Food, Friends, Family, Feast: A cookbook of Emile Olshina's 'Signature Dishes'

Salmon kedgeree

Lou nominated this dish because "it really makes you want to go back to the fridge for more! So light and fluffy and full of flavor. There are so many dishes that Emile conjured up I felt like I was living in a restaurant (and a bar - thanks Nic lol). Best bread ever too :)"

Emile’s Schnitzel Sandwich

From Nicola: it’s impossible to pick a favourite between Emile’s schnitzel dinner, or the schnitzel sandwich that happens the next day. This dish reminds me of late lunches with Emile on lazy Saturdays sitting in the couch - maybe even watching the football.

Emile's Christmas Ham

Dom nominated Emile's Christmas Ham because "it’s one of my best Christmas memories and my favourite tradition since Christmas when I was a kid – in the 90’s. Christmas ham is my favourite part of Christmas. I love competing with dad over whose is better. I always stick to the traditional recipe, but dad sometimes tries different things and I like comparing recipes when he changes his every now and then!" Stephen nominated this because it’s a staple and centrepiece of the Foxworthy Christmas table, always wonderfully glazed. it always makes him laugh that the most delicious ham is Emile’s Jewish contribution to the Christmas table!

Prawn and chorizo ceviche

Belinda nominated Emile's prawn and chorizo ceviche. She said "I should pick something from camping like the roast lamb as the smell of Emile’s cooking on the open fire delicious but can’t go past his Ceviche Prawns. So fresh and delicious…and tasted all the better as first post lockdown get together. His choice of this dish for that day shows Emile’s understanding of combinations of simple flavours to match perfectly with his wife’s cocktails!"

Roast Pork With Crackling

Hugo first had this recipe around 5 years ago, when he was about 10. He nominated this recipe because "the first time I ate pork crackling it was a terrible little bag of dried out crackling from a shop. When Emile made it, I thought I hated it, but it turns out the good pork crackling is really fricking good! I hope he makes it more often. I look forward to eating more of it."

Paella

Paul & Anne had this recipe at Miki's 21st birthday weekend away. They nominated this recipe because, even after the main event, Emile was in there cooking when he was entitled to put his feet up. Philippa ate Emile's paella on one of their camping expeditions with Emile. She nominated it because it tastes good and because it’s impressive that it can be made on a gas ring at a campsite. She says "Emile is a very generous man and the care and love he puts into paella even when camping demonstrates that." Phil Harbutt also gave Emile's Paella a special mention: "Seafood paella camping is a HUGE favourite, and introduced me to the joys of paella, a good paella pan and a three-ringed burner, and the (elusive) art of getting perfect socarrat - the crusty crispy bottom of the paella! In honour every time I’ve cooked it, I acknowledge having learnt this one from the master!"

Sourdough Bread

Luisa first had Emile's sourdough when she was staying with Emile and Nicola in 2014. She nominated it because "every morning when you are at Nic and Emile’s place you wake up by the delicious scent of his bread and because Emile gave me some starter to try my own bread in Germany. Happy birthday to you Emile, I wish I was there to celebrate with you and I hope we can come to the passata-event next time – until then let’s keep on eating" Declan nominated Emile's bread because "it was really good, and our bread is always wholemeal. White bread is the true staple for teenager diets. You can use it for sandwiches, toast, or for dipping into soup. It’s really good. It made me feel krispy enlightenment."

Emile's Chocolate Chiffon Cake

Emile's Chocolate Chiffon cake was nominated to be included in Emile's 'signature dish' cookbook by 5 different people and had special mentions from many more. It's truly earnt it's place as the first of Emile's 'signature dishes'. This cake has been in Dom's life since she was small. "I call or msg dad at least once or twice a year to get this recipe. I always forget the details or lose the paper I write the recipe on. I think it’s the universe giving me an excuse to call dad and talk about food. This cake is always a hit when I make it. It’s simple and delicious and reminds me of dad. It’s comforting and nostalgic." Richard first ate this cake "at one of the first family bashes after Phil and I returned to Australia - this would have been just before or just after Nic and Emile’s wedding. This is a beautiful cake - very light and fluffy, very chocolatey. I remember Emile insisting that this is not actually chocolate, it’s couverture. After eating the cake I thought fair cop, he can call it whatever he likes. It wasn’t until later that I realised couverture is more than just a name for chocolate, it’s actually a fancier and finer version of chocolate, just like Emile really." Fran remembers this cake as a feature of family occasions when Emile first joined the clan in the mid-early 2000s. "And what a culinary entrance! I thought: here’s a chap who knows his stuff and delights in beautiful presentation of food. So rich and substantial, yet so light and fluffy: it’s enigmatic, much like its maker. Encore!" Paul and Anne can’t remember the first time they ate Emile’s Chocolate Chiffon Cake – maybe a Burn’s night. They’ve nominated it because it’s memorable. And it has chocolate. Paul also want to say thanks for allowing him to sing the Essendon song. Once. “That’s enough.” Trish also had a special mention for Emile's Chocolate Chiffon cake. "Obviously the chocolate cake deserves a mention here and was a feature of family get togethers for years. So light. So delicious. So covered in Couverture! Yum!" Danny and Tina nominated Emile's Chocolate 'drop-cake' - for the most humorous dish. The famous Chocolate chiffon cake birthday arrived, had a little mishap taking it off the plate and was carefully re-plated. And thus, the 'Drop-Cake' became legendary!!

Dill Pickles

This recipe was nominated by Annelise. She remembers them as the stand out dish from from a 'preserving' cookclub we did a while back, and thinks they should be included because they are easy and delicious.

Emile's homemade Challah

Mikaela nominated this recipe, which she first tasted at her first Rosh Hashanah with the Olshinas and Bramwells. "Challah is one of the dishes that symbolises Emile first coming in to my life. It symbolises new food, new family, a new culture and many happy memories all together. The challah that I know continues to evolve. My first experience with challah began at Rosh Hashanah where we would stuff ourselves full of challah (from Glicks) and honey before the main meal was even served. Then came the fried challah on chilly mornings camping with yoghurt and berries. The newest iteration is Emile’s homemade challah which turned up in Covid rescue packs and recent a birthday brekky. The homemade one is just as good, if not better than Glicks! "

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Andrew first had this recipe at Emile's many years ago. He nominated it because it's simple but effective. He says "Keep on cooking and smiling, Emile"

Emile's pancakes

Bianca nominated this because "Dad made a tradition of making pancakes on a Sunday morning. Some of my best memories as a child were on a Sunday morning dad being silly making them for us. I love trying to keep this tradition alive with my kids too."

Challah French Toast

Stephen, Ruby, Sid and Vanessa first had this dish on a camping with Emile. They nominated because they’ve enjoyed Emile’s Challah toast whilst camping, whilst at Noojee a number of times now, and have picked up the tradition themselves. "French toast will never be the same unless it's made with challah!"

Mussels in broth

Anika nominated this recipe because "it's a recipe that always reminds her of Emile and I love that there is an element of eating with your hands. We have enjoyed this amazing recipe over many occasions. One of my fondest memory of this recipe was a night right before my 30th birthday, Cal and Miki had landed in Melbourne that day from the UK and it was a perfect summers evening we sat on the deck all in Emile’s hats ate mussels and perfected the cocktail recipes for the upcoming birthday. Emile, you’re a cooking genius and I love how your food always brings family together" Petr nominated this recipe because she's enjoyed them at countless Boxing Day Seafood Extravaganza get togethers and "you can use your hands and get dirty while you eat it and although it appears simple to pull together it has a depth of flavour and aroma that makes you sit up and take notice. Much like my friend Emile..."

Emile's homemade passata

Chuck nominated this recipe because it’s a staple ingredient for lots of dishes e.g., pasta dishes (neapolitana, meatballs, marinara), ratatouille, pizzas, etc. Thanks to Emile’s orchestration of the willing helpers we all get to all enjoy home-bottled tomatoes throughout the year for a variety of dishes. It’s a special family day.

Seafood Pie

Andrea nominated this dish "because the fish pie was so tasty that both Lou and I immediately asked for the recipe. It was a dish from a weeknight dinner that Emile whipped up for Nicola, Lou and I and just demonstrate to me that anything Emile chooses to cook on any given day is just plain delicious!Thanks Emile for your generosity and all of the tasty meals you have ever cooked for us x"

Chocolate Sateen

Andrea nominated this recipe because chocolate mousse is obviously always going to be a winner, but this one was fluffy inside but had substance. She ate it "at a weeknight dinner that Emile whipped up for Nicola, Lou and I and just demonstrate to me that anything Emile chooses to cook on any given day is just plain delicious! Thanks Emile for your generosity and all of the tasty meals you have ever cooked for us x"

Felafel feast

Anita nominated the felafels Emile prepared for a recent 'Post-Trump' cocktail party, because Emile was so proud of them. Phil also nominated Emile's felafel. He said "So many wonderful meals! As others have paid homage to the paella, I’m putting forward the moistest Persian felafels, made from scratch, that I’ve ever tasted! Down at Shoreham one summer a few years ago, in a holiday house with your friends and family dropping in / staying over / eating / drinking / telling stories (: Up until I’d tasted Emile’s felafels I had thought they were dry and boring and in needing as much hummus as possible to be able to get them down. Now I’ve seen the light! A master of cooking from many cultures, and so inspiring that every dish Emile makes, including this one, is made from scratch with the best ingredients and with love!"

Emile's homemade pasta and napoli sauce

Sierra most recently made pasta with Emile on a family weekend away. She says "I was at the holiday, Ho-LA-DAY, and I tasted Pasta and it was good. Cos I love pasta and Zaida. I love him, because I love him making pasta with me." Ava says "I like making pasta at Emile's house. I was probably 4 when i first made it. it should be included because the pasta was good and it was fun to make. Happy Birthday! Nell also thinks that tomato pasta needs to be in the cookbook. "I like Emile's pasta too" Arlo says "More!!!"

Mushroom and spinach pie

Bianca nominated this dish because "Dad seems to enjoy just as much as I do. I feel like it is special to us, because we made it together while I was pregnant and it was something he made especially for me before that. I have also gotten the recipe off him a number of times now and still don’t know where it is!"

Veal Schnitzel

Nicola nominated Emile's schnitzel dinner is because it's her all time favourite winter comfort food. Emile serves it up with all the trimming, and it is truly delicious.

Diced tomatoes & garlic

This dish is nominated by Nicola as part of Emile’s fabulous veal schnitzel dinner. It’s quick to prepare and a fresh and tasty side.

Cucumbers in sour cream

Nicola nominated this dish because it’s perfect as part of Emile’s schnitzel dinner. It’s a dish she’d never eaten until she meet Emile, and reflects his family’s heritage. It’s so simple, but really delicious. Anita nominated this dish as an old family favourite.

Mashed potato

Nicola nominated this dish. Emile makes this side regularly, and it’s delicious but it’s especially good with his veal schnitzel dinner.

Anchovy stuffed chillies

Cal - or , as Emile calls him, 'the Swanster' - nominated this dish. "It's got salt, spice and something from the sea. A key trio for an Emile favoured meal. Your love of food is contagious and brings us all joy. The salt obsessed ally I needed!."

Fruit sourdough

Nicola nominated this recipe. It’s one that Emile perfected at her request, and it’s very exciting to see fruit soaking in tea knowing it means there’ll be a loaf in the morning.

Chicken Soup

This dish was nominated by Anita and Nicola. It's the quintessential Jewish penicillin, representing Emile and Anita's family heritage, and will make an appearance anytime someone's not feeling quite right. But it's also a celebration dish, as part of Pesach or Rosh Hashana dinners. And it becomes the base for a whole range or other dishes, adding a depth of flavour to otherwise simple dishes.

Emile’s breakfast of champions - Vitabrits and chocolate Quik

Mikaela nominated this recipe because "learning about Emile’s chocolate breakfast habit was the first moment I decided Emile was actually okay and he was allowed to keep coming over.. I saw NesQuik in the supermarket trolley when shopping with mum when I was about 11. I asked “why are you buying Nesquik?” Mum replied: “do you really want to know?” Me: “ah, yes..” Mum: “Emile likes it on his cereal” Me: *long pause… “that. Is. So. Cool!!”

Crab and Prawn ravioli

Cath has had this recipe as part of a 'covid care package' and at a recent weekend away. She nominated this recipe because "it is absolutely delicious and the assembly is a group activity. Emile’s culinary creations are ever evolving, an Emile cookbook will be out of date as soon as it is done, witness the honey cake which then morphed into chocolate squares and then re-appeared in Nicola’s icecream. Nominating a signature dish of Emile’s is too hard, nominating signature characteristics of Emile’s culinary creations is much easier • Generosity of spirit and time, nothing is too hard or too much trouble, recipes and ideas are readily shared and always evolving • Done with love and care • Created in community with Nic, children, friends, grandchildren. Emile instructing and teaching with patience. Who hasn’t been on an Emile production line? • Global rather than local That Josh has made his career in food is testament in itself! Footnote: Spent an hour or two scrolling through photos on phone looking for photos of Emile with no luck and then finally searched using “food” as search word and there he was!

Mushroom and sage pasta

James nominated this dish because "it was delicious and I’ve tried to recreate it a few times, with lacklustre results. I need some guidance! Happy Birthday Emile! Thanks for always catering for those of us with difficult dietary preferences - this one was a particular effort that stuck with me. You made it look so easy…."

Roast lamb

The dinner party version of this recipe was nominated by Ken and Colette. It also got a mention as the main dish of a dinner party Emile prepared where Andrea introduced James to us, forgetting to tell Emile that James is vegetarian. A quick last minute invention was pulled off, and we had a lovely dinner. None of us can remember what the substitute dish is, but it can't have been too bad, cos James will still come for dinner.... The camping version got a mention from Belinda and from Cath.

Chocolate covered Honey cake

This recipe was nomiated by Cath and is one for celebration and sharing the love. It's a regular at Rosh Hashana and has been included in Birthday and covid care packages, sending virtual hugs to friend and family.

Garlic prawns

Hamish first had this dish on a recent weekend away in Apollo Bay. He nominated it because "unless you have a seafood allergy, it's near impossible to not eat an ungodly amount of these when they are in front of you. Emile always makes others feel comfortable and at ease and this dish is just so tasty and comforting."

Pear tart tartine

Danny and Tina have had Emile's Tarte Tartin at many special occasions. They nominated it because it looks so stunning, and because they look forward to the next party or celebration with great expectation of getting a slice!

Emile’s seafood extravaganza

Trish has nominated an event rather than a dish - The Boxing Day Seafood Extravaganza. It was held annually for a number of years. Trish chose it because “there were so many fab dishes on the go. Prawns, mussels, clams, calamari, salmon….. All delicious. I remember it was quite a feat getting everyone together the day after Christmas for another feeding frenzy. But we made it!! We’re no pikers. Thanks Emile, those extravaganzas were the bomb!“

Chicken wings

Josh first had Emile's chicken wings when he was a wee baby. He nominated them because "they are a timeless simple recipe, and I don't even eat meat any more." Trish also gave Emile's chicken wings a special mention. For a while there, they were a Friday night staple, pairing nicely with a glass of red or two.