Ham and Cheese Hand Pies

Tasty Ham and Cheese Hand Pies which are a great way of using leftovers. These hand pies are filled with ham, béchamel sauce and vegetables, but you can use any leftover meats and vegetables you like.

ham and cheese hand pies on blue plate with salad and blue napkin

Cooking with Leftovers

My mother is someone who can effortlessly create a delicious three-course meal from a simple fridge raid, with an uncanny ability to never let anything go to waste. Sadly, I did not inherit this talent, nor did I inherit the palate to eat leftovers.



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Spinach and Feta Pies

These Spinach and Feta Pies contain just a few ingredients but have maximum flavour. Make them as small or as big as you like, perfect for snacks or light meals.

mini spinach and feta pies on wire rack

Spinach and Feta Pies

When it comes to entertaining, it’s always good to have a few vegetarian options, and these Spinach and Feta Pies (also known as Spanakopita) are one of my stand-by options.

As an Australian, I also have a fond affection for a party pie, so it is hard to host a party without making a batch of pies, vegetarian or otherwise.



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Aussie Meat Pies

Nothing is more Australian than an Aussie Meat Pie, and these party pies are a must at any gathering. An easy meat pie recipe using minced beef.

aussie meat pies in muffin tin with ketchup

Aussie Meat Pies

You can’t get more Aussie than the meat pie.

Those who know me would probably be surprised that I would even venture near something that can only be applied to the face with your hands (no knife and fork, please), but the truth is, I have a soft spot for anything that has to do with puff pastry.



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Vietnamese Meat Pies “Pâté Chaud”

These Vietnamese Meat Pies (also called Bánh Patê Sô) are based on the French Pâté Chaud. They have a delicious pork filling seasoned with fresh Asian herbs and spices, and wrapped in golden puff pastry. Perfect for snacks or a light meal.

vietnamese meat pies pate chaud banh pate so

Meat Pies

Growing up in Australia, I ate my fair share of meat pies, especially as the daughter of a baker. Pepper steak pies were my favourite, with a layer of mushy peas under the puff pastry lid, and always a big dollop of tomato sauce (ketchup) on top.



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Galette des Rois with Apples

A twist on a traditional Galette des Rois using hazelnuts and apples.

galette des rois with apples on cake stand

I have always wanted to make a Galette des Rois for the Epiphany and finally plucked up the courage today. In France, it is a cake which is traditionally eaten on 6 January, although some shops and bakeries make the most of this event by selling them up to a few months before the big date. But like any seasonal treat, such as the Yule Log or Hot Cross Buns, the window for making a Galette des Rois is brief and I’m glad to have finally tried my hand at making one. Here is Rachel Khoo’s version from My Little French Kitchen.

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Custard Tarts with Prunes

These Custard Tarts have a caramelised pastry for extra crunch and sweetness.

custard tarts in ceramic muffin tray

A big, big thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway to win a copy of Rachel Khoo’s latest cookbook, My Little French Kitchen. The response was fantastic and I loved reading everyone’s entries on their favourite French food. The entries made me realise how far-reaching and popular French food really is; from the simple baguette loaf and famous croissant to the more exotic Duck à l’Orange, the entries highlighted how wonderful and delicious French food is, and how difficult it is to name just one favourite! The lucky winner will be notified by email shortly.

But my adventures in cooking from My Little French Kitchen are far from over and, this week, Rachel Khoo’s spin on the classic Far Breton has made my afternoon tea breaks that little bit more indulgent.

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