My SSB dish – orecchiette with broccoli, anchovies and chilli

Do you guys remember that episode of sex and the city when the girls talk about their secret single behaviour (better known as SSB).  These are behaviours or habits (sometimes embarrassing) that you only do when alone.  For Carrie it was stacking saltines (known as premium crackers in Australia) and putting grape jelly on them and for Charlotte it was studying her pores for 10 minutes a night.

Continue reading

Maltese rabbit stew – just like papa makes it.

Today I have super special post for you.  You know that my blog is called merci mama because my mama was the most incredible cook and in our house when I was growing up, every night she would cook us the most amazing meals that usually consisted of an entrée and a main of multiple dishes cooked to absolute perfection. Probably explains why I was a chubby kid.  But once in a blue moon my dad would declare that he would be taking over the kitchen and cooking a feast for the entire family.  You see, my dad can only cook one dish; Maltese rabbit stew. He cooks it incredibly well (and it seriously is the best rabbit I’ve eaten) but he should because it seriously is the only thing I have ever seen him cook in my 32 years.

Continue reading

Breakin’ it down: pesto pasta salad deconstructed

So if I was organised, I would have posted this recipe for St Patrick’s Day (because it’s green people, yes, just pointing out the obvious – just in case), but I wasn’t, so here it is today.  Come to think of it, on the other hand you could actually say that I am super organised and getting you prepared for next year’s St Patrick’s Day.  Up to you which way you want to look at it…glass half empty or glass half full…your choice.

Continue reading