Elle Republic

This is a deliciously simple side salad inspired by a brunch get together at my friend Anna’s place recently. She is an amazing host and an even better cook--right down my alley--fresh, fresh, fresh! With homemade baba ganoush, roasted red pepper spread, market fresh cheese, string bean salad, fresh-from-the-bakery German rolls, and whole host of other fresh and tasty bites that can only be indulged in along with a...

I really loves salads. And I am pretty big fan of mushrooms too. BUT I’m not all the particular to the all too “vanilla” button mushrooms, rather the unique, wilder types. Maybe you have seen these hefty mushrooms with their unassuming, little flat caps before… native to the Mediterranean, king trumpets are part of the same family as the oyster mushroom, unexpected, I know. Barely a resemblance – and...

Lemon and dark chocolate may sound like a strange combination but trust me, it works brilliantly! I love anything lemon and this combination with tangy buttermilk magically creates moist and insanely delicious muffins. Studded with heavenly little chunks of dark chocolate and subtle hints of lemon zest and vanilla, they are transformed into something really special. It took me a couple of fails to finally get this recipe for Lemon-Buttermilk...

A simple pesto with spaghetti is delicious topped with fresh arugula, plump cherry tomatoes and juicy prawns. This is great stand back and throw pasta that is easy and quick to make - perfect for a midweek meal. If you are squeezed for time, feel free to pick up a jar of your favorite pesto or a freshly made batch from the local market. Equipped with ready made pesto and...

Traditionally, puttanesca sauce is served with spaghetti in a dish known for being “in the style of the whore”. Oooh so devilish. There is a tale, saying its origins stem from the word "puttana" which in Italian means whore --- why you ask? Well they say it's so quick and easy. Ooooh dear! Although there are many myths, the true origins of its name are debatable. One thing’s for certain...

Parsnip Apple Risotto. So simple, so good. I have to admit, I recently developed a soft spot for, yes, here it is...parsnips! Subtly sweet and a touch earthy, I would have never imagined that I would ever touch a parsnip. My early recollections of them are, well, just that one time a year, when they were roasted in the oven along with our Christmas turkey. And come to think...