Category: appetizers

London (I) Caramelized Endives with Stilton Cheese with Apricots !

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London (I) Caramelized Endives with Stilton Cheese with Apricots !

Abajo, en Español

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It was the school Spring break here in Paris, so for a “change of scenery”, we decided to go to London with the girls. We rented a charming little flat, in Chelsea, thanks to my friend Erica, who runs Haven in Paris.…and we felt “Oh so English, my dear! going to buy our groceries in Marks and Spencer!

I must admit that when I approached the cheese section, I wondered: “What do the English have to offer me here”? And mind you…! Not an air of superiority in this (assuming I could feel superior because I’m a french cheese “frequent eater”..On the contrary!! I had been humbled by the excellent quality of English meat..and this, to my Argentinean heart, was a heavy blow to bear
Stilton cheese I knew…but wait..with apricots?!? and there yes, my soft spot..You know that out of all fruits on this Earth,  apricots are my favorite..My kingdom for some sweet apricots!! (well, in fact Shakespeare has already said this..but it was ” for a horse” not for an apricot…)

Just last year, I submitted you to my apricot saga: Apricot Amandine Tart, Apricot Chutney & Shrimp/Apricot Forks….
I’m reminding you of this because, as Mirtha Legrand (the most famous Argentinean TV presentator) says: “The public always changes”, so there might be new readers for my blog…

stilton-cheese

So this tasty Stilton paired with some endives, some pecan nuts: sweet, bitter, crunchy….a perfect “tapa” ( Yes, I decided last minute to give this treat a Spanish twist)

Would you believe me if I told you I bought an excellent Argentinean Chardonnay, from Catena Zapata, at Marks & Spencer too? That’s the good thing of globalization….

All London photos taken by me from London Eye

London nights, good cheese… girls helping mummy in the kitchen…Dad opens a bottle of good wine..rainnnnnn ! “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone..Joe Cocker...Thank you London! I’ll be back

Londres (I) Endivias Caramelizadas con Queso Stilton al Damasco !

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Hace pocos dias, tuvimos el receso de primavera en las escuelas parisinas, asi que “para cambiar de ambiente”, decidimos ir a Londres en familia. Alquilamos un pequeño departamentito, muy “cozy”, en Chelsea, gracias a mi amiga Erica, de Haven In Paris…y nos sentimos “tan ingleses my dear!” yendo a comprar leche y manteca a Marks & Spencer!

Debo admitir que cuando me acerqué a la seccion quesos, pensé: “Qué tendran los ingleses para ofrecer en este ramo?” Y ojo, ni el mas minimo aire de superioridad en esto..(asumiendo que me pudiese sentir “superior” por ser una “consumidora frequente” de quesos franceses..Al contrario, mi orgullo ya venia mal herido… al comer carne inglesa y constatar que era buenisima! Ah, qué daga para mi corazon argentino..!)  Queso Stilton…ya conocia, pero con damascos?!? Mi punto débil…De todas las frutas, los damascos son mis favoritos…Mi reino por un damasco!!!! (bueno, en realidad, esto ya lo dijo Shakespeare y era por “un caballo”)

Justo para esta fecha, el año pasado ya los torturé con mi “saga de damascos”: Tarta Amandine de Damasco, Chutney de Damascos, y Pinchos de Camarones y Damascos… Pero lo repito, porque como dice Mirtha Legrand (la presentadora mas famosa de la TV Argentina) “el publico siempre se renueva..”, asi que va para mis nuevos lectores del blog…

stilton-cheese

Asi que este sabroso Stilton se mezcla con las endivias, nueces de pecan y jamon serrano: dulce, amargo, salado, crocante…la tapa perfecta! (si es como que a ultimo momento, lo que era archi-inglés se volvio español)

Me creerian si les dijese que en Marks & Spencer encontré una botella de Chardonnay, Catena Zapata?? Bueno, algo bueno la globalizacion tiene….

All London photos taken by me from London Eye

Noches de Londres, buen queso, las nenas ayudan a mami en la cocina..Papi abre una botella de buen vino…llueeeeve ”Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone..de Joe Cocker...(temazo!!!)

Gracias Londres! Ya tengo ganas de volver!

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This Blog Might Be Dangerous….!!! Broccoli Flan, in Bagna Cauda Sauce

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This Blog Might Be Dangerous….!!! Broccoli Flan, in Bagna Cauda Sauce

Abajo en Español

brocoli-flan-SQ

Yes, if tonight you have a date with Ashton Kutcher…you’d better read another blog…that’s a sensible piece of advice!!

Photo from web

Leaving aside the “dangers” of the broccoli family (see NB), here….and as if this were not enough, we will indulge in bagna cauda sauce! A warm dip, typical of the Piedmont.. full of garlic and anchovies...

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You know what? I will stick to my dish..”Yes, Ashton..don’t insist..I am NOT spending the evening with you” (besides, my friend Demi told me he snores at night ;D

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Allez les filles! (come on girls!) Girls’ night? Yeah..it’s bagna cauda night!!!! Who cares?

NB: Broccoli is very good for our health. You can read about it here. The only uncomfortable side-effect can be gas or stomach irritation.

 

Este Blog Puede Ser Peligroso…!!! Flan de Brocoli, en Salsa Bagna Cauda

brocoli-flan-SQ

Si esta noche tenian cita con Ashton Kutcher...entonces mejor que cambien de blog…ese es un buen consejo!!

Photo from web

Como si los “peligros” de la familia broccoli (ver NB) no fuesen suficientes, aqui les traigo esta salsa bagna cauda! Un dip tibio, tipico del Piamonte italiano…lleno de ajo y anchoas…

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Saben qué? Me quedo con mi plato..”Si, Ashton..no me insistas..hoy no salgo con vos” (“qué pesado es!….ademas mi amiga Demi me dijo que de noche, ronca !?! ;D

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Allez les filles! (vamos chicas) Noche de chicas? Yeah!! Noche de bagna cauda….A quién le importa, no?

NB: El brocoli es beneficioso para nuestra salud. Pueden leer sobre esto aqui.  Como todo, puede tener algun efecto indeseable, como gas o irritacion estomacal.

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Melon Sorbet, with Piment d’Espelette, for A Light and Fresh Summer Meal

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Melon Sorbet, with Piment d’Espelette, for A Light and Fresh Summer Meal

Melon sorbet? We have seen that many times….and it sure makes a wonderful dessert. Now why would we deprive ourselves of all its freshness when it’s time for appetizers, brunch or a casual dinner? It seems to be the perfect match for these Italian grissini with prosciutto ! But…this melon sorbet does not come alone.…its sweet flavor is given “a kick” by the presence of the French invader, the Piment d’Espelette! Of course, flying to France to buy this piment is not a sinequanon condition..You can use your favorite pepper (freshly grounded), paprika, Spanish “pimenton”, chilli.…The choice is yours…as well as the pleasure, of seeing your guests’ inquisitive eye change into a smile of indulgent satisfaction !

Enjoy!

I’m leaving France for a first-time-in-my-life visit of California !! I’m SO excited about it!! But, I’ve been a good girl this time, so while I will not be physically in Paris, my posts (technology permitting!) will be posted at my usual, relaxed pace!!!!
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