Category Archives: Life Style Spain

Mar19

Teasing tasters.

Posted on by
Standard

Seems the weather keeps teasing us and giving us a taste of what’s to come – A day of glorious sunshine in between the dull & rain, is enough to lift the spirits , time to fling open the windows, lunch alfresco and the drudgery of the daily homework routine somehow seems all more bearable done in the afternoon sun.

Yesterday we we’re singing with the birds, everyone was cheery, flowers were picked to add a springtime bloom and the children gathered their boots & walking sticks and returned once more to their Swallows and Amazons lifestyle, trekking and exploring their mountainside with dogs & cats in tow.

My main vegetable patch is in need of resurrection, I’m trying to build the enthusiasm to to tackle it head on, what I have done, is create a little mini herb & salad patch in the border at the back of my house, just by the kitchen door & yesterday we enjoyed our first pickings of leaves & herbs & edible flowers in a fresh green salad.

salad leaves from La rosilla

We are down to one hen at the moment 😦 but soon her new friends will be arriving, I think she is enjoying eating solo and not having to share, and bless her she lays an egg everyday for us, good job really, as I often start a recipe or dish and then think …’bloody hell’ have I got any eggs ? . Yesterday was no exception, scouring the fridge for inspiration & decided to rustle up a red cabbage slaw, Oh no no mayo,- no worries I’ll just whip some up – Oh no, no eggs – Off to Henny Penny I trudged , she hadn’t let me down.

Today we’re back to wet & grey, with even talk of a ‘Red’ alert on weather warnings !  So I’m feeling the need for comfort food and sharing.  Luckily this afternoon is my ‘Book Club’ and we going to chat about The Kasmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas , a tale of The Raj, Colonial India & Wales, so I’ve baked a spiced Tea Bread & Victoria Sponge, hopefully sweet tastes to match the beautiful tale.

The Kashmir Shawl

SPICED TEA BREAD RECIPE

250 gr of Sultanas soaked in 300ml of cold tea, leave overnight.

 I use a Moroccan tea, flavoured with cinnamon, chicory, liquorice, orange & mint.

Mix with :

2 beaten eggs

250 gr of SR flour

200 gr of Brown sugar

2 tsp of mixed spice

Stir well together – then pour into a lined 2lb loaf tin – bake at 175 c – for 1 hour until risen and dark golden.

Spiced Tea Bread recipe from La Rosilla.

Enjoy with butter and jam and of course a lovely cup of tea.

 

 

Mar4

Squash & za’atar soup

Posted on by
Standard

Wet day, start of the week – something wholesome needed ….SOUP.

This must be one of the easiest soups to make…

Butternut & za’atar soup.

1 whole butternut squash – cut into chunks, do not peel.

2 x onions cut into wedges

1 ltr veg stock

Juice of an orange

sprinkle of Za’atar

sprinkle of cumin seeds

Olive oil

freshly ground salt & pepper

Roasting butternut squash

On a baking tray, put the squash & onion drizzle with Olive oil, and sprinkle with Za’atar. cumin , salt & pepper, roast for 30 – 45 mins in oven 180 c.

Once roasted, put in a saucepan add veg stock, and blend skin & all  – add orange juice, adjust seasoning, heat through gently.

To serve, I like to add a handful of rocket leaves, a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a slice of lemon to squeeze.

Squash & za'atar soup

*Za’atar is a Middle eastern spice mix – each family often have their own recipe but most include, sesame seeds, salt, oregano, thyme & sumac .

It is also lovely mixed with Olive oil & vinegar for a salad dressing, or sprinkled on hot bread drizzled with olive oil.

 

 

 

Mar4

Getting creative with mosaics !

Posted on by
Standard

I love to make the most of events & things to do on our doorstep, well there’s nothing much on our doorstep so to speak except, views of mountains & hundreds of olive & almond trees, lovely I know , but still great to explore.  So Saturday, Little Noo & I were very excited and looking forward to an afternoon, getting creative with mosaics, offered by the wonderful Sue at La Vaqueria, in the nearby town of  Benarmagosa.

Sue is so ‘Crafty’ in the artistic sense of the word, and over the years, my children have enjoyed many a day, getting down & dirty with paint, glitter, clay and other arty mediums, with Sue, but this time, I thought I would have a go.  Now I’m creative on a plate &  interiors, but hands-on art is not my natural ability.

La Vaquerias, new Mosaic afternoon was fabulous, Sue explained the techniques & demonstrated what to do, gave us helpful advice, but then let our creative juices flow.  Time flew by as we were nibbling, with snippers I hastened to add & cutting tiles, laughing with others, and creating our masterpieces.

Mosaic at La Vaqueria

Afternoon tea was served, a delicious spinach blue cheese tart, potato salad & coleslaw, followed by a to die for Lemon Drizzle.

Two hands definitely made light work  for Little Noo & I , and our mosaic stepping stone, apart from grouting was finished.

We hope to return soon, when we may be able to step up to the Non-beginners class, now that will be something 😉

 

 

 

 

 

Feb11

What a difference a day makes !

Posted on by
Standard

I think this must be the windiest winter on record, well it’s certainly the windiest we’ve experienced living on the mountain.  In fact in the 8 years we’ve lived here , we’ve lived through many weather records, the hottest summer, the wettest Autumn, the driest winter, Snow first time in 80 years .. we call it living in extremes, or all weathers.

The skies have been so clear and blue this winter, and on most days we can see the snow topped mountains of Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean  sea – journeys to the coast afford views of Africa, and its Moorish headlands.  The wind though has paid it’s price, this morning hiking up the mount to the meet the school bus, I had to hold on to my little daughter as she was almost blown away, we sheltered in a nook from the howling wind, olives that have not yet been picked were hurtling through the air like missiles.  As soon as it comes though it subsides, and calm prevails once more.

Yesterday we were able to to enjoy a feast with friends alfresco, with ‘Secreto Iberico‘ on the barby and a huge terracotta dish piled high with ‘patatas a lo pobre‘ , along with herb salad and the first nasturtium flowers of the season, and a giant loaf of rye soda-bread to mop up juices. A day in the fresh air, rosie cheeks, full bellies, and then a night in front of the fire, with a trifle to boot 😉

Today the wind is back, and the temperature has dropped, so the home fires are burning and warming comfort food is needed – Albondigas are bubbling away, and a tray of luscious Oatie, fruit & nut flapjacks have been made to enjoy with a little camomile & honey tea.

What a difference a day makes, but it keeps us on our toes, and makes us make the most of all weathers.

Here I share my recipe for a very large tray of Oatie, fruit & nut flapjacks.

Oaty,fruit & nut traybake

2 oranges – zested & juiced

1 lemon – zested & juiced

200 gr Sultanas

400 gr butter

200 gr Brown sugar

200 gr Golden syrup

200 gr Plain flour

500 gr Oats

200 gr pine nuts

  • Put juice, zest of fruits & sultanas in a saucepan and heat gently, for the sultanas to plum up – for about 5 mins.
  • Add butter , syrup & sugar to the pan and heat gently until all melted.
  • In large bowl put flour, oats & nuts, mix then add melted mixture, stir well until thoroughly mixed.
  • Pour mixture into a large lined baking tray and bake in oven 160 c for 25 mins until golden
  • Cut into squares whilst warm then allow cool.

 

 

 

Jan28

Off to Almachar

Posted on by
Standard

We were of to Almachar, my ‘Views from the Hills‘ group, were in for a treat.  A chance to explore a neighbouring village up in the mountains, not quite on most of our doorsteps, and definitely off the beaten track, the ‘Pueblo blanco’ of Almachar .

We all met at Meson Punto Europa a Venta/Bar now being run by one of our members Catherine, we were greeted by a huge log fire, hot coffee & home made cakes.  New ladies were welcomed before we were led on a guided tour around the wonderful village.  Steep hills, cobbled streets, and views to afar, sun shining – perfect.

Views from the hills Alamchar

Almachar is famous for its vines and grapes are collected and dried to make Sultanas / pasas, it is an ancient algricultural method which is still in practise today.  a rustic and quaint museum explains the process, and displays beautifully, a typical village house.

views from the Hills visit to Almachar

The cold air, and brisk walk, built our appetites, so we returned to the Venta, for a delicious and wholesome lunch of Harira Soup, and a tipple or two of local wine.

Almachar - Views from the hills lunch

 

A great start to the week, blew away the cobwebs, and confirmed once more exploring with friends, makes memory moments.

 

 

 

Jan8

Bursting with life – well I want to be.

Posted on by
Standard

The mountain really is bursting to life, bringing in the new year with a flourish.  Blossom of the softest baby pinks and creamy whites are dressing the montes, giving the illusion of snow covered hillsides, the sweet perfumed blooms are enjoying the warmth of the sun.  The clearest and brightest blue skies allow vistas for miles, with sea and snow veiled sierras in the same view.

Daisies & passionflowers juxtaposed, but with beauty comes green in it’s masses, green in the way of weeds…and weeding I have not got around to yet.  Unlike the mountain I’m not bursting with life, I want to be, my mind is ready but waiting for the body to follow.

Unfortunately I’ve succumbed to the dreaded cold/flu virus that is stubbornly holding on to me.  Now I’ve had enough, and I’m going to follow that ancient pearl of wisdom, “Feed a cold & starve a fever“, dosing myself up as my mother would say, with comforting ,wholesome & hearty dishes, and drinks to warm and soothe.

Leftovers from the festive time, are still being put to good use, to make bowls of Sopa de picadillo & Creme of brocoli with stilton & jamon.  I’ve been and purchased some local honey, made from the bees of Colmenar, picked some lemons off my tree, & added a touch of cinnamon and topped up with hot water to soothe my throat and give me a boost of Vitamin C.

Colmenar honey

Tastes & perfume from the mountains

Tonight is a last ditch attempt to shift my bug, with a super hot curry full of vegetables, courgettes, peppers, mushrooms & butternut squash and cooked by my OH, so that makes it even better.

I hope to back on full form soon, so I can enjoy what nature has to offer, a mild winter and what I came here for, the sunshine.

Dec28

Home-made Ho,Ho,Ho !

Posted on by
Standard

Frugal but fabulous, was the theme for our festive bash for my wonderful ladies group ‘View from the Hills‘.  Secret santas of home-made gifts, gave a novel spin to our evening, Blue Peter and double sided tape, I knew were the first thoughts many of the ladies had, but they’re a crafty & talented group and each of us was rewarded by a  beautiful gift thoughtfully created.

Jams, chutneys, dried chilli hangings, terracotta tree ornaments , melting moments, candles to name a few.

La Rosilla ladies group

Sharing supper

La Rosilla ladies group

Merry making

Views form the hills

Spectacular Casa Cuscurro

Roaring log fire, merry music and delicious delights, along with mirthful mulled wine to die for, were shared in the wonderful atmosphere of Casa Cuscurro .

Chat of past adventures and plans for our New Year escapades and events flowed , why not join us next time ?

 

 

 

 

 

Dec18

The Next Big Thing !

Posted on by
Standard

The Next Big Thing is a huge round-robin initiative of writers, bloggers, authors and journalists who share what they are embarking on next. The format is a set of questions, which can be varied depending on whether the current baton-holder is an author of books, or an online blogger.

I was passed the baton by Tamara Essex a new friend of mine, who I met after reading her wonderful blog ‘A foot in two Camps’ based around her life spread between rural England and rural Andalucia.  When I  first read Tamaras blog posts about my local town Colmenar in the montes of Malaga, they had me chuckling to myself.  I think it is great to see & read another fellows perspective on our life here, albeit if she is a ‘Townie’ 😉

So this is me @lynzinthesun, blogger, recipe writer, cookery & culture class giver,  local book club  & ‘ Views from the hills‘ ladies group founder . Phew, no wonder my life is manic !

I will be passing the baton on to two great virtual friends of mine, who have kept me inspired, supported & amused with their tales from their corners Andalucia & who I very much hope to meet in the flesh in 2013 !

Here are my questions & answers ;

What is the working title of your project? I blog at La Rosilla lifestyle & food , writings and tales of our family life, in our rural Finca on a mountain in Andalucia. I like to think of it as a harmony between food & nature.

Where did the idea come from?

I started writing a personal diary from the day we left Blighty ,lock, stock & barrel.  Many friends said ‘Lynz you should write a book’ but I thought they are two a penny now.  Although Driving over lemons &  A parrot in a pepper tree had inspired & whet my appetite  to take the plunge into a new life , I wasn’t sure our roller-coaster of a Spanish life would fit into a book, so I took to blogging instead.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your blog?

Life on a mountain in Spain, experiences, memory moments & food, glorious food.

How long do you spend writing posts for your blog?

I seem to be forever online, researching, tweeting but actually writing I think probably 2 hours a week.  I enjoy the time, it makes me reflect on what we’ve done as a family, and also makes me grateful of what we have achieved or experienced.  I try to keep my blog as positive as possible, and at times when things get too much, I can loose myself in writing.

To what book would you compare your blog?

Not sure about a book ; for my children it would be ‘Swallows & Amazons’, the tales I write about them, and the wonderful things they get up to on the mountain, sure give them a life of adventure.  For me, probably a T.V series ‘The good life’ I live a life of cross between Margot & Barbara , we’ve done the pigs, allotment, self sufficiency, but I do like a glass of bubbles in my hand 😉

Who or what inspires you to write?

I never take for granted my view or breathtaking location I live in , day to  day happenings inspire me to write.  Nature, plants, the weather, fiestas, traditions & lifes happenings – Just this morning, on a December day crisp & bright the bees are buzzing and busy collecting honey from our Passifloras & the Cooker repair man is busy in the kitchen doing the necessary to ensure the La Rosilla kitchen stays open at the vital time – Real life !

La Rosilla Terrace Dining

What is on your agenda in the next month or two?

My eldest daughter arrives home tomorrow for Christmas, so we will be together as a family – Can’t wait.  I’ll be cooking away, for guests and clients, busy with my Christmas orders for Buche Noel & shortbread .  As the New Year arrives, keeping warm is always high on the agenda, it gets cold up in these hills…I am planning new dates for my cookery & culture days & supperclub events.

What is your dream of a next big thing?

My Next Big Thing, is work in progress, I am slowly writing, compiling & planning my own cook book, which will be a compilation of recipes from family, friends and guests to La Rosilla. Favourite dishes, full of traditions & tales, from all over the world – the title ‘DELISH’ .

Well I need to get baking, so I’ll pass my baton on to two wonderful ladies;

Carole Byrne who writes a great blog Further south of Granada .  Carol keeps me entertained with her tales of even higher up rural Spanish life than me, way up in the Alpujarras.

Ann Larson is an extraordinarily busy lady, who writes about her life in Yunquera on her Olive farm, here she grows all her own vegetables, herbs & olives, which she uses to make the most beautiful natural products called Lujos.  Both ladies like me experience, all areas of Spanish life, warts and all.

So from my NEXT BIG THING to yours – Buen Provecho 🙂

 

 

 

 

Dec6

What a week that was !

Posted on by
Standard

Whistle stop tours are always my itinerary style whilst visiting the U.K, so many places to go, people to see..but I love it !

My week just gone, was spent doing all that I love, working with food, networking with like-minded people, visiting friends, eating, drinking and not much sleeping .

First port of call, Warwickshire where my dear friend Caroline of Pink Jelly Marketing, hosted my first few days of stay.  We visited the breathtaking Compton Verney, for a night of inspirational talks, held by the Federation of Small Businesses – the highlight of the night for me, was the amusing and uplifting presentation given by Mask – arade, the business the Dragons Den poo poo’d that now is flying high, and their celebrity masks are gracing many a party, event, function & worldwide stage . Generously we were given masks to take home, which became a talking point of my week, and created family parties that would be talked about for many a year to come.

Sharon Osborne Mask arade

Jordan Darcey Olly Murs, Russel & Bruce

I was dined in style at The Arden Hotel in Stratford, the decor was divine,  along with my favourite tipple ‘Sancerre’ the food was amazing – my taste-buds were well and truly tickled, Scallops to start and pork belly to follow to finish a fragipane & fig tart – Delicioso.  We had the most attentive waitress, who to kept us entertained without being intrusive.

El Greco, the new Greek restaurant in Stratford -upon- Avon was enjoyed on a very chilly night, Flare the owner was gregarious and welcoming, here we enjoyed a vast meze and wonderful Mediterranean  flavours – A fabulous location for  a private party too, and the loos were spectacular 😉

The main event for me was the working part of my trip, at The BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham, it was so good to be amongst so many ‘Foodies’ producers, chefs & celebrities.  My home was on the Gower Cottage Brownies stand, hectic, manic sometimes but great fun, brownies to die for.  I was alongside Tim Kinnaird (masterchef) and his beautiful Macarons & more .  The most delectable macarons of all shades & flavours artfully displayed and presented.  Aching feet and backs were soothed by foodie trades & tipples a many, thank-goodness I wasn’t driving 😉

Gower Cottage Brownies

I was given a Masterchef cook book to add to my collection, signed by all Masterchefs & celebs, which will be pride of place on my shelf. I also had chance to Tweetup with fellow Supperclubber Kerstins Kitchen .

Supperclub Kerstins Kitchen

Work over – Friends & family time, 2 Christmas dinners, sprouts a plenty, girly get together, dancing on the ceiling, no kidding , cinema for the final Twilight , hair of the dog most days – Laughs, little sleep and a very early morning flight home – Fabulous.

Now back to reality and preparing for my final Supperclub of the season tomorrow, Buche Noel baked and shopping done just (forgot today was bank holiday !)

Buche Noel - Yule log

Looking forward to getting organised for (C) still going into a panic when I say the word, oh & a lie in at the week-end to try to catch up on my beauty sleep, boy it’s needed.

 

 

Nov26

Bite me ;)

Posted on by
Standard

Military operation in full scale, well that’s what it feels like, preparing to leave the family, home & business to return to Blighty for a week of work, rest & play .

To do lists have been written, who’s got to be where when lists, cheerio cards penned, I like to leave a note under everyone’s pillow so that find it when they get tucked up at night , advent calendars left, how organized am I ? even though I have succumbed to buying one full of chocs, which will be to my childrens delight, but not my thing, I like TRADITIONAL !

Homely early supper of bubble & squeak will be enjoyed together, before one tackles my ablutions, amazing what you do when you’re going away 😉 Can’t let my friends think life on the mountain is turning me grey !

Then I’ll be off for a week in heaven, kindly organised by my wonderful friend Caroline, who will be feeding & watering me, mentoring and boosting me up, we’ll network Pink Jelly style, got to spread the La Rosilla love 😉 , chat and laugh no end .

Work will be at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC in Birmingham, where I will be on Elf duty for Kate and her amazing Gower Cottage Brownies – Yes I know a rather bonny Elf, but not literally I’m pleased to add, even if it might be nearly Christmas, even though I do have to wear a polo saying  ‘ BITE ME ‘ !!!

Here I’ll be in my element amongst food providers, chefs, culinary & gourmet delights. I’m tweeting up with my other ‘Foodie’ and ‘Supperclub’ friends & followers, who then wonderfully will be no longer virtual.  One even said ‘How will I recognise you ? oh I know by your cake ‘ !!! Mustn’t forget my lippy then 😉

la Rosilla Birthday Cake

The week-end is planned to the hilt, with feasting & merriment, a trip to Rose Cottage for supper with the girls including my number 1 daughter, traveling up to meet her Mama, how grown up, full of twinkly lights, hearts, bunting & of course a little vino.  Before heading to Bramble, home of my Ma & Pa for early Crimble with the family .

Things I’m looking forward to that I miss on the mountain, in no particular order 😉  – Carpet, heating, Sancerre, my mates, ginger wine, food magazines, walking to the shop, to the pub & to church and back to the pub again 😉