Lauraine Jacobs

Chicken with Vermouth and Mushrooms

A dish that has been in my repertoire of recipes for about 25years. It uses the dark meat of the chicken legs and thighs on the bone, cooked with some wonderful flavourings, to make a tasty casserole with a creamy finish. And the nice thing about a casserole is that you can take it to the table and serve directly from the cooking vessel. Accompany the chicken with steamed white rice and a fresh green salad.

Chilled Chocolate Mini Soufflés

Although I’m not a chocoholic at all, I cannot resist these mini soufflés, made with Valrhona Guanaja chocolate, which has superb rich, melting quality. Take time to beat the eggs and sugar together until they are truly light and fluffy, as this step gives the soufflé the lightness that differentiates it from a dense chocolate mousse. You could also make this dessert in a large crystal bowl and spoon it onto your guests’ plates. Most dessert wines will not be appropriate to serve with these...

Christmas Cocktails

Rather than starting out with bubbles this Christmas, try this really refreshing cocktail I first encountered when attending a special dinner a couple of years back at the Richmond Hill Larder in Melbourne.

And there's a non-alcoholic cocktail too. So don't miss the kids out.  They will really feel special if you make them elegant fruit cocktails. Rub the top edges of the glass with a little orange juice and then dip the rim in caster sugar for a really special feel.

Christmas Hot Smoked Salmon Platter

There’s nothing easier to prepare nor more popular than a platter of hot smoked salmon served with Champagne to kick start the Christmas festivities or as a centerpiece with drinks. I like to slightly warm the salmon, and surround it with a feast of small tastes.

Christmas Mince Tart or Mini Tarts

My mother makes tiny Christmas tarts each year with home-made mincemeat. Here, I offer a large tart that, cut into thin slices, is perfect with after-dinner coffee. This makes enough filling for 2 tarts or about 6 dozen small mince pies. You can store what's left over in a jar in the fridge for several months.