Medium Raw

This is the follow up to Kitchen Confidential it is every bit as funny but thankfully lacks the angst that made the first book at times so depressing. As you might expect he does not pull his punches or hold back when it comes to expressing his opinions. He has said "Ten years after (Kitchen Confidential), looking at how my life has changed and more importantly how the industry has changed and the role of the chef has changed, which is to say a lot."

I loved his strategies to keep his daughter from falling into the hands of multinational junk food companies and his frank assessment of many contemporary chefs. I think its telling that he has to explain why being a heroin and coke addict was not a good thing. Its also interesting when he shares the reality of working in a kitchen, its for the young and fit. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

Thai Style Butternut Squash Soup

Cut squash in 1/2 and butter well bake at 180c until golden brown and soft
Scoop out with a spoon
Saute 1diced onion and 2 diced spring onions, drain

Combine mixture and blend using chicken stock

In a small amount of oil cook some red chilli paste add in the mixture when fragrant
Combine with one 400ml can of coconut cream

Heat through and just prior to serving add in some peeled and deveined king Prawns

Serve with a coriander garnish.

Osso Buco With home made Foccacia

Take 2 pieces of Osso Buco, flour and brown in olive oil remove and set aside
Roughly dice 1 onion, carrot and leek and celery stick
Add to oil and saute until just turning golden

Add 2 sprigs thyme, 2 bay leaves, 2 chopped tomatoes
Cut one garlic bulb in half and add

Place the meat on top of the vegetables
Season with salt and pepper
Add 1 cup white wine reduce by 1/2
Add enough chicken stock to cover the meat
Place a pice of baking paper over the food and place lid on pot

Simmer for 2-3 hours checking to make sure it has not dried out

Serve when meat falling off the bone and with fresh bread

Pasta sauce with Capsicum

Once again I have been surprised at how easy it is to make gnocchi. This pasta sauce goes with it beautifully.

Cat supervision is vital.

Saute 1 sliced Spanish onion

Add 1 sliced red and yellow capsicum

3 sliced cloves of garlic

1 sprig of lemon thyme

400gm can of diced Italian tomatoes

1 cup white wine

Simmer till it produces a thick sauce

Season and serve on top of homemade gnocchi.

Of course it never hurts to crumble some goats cheese over the top and 

A nice glass of red wine, Petersons being one of my favourite Australian labels.

Lamb and Tomato Pie

1 kg diced Lamb browned and placed into a casserole dish
2 chopped onions browned and placed into casserole dish
2 400gm tins diced Italian tomatoes
3 crushed garlic cloves
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Salt and pepper
Red wine approx 2 cups (depends on size of casserole dish)
2 diced carrots
200gms brown mushrooms (I used swiss)

Oven bake the filling for around an hour at 180c

Line a pie dish with shortcrust pastry and blind bake for 15-20 minutes
Place filling in shell and cover with puff pastry
Spray with oil
Cook at 180c until golden brown