The Weekend Australian Recipes

I have a recipe column in The Weekend Australian alongside my friends, chef Lennox Hastie and photographer, Nikki To. Our featured recipes alternate every week, with Lennox showcasing his culinary expertise while I bring the perspective of a passionate home cook. Nikki works her magic, capturing our recipes each week. Read more about Lennox and I. You can find these recipes in the paper or subscribe to The Australian.
Coffee, oat and chia puddings
Coffee, oat and chia puddings
Coffee, oat and chia puddings have quietly saved me. These overnight jars of creamy, caffeinated joy make me feel just organised enough to start the day. Read more...
No-bake chocolate tart
No-bake chocolate tart
A dish worthy for your Easter table. Read more...
Apple, honey, blueberry, lemon and cake
Apple, honey, blueberry, lemon and cake
Apple, honey, blueberry, lemon and cake made with oats, yoghurt and eggs. All the comfort of your morning oats, now in cake form. Read more...
Mint granita, poached chilli cherries and vanilla ice cream
Mint granita, poached chilli cherries and vanilla ice cream
Read more...
Chewy malt choc chip cookies
Chewy malt choc chip cookies
My much-talked-about chewy malt choc chip cookies. There can never be too many chewy choc chip recipes in the world, and this one is mine. Read more...
Golden syrup dumplings
Golden syrup dumplings
Born from rations, when sugar was scarce and golden syrup cheap and shelf-stable. A simple dough poached in syrup and finished with a drizzle of cream. Light and pillowy, the... Read more...
Caramelised pear and yoghurt cake with lemon thyme syrup
Caramelised pear and yoghurt cake with lemon thyme syrup
As it bakes, the pears sink through and perfume the batter. The result? A tender, fragrant pudding-like cake that's best served with a slight tang of creme fraiche. ⁠ Read more...
Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding
Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding
This is my ultimate Easter dessert—hot cross bun bread and butter pudding. I make it every year (because truly, any excuse for a seasonal bread and butter pudding). It’s full... Read more...
Old-fashioned banana slab cake
Old-fashioned banana slab cake
I love grounding ­myself with something timeless and comforting when everything else feels like it’s chasing the new. Read more...
Custard and caramel apples
Custard and caramel apples
There’s something about cutting into the skin of a freshly cooked custard with the side of a spoon, watching the rush of creamy, yellow lava spill out, tasting of a... Read more...
Chocolate bundt cake
Chocolate bundt cake
Rich, damp-crumbed, napped with a shiny, dark ganache that slips down the sides like candle wax. It looks far more impressive than the effort deserves—a mix of cocoa brought to... Read more...
Sticky date and ginger beer pudding with a salted butterscotch sauce
Sticky date and ginger beer pudding with a salted butterscotch sauce
She’s been a trusty favourite for over 17 years and has never failed me. I’ve spoken before about my deep love of puddings (some of you might remember @puddingclub_au ???) I think... Read more...
Pandoro Christmas tree cake
Pandoro Christmas tree cake
This Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake feels wonderfully festive.⁠ Simple yet striking, it's the perfect centrepiece to wrap up Christmas celebrations.⁠ This version is inspired by the classic Victorian sponge. The golden Pandoro... Read more...
Affogato spread
Affogato spread
This affogato spread is always a talking point at the end of a great meal with friends and family. While it looks impressive, it’s really just clever assembling: a handful of... Read more...
Whipped cream, ricotta, honey, and vanilla with fresh berries
Whipped cream, ricotta, honey, and vanilla with fresh berries
A favourite throw-together, after-dinner sweets is warm ricotta drizzled with honey and topped with fresh raspberries. Inspired by this, I've created a more decadent version - whipped cream, ricotta, honey,... Read more...
Prosecco and ginger ale jelly with seasonal berries
Prosecco and ginger ale jelly with seasonal berries
Prosecco and ginger ale jelly makes for a wobbly, fun centrepiece dessert filled with seasonal berries. Cheers to a great dessert, great wine, and great company! Read more...
Baci di dama (hazelnut and chocolate cookies)
Baci di dama (hazelnut and chocolate cookies)
Legend has it these cookies were created by an Italian chef for royalty in the mid-1800s.The two small, round biscuits come together with a chocolate filling - a perfect kiss.Paired... Read more...
Apple crumble
Apple crumble
A classic favourite: the mighty crumble. I’ve given it my spin, a nod to another British icon and my son’s favourite TV show, Paddington Bear, and his penchant for marmalade... Read more...
Instant chocolate creams
Instant chocolate creams
These billowy creams look beautiful in little glasses, but don’t let your eyes get the better of you. These are rich – a little goes a long way. Read more...
Pomegranate drizzle cake
Pomegranate drizzle cake
This is more than a cake, it’s an attitude This summer is undoubtedly the season of pink. While I do not follow trends in cooking, I couldn’t help but give one... Read more...
Cherry, vanilla and clove Eton Mess
Cherry, vanilla and clove Eton Mess
Your guide to an easy breezy Christmas lunch Lennox Hastie and Elizabeth Hewson combine their skills for a very Australian Christmas feast. Read more...
Chocolate and hazelnut ice cream cake
Chocolate and hazelnut ice cream cake
Roll this out for a party, or simply stow it away in the freezer for a slice whenever the craving strikes. Read more...
My effortless olive oil cake
My effortless olive oil cake
This simple and delicious olive oil cake embodies our new culinary contributor’s approach to cooking. It’s an instant classic. Read more...
Brown sugar and pumpkin cake
Brown sugar and pumpkin cake
The addition of spice enhances that warm, earthy sweetness from the pumpkin, and the brown sugar adds a lovely caramel richness. Read more...
Banana, caramel & coconut self-saucing pudding
Banana, caramel & coconut self-saucing pudding
It’s the sort of pudding that needs to be scooped into a bowl – and the sort of pudding where ­seconds are essential Read more...
A fine apple tart
A fine apple tart
Caramelised apples and puff pastry: this tart’s a keeper This tart is incredibly versatile; it can be an elegant dessert, a brunch or served for afternoon tea. Read more...
Hot brown sugar rice pudding with rhubarb
Hot brown sugar rice pudding with rhubarb
Taking cues from the French riz au lait, this warming rice pudding is so rich and creamy you’ll want it morning and night. Read more...
Peaches and cream tart
Peaches and cream tart
Few things beat the pleasures of ripe peaches. This tart makes the most of the summer harvest. Read more...
Our Christmas menu
Our Christmas menu
Lennox Hastie and Elizabeth Hewson combine their skills for a very Australian Christmas feast featuring a moreish potato salad and a show stopping take on the classic turkey. Read more...
White peach granita
White peach granita
While perfect in its liquid form, transforming it into a granita elevates it to a dessert-like experience. Read more...
My wholemeal carrot cake
My wholemeal carrot cake
In my books a good carrot cake should be moist, spiced and topped with a thick layer of rich, tangy cream cheese icing. Read more...
Sgroppino cocktail
Sgroppino cocktail
This delicious cocktail with lemon sorbet, vodka and prosecco could easily take the place of dessert. Read more...
Bicerin
Bicerin
The Bicerin is a hot, heavenly drink that hails from one of Italy’s most underrated cities. Layered with espresso, chocolate and cream, it makes a lovely end to a meal. Read more...
Coconut lemon naked tart
Coconut lemon naked tart
This recipe is ridiculously easy, reliable, and quick to prepare. You literally pour all the ingredients together to make this naked citrus and coconut tart. Read more...
Lemon lime tart
Lemon lime tart
This lip-puckering tart is sunshine on a plate Read more...
Chocolate and hazelnut loaf cake
Chocolate and hazelnut loaf cake
This cake uses a very approachable pantry ingredient, but one simple step transforms it into the ultimate chocolatey addition. Read more...
No churn mango ice cream
No churn mango ice cream
Few things beat the taste of this sweet mango ice-cream on a sweltering summer’s day. Read more...