Mashed Potato Casserole

by Bhagya

Purists beware! This mashed potato casserole is delicious and can be made ahead. When you want mashed potatoes on the menu but have enough to do on the day, try this!

230 grams unsalted butter, softened, and more for the pan
3 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon salt
1½ cups sour cream
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped chives
⅔ cup bread crumbs
⅔ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Lightly grease a 33 … Read more »

Hazelnut Biscuits

by Linda Sang

75 g hazelnuts
75 g almonds
100 g brown sugar
20 g butter
1 egg white, lightly whisked.
Icing sugar for coating the rolled balls.

Method

Pulse nuts till well-broken, but not superfine to retain texture.
In a small saucepan, add butter first and melt, add sugar and egg white. Mix well and cool.
Add mix to the nuts and combine well. Mixture should be stiff. If not stiff enough add some more almond meal.
Roll into small … Read more »

Brandied Fruit Compote

by Angela Marshall

Every year I make quite a few jars of this so there is something especially delicious to bring out for a quick dessert. Serve with thick cream and/or icecream, with wafers or plain.

125 g pitted prunes
125 g dried apricots (try to find good, slightly leathery, flavourful Australian apricots)
65 g sultanas
2 fresh peaches (tinned peaches will work too)
4 tblsps brandy, sherry or rum
1 cup of water and 2 cloves
130 g sugar
1 orange … Read more »

Chocolate Strawberries

by Deb Worgan

175 g cooking choc buttons (dark is delicious!)
500 g fresh strawberries stems attached.
Line a pan with baking paper.

Use a double boiler or microwave the chocolate for 30 second intervals, removing and stirring at each 30 second interval, until the chocolate has melted. Stir often to not burn.
Holding a strawberry by the stem, dip into the melted chocolate, lift and twist slightly, letting the excess chocolate fall back into the bowl. Then place the strawberry on the baking paper. Repeat with the … Read more »

Brownies 

Ingredients:
1¼ cups caster sugar
2 cups Corn Flakes
250 gms dark chocolate, chopped
2 cups self-raising flour, sifted
3 x 70 gm eggs
200 gm butter
125 gms pecans, chopped 

Method:
Preheat oven to 180º deg C.
Place butter and chocolate in saucepan and melt over very low heat, stirring until the mixture becomes just smooth.
Place eggs and sugar in a bowl and beat until pale and … Read more »

Sweet Pickled Cucumbers

Ingredients:
7 long cucumbers
2 large onions
5 cups white vinegar
5 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon dry mustard seeds
2 teaspoons turmeric
1 teaspoon vegetable salt (optional)
½ cup salt
Method:
Slice cucumber and onion thinly,
sprinkle with ½ cup salt and stand
overnight.
Next day, drain off liquid from onion
and cucumber and discard brine.
Place drained cucumber and onions … Read more »