future promise

these jalapeños will find their way into yuzu kosho in october. as i am spoiled now bcse i have access to locally grown yuzu i am making all kinds of recipes using it.

the jalapeño plant has been overwintered for 2 years and still gives pepers. i can't get the japanese sansho peppers but my japanese cooking guru says jalapeños are a good substitute.

more japanophilia. found shiso plants.

considering making furikake this year. maybe yuzu furikake? <(￣︶￣)> 

neki desu 

 

midsummer fest

 mid summer traditions:the sea at candas

the fried baby squid

the natural cider

the grilled sardines

neki desu 

 

while searching for a shodo vid

found this one, sorry couldn't pass this one.  m(_ _)m  if you see a bottle grab it.

have a good weekend.

neki desu

 

cake pandemonium

this year we're late due to the trip, much needed on the other hand.it takes longer to get back in the swing of things. but anyway here we go. every year i am in a state of awe at how i managed in my tiny barcelona kitchen. of course that meant no helper. this has become a no stress event with wine and music to work by.

 still have some yuzu left from the last trip to japan.

let's see if they let me in  to buy some more.

cakes are already curing in brandy.

neki desu 

 

cake on the way

finally after much walking around found currants. this year it's going to be a raisin orgy  along with the regimental  walnuts, almonds and dried apricots.besides currants i am adding craisins, sultanas and white grape raisins for an acid kick.
plus some very,very nice stone ground flour from an old  french mill.
this is what happens when you have a marathon watch of downton abbey. don't want to disappoint mrs. patmore ( ' _º )



neki desu
 

food for the bod

a quick perk up to help the bod  with the steep spring climb.

to

lentils marinated in sherry vinegar and thyme

add

cooked broad beans

diced red onion

quartered kumato tomato

black olives

tiny capers

dress with a vinaigrette to which chopped  fresh mint leaves and a dash of tabasco has been added.
or substitute the mint for chopped coriander for a good dose of magnesium and other health benefits.

for extra nutrition you may add boiled quail eggs. they also look pretty :)

neki desu

boxing day

controlled gluttony:

the view

      

octopus galician style                   steamed mussels                        

                                         fried sardines                             white wine

 then  last night we watched a documentary on lapland. we longed for the snow.

  neki desu
 

it's beginning to look

   

well, outside it's christmas. inside in my household it's beginning to look more like it.

some chores, like buying the tree  and stollen are already checked. no decorations or presents yet and i don't think i'll make fruitcake this year.

and what in the world are those photos about, you may ask.

it is an overgrown pasta used as christmas  street decoration .

and why so? 

because it holds a soft spot in catalan hearts as part of their gastronomy christmas tradition: escudella.

no self respecting household goes without this ultra hearty soup on christmas day.it cooks slowly in a pot for 6-10 hours-the slower the better- but it's a couple of separate courses in a pot.

the pasta  called galets is stuffed with minced meat and eaten as a separate course with or without soup, then you have the meats  and vegs and finally the soup

the recipe and the galets floating in the soup dish.

now, don't tell me  the galet is not a cute idea for a christmas decoration!

neki desu
 

it's fall

and the minute the air cools down they spring up. among wild mushrooms chanterelles are my very favorites. mushoom pickers here, it's somewhat a national sport of sorts, can kill for the red cap pine mushrooms, but for me chanterelles are much more delicate and delicious.

they do not need much , a small chopped shallot, and some good olive oil and butter to turn the shallot  golden. then add the mushrooms and saute quickly on high fire. a turn of the pepper mill and that's it! great side dish for meats. if you add some heavy cream it can make the best pasta you've ever had.

neki desu

pink lady apples

on their way to applesauce. with a knob of butter, lemon rind and real cinnamon stick from india. comfort food.  can't live without my apple corer.
plan b ditched, too hot and too little time  to deal with problems. plan c on its way, a more manageable cotton warp.

neki desu

the lazy cook

too involved sewing to spend time cooking. it's also hot, but not nearly as bad as last year.so far.
a nice summer salad:
duck ham
assorted greens
corn
boiled fresh green beans( leave them  slightly crunchy)
hearts of palm
walnuts
dress with a fresh mint spiced vinaigrette  serve with  a chilled white wine from rueda.
life cannot get better.
ps. what is this new&%**from blogger adding a span white background tag at will??


neki desu