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.
Food and Drink Pairing
Honey Roasted Vegetables with Red Pepper Houmous
Honey Roasted Vegetables with Red Pepper Houmous. I was very lucky to be given some locally grown vegetables a couple of weeks ago. A colleague was going away and gave me amongst other things beetroot and fennel. We are so lucky to have a wealth of fruit, vegetables, herbs and salads produced on island. Eating seasonal, locally sourced food is good news for several important reasons. It is more flavourful and nutritious due to the short time between harvest and you buying it. This is because there is less time for the nutrients to break down.
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…