June | 2012 | girl in a food frenzy

June 30, 2012

Cider, Hams & Le Tour de France

Thank goodness for Saturday’s! Woke up after my dozey slumber and was pleasantly surprised by a few things.

No.1 gorgeous sunny day outside, (yes) I can do the washing,

No.2 lovely cured ham hock in the fridge and better yet an assortment of yummy things to accompany it.

No. 3 Tonight begins the Tour de France and my sweetheart is somewhat addicted to the race, (being an outdoorsy, fishing type guy who also does Mountain biking)

I on the other hand am a bit clumsy when it comes to fishing, I’m terribly frightened of snakes, spiders and even worse…Goanna’s (near my least favourite picnic spot. If you’ve never seen one, let’s just say you’re lucky!)

Anyhow, I digress.

I can’t ride to save myself so basically, can’t fish, scared of reptiles and won’t be taking up mountain biking anytime soon.

Nonetheless, road races come reptile free. That and Gabriel Gatê’s taste de le tour and the European countryside will keep us up late for the next 21 days.

So to kick things off, I’ve cooked a little wintertime Braised Ham Hock with Cider, which seems appropriate as we begin in Belgium on Le Tour tonight…see you at the end…

Like this, you might want to see:
Slow cooked BBQ beef
Chicken Kiev with home-style chips & slaw
Chicken in a pot (en Poulè)

17 comments

June 27, 2012

The Lady likes her tea…

This is a simple cake.

It’s the kind of cake that’s infused with some rather grown up flavours. For me it’s something I’ve read of, seen around the foodie circuit and I’ve always thought ‘Wow!’ As a special treat for some pals at work, I’ve decided that we need cake! You know those kind of crazy weeks (the kind that only get more manic,) somehow you bring out a sweet treat, folks take the time to stop, enjoy and everything seems just a little better…

It’s zesty, it’s buttery and better yet a simple cake made up of those pantry staples that when combined together sing out to your tastebuds. What more can I add aside from, I’m a lady who likes her tea; so a Earl Grey Tea cake it is…

Like this, you might want to see:
Victoria Sponge Cake
Chocolate meringue short stack with Strawberries & Cream
Upside down, Chocolate & Pear Gâtaeu

20 comments

June 26, 2012

Keep on Rollin…

Egg rolls, Spring rolls, Savoury rolls & Summer rolls. No afternoon snack would be more favoured at the local Chinese restaurant, the local pub, various cocktail parties or just at home with a take away watching bad tv (ahem)

I’ve been playing around with this recipe all my life. I remember growing up in mum and dad’s restaurant, making tasty dim sum and spring rolls with the family. Or more recently in my school days making canapés & cocktail food. It’s one of those recipes where practice makes perfect and once you taste these Spring Rolls, hopefully you’ll want to keep practicing again & again…

Like this, you might want to see:
Dim Sum, mum’s style
Mum’s eggs my style…
Canapés

21 comments

June 25, 2012

Spaghetti Confetti

Here’s a light and healthy lunch which you can enjoy on those quieter days, when you want something fresh and wholesome, but not too fussy. It’s simply spaghetti dressed with a myriad of lovely, bright veggies which I’m calling my Spaghetti Confetti. It’s still winter here of course, but I think I’m trying to cheat my taste buds into thinking that spring is on its way. What a shame my brain tells me otherwise!

I think this dish is best served and eaten on the day. Depending on what variety of veg you use, will determine how much colour those strands of spaghetti take on (and I’m not too sure that folks want to eat leftover purple pasta!) If you’re worried about the colours being too dark then steer away from purple carrots, beetroot or anything of that nature! I am however fanatic about purple carrots at the moment, but I think that’s the designer in me. Hope you enjoy…

Like this, you might want to see:

21 comments

June 24, 2012

Lazy Sunday or my Crazy Funday!

Now, should I say it’s a Lazy Sunday or my Crazy Funday?

Actually today isn’t even crazy as it’s my first day of peace and quiet since practical tests and written assignments etc, for end of Semester. I’m officially on holidays from school, if only work wasn’t so suddenly insane! I know I’ve been somewhat absent over the last few days, but to tell you the truth, I’ve not been inspired to cook, not inspired to clean up at home and there’s definitely been a couple of Take-aways in this household!

However, I am pleaser to tell you that after some decent sleep, a bit of laundry therapy and guilty late night tv (till 3am no less) I am feeling 100%. I’m going to feel even better after I tuck into a yummy, warm, breakfast being my Pear, Oat & Vanilla, breakfast crumble. Shall we enjoy some Weekend bliss together? Happy Sunday folks!

Like this, you might want to see:
Formulae Pancakes xy=brunch
Do you know the muffin man?
Spring Onion Pancakes

15 comments

girl in a food frenzy

Month: June, 2012