Ben Macdonald

When Ben isn’t devouring food, he is thinking what to cook next. After spending his adult life eating his way around the world he ended up channelling his culinary creativity as a finalist in Masterchef Australia – famously impressing Heston Blumenthal with a campfire from steak and potatoes - before being eliminated the very next episode.
Following some time in several top restaurants he is now focussed on sharing his love of home cooking and making each meal better than the last.

Articles - Ben Macdonald

Kitchen

Microplane Grater: Why You Need One

Comment

2 min read

If you are serious about your cooking and don't have a microplane grater, you really are missing out.

Food

Pan Sauce: Turn Dirty Pans Into Delicious Dishes

Comment

5 min read

If you are going to fry or sauté don't leave the best bits behind. Turn your dirty pan into a delicious dish by making a quick and easy pan sauce.

Lifestyle

Is Mystery Diners Fake?

1 Comment

2 min read

Mystery Diners purports to catch crooked employees in the act, but who are the real frauds?

Kitchen

Test Your Oven Temperature

Comment

1 min read

Test your oven temperature - even if you don't have a thermometer.

Kitchen

What is a Thermomix & Do I Need One?

Comment

6 min read

A Thermomix does not come cheap and promises a lot. So, should you buy one?

How To

Make Your Own: Homemade Stock

Comment

3 min read

If you want to be a better home cook, one of the best things you can do is make your own stock. If you don't do it already, then it's time to change your ways.

Food

How Big is Your Pinch of Salt?

Comment

2 min read

A teaspoon of salt here, a pinch or gram there. There must be an easier way? This simple exercise will add consistency to your seasoning and cooking.

Recipes - Ben Macdonald

Salmorejo Cordobés (Cordoban Gazpacho)

Comment

1 min read

Salmorejo is the best Gazpacho alternative you have never heard of. Thicker, fewer ingredients and even easier to make. It is popular in Spain for a reason!

Mushroom Tapa with Roasted Garlic Aioli

Comment

2 min read

This mushroom tapa is a go to dish when feeding a crowd. It's simple to prepare and packs a ton of flavour.

Zucchini Tapa with Ricotta, Mint and Sherry Vinegar

Comment

1 min read

Zucchini isn't a typical topping for a tapa, but the freshness of the mint, creamy ricotta and sharpness of the vinegar make it an instant hit.

Tortilla Española (Spanish Tortilla)

Comment

2 min read

The Spanish tortilla is the comfort food of the tapas world. Breakfast, lunch or dinner - this classic dish is well worth making.

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket in Barbecue Sauce

1 Comment

5 min read

This brisket recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Turning a tough cut of beef into a thing of beauty is something you will be celebrating for days to come.

Vegetable Stock

Comment

2 min read

A classic light vegetable stock that can be used to poach fish, vegetables or instead of one made from chicken (and is ready in a fraction of the time).