Family Mess Hall - whole food meals dinners recipes

Festive stuffed pumpkin with rice, bacon, dried fruit and spice This stuffed pumpkin with rice, bacon, dried fruit and spice is absolutely delicious and luscious.  It's an amazing addition to your festive spread and can be served either warm as a salad or hot from the oven.    Ingredients: Roasted pumpkin 1/2 large pumpkin (approx 4kg) ((ie. use 2kg of pumpkin) ) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp allspice 1/2 tsp ground coriander Rice stuffing 1 cup rice 1 rasher fatty bacon ((chopped) (optional)) 2 tbsp butter 1 tbsp honey 1 onion ((finely diced)) 1/4 cup mixed dried fruit ((raisins, currants, sultanas, citrus peel)) 1/4 cup chopped nuts ((almonds, pecans, walnuts)) 1 cup water / stock 1 cup plain greek yoghurt ((for dressing)) 1 cup fresh coriander leaves ((for garnish)) Method: Preheat oven to 180C / 350F Slice your 4kg pumpkin in half horizontally and scoop out the seeds to create a bowl shaped cavity.  Driz...

Vegetarian Indian spiced cauliflower, potato and pea pastie These tasty potato, cauliflower and pea pasties are flavoured with Indian spices and a little tomato for a sweet and sour kick. They're conveniently portable and great addition to a lunchbox or picnic spread.  Make the curried cauliflower and potato filling Ingredients: 1/2 head cauliflower ((cut into small florets)) 4 potatoes ((1cm dice)) 1 tbsp oil / ghee 1 onion ((chopped)) 3/4 cup peas 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp nigella seeds 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp Keen's curry powder 1/2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp fennel powder 1/2 cup tomato passata 1/2 cup fresh coriander ((chopped)) Method: Place chopped cauliflower and potato in a microwave safe dish and add a 1/4 cup of water.  Cover and microwave on high for 6 minutes.  Drain well. In a frypan on medium high heat, saute onions and spices in 1 tbsp oil for five minutes. Add drained potato, cauliflower and peas.  Continue to stir fry until fragrant (approximately ...

This traditional one bowl Christmas cake is richly laden with dried fruit, nuts and seeds and bittersweet caramel tones.  Bake it four to ten weeks in advance of Christmas to ensure that the flavours can mature, the whiskey can absorb, and the alcohol can evaporate. One bowl, whiskey soaked Christmas cake This traditional one bowl Christmas cake is richly laden with dried fruit, nuts and seeds and bittersweet caramel tones. Bake it four to ten weeks in advance of Christmas to ensure that the flavours can mature. 400 grams sultanas 150 grams raisins 150 grams currants 100 grams dried cranberries 100 grams dried apple ((finely chopped)) 100 grams candied orange / lemon peel ((finely chopped)) 50 gram glace cherries ((halved)) 1 large orange ((zest and juice)) 1 large lemon ((zest and juice)) 250 grams butter 200 grams brown sugar 150 mL your favourite whiskey ((plus extra for feeding)) 2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp ground coriander 1/4 tsp all spice 1/4 ...

This tasty and super simple chargrilled chicken is broiled under the oven grill for 40 minutes until juicy and tender.  You only need four ingredients (besides salt and pepper) and most are pantry staples.  Season your chicken with fresh lemon, lemon zest, sage, olive oil and chilli. Chicken alla diavolo - Butterflied and broiled This tasty and simple chargrilled chicken is broiled under the oven grill for 40 minutes until juicy and tender. Lemon, sage, olive oil and chilli 1 whole chicken (medium size) ((butterflied)) 2 lemons ((one juiced and zested) (one sliced)) 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp garlic ((minced)) 1/2 - 1 tsp chilli powder 6 sage leaves 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground black pepper Preheat oven grill / broiler to 230 C / 445 F If the chicken has been refrigerated, take it out and place it on the bench for thirty minutes to raise the temperature closer to room temperature.  This will speed up the cooking time.   Place butterflied chicken on...

This fun and tasty meal is delicious throughout the warmer months of the year and will please all members of the family.  The satay chicken wings are marinated in peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, spices and lemon juice to recreate the flavour of traditional satay chicken.  Baked satay chicken wings with slaw rice paper rolls This tasty meal is delicious throughout the warmer months of the year and will please all members of the family. The satay chicken wings are marinated in peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, spices and lemon juice to recreate the flavour of traditional satay chicken.   Calories include chicken wings only. 1 kg chicken wings ((approximately 10)) Satay chicken wing marinade 1 tsp ground turmeric 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ginger ((minced)) 1 tsp garlic ((minced)) 1 tbsp sesame oil squeeze of lemon ((juice only)) 4 tbsp peanut butter ((melted in the microwave 20 seconds)) 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 stalk spring onions ((chopped)) 1 handful...

As a family of four we rarely finish a whole chicken in one sitting.  It's good to know then, that there are so many ways to re-purpose leftover chicken.  This easy chicken pot pie recipe creates a delicious meal with leftover roast chicken. Chicken pot pie with cheese scone crust Cheese scone crust 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour 3/4 cup grated cheese ((plus extra for the top if you desire)) 3 tsp baking powder 1 egg 3/4 cup milk 1 tsp thyme 1/2 tsp ground black pepper Pot pie filling 1 1/2 cup potatoes ((1.5cm (1/2 inch) dice)) 1 1/2 cup large sweet potato ((1.5cm (1/2 inch) dice)) 1 1/2 cup carrots ((1.5cm (1/2 inch) dice)) 1 cup peas 1 tbsp butter 2 tbsp all purpose flour 1 cup milk 1/2 cup cream 1/2 whole cooked chicken (rotisserie, roast or bbq) ((shred skin and meat)) 1 onion ((chopped)) 1 tbsp dijon mustard 1 tsp thyme 1 chicken stock cube salt and pepper to taste Make the cheese scone topping In a bowl, mix together the wet ingredients, thyme and grated cheese.  Si...

Roast pumpkin, romaine and miso salad I love this salad so much.  The combination of sweet roasted pumpkin with lemon and miso is a delight.  This dressing is not for the faint hearted though.  It's deeply sour, salty and umami and perfectly complements the caramelly pumpkin.   Make the lemon miso dressing Ingredients: 1/2 lemon ((juiced and zested)) 1 sachet instant miso soup ((or pure miso paste for vegetarians)) 1-2 tsp sugar 1 tsp sesame oil Method: 1. Mix together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.  If you find it too strong, you can add a teaspoon of hot water. The salad Ingredients: 750 grams pumpkin or butternut squash (cut into thin 1cm (1/2 inch) slices) 1/2 lemon ((juice only)) 2 spring onions ((chopped)) 1/4 head cauliflower (in florets) ((microwaved steamed for 6 minutes)) 1 - 2 baby romaine / cos lettuce 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup roasted almonds ((roughly chopped or flaked)) 1 tsp roasted sesame seeds 1/4...

Pecan, oat and chocolate chip cookie These pecan, oat and chocolate chip cookie are crisp and sweet. Their nutty and caramelly goodness is nicely enhanced by an all important dash of salt. This recipe will yield two dozen (48) cookies. I like to bake half and  freeze the other half in a flat disc.  I save that for a rainy day.  When that rainy day comes, simply defrost your cookie dough for about 30 minutes and then cut your dough into pieces then bake. Ingredients: 3/4 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup white sugar 175 grams butter 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp salt 1/2 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon ((add to your liking)) 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 tsp bicarb soda 1/2 cup oats 1/2 cup pecans ((roughly chopped )) 1 cup dark chocolate chips Method: Preheat oven to 180C / 350F In a bowl, mix together softened butter and sugars until creamy. Mix in salt, cinnamon, egg and vanilla extract. Fold through flour, bicarb soda to combine to form a soft dough.   Mix through oats,...

Date and pecan banana bread This date and pecan banana bread is richer in flavour than my basic date loaf due to the addition of banana, pecans and cinnamon. It's a great snack. Ingredients: 1 cup dates (chopped) 1 cup boiling water 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 bananas ((1 mashed and the other sliced lengthways into thirds)) 100 grams butter 2 tsp baking powder 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour 1 cup pecans / almonds ((roughly chopped)) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 egg 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt Method: Preheat oven to 180C / 350F. Mix together dates, sugar, butter and boiling water in a bowl.  Allow dates to soak for five minutes. Add egg, vanilla, mashed banana, salt, pecans, flour, baking soda and cinnamon.  Fold to combine. Transfer date loaf batter into a lined loaf tin.  Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes our clean.   Cool, slice and serve spread with butter.

Toad in a hold Hop over to merry old England to enjoy a spot of Toad in a Hole today. Dress up your pork chipolatas in crispy popover batter and onion gravy. Make the yorkshire pudding / popover batter Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour 1 cup milk 4 eggs 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp dried thyme 12 tsp oil / animal fat ((eg lard or beef fat)) 600 grams pork chipolata sausages ((one package usually contains 680g - 16 sausages)) Make the onion gravy Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter 1 onion ((finely sliced)) 2 tbsp all purpose flour 1/2 cup red or white wine 1.5 cups stock ((beef or chicken)) 1/2 tsp dried or fresh thyme 1 tsp dijon mustard Method: Melt the butter in a small saucepan and heat to medium high heat then add onions and cook until soft. Add the flour to make a roux (thickening paste).  Stir and continue to cook for a minute then deglaze with wine while whisking vigorously.  Add the stock, thyme and mustard.   Continue simmering and whisking for five minutes to ...

The ultimate family lasagne This ultimate, classic family lasagne will feed the masses.  It includes unexpected superfoods such as olive oil, leafy greens and tomatoes.  Classic bechamel add creaminess and eight type of vegetables make it nutrient dense. Make the tomato beef sauce Ingredients: 2 onions ((chopped)) 4 cloves garlic ((chopped)) 1 large carrot ((finely diced)) 1 red capsicum (bell pepper) ((finely diced)) 1 kg ground beef mince 2 cups mushrooms ((sliced) optional) 1 medium eggplant ((diced)) 1 stalk celery ((chopped)) 1/2 cup white or red wine 1 bottle tomato passata 1 tin crushed tomatoes 1 tsp each of dried oregano and basil ((use fresh if available)) 1 bay leaves 10 pork chipolata or spicy italian sausage (optional) ((cooked and sliced)) 1 tsp each of sugar, salt and ground pepper Method: Heat a large saucepan to medium high heat.  In a little oil, cook the onions, capsicum and carrots until they have softened.  Add the ground beef and brown well...

Blistered cherry tomato and basil farfalle pasta Here's a quick and easy recipe for flavourful stir through cherry tomato and basil farfalle pasta. Get this delicious meal on the table in 30 minutes. Ingredients: 2 small punnets cherry or grape tomatoes 1 packet farfalle pasta (approx 500g) 2 tbsp salt (for pasta water) Basil and garlic oil 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4 tbsp parmesan cheese 2 tbsp pine nuts 2 cloves garlic 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1 cup basil leaves (loosely packed) 2 tbsp capers Method: Preheat oven grill / broiler to 200C / 390F. Place whole grape tomatoes on a baking tray.   Douse in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Place tray of tomatoes in the oven and grill for 25 minutes until sunken and blistered but not blackened. Blend basil and garlic oil ingredients briefly to combine.  Leave ingredients a little chunky. Prepare pasta as directed on the package then drain, leaving a few tablespoons of salty pasta water in ...

Chard, cauliflower, dill and ricotta rolls There may be no better use store-bought frozen puff pastry than to make spinach and cheese rolls or rather, this enhanced version - chard, cauliflower, dill and ricotta rolls. Ingredients: 250 grams chard leaves (shredded) (microwave steamed for 5 minutes) 1/4 head cauliflower (cut into small florets) (microwave steamed for 5 minutes) 375 grams ricotta cheese 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated) 1 egg (whisked) 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 cup dill (chopped) 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp ground black pepper 4 sheets frozen puff pastry 1 egg (for egg wash) 3 tbsp toasted pine nuts ((optional)) 1/4 cup dried currants ((optional)) Method: Preheat your oven to 200 C / 390F Steam chard and cauliflower in the microwave for five minutes in covered container.  Set aside to cool for 15 minutes.  Stir regularly to speed up the process. In a bowl, combine ricotta and parmesan cheese, egg, nutmeg, pine nuts, currants and salt, pepper, dill and when well cooled, ...

Simple Date Loaf Here's my most basic date loaf recipe that provides vast opportunities for adding your own personal touches. Include nuts, spices, seeds or dried fruit. Ingredients: 1 cup dates ((chopped)) 1 cup boiling water 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 tsp baking soda 75 grams butter 1 3/4 all purpose flour 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp salt Method: Preheat oven to 180C / 350F. Mix together dates, sugar, salt, butter and boiling water in a bowl. Allow dates to soak for five minutes. d vanilla, flour and baking soda. Fold to combine.  Transfer date loaf batter into a lined loaf tin. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes our clean. Cool, slice and serve spread with butter.

Cauliflower, bean and carrot bechamel bake Here is a lusciously creamy cauliflower, bean and carrot side dish to roast or bbq meats. It's more delicate in flavour and lighter in calories than classic cauliflower cheese due to the complete omission of cheese. The result is a gently sweet and creamy steamed vegetable bake that sits perfectly beside heavily spiced, salted (eg corned beef) or marinated meats. Ingredients: 2 carrots (sliced) 1/2 large head of cauliflower (cut into florets) 200 grams green beans (topped and tailed then halved) 500 mL whole milk 50 grams butter 50 grams all purpose flour ((2 tbsp and a bit)) 1/2 tsp nutmeg or mustard powder Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180C / 350F. Make the bechamel (white) sauce Melt the butter in a saucepan and then whisk in flour to make a roux (thickening paste).  Continue to whisk and cook for a minute. At a medium high heat, add the milk to the roux and whisk until the sauce has thickened. This may take ten minutes o...

Shiitake, chard and leek egg tart Ingredients: Short crust pastry (pate brisee) 250 grams butter 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp salt 1/4 cup cold water Quiche filling 1 cup chard ((finely shredded)) 1/2 leek ( (thinly sliced)) 5 dried shiitake mushrooms ((rehydrated then finely chopped)) 1 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp shiitake mushroom soaking liquid 3 tbsp fresh coriander ((chopped)) 2 tsp Japanese dashi stock granules 8 large eggs ((whisked)) 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup cream 2 tbsp all purpose flour Method: Make the pastry In a bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour until is resemble fine breadcrumbs.  Add salt. Add water and mix to form a soft dough.  Wrap / cover and refrigerate while you prepare the filling. Make the quiche Chop your vegetables and set aside. Whisk eggs in a bowl with mushroom stock, dashi granules, soy sauce, parmesan cheese, flour and cream.   Line an oven safe dish (diameter 30cm / 12 inches) with baking paper.  Roll out the sh...

Peanut butter, cranberry and oatmeal cookies Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter (softened) 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup peanut butter 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups flour 2 cups oats 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 cups dried cranberries Method: Preheat oven to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Beat in one egg at a time until combined. Fold through dry ingredients to create a soft dough.  Roll dough into golf ball sized ball and place onto lined baking trays.  Press balls gently to flatten. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until golden.  Cool completely on cools racks before storing in airtight containers.  

Chive, cream cheese and spinach muffins Ingredients: 100 grams spinach or chard 200 mL milk 1/4 cup olive oil 1 3/4 cups self raising flour 2/3 cups grated cheese 1 egg 130g spring onion and chive cream cheese wheel ((diced into 1cm cubes)) 6 grape or cherry tomatoes Pre heat oven to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F Blend milk and spinach until spinach is well chopped and combined with milk. Pour into  mixing bowl and add oil, egg, flour and grated cheese.  Fold to combine. Gently fold through cubes of cream cheese. Try to keep cream cheese in tact. Divide into greased muffin tray and top with half a tomato, cut side up. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Superfood blueberry and zucchini bread Ingredients: 2/3 cup light olive oil 4 eggs 2 cups grated zucchini ((approx one large)) 1 cup brown sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 cup wholewheat flour 2 cups self raising flour 3 tsp baking powder 1 cup dried or frozen blueberries ((frozen will result in a more moist loaf)) 1/2 cup almonds ((slivered)) 3 tbsp oat ((optional topping)) Method: Preheat oven to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F. Mix together wet ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Fold through dry ingredients. Transfer batter to large lined loaf tin. Sprinkle with oats (optional). Bake for 45 - 50 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.

These honey almond cookies have a delicious honey nut flavour and are lightly scented with warm cinnamon and vanilla. They have a crunchy in texture and are quick and easy to make. Enjoy a honey almond cookie with a hot cup of tea or coffee or pop them in your lunchbox for a tasty, sweet snack. These one bowl cookies are very easy to make and result in a deliciously golden and crunchy cookie.  Ingredients: 2  cup   self raising flour 1/2 cup ground oats 175   grams softened   butter 1   egg 1/2 cup   honey 1/2   cup   brown sugar 1/2   cup   white sugar 1/2   tsp   cinnamon 1/2   tsp   salt 3/4 cup ground almonds Method: 1. Begin by preheating your oven to 180 C.  2. Combine the wet ingredients and spices in a bowl.   3. Fold through your flour to form a crumbly dough and set it aside to rest for ten minutes.   4. Roll dough into golf ball sized balls and flatten slightly by pressing...