From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
Imagine this…flickering flames, the crackling of firewood and the smell of food.
These sensory perceptions have appealed to us for thousands of years and are every bit as appealing today as they were then. We still enjoy making use of basic primitive elements such as fire to cook food, socialise and bring us closer together.
This week we focus on Cooking with Fire as Spring heralds barbeque season, alfresco dining and smoky goodness…we drop down the rabbit hole of meat cuts with self-confessed hard-core carnivore and Texas-based live fire cook, Jess Pryles for her tips and tricks to cooking the best steak and a recipe for Middle Eastern lamb leg, seasoned with kosher salt, garlic and za’atar.
Cooking with fire is more than just a method; it's an art form, deeply embedded in culinary traditions across the world.
Few understand this better than Chef Jose Saulog, Executive Chef at Franca, Parlar and Amorica - the Surry Hills-based Parisian-inspired brasserie featuring a uniquely positioned menu centred around a wood-fired grill. Marie-Antoinette Issa goes one-on-one with Jose to discover wood-fired cooking tips, tricks and techniques to help you prep like a pro.
While the concept of burnt food might seem an unappealing culinary mishap, there are certain dishes where a touch of char can elevate the flavour profile to new heights. The Maillard reaction and caramelisation processes that occur when food is burnt or charred can enhance tastes, create appealing textures and add depth to a wide variety of dishes.
While we’re certainly not suggesting baking your cupcakes till they resemble charcoal, Marie-Antoinette delivers eight dishes which are some of the best examples of foods that taste better (a little bit!) burnt!
Healthy body, healthy mind, right? Ahead of National R U OK? Day on Friday, September 12 we share some nutritious recipes infused with Canadian maple syrup because we all know a healthy body helps create a healthy mind. The dedicated R U OK? Day aims to inspire Aussies to connect with people around them and start conversations with those in their life who may be struggling.
From where to find smoky goodness on your plate to restaurants which showcase native ingredients, we’ve curated guides to help you find the culinary experience you are craving; there are also suggestions for where to raise the woof – dog-friendly venues for you and Fido – along with five favourite joints to find a Sunday roast!
Let’s get cooking…
