $1395 each. For entry details, see page 21. tip 1 Chopped onion, carrot, celery and garlic is a traditional base for bolognaise. Adding tomato paste and cooking it off until it’s dark red enhances the flavour of the sauce. tip 2 Use a sharp knife to cut the lasagne sheets in half, then into 4 strips. If the pasta starts to crack, cover with a damp tea towel. It’s good to have a few extra sheets in case some break. tip3 When you’re placing the first few pasta tubes in the frying pan, make sure the…

knead toknow Stand mixers these days are pretty sophisticated pieces of kitchen tech that can do so much more than just combine cake batters, whisk egg whites or mix pastry dough. The new Kenwood Chef Sense XL Mixer, $799, comes with five dedicated tools to help you mix, stir, whisk, knead and beat with ease. Plus, this good-looking machine can help you make pasta like a maestro with the Spaghetti Pasta Cutter attachment, $169. Perfect for the pasta masterclass on page 100. Get it from Harvey Norman. LOCAL BRANCH Eating local takes on a whole new meaning with this website that connects foodies with locally grown produce, the brainchild of Adelaide duo Alistair and Helena Martin. If you have excess herbs, fruit or veg in your garden that you’re keen…

BREVILLE SCRAPER BEATER MIXER IN DRAGON FRUIT (LEM250DGF), $249. ON SHOW: Whisk attachment (included). A versatile appliance that makes light work of food prep, this mixer makes a stylish stand in any kitchen. Available at Harvey Norman. BLOOD PLUM & MASCARPONE TART For recipes, visit HN.COM.AU/ RECIPES MORE THAN JUST A MIXER Unleash your domestic goddess with this all-in-one appliance that has a powerful motor, generous 6.7-Litre stainless-steel bowl and five bowl tools that make it a baker’s best friend. KENWOOD CHEF SENSE XL MIXER IN BLUE (KVL6100B), $799. ON SHOW: Power whisk attachment and 6.7L XL stainless steel bowl (included). PAVLOVA WITH FIGS & SPICED ORANGE SYRUP For recipes, visit HN.COM.AU/ RECIPES KENWOOD CHEF SENSE XL MIXER IN YELLOW (KVL6100Y), $799. ON SHOW: Food processor attachment (sold separately, $169). The…

lentils Lentils are one of our Top 100 Foods (visit taste.com.au/top100foods). They’re a great source of protein and when combined with pasta make a complete protein, which is essential for growth. An excellent source of folate and dietary fibre, lentils are also a good source of iron and manganese. Even better, they’re low in fat and calories. pasta salad with lentils, pesto & beans serves 4 | prep 10 mins | cooking 15 mins 250g tomato medley mix, halved 200g Barilla Integrale Wholewheat Pennette Rigate 200g green beans, trimmed, sliced 400g can brown lentils, rinsed, drained 60g ( 1 /4 cup) basil pesto 25g ( 1 /3 cup) shaved parmesan 1 /3 cup small fresh basil leaves secret ingredient Wholewheat pasta has an extra 4g dietary fibre compared to regular…

“One of the characters in Parks and Recreation was obsessed by calzones.” Naples is famous as the home of pizza, yet few food historians agree on where it originated. But let’s not get distracted by whether it’s Etruscan, Roman, Persian or even Greek, and instead celebrate something that’s indisputably Neapolitan – pizza’s little brother, the calzone. There is no debate about the origin of this filled, folded and sealed parcel of baked pizza dough. The name does not appear anywhere (in relation to food) before its creation in 18th-century Naples, and the use of pizza dough for the casing is unique. That’s not to say there weren’t precursors. There are tales of occupying Spanish troops in the 17th century eating folded pizza that looked like “a little book” at the…

“If you’re not cooking fresh pasta immediately, once the strands are slightly dry, twirl into nests and store, dusted with flour and covered, in the fridge for a few hours. Or, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.”Michelle Southan fresh pasta serves 4 (makes about 400g) | prep 40 mins (+ 1 hour 10 mins resting time) | cooking 5 mins 185g fine Italian ‘00’ flour 65g fine semolina flour, plus extra, to dust 2 eggs, lightly whisked 1 egg yolk, lightly whisked 1 Sift flours together into a mound on a work surface. Make a well in the centre. Add egg and yolk. Use a fork to gently beat egg, gradually drawing in flour, while your other hand secures the walls of the well. Continue stirring…

let’s go! Fresh produce ‘Green’ means go! This is the first stop on your supermarket journey and a chance to superboost your nutrient intake with bunches of green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, silverbeet and kale. You can also stock up on more than 40 fruits, vegetables and herbs from the Top 100 list, including beetroot (the pre-cooked packets are a great timesaver), tomatoes (pick up a medley mix – each colour adds a different nutrient) and fruit bowl staples, including bananas, apples, watermelon, lemons and oranges. SMART BUY: Look for salad bags that blend a selection of the Top 100 Foods, including green leaf blends with kale, spinach and rocket that are washed and ready to eat. Meat section There are four foods you need to pick up in…

Who hasn’t grabbed some pasta and a bottle of sauce when they needed a quick and easy midweek meal? Here are our favourite supermarket pastas and ready-to-go pasta sauces. We reckon all of these would get the ‘Nonna’ stamp of approval! Pasta Sauces These four types of pasta sauces topped the searches on taste.com.au , so we sourced and simmered different brands to find the top picks. Leggo’s Napoletana with Chunky Tomato & Herbs, 500g, $3.30 Feed fussy eaters with this simple, but aromatic Napoletana sauce. It has a mild tomato flavour that everyone will enjoy and is perfect for nights when you need dinner on the double. We love this with the Coles Buffalo Milk Ricotta & Spinach Girasoli. Barilla Bolognese, 400g, $4.13 Just add meat…

1 Streamlining your space doesn’t have to result in a clinical look. Bring a little nature indoors – think botanical artworks or landscapes, flowers, little pots of herbs, and anything in green. 2 When it comes to storage, divide and conquer. Pick the right containers for items, from a selection of baskets to trays and jars, and all will appear organised (until you have time to properly sort things out). 3 Try choosing sustainable options, from fresh produce to Nespresso coffee capsules to homewares, and know you are helping to make a difference while still enjoying your favourite things. 4 What’s the mantra of the über-organised? A place for everything and everything in its place. 5 Enjoy cooking for family and friends? It’s worth prioritising spending on your kitchen, whether…

Michelle Southan: Italian dinner “This menu dishes up classic Italian flavours with a twist. The baked ricotta tart is the ultimate show-stopper.” starter Saltimbocca prawn skewers main Italian sausage ravioli with capsicum sauce dessert Ricotta tart with roast strawberries Katrina Woodman: Autumn feast “With the cooler weather upon us, now is the time to indulge in all the dishes that warm our hearts and bellies.” side Baked fennel main Lentil-braised pork with olive relish dessert Mocha-misu cups Alison Adams: Mother’s Day brunch “Put together a light and bright spread that will easily feed the family and, most importantly, make your mother’s day.” savoury Caprese bagel pizzas savoury Vegetarian platter sweet Ligurian apricot tart…

6healthy new dinners to try lentils Lentils, a member of the legume family, are packed with plant protein and dietary fibre, both soluble and insoluble. They can help stabilise and regulate blood sugar levels and are a rich source of magnesium. Stir some through bolognaise for a healthy protein boost. HEALTHY Chrissy Freer’s easy low-cal Italian dishes. tomato A key ingredient in everything from sauces to salads, casseroles to soups, the tomato is a staple ingredient in kitchens everywhere. And nowhere more so than Italy, where it’s pretty much part of the family! We’ve made this sweet fruit the star of the show in three tasty dishes.…

“ I’ll be looking for pasta rolls filled with rich sauce, packed neatly in the pan with a golden cheesy topping.” matt preston CELEBRITY JUDGE Roll up, roll up! Our clever twist on lasagne could see you blitzing mealtimes in more ways than one. Simply make our Frying Pan Roll-up Lasagne, snap and enter for your chance to win a Vitamix Professional Series 750 “Limited Edition” Copper Finish, valued at $1395. We have two of these fabulous high-performance blenders to give away, in a new copper finish that is sure to be a standout feature in any kitchen. From chopping to blending and pureeing, the Vitamix handles even the toughest ingredients with ease, turning out smooth nut butters, lump-free smoothies, silky soups and sorbets. FEATURES INCLUDE: Five settings: smoothies, hot…

“Studded with slices of fresh pear and chunks of dark chocolate, this delicious, wholesome cake is free of gluten, dairy and refined sugar.”Katrina Woodman gluten-free chocolate, hazelnut & pear cake serves 12 | prep 30 mins (+ cooling time) | cooking 1 hour 1 Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan forced. Grease base and side of a 22cm (base measurement) round springform cake pan. Line with baking paper. Use electric beaters to beat egg yolks, Natvia, honey and vanilla in a bowl for 5 minutes or until doubled in size and a ribbon trail forms when beater is lifted. With beaters on medium-low, add oil in a steady stream, until thick and combined. 2 Combine hazelnut meal, coconut, cacao and buckwheat flour in a separate bowl. 3 Use clean electric beaters…

“Fennel was a familiar favourite for the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Greeks called the plant ‘marathon’, not because it lasts a long time but because it grew in profusion near the town that gave its name to the running race.” omelette with peppers (frittata ai peperoni) serves 4 4 red capsicums 2 tbs olive oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 5 eggs Pinch of sea salt 4 fresh mint sprigs, leaves chopped 50g (½ cup) grated parmesan 1 Preheat grill on high. Cook the capsicums, skin side up, under grill for 8-10 minutes or until charred and blistered. Transfer to a heatproof bowl, cover and set aside to cool (this helps lift the skin). Remove the skin, stalks and seeds. Finely slice the flesh. 2 Splash some of the…

“This is a delicious, yet simple, soup that celebrates the humble zucchini. The smoky ham hock is a lovely addition that gives substance and extra depth of flavour.”Justine Scho field you’ll need … zucchini & ham hock soup serves 6 | prep 20 mins | cooking 1 hour 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil, plus extra, to drizzle 1 brown onion, peeled, cut into quarters 4 celery sticks, finely chopped 1 fresh bay leaf 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced into rounds 800g-1kg smoked ham hock 1.5-2L (6-8 cups) water 2 tbs pouring cream Fresh mint leaves, to serve 1 Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and bay leaf. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Add zucchini and cook…

Michelle Q What are some fun topping ideas for dessert pizzas? You can have so much fun when desserts meet pizza. Spread the base with Nutella, cream cheese or even peanut butter. Top with sliced fruit, chopped nuts, crushed biscuits or even some of your favourite chocolate bars, chopped into smaller pieces. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 200°C, until the base is just crisp and golden. Drizzle the pizza with melted marshmallows, melted chocolate or caramel sauce. I like to play up a Snickers version with Nutella, chopped peanuts and chopped Snickers bars, which I drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving. Marion Q What’s the secret to a great risotto? It’s all in the stock and the starch! The stock you choose will be one of the main ingredients…

broccoli vs zucchini Broccoli has almost twice the calories of zucchini, but over four times the protein and 2.5 times the fibre, as well as more calcium, iron, potassium, folate, vitamin C and biotin (vitamin B7). Take care not to overcook it – raw broccoli has 60 per cent more folate and almost twice the vitamin C of boiled. Reduce nutrient leaching by steaming, rather than boiling. Broccoli wins, but eat both for variety. winner: broccoli bagel crisps vs potato chips Brands vary, but salted potato chips often have around 20 per cent more calories than salted bagel crisps, thanks to their higher fat content – typically at least twice as much. Bagel crisps have more protein, but also more sugar and salt. Bagel crisps win, but both are high…

Mismatched chairs. A gaggle of tables of different heights, all pushed together. Everyone talking over each other – some in Italian, some in English. Huge bowls of freshly made ravioli and that unforgettable smell of homemade passata. These are my husband David’s memories of Sunday lunch at his great-grandmother Noni’s place. Noni and Mamma, David’s grandmother, would start prepping early: cooking up the mince mix, rolling out the pasta, adding a spoonful of the delicious mince, then cutting and sealing each ravioli. And the whole time the amazing smell of that passata was wafting out the windows into the backyard, where David and his cousins were playing. Who doesn’t love the culture of Italian food, so beautifully and simply wrapped up with a love of family? This is what we’re…

Manu Our favourite Frenchman cooks with an Italian accent to create sausage ravioli , p82, that’ll make you swoon! Michelle Michelle dreams up a new take on lasagne with her clever Roll-up Lasagne , p18, sure to win over any crowd. Katrina Live the sweet life with Katrina Woodman’s wholesome versions of some classic Italian desserts , p60. Louise Louise Keats has the nutritional lowdown so you can make better choices in this month’s Healthy Showdown , p133. Matt Matt Preston says ‘knickers’ are part of the heritage of calzone , p86, the Neapolitan folded pizza. Justine Justine Schofield serves up a Zucchini & Ham Hock Soup , p110, that’s just the thing for chilly autumn nights. Chrissy Enjoy simple low-cal meals, perfect for busy weeknights, with Chrissy Freer’s healthier…

“Keep it simple with your next Sunday roast. There’s no need to offer 15 different vegetables on the side – just showcase a couple of hero ingredients instead. Roasted cauliflower makes the most amazing mash and since the oven is on anyway, I think it’s the perfect accompaniment for this roast beef. I guarantee your family and friends will be licking their plates!” Georgia Barnes “Always bring meat to room temperature before cooking so it cooks evenly.” roast beef with cauliflower & horseradish mash serves 4 | prep 10 mins (+ 45 mins standing/resting time) | cooking 40 mins GRAB 700g piece beef blade or bolar blade 1 head (about 880g) cauliflower, cut into florets 200g French shallots, peeled, halved 2 garlic cloves, unpeeled 1 sprig fresh rosemary, plus extra,…

“This is food to impress — the silky smooth pasta and punchy capsicum sauce are a beautiful match. Buy the best-quality sausages to make it absolute perfection.”Manu Feildel italian sausage ravioli with capsicum sauce serves 6 as a starter | prep 45 mins (+ 30 mins resting time) | cooking 20 mins 2 Italian sausages, casings removed 50g baby spinach, shredded 100g fresh ricotta 1 egg 30g finely grated parmesan 100g butter 1 /2 bunch fresh sage leaves pasta 250g (1 2 /3 cups) fine Italian ‘00’ flour 1 1  /2 tbs extra virgin olive oil 2 eggs 1 /2 tsp sea salt capsicum sauce 4 capsicums, roasted, peeled, deseeded, coarsely chopped 1 1  /2 tbs olive oil 1 brown onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves…

Wrap your mitts around this Italian-style hot choc spiked with Frangelico and settle in for some serious chocolate bliss. Place 11 /2 tsp cornflour in a small saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 1/4 cups milk until smooth and combined. Add 60g chopped dark cooking chocolate. Cook, stirring, over low heat for 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Bring to the boil. Simmer for 30-60 seconds or until thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup Nutella. Add a splash of Frangelico liqueur, if using, and stir well. Divide among 2 glasses. Top with whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce and serve with doughnut holes or mini doughnuts.…

“Make these ahead of time so the biscuits can soak up the flavours of the Kahlua and coffee.”Michelle Southan mocha-misu cups makes 6 | prep 20 mins (+ 30 mins chilling time) E 1 Combine the coffee and Kahlua in a bowl. Reserve half the biscuits. Working with one at a time, dip the remaining biscuits into the coffee mixture and divide among six 300ml dessert glasses. 2 Place the mascarpone, cream, icing sugar and vanilla in a bowl and use a wooden spoon to beat until smooth. Divide mixture among the glasses, spreading over the biscuits. Dip the reserved biscuits in the remaining Kahlua mixture and divide among the glasses. 3 Divide the custard among the glasses. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill and develop the…

Try our fusion snack – mini Italian pizzas made with American bagels. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan forced. Halve 300g tomato medley mix. Place on a lined baking tray. Drizzle with oil. Season. Cook for 10 minutes, until just tender. Increase oven to 200°C/180°C fan forced. Cut 4 plain Abe’s Bagels in half. Place, cut side up, on a lined baking tray. Spray with oil. Spread with 1 /3 cup basil pesto. Top with 220g bocconcini, sliced, and the tomato. Bake for 15 minutes, until cheese melts. Top with basil. Drizzle with oil and balsamic.…

La Bise Sangiovese 2015 $25 ‘La Bise’ means kiss of life, and this wine will certainly breathe new energy into any rich Italian ragu or pizza. Spiced plum, raspberry, grippy acid and a savoury kick make this a very kissable drop indeed. Fox Gordon Princess Fiano 2016 $22.95 This is a classic Italian white created with Aussie flair in the Adelaide Hills. Abundant tropical white nectarine, green apple and lemon zest. Plenty of zing and a crisp, dry finish intensify the refreshment factor. Dive in! Hesketh Barossa Valley Regional Selection Shiraz 2015 $20 A great crowd-pleaser, with ripe berries and a red-jube-like sweetness. There’s some earthiness and spice, but the overall impact is easy drinkability. Slurp with spaghetti.…

ferrero rocher brownies makes 16 | prep 15 mins (+ cooling time) cooking 45 mins E 3 eggs 200g (1 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar 300g (1 cup) Nutella 115g (¾ cup) plain flour, sifted 1 tbs cocoa powder, sifted 100g finely chopped dark chocolate 16 Ferrero Rocher chocolates 1 Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan forced. Lightly grease a square 20cm (base measurement) cake pan. Line the base and sides with baking paper, allowing the paper to overhang the sides of the pan. 2 Use an electric beater to beat the eggs and brown sugar in a bowl for 3-4 minutes or until thick and doubled in volume. Place the Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds or until warm and just starting to melt.…