Sometimes, the most beautiful moments in food come when you transform simple ingredients into a plate of warm memories with your own hands. To me, handmade wild mushroom truffle gnocchi is exactly that kind of dish—the humble potato, the earthy depth of wild mushrooms, and a touch of truffle’s luxury. The moment it hits your palate, it’s like a quiet conversation with nature. This time, I want to take you into the world of gnocchi, from its story to how it’s made, and even ho

Sometimes, the most enchanting thing about food isn’t the complicated steps, but how its natural flavours can whisk you away to another world. Australian oysters are just that—plucked from the sea, cracked open with a simple twist, and suddenly you’re feeling the breath of the ocean. This time, I want to chat with you about the charm of Australian oysters, from their varieties to how to eat them, and even how to store them—I’ll cover it all. To me, oysters aren’t just food; t

Sometimes, the simplest things in the kitchen bring the biggest surprises. Herb oil and prawn head oil are just like that—no fancy tricks needed, just a bit of care, and they can turn an ordinary dish into something with a story. This time, I want to share how to make these two infused oils with you. The ingredients are straightforward, the steps aren’t complicated, but the flavors they deliver carry the warmth of handmade goodness. Ready? Let’s get started! Scented Oil in Mo

As a classic dish, the "French Bacon and Mushroom Quiche" perfectly showcases the allure of French culinary culture. This savoury tart is built upon a crisp pastry base, paired with a rich egg and cream filling and an assortment of flavourful ingredients. It not only offers a multi-layered taste experience but also carries a deep sense of traditional heritage. What is Quiche? The term "Quiche" originates from French, referring to a baked dish consisting of a pastry crust enc

When cooking steak, apart from the commonly used sirloin or ribeye, tenderloin is also an excellent choice. Although tenderloin (Fillet Mignon) contains less fat, it is incredibly tender due to its minimal movement. As long as the cooking temperature is well-controlled, tenderloin can be an exceptionally delicious cut. What is Tenderloin (Fillet Mignon) ? Tenderloin is a long, narrow muscle located on the inner side of the cow’s spine. Since this muscle experiences very littl

Bouillabaisse is a French seafood soup that BigBoy really enjoys. The preparation is not complicated, yet it allows you to savour the flavours of different seafood. Enjoying a pot of it in winter warms both the body and the heart. The Origin of Bouillabaisse Bouillabaisse is a traditional fish soup from the Provence region of France, originating in the port city of Marseille. One theory about its origins suggests that when the ancient Greeks established Marseille in the 7th c

Lamb rack is one of my favourite ingredients. Therefore, when I was studying at Le Cordon Bleu, I chose lamb rack as the dish for my optional exam in one of the semesters, and I ended up receiving the highest score in the class. This time, not only will we be trimming (Frenching) the entire lamb rack ourselves, but we will also be adding various elements to the dish. From preparation to plating, let's complete this restaurant-quality roasted lamb rack together. How to clean a

A sous vide stick isn't just for cooking steaks and chicken breasts—it can also be used for preparing octopus! Sous vide octopus tentacles have a texture that's tender yet slightly chewy, making them perfect as an appetiser or starter. Why Is Octopus Tentacle Suitable for Sous Vide Cooking? Octopus tentacles have a firm texture and are rich in collagen, making them ideal for long, low-temperature cooking. Sous vide allows the tentacles to be heated evenly until fully cooked w

I have previously demonstrated how to cook chicken breasts, and at that time, I used the sous vide method. This recipe is also the most searched dish on the website. However, many people have asked me, "If I don't have a sous vide stick, can I still cook tender and juicy chicken breasts?" BigBoy’s Pan-Seared Chicken Breast The answer is, of course, yes! In this recipe, I’ll demonstrate how to pan-sear chicken breasts. In fact, when cooking any type of meat, as long as you con

Pistachio creme brulee is one of my favourite French desserts. This time, we’re adding a pistachio twist by making rich, homemade pistachio paste from scratch, which we’ll pair with a smooth French custard. Finally, we’ll top it with a caramelised crispy layer, creating the perfect contrast of a crunchy exterior and smooth interior. What is Crème Brûlée? Crème Brûlée, which means "burnt cream" in French, is a classic French dessert. It is topped with a layer of crispy caramel

Confit duck is one of the most popular dishes in French cuisine. The dish is known for its crispy exterior, which contrasts with the tender and juicy duck meat inside. Each bite is filled with the rich and fragrant aroma of duck fat, making it an irresistible temptation for food lovers. The slow-cooking process used to prepare confit allows the flavours to meld beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. What is French Confit Duck? The French name for confit duck i

Prawn Bisque is one of BigBoy's top three favourite soups. Its rich, velvety texture combined with a sweet, lingering finish makes it a masterpiece crafted for the taste buds. In this demonstration, BigBoy shares a recipe for prawn bisque inspired by his time in a professional kitchen. Paired with the previously made handmade pasta, this dish is an unmissable culinary delight! What is Bisque? Bisque is a classic soup originating from French cuisine, traditionally made with sh

What is 00 flour? What is laminating? Do you need a pasta machine to make handmade pasta? Many people have these questions about making handmade pasta. Perhaps this article will provide you with some clarity. What is the relationship between pasta and French cuisine? Pasta has a deep historical connection with French cuisine, primarily seen through the blending and influence of culinary traditions: Renaissance Influence – In the 16th century, when Italian noblewoman Catherine

Potato Pave, a French layered potato dish, was the first essential potato recipe I learned during my studies at Le Cordon Bleu. It is a true classic in French cuisine, celebrated for its meticulous layering of potato slices and its golden, beautiful crust. Just seeing it is enough to captivate anyone. Taking a bite reveals a delightful contrast: a crispy exterior paired with a soft, velvety interior that is nothing short of mesmerising. What is Potato Pave? Potato Pave, also

Flounder Meunière is a classic French dish, featuring flounder as the main ingredient and finished with a sauce made from butter, lemon, capers, and herbs. After cooking, the butter develops a slight nutty aroma (resembling beurre noisette), creating a savoury and slightly tangy taste that is incredibly delicious. What is Flounder Meunière? The term "Meunière" originates from French, meaning "in the style of the miller's wife." During the medieval period, mills were widesprea

I've thought for a long time, trying to come up with a reason for not loving onion soup, but I feel a bit embarrassed; after half an hour of thinking, I still can’t find a single clue. As long as there’s onion soup around, no matter how much effort it takes, I will love it desperately! What is French onion soup? The hallmark of French onion soup lies in its rich, deep sweetness and aroma. Onions, slowly caramelised over a long period, gradually transform into a caramel colour

Don’t be intimidated by the size of duck breast, thinking it must be difficult to cook and unpleasant to eat. If you know how to sear it properly, duck breast can actually turn out with crispy skin and tender, flavourful meat that leaves a lasting impression! BigBoy will also demonstrate a sauce that everyone raves about—White Wine Orange Sauce. There’s even a secret ingredient added to the sauce, elevating its fragrance and complexity to new heights…​ Why doesn’t duck need t

After watching "Culinary Class Wars", I felt a surge of motivation to recreate every dish featured in the show! One of the most...

Making tomato soup from fresh tomatoes is not difficult at all. The final product offers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, complemented by the bold impact of the spicy sauce. The taste buds are instantly captivated by the harmonious blend of tanginess, numbing spiciness, and rich flavors of the soup base. What is Numbing and Spicy Tomato Soup? Spicy tomato soup is characterised by its rich blend of tangy tomato flavours combined with the bold, numbing spiciness of t

When it comes to salmon, I think many people feel confused about how to cook it properly, unsure of the best method and how long to cook it to keep it tender and smooth... Ideal Temperature of Cooked Salmon Cooking seafood, especially large fillets like salmon, is quite similar to cooking steak. The simplest method is to sear both sides of the fish fillet and then place it in the oven, allowing it to rest so that the internal temperature rises to the ideal level. However, unl