HOPE CAKE

Preheat your oven to 180 deg C . Grease amd line a large 20 X 30 cm ovenproof baking dish /pan or 2 medium 20 x 20 cm pans . Cream together 2 tbs of butter / marg , 250 gm of cream cheese , 3 bananas , 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 2 cups of white sugar . Lightly beat 2 eggs . In a separate bowl mix together 3 cups of flour ,1/2 tsp of baking powder , 1/2 tsp of baking soda and 1/2 tsp of salt . Now add the beaten eggs a little at a time , beating in betweem . Then add the flour mix , beating until a batter forms . Pour into the prepared pan and set aside . PREPARE THE TOPPING .... Mix together 1 tbs of flour, 2/3 rds of cup of brown sugar , 1/2 cup of butter / marg and1/2 cup of chopped mixed nits , using a bread knife cut into the mixture until crumbly . sprinkle the topping over the batter . Bake for 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean . OR until an impossible thing comes true . WHICHEVER COMES FIRST .......

THE MANOR PIES .

Nothing better than a Saturday afternoon spent baking pies . Today the filling was a savoury kangaroo mince , shredded carrots , pan seared onions and potatoes boiled in milk , flavoured with garlic , chilli , honey , peanut butter and savoury breadcrumbs . These are a seriously delicious pie .

VERMICELLI PUDDING

Heat 100gm of ghee in a pan over a medium heat and add 100gm of vermicelli broken into 4 cm pieces . Fry gently for 6 minutes , then pour over 750 ml of milk and bring to the boil . Sprinkle 1 dsp of cardamon into the pan and add 225gm of honey ( spoon by spoon ) . Continue to stir until the honey has melted . Cook for a further 15 minutes and then stir in 100gm of sultanas . This pudding can be served hot or chilled . N.B. When Muslims visit each other on feast days , they are asked to partake of some food and vermicelli pudding is quite often shared between visitors .

A LITTLE FISH DISH

Preheat your oven to 180 deg C . Grease an ovenproof dish . Peel and thinly slice 3 potatoes and place them in a saucepan with 1 tsp of cracked black pepper , 1 tsp of salt ,300ml of cream and 100ml of milk . Bring this to a simmer and cook till the potatoes are tender . Meanwhile wash and slice 2 carrots and 1 medium beetroot , grate the carrots and slice the beetroot into match sticks . Peel and thinly slice 2 onions . Now remove the the cooked potato slices from the milk , keeping the milk to one side . Spread a layer of the potato slices over the base of the ovenproof dish , followed by a layer of the sliced onions , beetroots and carrots . Add another layerof poataoes and 80 gm of anchovies followed by more onions , carrots and beetroot . Follow with the remaining anchovies and then finish by pouring the milk from the potatoes over . Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes . Then uncover and sprinkle over 2 tbs of breadcrumbs . Bake for another 30 minutes .( if topping is browning too quickly cover with a sheet of baking paper . You can substitute the anchovies for sardines

MARMALADE BISCOTTI

Preheat your oven to 180 deg C . Beat together 100gm of room temp marg / butter , 80 gm of castor sugar , 100gm of orange marmalade and the zest of 1 lemon , until creamy and fluffy . In another bowl mix together 225gm of plain flour , 1/2 tsp of baking powder , 1 tsp of salt. Combine both bowls of ingredients and mix into a ball , use a wooden spoon and finish off with wet hands ( are my preference) Divide the ball in half and form both into 25 cm long logs . Line 2 baking trays with baking paper . Press the logs down to form a 1 cm high log , kind of like a ciabatta . Bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown . As soon as you remove the trays from the oven slice the logs into 1.5 cm slics with a sharp knife . Cool completely on a wire rack . These are delicious ....

CHICKEN THIGH SKEWERS

This is such an easy dish to prepare and always welcome in The Manor at dinner time . You need 4 boneless chicken thigh fillets , ( skin on ). Use 2 skewers per each fillet to straighten out the fillets . Make a marinade of 1/4 cup of mayonnaise mixed with 1/4 cup of sweet chilli sauce and 1 tbs of minced garlic . Mix to combine and then coat both sides of the fillets and set aside for 1 hour in the refrigerator . Preheatr your oven to 180 deg C . Peel and slice 3 sweet potatoes into rounds , do the same with 1 onion and place in a greased oven proof dish lightly sprinkled with ground sumac. Lightly spray cooking oil over the sweet potato and onion mix with a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan cheese . Finally place the marinated chicken skewers over the pumpkin onion mix . Drizzle with a little honey and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the chiken thigh fillets are golden brown and the sweet potato tender .

LEMON DELICIOUS PUDDING

Preheat oven to 180 deg C Cream 30gm (1 tbs plus 1 tsp) of marg/ butter - with 1/4 cup of castor sugar. Now add 2 tbs of S.R flour , the juice and rind of 2 lemons and 2 lightly beaten egg yolks. (retain 2 egg whites ) and 1x 385ml can of evaporated milk. -mix well Now using your electric mixer beat the 2 egg whites together with a pinch of salt - until stiff BUT not dry! FOLD the egg whites into the lemon mixture, Now pour the combined mixture into a LIGHTLY oiled ovenproof dish. Place in a water bath and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until pudding surface is golden.

CHEESE AND VEGETABLE PIE

Preheat your oven to 180 deg C . Boil 1 cup of sliced potato with 1 cup of sliced sweet potato , when tender ,drain and mash together . Cook 2 finely chooped onions in a little oil until tender . Add half of the cooked onion to the mash mix . Add remaining onion to 2 roughly chopped tomatoes , 1 tbs of tomato paste and 2 trimmed and sliced zucchinis , ( 2 tbs of chopped black olives ..optional ) Now you need a flat 23 cm pan and 4 sheets of thawed puff pastry . Cut the puff pastry sheets into 4 X 25 cm circles . Take one round , sprinkle with finely grated parmesan cheese and place on the baking paper lined pan , place a second round on top . Place the mashed mixture into the centre of the pastry leaving a 2.5 cm border around the edge . Top with the tomatoe mixture . Slice the remaining 2 pastry circle sheets into 8 wedges . Brush the wedges with water and overlap , covering the the vegeatble filling . Brush the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with finely grated parmesan cheese . Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes or until golden brown . To serve sprinkle with grated cheese . This pie can be served hot or cold and goes well will sausages or meatballs , it is a meal on its own .

BAKED TORTELLINI

Preheat your oven to 180 deg C . Wash and trim the ends of 1 large eggplant . Boil 200gm of fresh tortellini filled with beef , then drain and place in a shallow ovenproof dish . Heat a large pan with 2 tbs of oil and saute 2 potatoes that are peeled and sliced into cubes , once slightly coloured add to the tortellini . Heat a little more oil in the pan , add a peeled and sliced onion and saute for 5 minutes , then add the cubed eggplant and continue cooking until the eggplant is tender . Now add 1x400gm can of diced tomatoes , stir through 2 tbs of minced garlic , 1/2 tsp of dried oregano and a pinch of cayenne pepper . Continue to cook until the liquid has reduced a little. Pour the pan contents into the tortellini and potatoes in the ovenproof dish , toss through 50gm of grated Mozarella cheese and season with a 1/2 tsp of cracked black pepper . Sprinkle a layer of Mozarella cheese mixed with dry oregano over top . Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese melts through and bubbles on top , chech with a skewer that the potatoes have cooked through . Enjoy this is delicious .

LEMON CURD

Beat 7 egg yolks with 3/4 cups of castor sugar and 1 cup of lemon juice , when the mix is well combined place over a slow heat and stir continuously till thick , this will take about 10 minutes . Remove from heat and place in jars , allow to cool and then cover with a lid .

TRADITIONAL HOMEMADE LEMONADE

Pour 785ml ( 3 and 1/2 cups ) of water into a jug along with 250 ml ( 1 cup of lemon juice ) and stir in 3/4 cup ( 170 gm ) of castor sugar , keep stirring until sugar is dissolved . Now chill the combined and dissolved water , juice / sugar mixture in the refrigerator for an hour Finally add slices of lemon. Serve over ice in tall glasses .

LEMONS

Lemons were once known as 'golden apples'or golden fruit and historically used as a valuable trading tool by the countries who grew them . Lemons are one of the oldest known cultivated fruits . It is widely believed that lemon trees were first found in India , dating back to about 4,000 years ago , there is also documentation connecting the lemon tree to Burma and China . Throughout the ages lemons have been used for medicinal purposes and a beauty supplement for women ie teeth whitening , breathe freshener , lip reddener . It was not until early 19th century that the lemon was recorded as an ingredient used for cooking and flavouring . Today lemon trees grow in abundance in subtropical areas ( evident )as many Australian back yards host amazing lemon trees that flower continuously throughout the year ,successfully producing anywhere up to 1000 + pieces of fruit . The lemon fruit is an amazing fruit , the inner fleshy pulp cultivated for its fruit and the lemon rind / zest being used for flavouring and garnishing .

BACON AND CHEESE MEATBALLS

This is an absolute favourite and often served dish in The Manor . Preheat your oven to 200deg C I make my own meatballs by combining 750 gm of minced steak , 1 onion finely chopped ,1/2 cup of breadcrumbs , 1 lightly beaten egg , 1/2 cup of grated zucchini( squeezed between kitchen tissue , to remove excess moisture ) . Mix well and form into balls . Place the balls in greased shallow oven proof dish along with 300gm of chopped bacon pieces. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes . Now prepare your tomato sauce .... Cook 1 peeled and finely sliced onion in a pan with a little oil over a medium heat . Add 1 medium capsicum sliced ,1 x 425 gm can of tomato puree , 2 tbs of dried parsley, 1/2 cup of stuffed olives ,1/2 tsp of dried oregano and cracked black pepper to taste . Simmer for 10 minutes and then pour over the meatballs in the oven and top with grated mozarella . Serve with extra mozarella and a sprig of oregano . So simple and delicious .

VEGETABLE ROLLS .....

We are preparing these in class this week . You will need 3 defrosted sheets of puff pastry . Preheat your oven to 200 deg C . Now combine in a dish ....250gm of steamed rice ( your choice of rice or rice mix ) , 1 and 1/2 cups of a thawed (frozen )mix of corn kernals , peas , and carrots . ! onion finely chopped , 1 stick of celery finely chopped , 1 red capsicum roughly chopped . Mix the vegetables to combine . Add to this mix 200gm of room temp cream chese , along with 1 cup of grated tasty cheese, 1 tsp of curry powder and 2 tb of my mayonnaise chutney mix . Now mix well to combine with a wooden spoon . Lay out 3 sheets of puff pastry . Divide the mixture into 3 .... Spoon the mixture onto the edge of 3 sheets of pastry , roll up and slice each roll into 3 . Place the rolls , join side down on baking paper lined trays and brush with lightly beaten egg . Bake for 30 minutes or until a rustic golden brown .

LEMON SQUARES

3 words .....' simply the best '. Preheat your oven to 160 deg C . Mix together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of softened butter or marg with 1/4 cup of icing sugar. Press this mixture into an 8" x 8" pan . Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes . Now mix together 2 eggs , 1 cup of sugar , 1/2 tsp of baking powder , 1/4 tsp of salt and 2 tbs of lemon juice . Pour over the slightly cooled crustand bake for a futher 20 minutes 9 the filling will puff up but flattens when cooled . Sprinkle with icing sugar. Slice into squares when cooled .

CRUNCHY RICE PIE

Preheat your oven to 180 deg C Let's start with the pie base .... Lightly spray a 22cm pie dish with cooking oil . Combine in a bowl.... 1 and 1/2 cups of brown rice , 1 lightly beaten egg , 1 tbs of lemon juice , 1/2 tsp of sweet paprika , 1 tbs of dried parsley and 1 tbs of sesame seeds . Mix well and press into the prepared pie dish . Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes . For the filling beat together beat together 250 gm of cream cheese with 2 tbs of grated parmesan ( dry , long life parmesan ) , 2 lightly beaten eggs and 3/4 cup of milk . Now stir in 425 gm can of salmon ( pink or red it's your choice ) and 2 tbs of dried chives. Pour the well combined mixture into the prepared rice crust . Top with 2 quartered tomatoes and sprinkle with dried basil and extra parmesan cheese . Bake in the well preheated oven for for 45 minutes . Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes before slicing .

RICOTTA CREAM FILLING FOR CANNOLI

If you are ever caught on "the hop " , this will fill the need to take something acceptable to the occasion . It is acceptable to use a store bought packet of cannoli shells . For the cannoli filling combine 750 gm of ricotta with 40 gm of icing sugar and 1 tbs of grated / finely chopped lemon zest in a bowl and thoroughly mix with a wooden spoon / or an electric mixer. Place the cream mixture into a piping bag to fill in the pastry shells . Dust generously with icing sugar .

CHEESY LAYERED VEGETABLE BAKE

Preheat your oven to 180 deg C . Combine 800gm of freshly diced tomatoes, 1 tsp of Italian herbs and 1 tbs of minced garlic in a bowl . Spray a deep ovenproof dish and place a layer of sliced potatoes on the base of the dish and top with half of the tomato mixture and season with a little cracked pepper . Layer this with a generous covering of grated mozarella cheese . Continue mixed layering with 2 peeled and chopped onions , 4 sliced zucchini, 3 red capsicums diced and a final layer of sliced potato . Spread the remaining tomatoe mixture over top and finally top with another generous layer of grated mozarella cheese . Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes until vegetables are tender , cooked and the cheese is melted and golden brown . Serve on its own or as an accompaniment to any meal or with a mixed grain .

NO BAKE CREAMY CHEESECAKE

First prepare your biscuit base , combine 3/4 cup of crumbed ginger nut biscuits with 1/4 cup of butter / marg . Press this mixture into a greased 20cm spring form pan and place in the freezer to chill . To make the filling beat 500 gm of cream cheese ( @ room temp )until smooth add 3/4 cup of castor sugar , 1/4 cup of lemon juice , 1 dsp of grated lemon rind ,1/2 cup of milk and 1 and 1/2 dsp of instant gelatine dissolved in 1/2 cup of water . Blend well . Beat in 1/2 cup of cream that has been beaten until just thickened . Fold in the cream through the filling mix . Now pour the combined mixture onto the preared crumb crust . Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours until firm . Dress with fresh berries .

PIZZA TURNOVER

Preheat your oven to 180 deg C Peel and slice 1 onion and cook in a little oil over a medium heat until tender . Add 100gm of shredded salami , 1 green capsicum thinly sliced , 1 zucchini finely sliced and 50gm of sliced mushrooms . Now continue to cook until well combined for 5 minutes . I used commercial based pizzea bases x 2 , placed them on baking paper covered oven trays . Spread each pizza base with tomato paste , leaving a 2.5 cm border around the edge . Place a layer of grated mozarella cheese onto 1/2 of each base . Top each base with the vegetable mix and cover with another layer of the grated cheese . Fold the piza base over to form a 1/2 circle and brush the edges with beaten egg and press down firmly with your finger . Place in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown . These pizza turnovers can be served hot or cold ........delicious .

CAULIFLOWER SLICE

This is a vegetable quiche . Preheat your oven to 180 deg C. Combine 500gm of chopped and cooked cauliflower with 3 finely chopped spring onions , 1 and 1/2 cups of grated tasty cheese , 1 tbs of dried parsley / 2 tbs of freshly chopped parsley, 1/3 rd cup of flour , 3 lightly beaten eggs , 1 tsp of curry powder and 1 dsp of minced garlic in a bowl . Combine all ingredients well . Spray a medium sized oven proof pan and add a drizzle of canola oil . Pour in the the cauliflower mixture , use the back of a spoon to level the surface . Oven bake until the slice is crisp and golden .

PIZZA BREAD

This is the same dough preparation I used for the date paste and chocolate bread . The dough is perfect , don't change the recipe from the date and chocolate bread . Follow the recipe to the point of spreading the filling over the rolled out dough . Spread the dough with a thin layer of tomato paste , followed with thinly sliced tomatoes . Then sprinkle over a layer of finely grated parmesan cheese ( dry packaged ). I then topped the cheese layer with thinly sliced capsicums , followed with chopped ham ( only because I did not have any salami ) ... then I rolled the dough tightly into a log as written in the previous recipe . Instead of curving the log , this time I baked the loaf as a log . Either way this is delicious ....

CHOCOLATE AND DATE PASTE BREAD

Line an oven tray with baking paper and lightly spray a medium bowl with oil . Warm 5 tbs of milk and mix with 1 tbs of instant dried yeast in a separate bowl and stir to combine with a wooden spoon . Allow to sit for 10 minutes . Now add 4 tbs of melted butter / marg mixed with 1 lightly beaten egg ., stir to combine with the yeast mixture . Add 330 gm of high protein flour ( bread flour ) , using a wooden spoon to combine . use your hand to knead the mixture for 15 minutes until the dough is no longer sticky and becomes glossy . Place the dough in the the lightly oiled bowl and loosely cover with cling wrap and set aside in a warm area for an hour or until the dough doubles in size . ......An hour on , flatten the dough between two sheets of baking paper , using a rolling pin to make a 35cm X 25 cm rectangle ( approx ) Now spread the dough with a an even layer of date paste and then a sprinkle of chocolate bits . Roll up tightly from the longest side , press the ends to seal . Then form the rolled dough into a semi circle or you can leave in a log shape . Carefully place on the lined baking tray . Cover loosely with a sheet of cling wrap and sit in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size . At this stage preheat your oven to 160 deg C . In an hours time bake for 45 minutes or until golden . Slice to serve . This is delicious ....as is or with butter or even cream .