Artichoke, Feta and Sun Dried Tomato Orzo Salad + Crash Test Dummies

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Cooking, Food, Music, Pasta, Recipes, Salad, Starters, Video

With this weather I feel more into stews than salads. But following the body biological calendar I have to go for a salad. And it is a very, very easy one. And healthy too.

You can use any pasta but Orzo has something special.

I used the ingredients I had handy at home. You can play around with you favourite ones. Anchovies, prawns, mangoes…

And the music. And “old” song from my teenage years. Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm by Crash Test Dummies.

Marinated Courgette, Rocket, Walnuts and White Tuna Belly Salad + Pearl Jam

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Cooking, Food, Music, Recipes, Salad, Starters

I am back to the kitchen with this salad, with very basic ingredients but full of flavour. The courgette texture improves after releasing some water and being marinated.  The vinaigrette gives the right freshness for these summer days.

And if you are lucky to find tuna belly in olive oil in your area you will notice the difference immediately, it is so delicate.

We had a great time in La Vera, Caceres. Sunny days, family and friends. Days in the rivers and horse riding in the mountains…I miss those days.

It was cherry and summer fig (the black ones) season and they were everywhere. You could pick them up from the trees and so we did.

It is always hard to come back. To fight the post holiday blues I have already booked flights for my next one. I will be heading to Northern India in November. A good chance to learn loads about Indian people and their cuisine.

The music. Black by Pearl Jam. Have a great weekend!

Chickpeas, Banana and Mango Salad (Ensalada de Garbanzos, Platano y Mango con Cilantro y Guindilla) + Eels

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Cooking, Food, Music, Recipes, Salad

I have to say this is  the nicest salad I have tried in a long time. I had it first, a while ago, in Avoca.

I know it sounds a bit strange but try it and you will fall in love with this salad. It is perfect for summer. Healthy and fresh.

Eels are in charge of the music, I Like the Way This is Going.

Cecina, Rocket and Strawberry Salad + Silvio Rodriguez

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Cooking, Food, Music, Recipes, Salad, Starters

The last few days we have been accumulating food: biscuits, cakes, stews… I have to stop cooking at least for a day to be able to finish with everything. I hate to throw food away.

But I am back with a super easy salad. But full of flavours.

Cecina is beef leg cured and smoked. It is increasing its popularity due to the producer’s efforts to make it an artisan product. And they are doing their job. The good stuff is cured for 12 months and smoked with oak wood only. And, lucky us, that is the one I got my last trip to Spain.

I don’t think you can easily find Cecina outside of Spain. Instead you can use Bresaola(usually cured for 5 months), not the same but will sort your salad out .

The music is from Silvio Rodriguez, a Cuban songwriter (or poet or both): Oleo de Mujer con Sombrero.

New Potatoes, Peas and Mojo Verde Warm Salad (Ensalada Templada de Patatas, Guisantes y Mojo Verde) + Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

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Food, Music, Recipes, Salad, Starters, Tapas

It all started in a bad way. I wasn’t happy at all with the Mojo Verde when I tried on its own. It was quite strong and bitter. Then, I didn’t like any of the pictures I took. The picture is not great anyway.

But, when I tried the salad all changed. The peas and potatoes sweetness combined extremely well with the Mojo Verde. Also the temperature contrast between the Mojo Verde and the warm potatoes and peas enhance the flavours. You will be surprised if you try.

Today’s song is Home from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. A good song for a sunny day.

Endives, Iberico Ham and Parmesan Cream Gratin (Endivias Gratinadas con Crema de Parmesano y Jamon Iberico) + Beirut

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Food, Music, Recipes, Salad, Tapas

Easy, healthy and tasty.

I haven’t eaten Endives in a good while. I wanted something different to the classic Endives with Roquefort. This came up. And it was good.

The song for today is Nantes from Beirut. A great american band I was lucky to see last year.

Enjoy!

Prawn Ceviche (Ceviche de Gambas)

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Food, Recipes, Salad, Starters, Tapas

I became addicted to ceviches in Mexico. Still remember the ceviche from Hacienda Puerta Campeche. And the snail or octopus ceviche we had at the beach in Celestun.

Simple, healthy, fresh and full of flavour.

Iberico Ham, Home made Carrot Jam, Goat Cheese and Walnut Salad (Ensalada de Queso de Cabra, Mermelada de Zanahoria, Jamon Iberico y Nueces)

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Food, Recipes, Salad, Starters, Tapas

I tried this “salad” only once, years ago, and I have never seen it again. It was in a town called Monesterio, in a very good company.

Today came to my mind. Time to make jam for the first time. And I am very happy.

The salad couldn’t be better. A beautiful combination of flavours.

Red Cabbage and Orange Salad (Ensalada de Lombarda y Naranja)

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Food, Recipes, Salad, Starters

I discovered this salad a few years ago. It has a very nice texture and taste. And oranges and garlic combine really, really well.

You will be eating it with your eyes too. Lovely colours!