1. From our cookbook shelf: Ostro
By Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Today’s rainy Rylstone bake came from Ostro by Julia Busuttil Nishimura — a cookbook filled with simple, generous food designed for sharing.
I made the Pear and Date Cake with maple buttercream after spotting a few overripe pears on the bench that needed using. It was exactly the kind of recipe this cold weather called for.
The cake is deeply comforting — soft pears, rich dates and a maple icing that somehow makes the whole house smell like a warm café.
What I loved most about this recipe was how uncomplicated it felt. No fancy techniques, just simple ingredients creating something truly delicious.
Julia describes it as the sort of cake best enjoyed at home with tea on a cold day, and honestly, that couldn’t have been more accurate (although I enjoy coffee best).
My Notes
Perfect way to use overripe pears
Make sure you don’t undercook, the pears naturally increase the moisture in this cake so it may need a touch longer than you expect to cook fully.
The maple buttercream absolutely makes the cake, so please be patient and make the icing before you indulge.
Would also work beautifully as a dessert warmed slightly
Next Recipes I Want to Try from this book:
Homemade Ricotta with seed crackers and honey page 24, simply because I really enjoy good quality ricotta.
Ricotta Gnocchi with a summer tomato sauce page 141, because the image looks good enough to eat and I will have to make something with the delicious ricotta recipe from above.
Tray-roasted chicken with grapes, olives and walnuts page 162, because I love a simple dinner with delicious flavour combinations and the grapes have been so delicious in our region lately.
About the Book
Ostro is filled with relaxed, seasonal recipes that feel both elegant and achievable — the kind of food you genuinely want to cook and share.
Available in store at The Country Plate or contact me direct to arrange postage.
Retail Price: $40.00
