Saturday, October 22, 2011

A lazy Saturday...

A few weeks back, I put down some limoncello starter. That is, I bought vodka and a few lemons, peeled the lemons and soaked them in the vodka (seriously, a jar filled with peels and vodka just covering it) for 4 or so weeks. Today, I finished making it, as per my mandarincello recipe. And just in time - I'm almost out of cider ;)

But, while I was at it, I figured I may as well make some creamed rice. My friend, Julia sent me the Donna Hay recipe, which I've since adapted slightly. So, here's my version.



  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • 4 cups full cream milk
  • 1/2 cup raw sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste



  1. Place all ingredients in a large saucepan.
  2. Bring to boil
  3. Reduce to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally 
Enjoy hot or cold

Friday, October 14, 2011

Chicken "cacciatore"

So, cacciatore apparently means hunter in Italian, so this is Hunter's Chicken. 
Actually, it isn't so much cacciatore, but it is my version of it.
It's what I call a "meat plus wet" recipe - That is, meat, plus liquid (a tin of soup, some wine, some stock or similar) over heat or in the oven for an hour or so makes dinner. Of course, the longer you leave it, the better it tastes.


So, this recipe is for 4 adults, but since its me and the girls at home tonight, I'll still be making the same amount.


  • 1 large onion - sliced
  • 1 clove of garlic - minced
  • 4 chicken marylands
  • 2 tins (410 g each) of whole tomatoes
  • black olives to season (that's your salt, peoples)



  1. Cook down the onions in a large, heavy based saucepan until transparent. Add the garlic and cook for a few minutes.
  2. Push the onion garlic mixture aside, and brown the chicken.
  3. Pour in the tomatoes, and a few olives to season.
  4. Simmer for at least 1 hour, or as long as you desire.


Serve with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.