What is Antipasto?
Antipasto or antipasti literally translates to ‘before the meal’ and is served as an appetiser/first course. It is such a social way to eat; a group of family or friends...
https://www.chefspencil.com
Barbecue
Nothing can compare to the sense of fulfilment cooking in your own back yard (or someone else’s). Enjoy the trendy and tasty sensation of barbecue recipes
Chilli, Lime & Gin-Marinated Oysters
Summer is the season for eating fresh oysters near the water. For casual occasions you can’t beat the old natural oyster with a squeeze of lemon. However if you’re entertaining...
BARBECUED CAJUN LAMB BACKSTRAP WITH CUCUMBER AND DILL SALAD
Most people can quite obviously recognise a lamb rack or some cutlets, however many people aren’t aware that lamb back strap is that exact same meat. It is the “sirloin”...
CHIMICHURRI
Steak sauce Argentinean style Some of the best beef comes from Argentina and with it comes one of my favorite steak accompaniment. This thick parsley-olive oil paste is as commonly...
Cashew and Coriander Pesto
A good cashew and coriander pesto has got to be one of the most versatile ingredients one can have in their fridge. Liven up that boring old sandwich, a welcome...
Cajun Scotch Fillet
Cajun Scotch Fillet is also known as a Cajun Rib Eye. Of all the barbecues I have had, one thing is certain of all of them. Regardless of how many...
CAJUN SPICE
Although you could just go out and buy premixed spices, making them yourself will give you a much nicer flavour and the comfort that you will not be consuming all...
CHAR GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH ROASTED ALMONDS AND PARMESAN
Only a few weeks into summer and twice as many barbecues. In that time I have seen enough potato salad, green salads and coleslaw to last a lifetime. I find...
CHAYOTE AND GRILLED CORN SALAD
This is a very simple recipe for a salad I often serve as an condiment to grilled meat or fish. It makes use of a great, but much under used...
GRILLED PEACHES WITH AMARETTO MASCARPONE
This is one of my favourite summer desserts. I must admit, one of the reasons I probably like it so much is because no matter how many summer cocktails I’ve...
CHILLI JAM
Every time I make this stuff I end up putting it on virtually every meal I have and it never lasts in my fridge more than a couple of days....
RED WINE & BALSAMIC MARINATED MUSHROOMS
This recipe for marinated mushrooms is an absolute breeze, it keeps for weeks and can be done in large batches. So go on, make some now and the next time...
Caprese Salad
This is in my mind the quintessential Italian salad; it even resembles the national flag. The red of luscious ripe tomatoes, the green of the fragrant basil, and the white of...
LEMON & HERB BRAISED OCTOPUS WITH ROQUETTE & PEAR SALAD
It doesn’t get much easier than this, pop it all in a pot turn the heat down low, crack a beer and join your friends by the pool. In a...
MOROCCAN SPICE
This Moroccan spice mix is perfect for marinating, coating or rubbing. Although you could just go out and buy premixed spices making them yourself will give you a much nicer...
SESAME PRAWNS WITH MANGO AND ASPARAGUS SALAD
This is a recipe that I created a few years back while I was on a quick hiatus on my motorcycle. I was running a very high stress level in...
Spiced Coffee Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops
The inspiration for this dish comes from an old booklet I bought when I was just starting my apprenticeship as a chef. Good cookbooks were very expensive and I could...
WATERMELON AND FETA SALAD
The original recipe is made with Bulgarian feta, locally known as Sirene. It’s the most popular Bulgarian cheese, and while similar to the Greek feta cheese they are not really...
TOMATO, BEAN AND AVOCADO SALAD WITH POPPY SEED VINAIGRETTE
This is a great salad for the warmer months of spring and summer. Easy to assemble, good for you, great with barbecues or picnics, it’s a perfect match to many...
SUMMER TOMATO SALSA
You’ll never buy pre-made salsa again. This salsa is very versatile, it can be served with toasted pita bread as a dip, makes a great accompaniment to grilled or barbequed...
TABOULEH
Tabouleh like hummus and babaghanouj has its origins in the Middle East, it is a salad made of parsley, wheat bulgur, tomato and lemon. I have some Lebanese friends and...
Tomato And Buffalo Mozzarella Bruschetta (Mozzarella di Buffala)
Occasionally, when my friend’s restaurant is very busy and I am not so busy, I will help out in his restaurant for old time’s sake, (every Chef needs to feel...
THE PUBLICAN’S BARBECUE CARROTS
In large pot, add 2 gallons of water, 1 cup of the BBQ rub, ¼ cup of salt. Bring to a boil. Add the carrots and cook until ¾ done, about...
Homemade Gourmet Burger Patty
The extra effort to grind your own meat pays off in superior textures and flavours- and it allows you to customize the leanness and the tenderness. We love a combination...
