18 Jan, 2012
Happy New Year Everyone! January has a lot going for it, I feel. When better to shake off a few dusty routines and habits than after a few weeks of glorious indulgence. I have always liked a fresh start – bring on the resolutions. Never mind if they fizzle or fade, a positive intention is still a wonderful thing. So much as I delight in the fairy lights and tinsel, I always feel happy to pack them away, dust off the cobwebs of the old year and move forward. And a delicious healthy regime is a great way to start – here are some of my favourite vitamin rich foods to celebrate the New Year.
I like to add a few sprigs of mint to my green tea. And a beautiful mug makes it even nicer – this one is a hand made Christmas gift by our talented (eldest) girl! And to go with the tea, how about a few nuts and seeds, dried berries and some squares of inky dark chocolate?
Hmm, what else? A dish of simply steamed Scottish salmon, with a little lemon and pepper. But surely this is still indulgence isn’t it? Especially with a drizzle of this magnificent, jewel green pistachio oil. I bought this bottle in France a few weeks ago. Such a rich, deep roasted nutty flavour.
A few slices of beetroot – more colour, more vibrancy, more flavour…
So that’s the view from my kitchen worktop this week.
As for other new plans and projects this year, well I have been busy and have made a good start. My new studio in the garden – a lovely Scandinavian log cabin – is all built and ready. I’m still working on the finishing touches, a bit of painting and organising all my props and stuff. Of those there are lots – it’s quite a task! I’ll make some photos of the studio in a week or so and post them soon.
What plans do you have for the New year? Drop me a comment if you like – I’d love to hear!
Pascale
Oh – I forgot the avocado! x
in Beetroot, Chocolate, Fish, Green tea, Lemons, New Year, Nuts, Salmon, balance, health, nutrition, resolutions, winter | Comments (7)
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16 Jun, 2011
I’ve been on the road. There’s nothing quite so exciting as a voyage is there? That’s how I feel – and especially so of travel to a place I’ve never seen before. So with much delight we set off to Greece, via Athens to the startlingly beautiful island of Kefalonia. I have long dreamt of visiting Greece, and with this trip we had a very special reason to make our journey: the wedding of our dear friend Hector (also our son’s godfather) and his beautiful Sonia. Despite pictures and books, you never truly know what a place will be like until you are actually there do you? The light, the mood, the breeze, the colours? And the food! For me this is very important – the markets, cafes and restaurants, food shops and supermarkets, the fruit growing on the trees. Like this lemon I just picked.
A lovely lunch of prawns and garlic, and a “village salad” of soft fresh cheese, herbs and olives.
I have never seen water so clear as this Ionian sea – and look at the colours. Perfect for a little swim before lunch.
The wildflowers are sprinkled alongside the roads and over the hills like fluttering jewels and the wild herbs fill the breeze with scent. The land is rich with olive trees. Beautiful olive trees.
A bounty of land and sea. And bread, honey and nuts.
So a wonderful few days of exploring and eating, drinks and chats in the town square cafes, the children climbing the big tree in the middle of the square, laughing, and learning a little Greek. What could be better? Well a big fabulous Greek wedding, of course!
This wedding was magnificent and so different from any I’ve been to before. The ceremony took place outside as the sun was going down, beside a beautiful family chapel. The guests all stood, walked around, chatted a bit, while the priests conducted the marriage ceremony. Some sang, we all pelted the couple and priests with rice. The children ran around and giggled, flinging handfuls of rose petals. Later the children helped to give out sugared almonds and little almond cakes. And then off we all went, to a glorious seaside taverna, to dance and feast and toast the happy couple.
Some sweets from Kefalonia. Such a beautiful place – I can’t wait to visit again one day.
Thanks for visiting. More very soon, with some recipes inspired by the sun!
in Almonds, Beach, Celebration, Greece, Kefalonia, Lemons, Olives, Wedding | Comments (25)
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