food

CHEF MEL is serving up a selection of her recipes, in-house TV and media events for you to share, enjoy and to inspire and motivate you in the kitchen so that you’ll surely get you a round of applause the next time you cook a meal, you’ll be happy in the kitchen in no time!

Chef Mel’s Product Recipes

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Chef Mel’s Edible Petal Bling

Chef Mel's Edible Petal Bling

I've been using edible petals for ages, I think they are just so pretty and they show that lovely 'cheffy' flair that we all like to achieve when entertaining...or just spoiling ourselves!

I use these edible petals as a decoration on my favourite cocktail, just on the ice and then sip the cocktail through a straw.  I also use as a beautiful pop of colour and a dash of dramatic glamour to salads, desserts, cupcakes and even soups.

You'll find heaps of uses for this amazing blend of petals,  I've blended these for maximum colour with pink and red rose petals, dramatic cornflower, safflower, calendula and seasonal bloom.s

I can't wait for you to try these on your next Aperol Spritz, Gin Cocktail or cupcake!

Tag me when you use these, I would LOVE to see you use these YOUR way.

Happy Cooking

Chef Me

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| Aug 26, 2021

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Chef Mel’s Porcini Mushroom Dust

Chef Mel's Porcini Mushroom Dust

A concentrated mushroom powder that is ready to stir through cream, soups, stocks, risottos and so many more dishes.  You won't need to use much of this amazing mushroom powder, the flavour is intense and immediate.

Having this easy to use powder in your spice draw means you can pimp up your next bolognaise, sauce, or any weeknight meal that needs a bit of flavour.  Perfect to dazzle and amaze your guests at your next dinner party!

Happy Cooking

Chef Mel

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| Aug 25, 2021

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Chef Mel Sexy Black Salt Flakes

  • Sexy Black Salt Flakes

We all know salts have recently come back into fashion but beware...this one is the sexiest of them all! Serve on own in a pinch-pot, bash up with pink peppercorns, or use combined with your selection of dried or fresh petals to bling up anything that needs a sexy seasoning.

 

With glamorous and dramatic triangular salt flakes that are full of crunch and personality, these salt flakes from Cyrus will be an amazing addition to your pantry.

 

I also use these dramatic black flakes to garnish the rim of my margarita glass for a dramatic cocktail!

Happy Cooking!

Mel Alafaci (nee Townsend)

The Vanilla Zulu

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| Aug 25, 2021

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Chef Mel Culinary Spray Tan – Ras el Hanout

Culinary Spray Tan Ras el Hanout: designed by The Vanilla Zulu Chef Mel Alafaci

What is Culinary Spray tan?

This fragrant mix of turmeric, ras el hanout and seasoning can be mixed to a paste with oil or water and then rubbed into your next leg/shoulder of lamb, roast chicken, vegetables or beef and will give your food not only colour and a 'sun tan' , but wonderful mysterious flavour too! Your friends and family will be begging you for your secret!  This is a Moroccan/North African spice blend that will add a bit of colour and personality to your everyday or special event cooking.

 

 

Mel Alafaci

The Vanilla Zulu

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| Sep 19, 2019