Vanilla Zulu Culinary Adventures
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12 Week Kitchen Challenge
Brought to you by the Kitchen Angel
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In 12 weeks fall in love with your kitchen and turn failures into triumphs! Chef Mel will have you making food like you never thought you could make with her simple tricks and tips. And that’s not all….. go into the running to win the major prize consisting of a 6 weeks chef course, knife and a personal session with Chef Mel herself. A not to be missed epic event.
The Queen of Culinary Bling hunts for black diamonds
Hello fellow foodies This weekend was an amazing celebration of foodie fabulousness. Not only is Canberra studded with beautiful wineries and smokehouses full of amazing products, it's also the perfect spot to grow truffles. Imagine my excitement when arriving on The...
read moreHard Core Carnivore Team Build with JBS Australia
Hard Core Carnivore Team Build with JBS Australia When JBS Australia gave me a call and asked to tailor-make a team building and cooking session for a group eager ex-butchers I was over the moon. As an ex farm girl I have spent many years at my father's side learning...
read moreWhen BHP came back to me…
Vanilla Zulu Team Building Events We have very lovely and loyal clients that come back to us again and again for more culinary adventures. One of our favourite and very loyal clients BHP Billiton came back to us for yet ANOTHER team building session at Vanilla Zulu....
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Week 6 – Plump sweet potato, sage and bacon stuffed roast chicken…with a culinary bronzer
Bling up your next roast with this fabulous 'spray-tanned' roast chicken! Roast chicken is an all time favourite. It's the definitive crowd pleaser and will never go out of fashion. 'Bling' up your next roast with this fabulous turmeric and curry...
read more Week 4 – One pan suntanned chicken…
Okay, who's sick of washing pots and pans and millions of dishes! I certainly am. Join me as I show you the art of preparing a quick, yet magnificent, chicken breast in half the time and with half the fuss...but with all the sexiness and gorgeous flavour...
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Purple Carrot Cake for Mum
I'm so excited! My mother arrived last week to be with me and her beloved grandson's. It's been two years since I last saw her so it's just a relief to have her here for Mother's Day. And although we Skype and call and Whatsapp all the time, nothing can beat a cup...
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Week 3 – Crispy Skin Salmon with happy yellow butter bean or perfect pea mash
First of all, I just want you to know, that you too can get perfectly crisp fish skin EVERYTIME! Want to know my trick? It's simple and will definitely be a game changer. In order to have the fish perfect (not overcooked) and the skin crispy we HAVE to...
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How to make your own ras el hanout spice mix
Ras el Hanout Spice Mix I know this like a massive investment, but once you have this made up, you will use it in so many different dishes! There are so many varieties of ras el hanout, you will eventually end up with your own special blend…just like I did! Make a...
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Week 2 – Sexy Stir Fries
Stir fries are a wonderful, healthy, economical family meal. Not only are they tasty, they are bursting with health and nutrition and are full of colour, flavour and personality.
BUT…are your stir fries soggy and full of liquid, or are they gloriously sticky like your favourite take away from you Asian restaurant!
There are so many varieties of the good old stir fry so the only wisdom I can impart is on how to cook it successfully every time! Get that wok out guys and let’s get cooking!
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Week 1 – Magical Moroccan Mince with a pistachio and date gravel
Magical Moroccan Mince with a pistachio and date gravel CHEFS MINCE NOTE: REMEMBER if there is grey liquid in you pan at any stage it is simply because the pan is too cold, you are stirring too much, and the mince is stewing. Scrape all the mince to the ONE side...
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