Grow old deliciously!

MAGGIE BEER’S latest recipes promote a long life, lived well

M

aggie Beer is a much-lovedoved Aussie cook, author and TV judge on The Great Australian

Bake Off. Her latest cookbook offers nourishing, flavoursome food to help avoid Alzheimer’s and other lifestyle diseases. Come with us into her kitchen...

Who inspired your love of cooking?

My father – he always had a strong love of food and was obsessive about freshness and quality. As a child I learnt so much without realising it!

Describe your home kitchen for us…

Warm, cosy and full of the things I love.

What would we find in your fridge?

Butter and Parmigiano-reggiano.

What are your pantry essentials?

Verjuice, extra-virgin olive oil, good-quality dried pasta of whole wheat or squid ink, lentils, chickpeas, barley, tinned tomatoes for winter, tins of anchovies and sardines.

What are your favourite appliances?

My Miele Steam Oven and my Vitamix blender for my morning smoothie.

How important is healthy eating to you?

It’s a way of life! It’s about making the most of seasonal produce, cooking everything from scratch – and of course I’m not scared of an indulgence either!

What do you love cooking at home?

I love doing a beautiful roast chook (it has to be a well brought-up chook like my daughter Saskia’s), cooked with garlic, rosemary and verjuice – it’s truly comfort food.

What do you whip up if time is tight?

A frittata with eggs from our own chooks, pumpkin from the garden, some goat’s curd and fresh herbs.