31 Tuesday Jul 2012
Posted in Pasta and Rice, Salads
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.
29 Friday Jun 2012
Posted in Salads
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!
12 Tuesday Jun 2012
Posted in Salads
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.
07 Thursday Jun 2012
Posted in Salads
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.
23 Wednesday May 2012
Posted in Salads
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.
22 Tuesday May 2012
Posted in Salads, Starters and Snacks
14 Monday May 2012
Posted in Fish and Seafood, Salads, Starters and Snacks
11 Friday May 2012
Posted in Salads, Starters and Snacks
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.
17 Tuesday Apr 2012
Posted in Salads
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!
Acorn in the Kitchen 