Mar1

Easy-Peasy Choccie Croissants !

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On days when we don’t have to rush out the house at the crack of dawn, and we’ve lazed in bed for a little longer maybe reading the papers, catching up on a chapter or two, or more likely than not,  thumbs going ten to the dozen on our phones, keeping  abreast of what’s gone down in the night on the world of social media.  I like to treat the family to something yummy for breakfast, well a late breakfast, nothing that’s going to take ages to prepare, but something that will fill the house with delicious fresh baking perfume.

Scouring the fridge and cupboards…what have I got ?…A bar of chocolate and some puff pastry…Well there it is then.

Easy peasy choccie croissants .

There is not really a recipe of such, just a method, rolling out, cutting, and folding.

  • Roll out a sheet of puff pastry, and cut into 6 squares.
  • Cut each square into a triangle.
  • Place a chunk of your favourite chocolate in the centre of each triangle.
  • Roll up and twist to create a moon shape.
  • Bake in the oven at 200c for about 20 mins, until risen and golden.
  • Remove and pop on plate, and dust with a little icing sugar.

Enjoy while warm from the oven.

Feb27

Stuffing !

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Nothing beats the smell, of a roast cooking, it sort of clarifies it is Sunday to me, lets me breathe a sigh of relief, a day of rest and recuperation. A day I don’t need to feel guilty, if I read, sit, stare and look.  Don’t get me wrong, there are still jobs I must attend to..but for some reason on a Sunday they don’t feel like chores.

Preparing the veggies, and accompaniments is a family affair.  my OH peeling potatoes.  I DON’T DO potatoes, well I dislike peeling them.  Little Nell, slices the Runner Beans, with our handy slicer.  No 1 son, whisks up the Yorkshire Pudding batter, nobody makes Yorkshires like him…of course I’ve taught him all he knows.  No 1 daughter isn’t to keen to come into the kitchen, well when I’m in there anyway…not that I’m controlling or anything…but it is MY domain.  So she uses her creative talents, to lay the table, picking flowers from the our mountain and garden at La Rosilla, and setting place names…even though we always sit in the same space, but these little touches, always gives us our Sunday sense of occasion.  Family togetherness, memories and traditions.

 

One thing we do like to make for our lunch, is home-made stuffing, just some much tastier, healthier and delicious, than the packet type, of dried unrecognisable contents.  It’s so easy too, and all with ingredients we often have at home.  There is no hard and fast recipe to stick too, but this one I’ve made up is fab.

LEMON & HERB STUFFING.

  • 2 Good handfulls of fresh breadcrumbs,
  • mixed with the zest of 1 lemon ,
  • a handfull of fresh chopped herbs from the garden –  I used Thyme, Oregano, Parsley, Sage & rosemary.
  • Add 1 finely chopped onion and garlic that has been sauteed in a little butter until softened.
  • Add a few chopped walnuts.
  • Mix in one egg to bind slightly.  then season generously.
  • Pop in  a oven proof dish , and bake for 20 mins.

Enjoy with any roast meat, and also great eaten cold, for lunch the next day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feb18

Friday flowers and flapjacks !

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After a morning, of head down, eyes look in on my laptop, together with mundane chores, and day to day drudgery, as the sun shone and crept its way to the window, I realised life was beyond the humdrum of my dull day. So I stopped, tea in hand, and went and looked at my view. Now it is a view to die for at La Rosilla, and it works , going to look a the view, it puts a spring back in my step, when the sky is blue, the sun smiling and the scent on the breeze is sweet as honey.

So I needed a little more ‘Spring’ in my life today, I needed to shut out the things trying to get me down. So I picked tiny ‘Narcissi’ that had emerged to say hello, and popped them in my favourite cup and saucer, to give a cheery look, like petite pretty dancers, with tutus of gold.

Hyacinths, in fuchsia, bold and balmy with essence and fragrance, and lavenders, with a spice and sweetness, to calm and restore.

Little jugs of blooms, can’t fail but to bring a smile to your face.

Feeling a little restored, I needed to bake, and give us our daily bread.

So flour, yeast, seeds and herbs in hand, I kneeded and shaped my dough, and placed it in the warmth of that sun that had crept through the window, to grow and rise. Poppy seed, Rosemary and Walnut loaf, to be enjoyed fresh from the oven, with a ripe fresh goats cheese, and caramelized onion chutney.

Now just a little sweetness needed, to welcome my brood home. A family favourite recipe Natural oaty goodness of Flapjacks, unctuous mixture, good enough to eat, added a zest of a fresh picked orange, and baked for just 30 mins, to golden. Left to sit until set, but comfortingly gooey, until tiny fingers and grubby hands could wait no more. “One more please Mum” “Well they are healthy, they’ve got oats in”

Well why not it is Friday ! Enjoy yours x

So easy to make, just measure, melt and mix !

250 grams Butter

250 grams of Golden or Demerara sugar

175 grams of Golden Syrup

Melt above in the microwave for 2 mins.

Then stir in 500 grams of oats, and the zest of 1 hand picked orange (optional)

Tip into a lined baking tin, bake for 30 mins on 180 c until golden. Let sit in tin to cool slightly then mark into squares…and don’t eat them too quickly.


Feb12

My journey to living the dream !

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SIMPLY SOLANO – PART I

How magic it is when you find something, you’d forgotten about, something you’d tucked away, done nothing with, Well this has just happened to me, searching through my book case, looking for cooking inspiration as per usual…There it was.

I Recognise that cover, that scrap book..It was my journal of the Start of my “new life” in Spain Living the dream…Oh what a fascinating read…how little I knew, how naïve I was. But hey that naivety, has allowed me to live my life, oh yes there’s been ups and downs, but still sitting here I feel I can now tell the tale..

 


So I thought I’d share a few excerpts with you over time….

I call it

‘Simply Solano’

29th May 2005

2am – Harbury Warwickshire – Cold and tired, I stand a wave and anxious husband on his epic journey across Europe for the start of his new life, oh and ours but ours starts in a few days time.

Fully laddened, with more things than of course necessary, with our Shiny new trailer on tow, stuffed to the gunnels, well you never know what you may need. Dad following behind, with microwave as his passenger. They travel just for 50 meters than a huge bang ! Car at a standstill, I bound as boundy as I can, in nightdress, slippers and no bra to his aid ! The stabilising bar of the trailer had snapped off – GREAT – Unditured they set-off once more, until the next timely mishap.

I feel surreal ! He’s gone, I’m here should it begin like this ???

 

5.30am Run out of petrol !

7.00am ferry Dover – Calais

500 Miles later Tours France Overnight.

 

Monday – Tyre BLOW OUT

500 Miles later – Burgos overnight.

 

Tuesday – Madrid the ‘frying pan’ – No windscreen wipers

Sierra Nevada – Pulling trailer – 1st Gear all the way – HOLY SPIRIT FELT

Dusk-  arrived COLMENAR .

1st June

4.30am- I think I’m ready, well it’s too late now. I just need to get there. 3 sleepy children, unaware of the extent of what’s to come, pile into my brothers landy (a supporting shoulder for my Mum) – To Birmingham airport,

Adios Inglaterra – Hasta Luego.

It was a wrench to leave my Mum, she seemed alone so hollow, she’s been so great, supportive, patient, generous and strong – I shall miss her terribly.

Customs – Baby Emily (No 1 daughters Doll) got hauled, seemed a dubious weight – I tried to explain she was meant to be heavy, she was ‘lifelike’ – They didn’t seemed to be impressed, heard it all before I guess. No 1 daughter certainly wasn’t, totally mortified was an understatement – Finally after much scrutiny, baby Emily was recovered, we went on.

The flight – oh how enjoyable, don’t you just love flying with children, or is it just other passengers facial expressions, when they see 1 Mum and 3 kids sitting by them !! So 4 of us, 3 seats, baby on lap – Need I say more ?

Malaga arrivals, no trollies, no assistance, very hot – HELP

Dad and OH waiting – Where’s my airport running “movie style’ welcome ???

 

Happy to arrive – Sun’s shining on our faces…

Bring on the Vino .

 

 

 

 

Feb10

Pot full of goodness !

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I needed to go food shopping, restock, fill the cupboards, so when I opened them they would be full of inspiration, bursting with goodies, little gems, just waiting to be created into something yummy. But today was not the day to go shopping, well I’m mean I couldn’t, logistics, chores, lack of enthusiasm were all upon me.


So I knew this meant, concoct, dream up and devise from the ingredients I had, normally more than I imagine, always one to like a full larder and all that. A ‘bit of this and a bit of that ‘ supper…or as I like to call it, to the moans and groans of my family…

 

A pot full of goodness !

This generally consists of vegetables, herbs, stock, maybe a little left over meat from a roast, if I’m lucky and rich earthy lentils …That’s the part that brings on the moans and the groans.

 

So today was no different, and I’d like to share my pot full of goodness with you, feel free to amend, add, substitute anything , I’m sure you have your own pot full of goodness anyway..Go on share it !

 

 

Ingredients & Method

 

Any veg lurking in the fridge, chopped small.

I used – Carrots, celery, onion and garlic & sweet potato.

Pan fry in a large saucepan or casserole to make a sofrito, in a little olive oil.

Add your chosen cooked meat, for me the last remnants of my Christmas jamon, rich and tasty.

Then stir in Green Lentils (puy) or Lentejas Pardina in Spain, usually I put in, a cup per person and one for luck. Stir till they’re all coated with oil.

Add garden herbs, rosemary, thyme, sage all good.

Then add enough veg stock to cover.

I like to tuck in the old rind of a Parmesan, add the bottom which adds a creamy richness.

Let bubble away, enjoy the aromas..

Then serve, in warm bowls, with hunks of bread, a drizzle of Olive Oil, and a sprinkle of herbs.

Enjoy the quietness that prevails, as everyone, even the little protesters absorb the goodness.

 

 

 

 

Feb2

Mi Casa es tu Casa !

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Creating and hosting events, is one of my favourite pastimes, all the little extras, the finishing touches, I believe help create the perfect setting.  I was fortunate this week to be asked to plan and host a ‘Special’ dinner at La Rosilla, for a clients 50th Birthday, 10 guests were to arrive, and be treated to an evening full of fine food and wine, in the intimate setting of the cosy lounge, this was a true

‘Mi Casa es Tu Casa’ event.

I decorated the room with the most fragrant Mimosa, picked from the mountain, like luminous plumes of the most exotic bird, Place settings were garnished with Lavender, and Almond Blossom adorned the table, the air was perfumed with the natural aromas, of a Spanish Spring.  The entrance was lit by flickering candle light, leading the way to a night of revelry and indulgence.  The roaring fire, created the glow and warmth for a wonderful welcome.

A menu of comforting dishes was served, after canapés of Spiced Roasted red pepper dip ,and Thai Galloping Horses were enjoyed with chilled Bollinger champagne.  The finest Spanish Wines were quaffed, deep ruby reds of Ribera del Duero & Rioja, and White Albariño from Rías Baixas the colour of honey.

After deserts of  “To die for bannoffi pudding “and “Vegan Chocolate Orange cake”  Cheeses of every style, along with figs, apricots, passion fruits, walnuts and cape gooseberries, were presented to groans of “I can’t possibly eat anymore” but were eaten with delight, whilst sipping the obligatory port passed from the left.

A night of merriment and memories was had by all, and dreams of more wonderful La Rosilla evenings to come.

Thai Galloping Horses

A refreshing and piquant canapé , that looks impressive to be served with Pre-dinner drinks.

  • Pan fry 1 onion finely sliced, until dark brown in a little oil
  • add 1 tbsp of dark brown sugar, 1 tbsp of peanut butter, 1 tbsp of Soy Sauce,
  • heat until thick and glossy, then leave to cool.
  • Cut a fresh pineapple into dice of about 1 inch, and top with a tsp of the cooled onion mixture.
  • top with a sliver of red chilli, a coriander leaf and a squeeze of lime.
Jan28

Soup for the Soul Spanish Style !

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I was totally prepared this morning, for my day at the 19th Hole, I knew it would be wet and windy, and the cold would chill me to the bone, so I packed up my healthy lunch, filled my flask with homemade soup , grabbed a mandarina from the fruit bowl and  I was off.

On arrival my other half quickly dispatched me from the van, gave me my days instructions for work, and sped off, with my knapsack and lunch in tow !

I’ve been on a healthy eating regime now for 3 weeks, and it’s going great guns, so there was no way I wanted to sabotage my attempts, by consuming the snack bars chocolates and crisps that when you pop you cant stop ! But as the day progressed the faint rumbling of my tummy was becoming louder and my will power to deny myself of tempting treats was waning,

But low and behold, a rather wet looking Golf Pro, must have read my mind, or maybe my facebook and came up trumps, and delivered unto me, a steaming most delicious bowl of ‘Sopa de Picadillo’  The Spanish version of Chicken soup for the soul.

So I hid myself awWild Mintay, in my little hidey hole of the office, with Soup in hand, a squeeze of lemon from a lemon picked from the tree outside, a sprig of mint taken wild from the flora on the golf course, and I sat and devoured the warming, comforting and filling soup.

Sopa de picadillo, like many ancient, and family recipes that are passed down, taught and shared, have many guises, but this is my favourite…I hope you enjoy it,  a squeeze of lemon for me, adds a piquant touch and a little more vitamin C.

Sop de Picadillo

Sopa de picadillo

For the stock:

1 chicken carcass (leave plenty of spare meat on the bones)
1 ham bone (leave plenty of spare meat on the bones)
4 leeks
3 celery stalks
1 medium-sized onion
Salt, pepper to taste

For the soup:

2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 large spring fresh mint, chopped

A squeeze of lemon

Heat enough water to cover the first 2 ingredients in a cooking pot and add the chicken bones, ham bone and onion, cut into large pieces.

Cover the pot and cook on a low heat for between 2 to 3 hours or 40 minutes in a pressure cooker.

After this time, remove from the heat, take the chicken out of the stock, de-bone it, then de-bone the ham and set aside.

Strain the stock through a strainer and also set aside. Place the strained stock in a pan and heat, and when it is hot, add the diced ham and chicken meat and remaining vegetables.

Cook on a medium heat for 25 minutes, then just before serving, add the hard boiled eggs and mint; warm briefly and serve.

Serves 4-6

Jan27

Nostalgic Food !

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Sometimes I like to use food to transport me in my mind, back to memorable occasions and places, most of my best memories involve food, in the most special locations, grand  in a majestic chateau or simple in a field full of wild

flowers and scents of summer. In times of greyness I sit and daydream, and try and re-create the tastes , flavours and feelings these moments left me with.

 

 

The mind and taste buds work very well together, one fine example, is to imagine picking a ripe, juicy shiny lemon off the tree, imagine, cutting it in half, smelling the freshness of the zest, then imagine taking a huge bite – bet your face is reacting to this thought and your mouth salivating, with the idea.

Fresh Lemon

Often some peoples best food memories, are nostalgic ones, food from childhood, from eras gone by, most probably totally out of fashion, or so last year, or even using ingredients, one might be ashamed of admitting to, combination’s that others would turn their nose up at and say “How could you?’

Well I’m using this opportunity to ‘fes up, I admit I’m the first to tell my children, “you can’t possibly have that on that, its just not right”, but I seem to have one rule for one and one rule for another, especially if  I’m involved.  I blame it on not knowing any better at a young age, or perhaps it was just expected in times gone by to allow children to do what they want with food, so long as they eat it !  So I admit, I do butter on my Weetabix, evaporated milk on my jelly, butterscotch instant whip and ketchup on my Chicken soup…I know don’t gasp in horror.  I have since grown up…maybe questionable, and cured myself of gaining any more bad habits, but I’m sorry those are just too deep rooted in my heart and soul and I LOVE THEM !

Jelly and Cream.

Oh and there’s one more, I’m even going to share the recipe, you’ll probably not try it..but it’s worth a go.  Pure comfort food in my mind, I reassure you it’s not on the Menu for guests at La Rosilla, but it’s on my dining table tonight, and just for me…My children will be saying ‘Now Mum that’s just wrong’ , it’s one dish I save for myself.

SSShhh secret Corned Beef Stew !

Ingredients :

1 x Tin of Corned beef.

1 Onion chopped.

2 Sticks of celery.

4 Potatoes chopped up, no need to peel.

3 carrots peeled and chopped.

1.5 litres of Homemade veg stock.

2 x bay leaf.

Fresh black pepper.

Method

In a large saucepan, bring the stock to boil, add carrots, potatoes ,celery and onion, simmer until tender.

Add the corned beef cut into chunks, and heat through.

Season with pepper, they’ll be enough salt.

Then serve…Try and enjoy.

Bring on supper time, and transport me back to my youth.

For more delicious, and I really mean it recipes take a look at La Rosillas Home Made recipes.

 

Why not share some of your childhood food memories, or strange and delightful favourite dishes.

Jan26

Just a taster of things to come !

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From one extreme to another, Spring last week was dangled to us like a carrot on the end of piece of string, clear skies, taste of warmer climes to come, giving a general feeling of well-being and positiveness.  Then as predicted, our revelry of that moment was short-lived, and the winds changed, the temperatures dropped, and our thermals were located once more.

 

The diversity of nature, the juxta pose of natural things, makes you wonder how on earth !  Blossom can bloom on trees with snow-covered branches, seedlings can shoot through ice-cold earth , lemons can hang and ripen, teasing the taste buds…maybe natures way to give hope and promise of brighter times.

Mountain living, exposes you to all these miracles, I often say “We live in the weather’ In the billowing clouds, in the heaviest rains, in the hottest heat and the brightest sun , in the howling winds and with the bluest skies.  Often periods of relentless weather, but just a chink, just one small change is all takes to lighten the load, to boost the morale and put a dance in your step.

So just this spell, this little glitch of natures way, to say, hey don’t get ahead of your game,  I’ll tuck my seedlings up at night, under their soft fleece.  We’ll hunt and gather, some more fuel for the fire, Gathering winter fuel I’ll make comforting food to feed our souls, we’ll light our candles for that calming glow, and we’ll sleep cocooned under the worlds blankets,

with our noses so cold and our bed socks on,  ..dreaming of …………………………

 

Jan24

Wonder of nature !

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As I logged on this morning, I was pleasantly informed today was ‘Black Monday’, oh joy of all joys, what a great way to start the day, with a positive mental attitude and all that ???

So I thought well, I’m going to prove them wrong.  Often we are all guilty of focusing on the negative, sure we’ve all got challenges, and somedays they do get on top of us, and we wish we were someplace else, or somebody else, but do we ever take stock and have a look at what we have got ?

Don’t get me wrong I’m not some highly charged P.M.A Rhino, and I’ve had my fair share of momentary lapses in life, but today NOT today, today is a good day.
Wild lavender
Looking over my land to the Montes of Malaga, the mountain has become alive, with growing flourishing nature. Plants and trees have been fed plentiful waters from the rain, and daytime temperatures have been lovely and warn allowing them to stretch and warm the faces in the sunshine.  Almond blossom buds, are bursting open, and filling the air with soft sweet perfume, which fills minds and hearts with memories and thoughts of the soon coming spring.

With sun shining and faultless skies, the campo becomes a hive of activity,Olives being harvested, lands being ploughed.

For me preparation of the vegetable garden for the La Rosilla kitchen, and the resurrection of La Rosilla ‘Peckingham Palace” home for happy hens. Our previous hen house has laid dormant for a year or so, after Mr Fox, decided to pay a visit, hopefully now it is Fox and dog proof, and we can enjoy lovely fresh organic free range eggs once more for all our homemade recipes.

I’ve planted out, many varieties of lettuce, and fennel, and peas for their shoots, terribly trendy at the moment, but look totally fab in salads.

When we arrived at La Rosilla 6 years ago, I said I would walk to the end of my land, and sit,wonder, savour and breathe, each day…how life gets in the way.  Well yesterday I did,  making my way the shrubbery and overgrown mountain side, scrambling over rocks, and winding through olive trees, accompanied by my ever loyal Spaniel ‘Spencer’ , as my legs brushed the wild lavenders and rosemary the scent was amazing, like pure essential oils, orchids were bathing in the sun, and eagles were flying high in the thermals. I reached my pondering rock, feeling like miles from anyway, on top of the world…that’s when I thought, Yes this is why I’m here…