Chicken and Bean Casserole, an easier version of a French Chicken Cassoulet

A Chicken Casserole has always been a classic way to cook chicken pieces in a covered dish in the oven with vegetables, herbs and a delicious gravy or sauce, and yet so many people are nervous about making one. This recipe will convince you how easy it is to achieve a delicious and nutritious Chicken Casserole in your own kitchen but with a French influence. I couldn't in all conscience as an Aussie, call this a French Cassoulet, as there is no sausage, mutton or pork in it, but there are beans, chicken and lots of flavour, and it is much easier to cook. Casseroles are also a great way to stretch the budget. 

My forever Chilli Con Carne recipe

 

This is my forever Chilli Con Carne recipe. I've dabbled with the ingredients over the last few years to get it just right, and it's been worth it. What's not to love about an earthy and wholesome beef recipe with a hint of chilli that has you coming back for more. Chilli con carne isn't season dependant, so my friends, start cooking. 

In My Spring Kitchen, September 2025

Spring can be an inspiring and energising time of the year. The days get longer again, the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing and nesting, and there's a whole new level of inspiration brimming in the kitchen. Do you feel it? So let's Spring to it, it's In My Kitchen time.

Classic Carrot and Pineapple Cake, perfect for a Springtime celebration or just anytime

 

Look carefully, as yes there is a delicious Carrot and Pineapple Cake hiding under all of the edible flowers, fruit, foliage and cream cheese icing. Let's celebrate the arrival of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere on the 1st September, with cake, dressed up in time for the Spring carnival. It seems like Spring here already, with the warmer weather, hence I am sharing this with you a few days early.

Air Fryer Pork Belly with Chinese Five Spice

Are you ready for my latest Air Fryer recipe? Crackling good Pork Belly flavoured with  Chinese Five Spice is absolutely delicious cooked in the Air Fryer. We couldn't get enough of this incredibly tasty pork with the perfect crackle, and I love the unique flavours of the Chinese five spice.

The Lemon Bar Slice

I thought about calling this a Lemon Curd slice because the lemon topping tastes just like delicious lemon curd to me. If you love the tangy and sweet flavours of lemon curd, then you will adore this slice. However, as I didn't make the lemon topping the same way that I would make a batch of lemon curd, either in the microwave or on the stovetop,  I thought it might be misleading. Despite the deliberation, here we have a beautiful lemon curd like topping on a crunchy biscuit base, all in one. What could be better?

Blueberry and Polenta Muffins

Treat yourself to some delicious and easy to bake Blueberry and Polenta muffins this weekend. You will be so pleased you did. Blueberries are the perfect fruit to add to a muffin batter because of their colour, flavour and size, and even though blueberries aren't grown around here in North Queensland, except for a few native bushes that people might grow, I used frozen ones, and they worked perfectly.