Garlic and Parsley Lamb Chops with Smoked Almond Crust
Smoked Spanish almonds from E & A Gispert, master roaster in Barcelona, founded in 1851 - a lovely crust for garlic and lamb chops.
Squid Ink Mini Vermicelli with Seared Calamari, Fresh Tomato, Lemon & Chilli
Squid or cuttlefish ink takes me to the Mediterranean and remind me of travels to Italy and Spain. I am always on the look-out for unusual or indigenous food items when we explore - sometimes repeat visits yield new items afresh each time. I picked up a box of fine short squid ink vermicelli in Andorra three weeks ago, and with careful packing it made the journey . more or less unscathed. I made this dish with it.
Pineapple Carpaccio with Mint & Walnut Praline
Do you know the story of carpaccio? Yes, it is the Italian word referring to thinly sliced red meat and sometimes fish but is actually named after Venetian painter Vitorre Carpaccio, who was prolific in the 15th century and renowned for his vivid reds.. Also carpaccio has its roots in famous Harry's Bar in Venice - the story and a refreshing pineapple carpaccio with,mint and praline.
La Boqueria Market, Barcelona – One of the Grandest Food Markets
A tour through the stalls of the La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, arguably the best food market in Europe - what not to miss, when to go and the top tips on some of the tastiest tapas at the market. *Warning, image not suitable for sensitive readers*
Spinach and Cheese Muffins – a visit to the Hummingbird Bakery
I really do travel to eat and sample the delicious. I unearthed these pictures last night, of myself in 2009 in London (two or so days after long and complicated root canal surgery). And what was I doing? Standing in a 25 minute queue, in the on-off rain, in Portobello road, Nottinghill (their first ever store) waiting for my turn at the counter of the Hummingbird Bakery. Have I mentioned that I seriously dislike waiting? For anything. But for this, I was determined. I even allowed my swollen post-surgery cheeks a smile.
El Celler De Can Roca – S. Pellegrino’s World’s 2nd Best Restaurant
My visit to S. Pellegrino's 2nd best restaurant in the world, El Celler de Can Roca in May- the venue, the menu, the men behind the 3 star Michelin restaurant.
Catalan Torró (Nougat) Brownies: F. C. Barcelona Audi Cup Champs
Chocolate Brownies made with Catalan Torro (nougat), a soft, golden coloured confectionery and with the delightful nubbliness of macadamia nuts. Dedicated to F.C.Barcelona winning the Audi Cup over Bayern Munich. Ole`!
Barca La Liga Champions 2011- the Game at Camp Nou
My experience at the La Liga Finals, at the majestic Camp Nou- F.C. Barcelona v Deportivo La Coruña on 15 May 2011.
Cook & Taste Cooking Workshops, Barcelona
We spent half a day at the Cook & Taste cooking School in Barcelona making Tortilla de Patatas, tomato bread, tomato soup, chicken paella and crema Catalan. A fabulous introduction to Spanish and Catalan food.
Cooking in Venice with Enrica Rocca
Cooking in Venice with Enrica Rocca- dishes included stuffed squid, baked sea bream, fish roe pate, cuttlefish risotto and deep fried courgette flowers. All in a very delicious day's work. A journey in pictures.