Feel free to contact me about anything regarding this site, recipes you might want to share, new foods you have discovered or whimsy and treasures you know I would like.
Michelle Power – michelle@mybestdaysever.com and mmpower0484@hotmail.com (please email both addresses)
I lovely, if you ever get the chance could you please share the recipe for the gorgeous cake you make for your girls birthdays.
absolutely!
Love your website. I was going to make the beet salad for Christmas dinner. In the recipe it calls for rocket. Can you tell me what rocket is? Thanks
Hi Peggy,
Apologies – that is what we call it in australia – it is also known as Arugula or Roquette.
Michelle
Thank you for sharing the recipes along with the photographs! I find myself perusing your page and the updates daily. It is an indulgence without even trying your culinary creations. I feel inspired each time.
Anna
Thanks so much for your comment – its really nice of you to say and I am so glad you are enjoying my blog. It’s been a labour of love. xxMichelle
WOW i just found you from the tastspotting site, the hot cross buns were perfect thanks so much i love love love your site!!!! you are bookmarked
i will make the momofuku cookies tommarrow. Cheers from Canada.
Thanks Melanie – it’s always good to hear that people are enjoying the recipes. xMichelle
Hi Michelle, Chris here, hope all the crew are well. We have been making a lot of your recipes recently. Today was the macaroni & cheese – magnificent – last week was the meatballs, also superb! I just back from Dubai and my customer gave me a box of dates. I was wondering if you have any recipes that we could use them? Sticky date pudding perhaps? Thanks, luv C.
Hello,
Glad you are trying the recipes – I love the Macaroni and Cheese too – and the meatballs. We miss you and have some pictures of Archie and Coco on our corkboard – last week Lucy asked me why we didn’t see you anymore – I was sad
Anyway, I am sending through some recipes – I have a Sticky Date Pudding – a Neil Perry recipe so it will be good, also some others but the Sticky Date one is great.
Enjoy the dates and maybe one day we can organise a date for the families – Dec/Jan in Sydney perhaps? Balmoral Beach for breakfast? Catalina for lunch? I would be happy with fish and chips at a beach.
xxxxxx
Hi Michelle,
I came across your website because I was searching for the blueberry milk cookies and really love your site! Well done! Also, I noticed that you have a link called “Recipe” to each of your posts. I’m pretty new to blogging and the whole interwebs thing and was wondering if you wouldn’t mind sharing how you added that button? Where are the recipes actually posted for the link to work?
I’m sorry for sounding so amateur, but I’m still learning and any advice you can give is greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much!
~Tina
Hi Tina,
I hope this is of help – I am an amateur myself (still) and got a techie to do the hard staff. If you are wanting to create categories (ie, recipe, main, dessert, fruit etc), you need to go into POSTS in the left side bar of your dashboard – within that you will find CATEGORY and you can set them up. When you complete a post you can file it in the categories and it will give your reader a menu – if he or she clicks onto Desserts they will see all the recipes or posts you have filed in the Dessert category (gosh I hope that makes sense!)
If this isn’t what you are after then let me know and I will try to help.
Best of luck
Michelle
I am looking for a recipe for Buche de noel. Do you have one? I want to attempt to make one.
Thank you.
Hi Selma,
I don’t have my recipes at hand at the moment because I am travelling but i will try and track a good one down for you.
Michelle
Hello Selma,
I have made this one from Jacques Torres and it is great, I managed to get the recipe online but I got it from his cookbook.
Enjoy!
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons whole milk
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/3 cup cake flour
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
About 1 cup Flavored Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
Chocolate Pastry Cream (recipe follows)
Coffee Buttercream (recipe follows)
Meringue Mushrooms (recipe follows)
Small block of bittersweet chocolate, for shaving
1 1/4 cups water
2/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other liqueur
4 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
3 1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate
3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
1 large whole egg, at room temperature
Scant 1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature, cubed
Pure coffee extract to taste
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
Procedures1
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a 15 1/2–by—10 1/2—by 1—inch baking sheet (jelly-roll or quarter sheet pan) with parchment paper.
2
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip, combine the whole eggs, egg yolks, 1/3 cup of the sugar, and the milk and beat on medium-high speed for about 6 minutes, or until the mixture is very light and has tripled in volume.
3
Place the egg whites in a bowl and, using a handheld mixer, whip on medium speed until foamy. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar a tablespoon at a time and continue to beat. When the sugar has been incorporated, raise the speed to medium-high and whip for about 5 minutes, or until stiff, but not dry, peaks form.
4
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold about half of the whole egg mixture into the egg whites. When almost incorporated, fold in the remaining half, taking care not do deflate the batter.
5
Place the flour in a fine-mesh sieve and, tapping on the side of the sieve, sift the flour over the meringue batter. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the flour into the batter, making sure the spatula reaches to the bottom of the bowl to ensure an even mixture.
6
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Don’t press down too hard, or the pressure will cause the batter to deflate.
7
Place the confections’ sugar in a fine-mesh sieve and, tapping on the side of the sieve, sift the sugar evenly over the surface of the batter.
8
Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cake just begins to brown on the edges. Remove from the oven and immediately run a paring knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the cake sides. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the top of the cake, and then invert a cookie sheet over the parchment. Immediately invert the cake and the cookie sheet together, then lift off the baking sheet. Peel the parchment paper off the cake. Let cool completely. Line another cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the cake on a clean, flat work surface with a long side facing you. Drizzle the simple syrup evenly over the cake, using just enough to moisten but not soak the cake. Spoon the pastry cream on top of the cake and, using an offset spatula, carefully spread the cream evenly over the cake, taking care to spread it evenly up to the edges. Starting at the long end farthest from you, slip your fingers between the parchment and the cake and begin rolling the cake toward you, up and over the pastry cream, until you have a firm log shape, or roulade.
9
Carefully transfer the roulade, seam side down, to the prepared cookie sheet. Cover with plastic film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the roulade to set.
10
Transfer the roulade to a serving platter. Using a serrated knife, cut a 1 1/2—inch—thick slice from both ends of the roll. These will be used to form “gnarls” on the finished log.
11
Using an offset spatula, generously coat the entire log with all but about 1 cup of the buttercream, spreading from left to right in long streaks. Place the 2 reserved slices on top of the log, positioning one at each end and a little off center. Cover the slices with buttercream, using the offset spatula to smooth the top of each piece. Pull a cake comb through the buttercream on the cake so that it resembles tree bark. Then pull the comb up the sides of the slices so that they resemble gnarls on a tree. Place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the buttercream to set.
12
While the buttercream is setting, put the mushrooms together by gluing the caps to the stems with a dab of buttercream. Lay them cap side down until ready to place on the cake.
13
Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, carefully peel chocolate shavings off the chocolate block, letting them fall over and around the cake. Arrange the mushrooms around the cake. Serve immediately.
14
Flavored Simple Syrup
15
In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the water and sugar, place over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. When the sugar has dissolved completely, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and let cool completely.
16
Stir the liqueur into the cooled syrup. Use immediately, or store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator almost indefinitely.
17
Chocolate Pastry Cream
18
-makes about 2 cups-
19
Sift together 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the cornstarch in a bowl. Whisk in the egg yolks until well blended, thick, and smooth.
20
In a heavy-bottomed nonreactive saucepan, combine the milk with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Using the edge of a small, sharp knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the milk and then add the bean. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Remove from the heat.
21
Whisking constantly, whisk about one-third of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture. Pour the combined mixtures into the hot milk mixture, whisk to combine, and return to medium-low heat. Cook, whisking constantly to keep the mixture from sticking and burning. Just before the mixture comes to a boil, it should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. As soon as the mixture boils, lower the heat slightly and continue to whisk for another 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste of the cornstarch and allow the flavors to mellow.
22
Remove from the heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Cover with plastic film, pressing it directly on the surface to keep a skin from forming, and let cool to room temperature.
23
Place the chocolate in the top half of a double boiler. Place over (not touching) gently simmering water in the bottom pan and heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted. Using a rubber spatula, fold the hot chocolate into the cooled pastry cream. Cover with a piece of plastic film until ready to use. If not using immediately, refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
24
Coffee Buttercream
25
-makes about 3 cups-
26
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip, combine the egg yolks and whole egg and beat on medium-high speed for about 7 minutes, or until tripled in volume and very thick, light, and airy.
27
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Clip a thermometer to the side of the pan, place the pan over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Boil for about 12 minutes, or until the mixture registers 250 degrees F. When the sugar syrup is ready, remove it from the heat. With the mixer on low speed, carefully pour the hot syrup between the ship and the side of the bowl, taking care not to hit the whip as you pour, or the hot syrup will spatter and burn you. Continue beating on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the outside of the bowl is warm but not hot and the mixture is slightly cool.
28
Add the butter and continue to whip on medium speed for a couple of minutes, or until the butter is incorporated. Raise the speed to medium-high and beat for about 10 minutes, or until thick, smooth, and shiny, and well emulsified. Add the extract, a few drops at a time, beating until the desired flavor is reached. Be careful not to overbeat, or the buttercream will be grainy.
29
Use immediately, or cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
30
Meringue Mushrooms
31
-makes about 2 dozen-
32
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
33
Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip and beat on medium speed until foamy. Begin adding the granulated sugar a tablespoon at a time, adding it until the egg whites have increased in volume. Raise the speed to medium-high, add all of the remaining granulated sugar, and beat for about 5 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Lower the speed to medium and continue to beat for an additional 2 minutes to incorporate more air into the whites. They should be very light and stiff, but not dry and separated.
34
Remove the bowl from the mixer and, using a rubber spatula, fold the confectioners’ sugar into the egg whites, taking care not to deflate them and making sure you reach all the way to the bottom of the bowl.
35
Scrape the meringue into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain tip. To make the mushroom stems, hold the pastry bag at a 90-degree angle and squeeze dime-sized portions of meringue onto the prepared cookie sheet. As you finish squeezing each stem, quickly pull the bag straight up so that you leave a little tail of meringue. Make as many stems as you will need, keeping in mind that baked meringue is fragile and breaks easily, so make a few more than you will actually need. (I like to make enough mushrooms so that everyone can have one when the cake is served.)
36
Make an equal number of mushroom caps by holding the pastry bag at a slight angle with the tip touching the parchment paper as you begin to pipe individual meringues into 1/2-inch rounds. When you have a 1/2-inch round, immediately stop piping and pull the tip straight up, leaving no tail.
37
Place the cocoa powder in a fine-mesh sieve and, tapping on the side of the sieve, lightly dust the mushroom caps with cocoa.
38
Place the meringues in the oven and bake, with the door slightly ajar to allow the moisture to escape, for about 1 hour, or until very dry and firm. If the meringues take on color, the oven is too hot. Remove the pan from the oven, lower the heat, and let the oven cool slightly before returning the pan to continue baking.
39
Turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool in the oven for about 1 hour. This helps dry them completely. If you don’t have time to do this, remove the pan from the oven and carefully transfer the meringue pieces to a wire rack to cool.
40
Store the mushrooms pieces in an airtight and very dry container until ready to put them together when you assemble the cake.
Looking for a good chicken pot pie recipe.
Chicken Pot Pie
Pâte Brisée:
2 sticks unsalted butter
2 ½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
3-6 Tbsp ice water
1. Cut up the butter into very small pieces and place in the refrigerator or freezer while you work with the other ingredients.
2. Place the flour, salt and sugar in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter pieces and pulse until mixture forms coarse small crumbs, about 10 – 15 seconds. Add 3 Tbsp ice water to the mixture and pulse until dough comes together a bit and holds together when you pinch the dough between your fingers.
3. Pour the dough out onto a cutting board and shape into a ball without over working the dough. Divide into 2 pieces and shape each into a flat round disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour.
Chicken Filling:
1 ½ – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup heavy cream
4 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
3 small red potatoes, cut in 1-in chunks
(or 1 zucchini, sliced, per original recipe)
5 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, chopped
¾ cup frozen green peas
5 Tbsp flour
1 cup chicken broth
¼ cup cognac or dry white wine
1 Tbsp dried tarragon
2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 egg
1 tsp water
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the chicken in a baking dish in a single layer. Pour the cream over the chicken and bake for 25-40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
2. Remove the chicken from the cream, reserving the cream for the sauce. Once the chicken has cooled, cut it into 1 inch pieces.
3. Place the potatoes in a pot of cold water. Bring this to a boil. After 10 minutes, add the carrots and cook 5-10 minutes more until both the potatoes and carrots are fork tender. Drain and set the vegetables aside.
4. Melt the butter in a wide sauté pan, add the onions and cook until translucent. Sprinkle in the flour; stir and cook 5 minutes, but do not brown. Slowly add the broth to the onion mixture, whisking until the sauce smoothes out and thickens. (Which worked really well with my new flat whisk – a great tool!) Add the cream, cognac, tarragon, thyme, salt and pepper and cook 5 more minutes.
5. Add the chicken, potatoes, carrots and frozen peas to this sauce and mix gently. Pour mixture into a 2 quart casserole, soufflé dish, or large ramekins for individual pot pies.
6. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
7. Roll out the pastry into a large circle and place over the dish or cut the pastry to fit the ramekins. Press down the pastry edges, folding them as necessary. Beat together the egg and water and brush over the top of the pastry to give a nice glossy finish to the crust. Cut a few steam vents in the pastry and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Serves 6.