Archive for July, 2010
Would you expect to find an Olive Grove in the middle of rural New Zealand ?
In Winter ?
Aren’t they normally in the Mediterranean ?
In a sheltered valley, off the beaten track there is an olive grove where local olives thrive and are picked in the traditional way by hand and cold pressed to give the best flavour and quality.
There is a variety of taste sensations to savour and enjoy from spicy, zesty, herby and citrus flavours, to nutty and peppery and through the whole range and a great olive oil can make a huge difference to your culinary endeavours especially when you use a good quality extra virgin olive oil
Did you know that olive oil tasting is like wine tasting ? The oil needs to have a good nose on it and a really experienced olive oil taster can recognise the characteristics instantly. If olive oil has an full and complex aroma then the oil will also be rich and full and will be just the ticket to drizzle over all kinds of dishes to spice them up and add interest.
Uses of Olive Oil
- Add olive oil to vegetarian dishes and meals to enhance the flavour
- Add it to salads and stir fries
- Pop it on mashed potatoes
- Drizzle it over grilled patties and tofu
- Cook runner beans with summer savory and drizzle olive oil over and sprinkle with herbs
- Add olive oil to pizza, foccacia and flatbreads
- Drizzle over hummus
How to taste Olive Oil
- Hold the oil up to your nose to inhale the aroma
- Dip small pieces of bread in the oil and inhale the aroma
- Put the bread dipped in oil into your mouth and draw in through your teeth to get the full effect and allow all the flavours to disperse through your palate before swallowing and enjoying the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil.
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Crispy Cheese Frittata
Author: admin
Cheese Frittata
This recipe is so quick and easy you can have it on the table very fast but it is still versatile enough to add extras and change it completely by different herbs or cheeses, adding a chutney to serve or as a main with veggies or green salad.
If you have more people then add more to your frittata and serve with vegetable dishes and salads to extend it.
To serve 2
- Beat or whisk 4 large eggs or 6 small bantam eggs (organic or free range best)
- Heat olive oil (about 2 tablespoons, more or less according to size your your pan, heavy based pan best so it will not burn.
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- Pour into hot pan
- When Frittata is set on the base add sliced cheese, sprinkle herbs
- Set under the grill to puff up and brown
We like this served with a peach chutney, or tangy Tamarillo or Tomato salsa, crisp French Baguette and a green salad
I use a Magic Bullet to quickly whisk it up and have it cooking in minutes
Extras to add to expand the recipe or make it a more satisfying meal
Cooked potato, pumpkin, beans, peas, celery, mushrooms, egg plant, zucchini and practically anything else you may have on hand or in the garden.
Serve with baked potato crisps and a glass of your favourite wine
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Quick, Easy Hummus Recipe
Author: admin
Want something quick, healthy and delicious ?
Quick Hummus Recipe for 1 1/2 cups of Dip
- 1 can chick peas
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika – optional
- 1 clove garlic minced or chopped finely if not using a processor
Combine all ingredients and blitz in a blender or food process until smooth or the consistency you desire. Serve with Pita Bread, crackers, on pizza as a base, corn chips
Chilli Sauce is a great addition
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Would you Eat Your Cat ?
Author: admin
I have had a message from my Chef son in Thailand to tell me there was a Rooster in the garden – he had made the comment that he didn’t know they had chickens “its dinner” was the response.
I made Western, shuddering noises from my home whilst I watched our chickens scratching in the garden. They are pets too.
His response was fast coming. You eat chicken though he said, you are supporting the very industry that keeps chickens caged in cramped conditions, with no quality of life to end up on a conveyor belt in terror, knowing their turn and their end is coming soon and not being able to do anything about it. Wouldn’t you rather eat a fresh bird that has led a happy life, free to roam and scratch at will and when it has to end that end comes quickly, Read the rest of this entry »
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