Panzanella – A taste of Summer in a bowl. I found that there was so much to take away from researching Panzanella. I feel that I could almost write a book. For example, I didn’t know that originally the tomato was thought to be poisonous. Consequently, on its introduction to Europe it was grown as an ornamental plant. In fact, tomatoes were only introduced to the Panzanella in the nineteen hundreds. Panzanella is an example of Italian cucina povera or ‘food of the poor’. This a frugal style of cooking making the most of every ingredient.
Classic Dishes
Summer Fruit Pavlova
Summer Fruit Pavlova. It’s peak strawberry season; tennis rackets are in full swing at Wimbledon. But even if the weather isn’t playing ball. Excuse the tennis pun. I thought it would be nice to write about one of my family’s favourite desserts. Pavlova, a big pile of meringue with an icky-sticky marshmallow-like centre. Piled up with whipped cream and topped with fruit. For more birthday celebrations than I can remember a huge Pavlova is always my mum’s go-to show-stopping dessert.
Gambas al Ajillo – Spanish Garlic Prawn Tapas
Gambas al Ajillo – Spanish Garlic Prawn Tapas. Gambas al Ajilo is an iconic tapas recipe originally from Madrid. They are traditionally made and served in small earthenware dishes called cazuelita de barro. The list of ingredients is small. Prawns and the best quality Spanish olive oil you can afford. Some garlic, parsley, a splash of white wine and a couple of spices. While simple to make the flavours combine in a way that will have you wanting to lick the dish.
Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese – A little bit of Luxury
Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese – A little bit of Luxury. You may like me probably think of the dish Macaroni Cheese as almost as American as apple pie. Indeed, Thomas Jefferson was recorded as an early fan. However, you would be surprised to learn it was early English immigrant settlers who most likely first imported…