Homemade Chilli Oil
Homemade chilli oil is the perfect way to add some heat and extra flavour to your dishes, and it's incredibly easy to make. This simple recipe uses readily available supermarket ingredients to create a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes, from noodles to stir-fries to dumplings. The best part is that it can be stored in your pantry for up to a year, so you can enjoy the spicy goodness anytime you want. Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed chilli depending on how thick and spicy you like your chilli oil.
Pineapple & Coriander Salsa
Pineapple and Coriander Salsa - a perfect accompaniment to any curry! This crisp and fresh salsa is bursting with flavours that complement the spices in curries, making it an excellent side to your next Indian, Malaysian or Thai curry. The sweetness from the pineapple is balanced with the zing of coriander, while the acidity from the vegetables cuts through the rich, creamy, and spicy sauces.
Homemade Coleslaw
Yes, sometimes I just need the odd, speedy bag of ready-made coleslaw mix, BUT prepping my own is much cheaper, lasts longer, and tastes much better! I used to jazz this recipe up with fancy ingredients, but it only really needs a few to shine. The ingredients used here are super simple and can be prepared in advance, so that all you have to do is combine everything right before serving. The dressing is creamy, tangy, and so simple to make, and this recipe ensures there's plenty of it—no one wants dry coleslaw in their life!
Basil Pesto
There is nothing better than a homemade, fresh basil pesto, particularly when it’s so easy to make in under 15 minutes. Whether it’s stirred through pasta, made into a creamy sauce with chicken, added to a salad dressing, spread on a big piece of sourdough or dolloped on top of a pizza, it is the ultimate way to add a whole heap of flavour to a meal without a whole heap of effort. It’s worth taking the time to make your own, since many of the store-bought varieties are made with additives or can be expensive. This homemade version is completely customisable and the store-bought version just can’t compare to the taste. Check out the recipe notes to see how to store your pesto and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!
Cheat’s Caesar Salad Dressing
This is a salad dressing I love making to accompany a pizza or pasta night. It goes down equally well as a side to a BBQ when we are entertaining. I am always asked, "what IS this?" It almost doesn't deserve the attention it gets with how simple it is to make! It's as easy as combining a few ingredients, and the result is a creamy, smooth dressing reminiscent of a Caesar salad dressing. I've kept this recipe simple, but you can add garlic croutons, crunchy bacon bits and anchovies to make it sing as a dish on its own.
Homemade Chilli Oil
Homemade chilli oil is the perfect way to add some heat and extra flavour to your dishes, and it's incredibly easy to make. This simple recipe uses readily available supermarket ingredients to create a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes, from noodles to stir-fries to dumplings. The best part is that it can be stored in your pantry for up to a year, so you can enjoy the spicy goodness anytime you want. Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed chilli depending on how thick and spicy you like your chilli oil.
Bechamel Sauce
Bechamel Sauce sounds fancy, but you shouldn't be scared to make it from scratch—it's easy! All you need is butter, flour, and milk, along with my secret added ingredient: chicken stock powder, which provides an extra punch of flavour. This popular creamy sauce is perfect on its own or combined with cheese to layer in lasagna, stir through a creamy pasta, or top vegetables, potato bake or seafood (this is my go-to for oysters or lobster mornay).
Homemade French Onion Dip
My homemade french onion dip is the ultimate party starter! Unlike store-bought dips, this recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a truly unbeatable flavour. Plus, it's easy to make ahead of time and keeps well in the fridge for several days. Just be sure to keep the balsamic onions separate until you're ready to serve. Pair it with some cold cuts and crusty bread for the ultimate appetiser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Mushroom Sauce
This deliciously creamy mushroom sauce is super easy to prepare and you only need a few simple ingredients to make it. The mushrooms are enhanced by garlic, Parmesan and cream to create a decadent sauce that comes together in no time and adds a rich, savoury flavour to any dish. Whether serving pub-style chicken schnitzel or a perfectly cooked steak, a generous drizzle of this creamy mushroom sauce will take your meal to the next level.