French Dry - Petit Fours -

Around Christmas time it is always good to serve something special with coffee after a meal. These petit fours are ideal - you can decorate them as you wish and they are quick and easy to make. They look and taste good 7 1/2 Ounces Flour 5 Ounces Butter 2 Large Egg Yolks 2 Ounces Caster Sugar Almonds -- FOR DECORATION Chocolate Vermicelli -- FOR DECORATION Sultanas -- FOR DECORATION Hundreds And Thousands -- FOR DECORATION Egg -- BEATEN Glace Cherries Red And Yellow Jam MIX ALL BISCUIT INGREDIENTS TOGETHER TO A SMOOTH DOUGH - WORK QUICKLY. PUT TO REST IN FRIDGE FOR 1/2 HOUR. CUT IN HALF AND ROLL EACH HALF INTO A SAUSAGE SHAPE ABOUT 1" THICK. 1ST SHAPE: CUT WITH A SMALL SHARP KNIFE INTO SMALL PIECES AND SHAPE EACH INTO A LITTLE BALL. USING YOUR LITTLE FINGER PUT A DENT IN EACH BALL - FLATTEN SLIGHTLY AND PLACE ON A WELL GREASED AND FLOURED BAKING TIN. 2ND SHAPE: FORM A BALL AND THEN FLATTEN THESE WITH YOUR HANDS. 3RD SHAPE: FORM EACH BALL INTO A SMALL LOG. BRUSH THE PETIT FOURS WITH BEATEN EGG AND EXCEPT FOR THE DENTED ONES GARNISH AS WISHED. BAKE AT 480 DEGREES UNTIL GOLDEN. REMOVE THE COOKED ONES AS THEY ARE READY. WHEN THEY ARE COOKED FILL THE DENTED ONES, SOME WITH JAM AND SOME WITH GLACE CHERRIES. DUST ALL WITH ICING SUGAR AND SERVE.

Cape Brandy Tart

This is just so quick and simple to make and always enjoyed. It is equally at home as a dinner party dessert or a family pudding!

200 Milliliters Boiling Water 150 Grams Dates -- chopped 5 Milligrams Baking Soda 25 Milligrams Butter 120 Grams Sugar 150 Grams Flour -- sifted 10 Milligrams Baking Powder 1 Large Egg -- beaten 50 Grams Pecans -- chopped **** Sauce **** 200 Grams Caster Sugar 200 Milliliters Water 15 Grams Butter 50 Milliliters Brandy 5 Milliliters Vanilla Pour boiling water over dates and set aside to soften - add baking soda, butter and sugar and beat well with a wooden spoon. Sift flour and baking powder into mixture - add egg and nuts - mix well and pour into a greased 230 mm round flan dish. Place on rack and microwave at high 10 minutes. Make sauce: Combine sauce ingredients and microwave on high 3 or 4 minutes until boiling. Pour hot syrup over the warm tart and serve with cream or custard - warm or allow to cool and serve with whipped cream and nuts.

Brandy Balls

A sweet treat for after dinner or when sitting around the TV. 150 Grams Dark Chocolate 150 Grams Milk Chocolate 12 1/2 Milligrams Butter Melt Together Combine With: 175 Grams Coconut 5 Milliliters Vanilla 75 Milliliters Brandy ROLL ALL INTO TEASPOON SIZED BALLS AND ROLL IN COCAO AND LEAVE ON GREASEPROOF PAPER TO COOL. SERVE IN PAPER CASES.

Magdalen Venison

I adapted this recipe from one of Robert Carrier's which in turn was based upon an Oxford University recipe! Each year venison is taken from the University herd and eaten at high table.

I do not eat much meat and do not like killing animals but in the situation we find ourselves in Zimbabwe - any food is welcome and we have been fortunate enough to be given the odd piece of venison to cook.

The treatment of the meat ensures that it is tender and flavoursome. 7 pounds venison (approximately) 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons olive oil (sunflower will do if olive oil is not available) 1/2 pound bacon 12 prunes anchovies

*******Marinade******* 1 large onion -- sliced thin 2 medium carrots -- sliced thin 2 tablespoons olive oil 750 milliliters dry red wine -- at room temperature 3 sprigs parsley 1 sprig thyme 1 whole bay leaf -- optional 6 cloves garlic -- crushed 5 whole black peppercorns 1 teaspoon gin (or two juniper berries - or two drops juniper oil)

**********Sauce******* marinade juices -- reduced 1 tablespoon butter -- mixed with 1 tablespoon flour 1 shot port wine 2 tablespoons redcurrant jelly

*******Garnish******* 12 whole Chestnuts -- glazed -- if available 20 small onions -- glazed 20 small mushrooms -- sauteed in butter Wipe venison with a clean cloth. Make marinade as follows: Slice onions and carrots and sweat them gently in the olive oil. Place vegetables in a china or earthenware or glass casserole - not metal - and add wine, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, garlic, pepper, and gin. Soak the venison in this mixture for between three days and one week in a cool place, turn 3 or 4 times a day so that all the surfaces of the meat are exposed to the liquid and are kept well moistened. The longer the meat is marinaded the gamier the flavour. To cook the meat: Combine butter and olive oil in a heavy bottomed cast iron or stainless steel pan with a tight cover. Add the bacon and saute until crisp and golden. Drain the venison from the marinade wipe dry and stuff with stoned prunes that have in turn been stuffed with anchovies.

Brown the bacon slightly in the olive oil.

Add the butter and brown the venison lightly in the fats with the bacon. Boil down the marinade juices until half the quantity and strain over the meat. Cover and cook in a moderately slow oven - 325 degrees f /mark 2 gas until meat is tender. (About 2 hours) Add more wine if necessary. To make the sauce: Remove the juices from the meat and bring to the boil. If necessary thicken with the butter which has been creamed with the flour (beurre manie). Add the port and redcurrant jelly and blend together with the juices being careful to dislodge any crusty bits on the side of the pan. Strain the sauce, which should be dark and rich over the venison and serve with the chestnuts (if available), the onions and mushrooms used as garnish.

Apple Struedel

This recipe was given to me by the legendary Mrs Buckwell. It is easy to make and I have been told by an Austrian that it is better than her mother's strudel! If you are at a lower altitude than Harare you may have to cook it for less time - take off about 10 minutes - if it sounds hollow when tapped than it is ready. This is one of my family's favourites - I hope you like it! Serve with lashings of whipped cream if you can get it - or is a slimmer version is required try home made or Greek yogurt! **** Pastry **** 1 Pound Flour 1 Large Egg Yolk 1 Tablespoon Oil 1 Pinch Salt Lukewarm Water Strudel 1 Pound Melted Butter 10 Large Apples, Peeled -- and sliced (you can use tinned apples - they work just as well) 1 Cup Sultanas Cinnamon 1 Cup Caster Sugar 2 Cups Bread Crumbs -- fried in butter Use enough water to make a pliable dough with the flour, egg yolk, oil and salt. Knead for 20 to 25 minutes being very rough with the dough dropping it from a height onto the table and throwing around. Cover and let rest ten minutes. Place on a well floured tablecloth or sheet and roll into an oblong. Pull and stretch with hands until very thin - almost transparent. Sprinkle with melted butter using enough to barely cover the dough. Cover with apples and sprinkle with more butter, sultanas, cinnamon, caster sugar and white bread crumbs. Cut the thick edges off the dough - flap over the short sides and sprinkle these with more butter. Hold cloth and roll up loosely longways until the join is underneath. bend into a horseshoe shape and put into a pan of melted butter - spoon butter over the roll so it is well covered and sprinkle with caster sugar trying not to get any onto the baking pan. bake slowly at 375 degrees until golden and hollow sounding to touch. About 1 hour. Dust with icing sugar when cold.

Apple and dusty berry crisp

With berries in season at the moment one sometimes has to think very hard to ring the changes. this recipe is easy and very fresh and delicious - just right for this time of year. It is also quick and easy to prepare. One can ring the changes by using different berries in season. 1 can sliced apples -- there should not be no juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice vegetable cooking spray 250 grams dusty berries or rasberries or a mixture of both 1 cup regular oats -- uncooked 3 tablespoons butter or margarine -- melted 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Combine apples and lemon juice; toss gently. Place apple in a 10 x 6 x 2 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; top with raspberries. Combine oats and remaining ingredients; sprinkle evenly over raspberries. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and apples are tender. (Per serving: 160 calories; 3.7 g fat; 0.7 g saturated fat).

Anti Stress Recipe

This tea if taken on a regular basis calms one's nerves and stops the stress - very much needed in these days we live through in Zimbabwe.

It may be sweetened with honey.

Don't take if you are pregnent! 90 Stalks Vervain -- SMALL 60 Sprigs Rosemary -- SMALL 30 Sprigs Lavender -- SMALL DRY IN MICROWAVE. POWDER IN FOOD PROCESSOR. MAKE TEA using ONE SMALL TEASPOON TO A SMALL POT OF BOILING WATER POURED OVER THE INGREDIENTS. ALLOW TO DRAW 15 MINUTES AND DRINK AS REQUIRED PREFERABLY BEFORE BEDTIME. UP TO THREE CUPS MAY BE TAKEN PER DAY. Remember this is not a replacement for your doctor's advise.

Tuna salad

This is a good luncheon salad or starter for the hot weather. It is tasty, does not need extra salt and takes minutes to prepare. Served with a bowl of avocados and some good homemade bread - preferably wholewheat it is a full meal for 3 or 4 people. If you are serving it as a starter use olives to garnish and serve on a bed of lettuce. It can also be used to stuff tomatoes and make tuna sandwiches or rolls. 1 can Tuna in oil -- a small tin will feed 3 people 1 large green pepper -- chopped 4 medium fresh tomatoes -- chopped 1 tablespoon Chili mayonnaise -- a little more or less (use more Tabasco if this is not available) 4 tablespoons salad cream or mayonnaise -- a little more or less 4 drops Tabasco sauce -- I like the green one! 6 sliced olives - black or stuffed -- black give a better contrast Mix altogether - it will be sloppy - keep chilled until ready to eat and serve with good homemade bread. A dish of avocado seasoned with balsamic vinegar and olive oil goes well with this salad. Double up quantities if you need to serve more people. If you are interested: Only 132 Calories per serving ; 4g Fat (27.7% calories from fat); 14g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 8mg Cholesterol; 171mg Sodium.

Banaoffee Pie Or Pudding

Banaoffee pie is an all time favourite and if you want a slightly lighter pudding try it without the crust. I think that the original version needs no additions but some people like to add chocolate pieces or curls to the decoration. Try and get bananas that are not too ripe - especially if you are using them for decoration as well. I have tried this using a caramel filling instead of the condensed milk - but it is not quite as good. 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk -- caramelised 1 Large Pie Shell 6 Large Bananas -- sliced lengthways 1/2 Pint Whipped Cream 1 Teaspoon Coffee Powder, French Flavor 1 Teaspoon Ground Coffee or coffee beans Caramelise the condenced milk by boiling in an unopened tin for 3 hours. Place in a pie shell. Cover with sliced bananas. Add the coffee to the cream and spread on top of bananas. Decorate with coffee granules or ground coffee or coffee beans. Choclate pieces and banana slices can also be used for decoration but remember to brush banana slices with lemon juice so they do not discolour. Serving Ideas : Make without crust and serve as a pudding.

Inflation in the Kitchen!

Not only are the supermarket shelves in Zimbabwe empty but the costs change from hour to hour. I thought this picture would be of interest - it displays two till slips and shows, how, in a matter of days (09 to 13 June 2008)we went from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars!

Cooking here is very difficult with constant power cuts (usually when one has a loaf of bread baking), lack of ingredients (many people have to import everything from milk and butter to flour and frozen vegetables) and cost of anything on can find during a foraging trip to the shops!

Homemade Liptauer Cheese

This is another easy recipe which can be served as a spread or a dip - very authentic and bursting with flavour. Its wonderful pink colour makes it an attractive addition to a snack platter or buffet table.

When cream cheese is not available on the supermarket shelves we make our own.

16 Ounces Cream Cheese 1/2 Cup Butter -- softeneed 6 Tablespoons Sour Cream 2 Tablespoons Onion -- minced 8 Medium Anchovies 2 Teaspoons Dry Mustard 2 Teaspoons Caraway Seed 2 Teaspoons Paprika Salt And Pepper To Taste 1 Teaspoon Capers -- if available Blend all together in a food processor. Allow to mature 24 hours if possible. Serve with crackers, rolls or rye bread!

Copy Cat Boursin Cheese

Boursin Cheese is one of our favourites - but unobtainable here in Zimbabwe - so here is what we use instead - and it is a very good copy. Try and use only the leaves of the herbs as the stalks give it a gritty texture.

12 Ounces Cottage Cheese, Creamed 6 Cloves Garlic -- crushed -- or to taste 1 Teaspoon Salt -- or to taste Thyme -- to taste Basil -- to taste Oregano -- to taste Marjoram -- to taste 6 Tablespoons Sour Cream

Blend all well together using a food processor. Chill overnight to develop the flavour. Serve with french bread or crackers.

Simple Chilli Rellanos

This is a classic Mrs Buckwell recipe - good for lunch or supper and served with a salad.

We grow and eat both chili peppers and green peppers in our garden - even without water they flourish! this version is cool - extra chillis can be added!

2 ounces butter (or marg) 8 ounces flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons thyme, crushed 1 large egg, beaten 4 tablespoons milk 8 ounces green peppers, sauteed 1 large onion, sliced 1 pound ground beef, lean (or use soya mince for a vgetarian flare!) 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon piri piri paste 1 tablespoon flour, to bind 2 ounces flour 1/2 cup grated cheese (or more if liked) 16 fluid ounces milk Make scone dough for base with butter, flour salt, thyme, 1 egg and milk. Press into a large ovenproof dish. Top with 8 oz green peppers - sauteed. and a mixture of the onion ground beef,salt and pepper, piri piri paste and flour. Place another layer of peppers on top of this. Mix together the 2 oz of flour, milk, grated cheese and 4 eggs. Pour over the meat and peppers. Bake at 375 degrees for about 1 hour at the bottom of the oven - it should be golden and firm to touch.

German Mustard

Mustard is difficult to find in Zimbabwe at the moment but most people have a supply of mustard powder - the hot English kind - hanging around and at one time we could only buy the wholegrain mustard powder!

This recipe keeps well in and out of the fridge and is good with any cold meat or chese - also good in cooking!

80 Milligrams White Mustard Seed (or wholegrain mustard powder) 80 Milligrams Mustard Powder 80 Milliliters Warm Water -- to mix 250 Milliliters Cider Vinegar -- or Dry White Wine 25 Milligrams Dark Brown Sugar 8 Milligrams Salt 5 Milligrams Grated Onions 3 Milligrams Garlic -- crushed 2 Milligrams Ground Cinnamon 2 Milligrams Ground Allspice 2 Milligrams Ground Turmeric 1 Milligram Ground Cloves 12 1/2 Milligrams Corn Flour Combine mustard seed and powder with water and set aside for 10 minutes. Place all other ingredients except cornflour in a small saucepan and bring to boil (or microwave on high) - reduce heat and simmer for 5 or 6 minutes - or continue to microwave for 3 minutes. Mix corn flour to a paste with water and add to vinegar mixture and bring to boil stirring until thickened. Cool vinegar mixture and then place with the mustard mixture in a blender and process until as smooth as you prefer. Cover and put into jars. Keep in fridge if possible. makes about 440 ml.

Basic White Microwave Cake

We all need a basic cake recipe that is quick and reliable - and a microwave cake is just the thing.

Sandwiched togather with butter cream flavoured to your taste - or with jam it makes an excellent offering for tea. Serve with fruit and dust with icing sugar for a delectable dessert.

This is not exactly a budget cake but it is very good!

4 Large Eggs 300 Grams Caster Sugar, sifted 249 Grams Flour, sifted 20 Milligrams Baking Powder 1 Milligram Salt 115 Milligrams Butter, softened 190 Milliliters Milk 5 Milliliters Vanilla Extract

Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy. Blend dry ingredients into egg mixture. Microwvae butter and milk on full 3 to 4 minutes. Stir well and gently fold in flour mixture. Add vanilla. line 2 flan dishes with baking paper. Pour mixture into flan cases and microwave one at a time on a baking rack - medium high 3 minutes then full 2 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before turning out. sandwich together and decorate.

Princess Margaret's Boozy Delights

I understand this was one of her favourite desserts. It serves six and is the ideal end to a rich meal. I have made and served this recipe in Zimbabwe on many occasions

5 Milligrams Gelatin 250 Milliliters Cream 25 Grams Caster Sugar 25 Milliliters Brandy 25 Milliliters Sherry

(You might want to use the last of a bottle of a liquor or whisky instead. Brandy and Sherry are not always available in Zimbabwe these days!) 12 1/2 Milligrams Almonds (use macadamia nuts if almonds are not available. Dissolve gelatin in water (microwave 30 seconds). Lightly beat the cream and sugar add the brandy, sherry and ground nuts. Stir in the dissolved gelatin. Pour into little pots and chill.

Serve on its own or with finger biscuits or strawberries!

No eggs? Try these oatmeal cookies

Oatmeal Cookies without eggs 1/2 cup margarine 1/3 cup oil 1 cup dark brown sugar - packed 1 cup white sugar 1/3 cup milk - or a bit more if necessary 2 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarb 1 tsp salt 3 cups oats 1/2 cup raisins (if liked) Cream margarine and oil together. Then cream in the sugars. Add the milk and vanilla. beat until smooth. Beat in flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Mix - add oats and raisins and blend well. bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until the undersides are staring to turn brown.

Avacado Mousse

With Avocados in abundance the following mousse recipe is easy and economical. Served with brown bread and an addition of tomato slices it will make a starter or a light summer lunch. 275 Milliliters Chicken Stock Or Dry White Wine 20 Grams Gelatin 2 Large Avocados, ripe 150 Milliliters Mayonnaise 10 Milligrams Spring Onions, chopped Salt And Pepper, to taste 12 1/2 Milliliters Worcestershire Sauce 1 Dash Tabasco Sauce 150 Milliliters Cream, lightly beaten Dissolve gelatin in chicken stock or wine. Place remaining ingredients except cream in a food processor and process until smooth. Add gelatin mixture. Fold in cream and pour into a greased mould. refrigerate until set. - turn out onto a plate for serving garnished with green pepper strips or black olives. Avocados are good for you and this dish is sure to become a favourite for both family meals and entertaining. It is reputed to have been a favourite of Princess Diana and originated in the kitchens of Althorp.

Chocolate cupcake in a mug

Our younger son sent me this recipe. It takes 5 minutes and is ideal for someone in a hurry who loves chocolate - Alex has a microwave and is always in a hurry. He is a lecturer in anthropology at the University of South Africa. Comment was made by one of his friends: "Guys I tried this and it is so quick and easy!!!I would suggest you put half a teaspoon of baking powder in and half a teaspoon of salt. Very nice!!!" Just follow the pictures! Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons cake flour 4 Tablespoons sugar 2 Tablespoons cocoa 1 Egg 3 Tablespoons milk 3 Tablespoons oil 1 Mug
Flour:



Sugar and Cocoa



Mix



Spoon in one egg



Mix



Pour in milk and oil







Mix well

Put in microwave for 3 minutes on maximum power (1000watt)



Wait until it stops rising and sets in the mug



Tip contents out of mug onto saucer and enjoy!

Sit back and enjoy with coffee (in a different mug!)

Corn Bread

My silence has been due to power cuts (yesterday 20 houirs) and internet failure! Anyway today we are up and running and the sun is shining! This is an ideal corn bread to serve with chili con carne or a good hearty soup 250 ml yellow mealie meal 10 ml baking powder 2 ml salt 410 g cream-style sweetcorn 1 chilli, chopped (optional) 125 ml milk 2 tsp baking powder 65 ml oil 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 250 ml grated mature Cheddar cheese 40 ml sesame seeds Method Preheat oven to 180 ºC. Mix together polenta, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Add sweetcorn, chilli, buttermilk, oil, eggs and half the cheese. Mix well. Pour into a greased 20 cm square baking tin. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and sesame seeds. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until set and golden. (If bread begins to brown too soon, cover with aluminium foil.) Cut the corn bread into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 6.