Our exclusive menu of classic recipes from Stephanie Alexander
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Stephanie Alexander’s much-loved “bible” of Australian cooking, The Cook’s Companion, first published in 1996, remains an essential reference for home cooks and professional chefs. Its encyclopaedic scope and devotion to seasonal, ingredient-led cooking helped reshape the way Australians think about food, both in the home kitchen and beyond.
Here, she has curated a selection of recipes that capture the enduring spirit of the book while showcasing its remarkable breadth and generosity. The collection moves effortlessly between savoury and sweet, from comforting sides such as crisp roast potatoes to a showstopping dessert of beautifully layered almond meringue cake with lemon curd cream, figs and raspberries.

Stephanie Alexander’s avocado bavarois with crab and finger lime
Stephanie Alexander’s avocado bavarois with crab and finger lime

Stephanie Alexander’s gougères

Stephanie Alexander’s fennel braised with balsamic vinegar and honey
Stephanie Alexander’s fennel braised with balsamic vinegar and honey

Stephanie Alexander’s roast rack of pork with pears
Stephanie Alexander’s roast rack of pork with pears

Stephanie Alexander’s roasted rosemary potatoes
Stephanie Alexander’s roasted rosemary potatoes

Stephanie Alexander’s almond meringue cake with lemon curd cream, figs and raspberries