tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69327233065757781042024-03-13T21:56:27.512+01:00TasteometerCreating new dishes - reinventing/updating classics - sometimes adding alcohol - sometimes sweet/sometimes savoury - restaurant reviews and more including flavours of the world. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-15214157291668291112014-09-28T16:49:00.002+02:002014-09-28T16:57:26.684+02:00Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iYZZ9OSpHs/VCghlYhxOLI/AAAAAAAAAQE/oPrasHCa7zY/s1600/chopsticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iYZZ9OSpHs/VCghlYhxOLI/AAAAAAAAAQE/oPrasHCa7zY/s1600/chopsticks.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">This is most definitely going to become one of your favourite <b>Homemade Take-a-way/Restaurant dishes</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">For more years than I can remember I've not only ordered this in Chinese Restaurants, but have been making this recipe at home too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">I have been wanting to share this with you all since this blog was launched but there has been a major problem causing the delay.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">As good as this <b>Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef</b> may be, it appears to be camera shy!!!!! It's true, I just cannot obtain a good enough photo.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">As a firm believer that recipes should <u>always</u> be accompanied by a photograph I have been unable to deliver this one to you, for now at least.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Well enough's enough, Heaven is waiting and won't delay for a photograph so I've taken the plunge and decided to share one of my favourite all time <b>Chinese Dishes</b> regardless.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Now if you too are familiar with this dish, you then of course need no reminder just how delicious it looks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Forget "Come Dine with Me" today I say "Come Feast with me".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Fancy a bit of a feast? Serve <b>Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef</b> with some other <b>Chinese dishes</b> <a href="http://tasteometer.blogspot.com.es/search/label/Chinese">(recipes here)</a> <b>too</b> and feel like you've just created your very own Chinese Reataurant Buffet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b>PHOTO TO FOLLOW</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b>ONCE THE DISH GETS OVER BEING CAMERA SHY</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">- </span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Serves 2-3 as a
main meal or more when sharing several dishes</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Approx 250g beef fillet (or cut of your
choice)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 eggs, beaten</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">5 tablespoon corn flour</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 teaspoon 5 spice powder</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Oil for deep frying</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">For the sauce:-</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 Carrot, peeled and cut into fine batons
(imagine shredded)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">A bunch of spring onions, finely chopped</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 cloves of garlic, crushed & minced</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1" piece of ginger, grated</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 Red chillies, deseeded and finely
chopped (leave seeds in if brave)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">4 tablespoons Caster sugar</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">3 tablespoons Rice vinegar</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 tablespoons Light soy sauce</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Corn flour paste (1 tablespoon corn flour,
mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cut the beef into
very thin long strips and dust with a little cornflour, shake off excess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Make up the batter by
placing corn flour in a medium bowl with the salt and five spice powder, make a
well in the centre and add the beaten eggs. Mix well to form a smooth, lump
free batter than mix in the beef strips and stir well to coat beef.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Get your oil nice and
hot to 190 whilst preparing ingredients for sauce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Using tongs, pick up
strips of the beef from the bowl and drop individually into the hot oil, cook
in batches for approx 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Drain on kitchen
paper and keep warm whilst making the sauce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
a wok or saute pan heat 1 tbs of vegetable (or groundnut) oil. Add carrot and
stir fry for a couple of minutes. Then add the spring onions, garlic, ginger
and chillies. Stir fry again for a couple of minutes and add the rest of the
ingredients.Once the sauce is quite thick, quickly add the beef and stir well
to coat in the sauce. Serve immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">NOTE</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">: Once the beef is
cooked you can store in refrigerator for 2 days, or freeze. Simply stir
fry (defrosted if frozen) beef in a wok for 30 seconds or until re-crisp and
heated through. Set aside and keep warm whilst preparing the sauce.
Once sauce ready, add beef back and stir well. Serve
immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-81334416192436076012014-09-17T18:33:00.000+02:002014-09-17T18:33:03.160+02:00Dying to Eat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cxZkCDI5mg/VBm0EsrAl8I/AAAAAAAAAPY/xDMEpzU0Cjc/s1600/keep-calm-and-become-a-foodie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cxZkCDI5mg/VBm0EsrAl8I/AAAAAAAAAPY/xDMEpzU0Cjc/s1600/keep-calm-and-become-a-foodie.png" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">In a recent post I shared the recipe for </span><a href="http://tasteometer.blogspot.com.es/2014/09/thai-squid-salad-yam-pla-meuk.html" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Thai Squid Salad (yam pla meuk)</a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">. As mentioned this is one of those quick,
simple and easy recipes. Due to
progressive health failure, such recipes have become essential for me now.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">I also shared with you how amazing Mr. Grumps (my husband)
is too. Since my original diagnosis with Cancer in January 2010 he has
progressed from my best friend and husband to carer and of late, chief cook and
bottle washer too. All this whilst working
when possible so as to provide some income.
He deserves a medal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3oPercMV0Q/VBm0H3sXKnI/AAAAAAAAAPo/-dsc031a614/s1600/Deb%2B%26%2BBarry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3oPercMV0Q/VBm0H3sXKnI/AAAAAAAAAPo/-dsc031a614/s1600/Deb%2B%26%2BBarry.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011 1st outing after 3 further ops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8vU2PE962Us/VBm0Ahq7glI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/Cb_kng5DNPI/s1600/Me%2Band%2BBarry.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8vU2PE962Us/VBm0Ahq7glI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/Cb_kng5DNPI/s1600/Me%2Band%2BBarry.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 a few weeks after terminal diagnosis</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">The original purpose and reasons behind launching this
blog have now turned around. At that
time, despite having already been ill, I wanted to simply log my cooking and
recipes. Now though, the recipes may be
mine, but Mr. Grumps has become the cook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thereby, turning this little space on the Web into a legacy. The idea being that he can easily find all
his favourite recipes in one easy place.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKmQLD_yKQU/VBmz83BDQMI/AAAAAAAAAPA/qK1Hk2BCgec/s1600/Barry%2Bmaking%2Bcurry.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKmQLD_yKQU/VBmz83BDQMI/AAAAAAAAAPA/qK1Hk2BCgec/s1600/Barry%2Bmaking%2Bcurry.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Grumps making Curry</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Since the Cancer was confirmed to be terminal we have had
to make a lot of plans and changes in our lives. Mr. Grumps now becoming the cook is just a
drop in the ocean. Truth be known he has
always been a superb cook, just didn’t do it very often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">We’ve had to sort out finances too (amongst other things)
which seems an endless task but it’s getting there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">A friend recently asked me what I think is best. A sudden death where you have no warning? Or,
a terminal illness where you have some idea of the time you have left?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">How do you honestly answer that? Like everything in life, there are pros and
cons attached to each question/answer.
However, being terminally ill does give you the opportunity to put your
affairs in order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Life comes with only one guarantee<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;"> You are
born – you will die”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">I tell myself this everyday and it’s what I’ve told all my
family and friends. I’ve also told them
all “I don’t want sympathy or pity; I just want to be treated like normal”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">They have all taken this on board and do just that. Disappointingly though, there are two people
who have been close friends of ours for many years and actually won’t speak to
us since they heard the news! Can you
believe that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Despite them, my family and friends are a blessing; they
are the most amazing part of my life. My
husband, Mr. Grumps, is the most special person one could ever meet and my
Mother-in-law too for that matter. They
have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
Thank you, you don’t need reminding just how much I love you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SksTNB6oGg/VBm0G93Op_I/AAAAAAAAAPc/v40IpuYRWW8/s1600/Mum%2B%26%2BBeaux%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SksTNB6oGg/VBm0G93Op_I/AAAAAAAAAPc/v40IpuYRWW8/s1600/Mum%2B%26%2BBeaux%2B002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Mum-in-Law enticing Beaux into the pool</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeTeG50v9Xo/VBm1fUIbMFI/AAAAAAAAAP0/3c3ogFyv7og/s1600/Pavo%2B-%2BAtticus%2B%26%2BThe%2BSultan%2BAug%2B2014%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeTeG50v9Xo/VBm1fUIbMFI/AAAAAAAAAP0/3c3ogFyv7og/s1600/Pavo%2B-%2BAtticus%2B%26%2BThe%2BSultan%2BAug%2B2014%2B001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Mum-in-Law enjoying a night out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">This is not “good bye”, just an opportunity to record my
love for you all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">I still have some fight left and fight I will, TTFN.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Bibs, xx<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-31604339586498458972014-09-06T14:27:00.001+02:002014-09-06T14:27:43.511+02:00Thai Squid Salad (Yam Pla Meuk)<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">Summer's end may be imminent but Salads are great throughout the year, this <b>Thai Squid Salad (Yam Pla Meuk)</b> is a winner anytime. An amazing starter, snack or light lunch. Quick and easy to make, you love to hear that don't you?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGmGqzfKGeE/VAr8WQQgBGI/AAAAAAAAAOo/TuXwQhQNdXI/s1600/Thai%2BSquid%2BSalad%2B003%2B600x473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGmGqzfKGeE/VAr8WQQgBGI/AAAAAAAAAOo/TuXwQhQNdXI/s1600/Thai%2BSquid%2BSalad%2B003%2B600x473.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">Quick and easy is for me these days. Being terminally ill I can no longer cook like I used to. Dishes I can prepare in stages over a period of time are just what I need now. Not all dishes need constant attention from start to finish and this is one of them, lucky me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">Mr.Grumps has been amazing though. In every way possible from looking after me to cooking and cleaning. I'll write a post about this amazing man soon so stay tuned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">For now though, fancy <b>Thai Squid Salad</b>?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Thai Squid Salad (Yam Pla Meuk)</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Serves 1-2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ingredients</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">5-10 Baby
squids, cleaned<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">3 small
shallots (finely chopped)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 stalk of lemongrass (very finely chopped (or 1 tsp minced lemongrass from a jar)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 large kaffir
lime leaves (central vein removed and sliced finely<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">3
tablespoons roughly chopped fresh coriander and mint leaves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sauce</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1
tablespoon lime juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ teaspoon sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ - 1
tablespoon fish sauce (to taste)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2-3
bird’s eye chillies (deseeded and finely chopped)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">First
prepare the squid and set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Prepare
the sauce by combing all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Taste the sauce and adjust if necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blanch
the squid in boiling water until they are opaque.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Drain the
squid; add to the sauce together with the remaining salad ingredients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Give the
salad a stir and serve immediately.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_BvQM4_Lr8/VAr8WS6pkRI/AAAAAAAAAOk/YVZPeRKvU-w/s1600/Thai%2BSquid%2BSalad%2B001%2B600x552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_BvQM4_Lr8/VAr8WS6pkRI/AAAAAAAAAOk/YVZPeRKvU-w/s1600/Thai%2BSquid%2BSalad%2B001%2B600x552.jpg" height="367" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Recipe
adapted from - <a href="http://www.withaglass.com/?p=16461">With a Glass</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-28146598422778489202014-09-03T17:03:00.002+02:002014-09-03T17:03:43.659+02:00Chicken Masala Curry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwbzbc4MAj8/VAcp7XRVD5I/AAAAAAAAAOU/7NIZrFZrnaY/s1600/Chicken%2BMasala%2B3%2B600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwbzbc4MAj8/VAcp7XRVD5I/AAAAAAAAAOU/7NIZrFZrnaY/s1600/Chicken%2BMasala%2B3%2B600x450.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><b>This Chicken Masala Curry</b> may not be exactly what you might expect with a <b>BIR Curry</b>, it's better. No previously made base curry sauce here. It's cooked from scratch with fresh ingredients and is one of the best Curries we've had in a long time. Plus it's gets better and better each day. Make a few batches of this in advance if you want, it freezes well to. What more could you want?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">But you'll have to try it for yourself to find out just how good it is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Curries</b>, whichever Country they originate from, are loved in this house. Whether it's just the two of us or we have guests, we just love em, how about you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">This is a <b>Masala Chicken Curry</b> due to the spice mixture used. I always roast and grind my own spices, then store in small quantities in little individual spice jars. That way, there is always a fresh supply on hand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Ready for the most amazing home cooked Curry? Then simply follow the recipe below.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Chicken Masala Curry (Serves 2-3)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">* You can add more, but you can’t
take away!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ingredients:-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">200g
Chicken Breast (chopped into chunks)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2
tablespoon Oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 x Onion
(finely hopped)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 x small
Green Chilli (seeds removed and finely chopped)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1
teaspoon Ginger-Garlic Paste <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 x Roma Tomato,
or 1 x large tom (skin/s removed and chopped)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">3
tablespoon Natural Yoghurt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 x Bay
leaf<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">¼
teaspoon hot Red Chili Powder (or more depending how hot yours is <b>*</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1
teaspoon Coriander Powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½
teaspoon Turmeric Powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½
teaspoon Garam Masala Powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1
teaspoon Tandoori Paste (homemade or
store bought)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Salt and
ground black pepper to taste *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">250ml
Chicken stock<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">125ml
approx, Water (to adjust consistency of gravy to your requirements if necessary)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2
tablespoon chopped Cilantro (optional to garnish)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Marinade:-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">¼ teaspoon Red Chili Powder <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½
teaspoon Turmeric Powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1
teaspoon Ginger-Garlic Paste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1
tablespoon Lemon Juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½
teaspoon Salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">* You can add more, but you can’t
take away!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Put all marinade ingredients into a bowl, mix well to combine. Add Chicken
pieces, stir well to coat all the chicken pieces.
Put to one side and marinade minimum 30 minutes (if time allows,
marinade in fridge overnight).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Heat oil in a heavy pan (wok or Karahi) add onion and fry
for 1 minute, add ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chili, mix well and
continue frying until onion becomes transparent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Add all the spice powders, tandoori paste and Bay leaf, stir well and cook
for 5 minutes on medium heat. Now add
tomato, yoghurt and salt/pepper, stir and cook until tomato becomes tender and
oil comes to top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Add marinated chicken and give good stir, cook for 5-7
minutes on a medium low heat. Add the
Chicken stock and cook until chicken becomes tender and cooked, stir in
intervals. If required add more some/all
of the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Taste and adjust salt/spices if required. Remove/discard bay leaf and Serve immediately
with rice/side dishes of your choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-15096889467347046232014-08-22T12:40:00.001+02:002014-08-22T12:50:45.369+02:00Sticky Whiskey BBQ Ribs<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Does anybody out there not like <b>Ribs?</b> Seriously, everybody I know loves them in one form or other. Plus it seems, the stickier and messier, the better!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSyhtnT6YHc/U_cbhjFlAlI/AAAAAAAAAN0/zScU33RlUnE/s1600/Sticky%2Bwhiskey%2Bribs%2B2%2B600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSyhtnT6YHc/U_cbhjFlAlI/AAAAAAAAAN0/zScU33RlUnE/s1600/Sticky%2Bwhiskey%2Bribs%2B2%2B600x450.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">These ribs are just so incredibly addictive</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"> you will possibly NOT want to share them. Actually that's a damn good idea. There's always someone that eats too quickly, thereby tucking into more than their fair share. In a crowd there's the typical row over whose had the most and then arguments over who can take the last one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Share, don't share, it's your choice. But may I suggest making extra batches if you do intend to share. If, and it's a big IF, there are any leftover they freeze well for another day, bonus. Could they even tempt <b>vegetarians</b> to convert?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Tuck into these <b>Sticky Ribs</b> and you'll soon realise it's the only recipe for <b>ribs</b> you may need. You'll have to try them for me to prove it to you though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">You can thank me later. Enjoy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">PS Bibs essential (excuse the pun!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Ready to tuck into <b>Sticky Whiskey BBQ Ribs?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqdQyNRQYn8/U_cbi2PsUnI/AAAAAAAAAOA/Irl5jOeX_IY/s1600/Sticky%2Bwhiskey%2Bribs%2B6%2B600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqdQyNRQYn8/U_cbi2PsUnI/AAAAAAAAAOA/Irl5jOeX_IY/s1600/Sticky%2Bwhiskey%2Bribs%2B6%2B600x450.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sticky Whiskey BBQ Ribs Recipe</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> (Serves 3-4)</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ribs and Spice Mix</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 racks pork ribs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1½ teaspoons paprika<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ teaspoon ground black pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ teaspoon garlic powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ teaspoon onion powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">¼ teaspoon dried thyme<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">¼ teaspoon celery salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whiskey BBQ Sauce</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">4 tablespoons of your favourite whiskey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">80ml Tomato Sauce (Ketchup)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 tablespoons Brown Sauce (i.e Daddies)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">6 tablespoons Molasses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2-3 teaspoons Liquid Smoke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Instructions</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Preheat oven to 150c (130 fan)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Separate ribs and place them (in a single layer) into a double
foil lined roasting dish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Place all spice mix ingredients into a small bowl and mix
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sprinkle half of the spice mixture all over the ribs. Turn ribs and sprinkle over remainder of
mix. Give all ribs a good massage to
work in the spices and lay out in a single layer again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water over the ribs and place
into oven. Roast for 2 hours or until tender. Checking them and turning occasionally,
adding a little more water if becoming dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Meanwhile make the Whiskey BBQ Sauce. Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix
well to combine. Set aside for later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Once ribs are tender, remove from oven and Pour approximately
6-8 tablespoons of the BBQ sauce all over ribs.
Turn and mix well to coat all ribs evenly with the sauce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Place back into oven uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove and toss again for 10 minutes. Remove, toss again and cover for a further 10
minutes or until very sticky, but not dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Serve immediately with side dishes of your choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">NOTE: - Once cooked, ribs can be cooled and reheated in
microwave for 1 minute. Or, can be
frozen for another day. Defrost
thoroughly before reheating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Boil remaining BBQ in a small pan, reduce and simmer for
2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and leave
to cool. Serve as a dipping sauce with
other dishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sauce will keep in a suitable container in the fridge for
2-3 weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-85454163974511550392014-08-16T17:08:00.000+02:002014-08-16T17:08:57.204+02:00Thai basil chicken - pad kra pao gai (ผัดกระเพราไก่)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">This <b>Thai basil
chicken recipe - pad kra pao gai (</b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Cordia New"; font-size: 14.0pt;">ผัดกระเพราไก่</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">)</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"> is a
true classic. It's one of the most popular <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Thai street</st1:address></st1:street> food dishes. The chicken is
stir fried with Thai holy basil, and traditionally served on top of rice with a
crispy fried egg on the side!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">No fried eggs for me thanks. I’m English and what do fried eggs mean to us
Brits? Yup, breakfast, so no further
explanation required.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">Thai basil chicken</b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;"> is a dish I've been wanting to make at home for so long. What's stopping you? I'm hearing right now. Well, quite simply, the Basil!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">Living in Spain is amazing but, one problem for ex-pat cooks is sourcing ingredients. Particularly for Asian dishes. Made almost impossible when fresh, perishable foods are essential.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">I was getting so fed up not being able to get my fix of </span><b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">Thai basil chicken</b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;"> I sent a message to our local Garden Centre for one last ditch attempt. Because the owner is English and occasionally stocks plants not normally found in Spain, I assumed there may be a minimal chance it may be stocked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">Without much hope, I was elated to receive a reply confirming stocks of Thai Basil. I felt like I had won the Lottery and sent Mr. Grumps to immediately purchase a plant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19px;">It's doing well in our garden too and gives a regular supply of fresh leaves, how happy am I?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhrSIVp9hxQ/U-9txNtV2XI/AAAAAAAAANk/ALKqDZMlcx4/s1600/Thai%2Bchicken%2Band%2Bbasil%2B1%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhrSIVp9hxQ/U-9txNtV2XI/AAAAAAAAANk/ALKqDZMlcx4/s1600/Thai%2Bchicken%2Band%2Bbasil%2B1%2Bedited.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">You may think this dish is going to be a <u>very</u> spicy dish due to the amount of garlic and chillies required. Trust me when I say it's perfect so please don't adjust the recipe, you will regret it if you do. Will you try it and come back to tell me you love it too?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Thai basil chicken
recipe (pad kra pao gai - </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Cordia New"; font-size: 16.0pt;">ผัดกระเพราไก่</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">)</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Makes 1 large or 2 smaller potions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 chicken breast (or any other cut of boneless chicken,
about 200 grams)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">5 cloves of garlic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">4 Thai chillies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 tablespoon oil for frying<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 teaspoon of oyster sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ teaspoon light soy sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ teaspoon sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 splash of dark soy sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 handful of Thai holy basil leaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 Crispy fried egg (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cut the chicken into small bite sized pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Rinse and peel the garlic and chillies, and pound them in
a mortar and pestle (alternatively you can just mince them with a knife). They
don't need to be super fine, you just want to bring out the oils and flavours
from the garlic and chillies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Pluck a good sized handful of holy basil leaves off the
stems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now it's time to start cooking. Heat your wok on high
heat, and add about 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">When the oil is hot, add the chillies and garlic. Stir fry
them for about 20 seconds or so until they get really fragrant, but don't let
them burn or get too dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Toss in your chicken. Keep stir frying continuously. At
this stage you want to continue to stir and cook your chicken until it's just
about fully cooked all the way through (depending on the size pieces of chicken
and how hot your fire is, it should take about 2 - 3 minutes). If it starts to
get dry, add just a tiny splash of water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Add 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce, ½ teaspoon light soy
sauce, ½ teaspoon sugar, and finally a splash of dark soy sauce. Keep stir
frying for about another 30 seconds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Grab a handful of holy basil, toss it into the pan, fold
it into the chicken, and then immediately turn off the heat (if you're using an
electric stove, you'll want to remove the pan from the burner). The holy basil
really only needs to cook for about 5 seconds, and it will continue to wilt and
cook from the existing heat of the chicken. This step is important because if
you cook the basil for too long, it loses some of its glorious flavour and gets
slightly chewy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe source <a href="http://www.eatingthaifood.com/2014/01/thai-basil-chicken-recipe-pad-kra-pao-gai/#comment-46452">Eating Thai Food</a></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-81354821893654106752014-08-13T18:32:00.003+02:002014-08-13T18:32:51.370+02:00Review of Hotel Restaurante Alberdini, Competa, Malaga, Spain<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">2 Weeks ago Mr. Grumps, myself and two friends, Ken and
Siss, enjoyed a special summer evening being wined and dined at <b><a href="http://alberdini.com/index.php/en/">Hotel Restaurante Alberdini</a>.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUs8WLp22OU/U-uQsN5KUmI/AAAAAAAAALU/Uz8S7xgo568/s1600/Alberdini%2BBar%2B%26%2Brestaurant%2Bbuilding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUs8WLp22OU/U-uQsN5KUmI/AAAAAAAAALU/Uz8S7xgo568/s1600/Alberdini%2BBar%2B%26%2Brestaurant%2Bbuilding.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">An unusual and interesting Hotel. Actually, it’s so much more than a Hotel. There is a bar, a restaurant, yoga classes
(amongst others), a swimming pool for guests and some rather unusual
accommodation too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fldVd8EaBcU/U-uQFG97MfI/AAAAAAAAALI/CXgCg1gCuEU/s1600/Alberdini%2BCollage%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fldVd8EaBcU/U-uQFG97MfI/AAAAAAAAALI/CXgCg1gCuEU/s1600/Alberdini%2BCollage%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPCwgkhcNO4/U-uQEhzV4eI/AAAAAAAAALE/GZ2nG9K0VyI/s1600/Alberdini%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPCwgkhcNO4/U-uQEhzV4eI/AAAAAAAAALE/GZ2nG9K0VyI/s1600/Alberdini%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Mr. Grumps and I actually had no clue as to this
pre-arranged evening. We were actually
kidnapped and force fed! Really, we
were, read how this came about <a href="http://tasteometer.blogspot.com.es/2014/08/kidnapped-and-force-fed.html">in my previous post here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://alberdini.com/index.php/en/">The Alberdini</a> as it is commonly known, is just a few
minutes drive from our home and yet not somewhere we have visited often. Isn’t that just typical?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Upon our arrival we were shown to our reserved table and
our waitress quickly took our drinks order.
We were then given the menus to peruse.
Same menu as when Mr. Grumps and I last dined there some two years
before. However, there was one new item
we had heard much about named ‘Steak on a Hot Stone’. I guess this needs no further explanation as
“it does what it says on the tin”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">The menu is extremely varied and we were also informed of
the Specials available that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whilst I had been tempted to order the steak on a hot
stone, I was also a little nervous by the prospect of cooking my own meal. The intention was to enjoy myself and therefore
did not want the bother of worrying about ruining my steak. Siss however needed no convincing and ordered
the Fillet Steak option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jabali (Wild Boar) was offered as a special that day so I
was keen not to miss this opportunity as it’s rarely an option in most
restaurants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Mr. Grumps chose the fish special of the day being Dorada (Sea
Bream) and Ken ordered the Pez Espada (Swordfish).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nobody ordered starters which suited me because I was in
the mood for a dessert that evening and new I could not manage three courses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">We were all given a choice of side dishes to accompany our
meals. Not being a massive fan of chips
I requested rice, whilst the others chose roasted new potatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Orders placed we were chatting and drinking when 4 small
terracotta pots were placed on our table containing sopa de ajo blanco. White garlic soup, a common cold soup served
in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Spain</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TX8TAKKi6YY/U-uNBLMN33I/AAAAAAAAAKY/kKTv3jCckzM/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TX8TAKKi6YY/U-uNBLMN33I/AAAAAAAAAKY/kKTv3jCckzM/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Despite being a popular soup, none of us had ever tried it
before so this small offering was a good opportunity. Unfortunately, we were not keen but a nice
gesture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">When our Main Meals arrived, all eyes were on the Fillet
steak served on a hot stone which Siss had ordered. No need to explain why, just look at that
beauty in the photo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPkM-nc3eG0/U-uNEE94mnI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hszSrhO6Z20/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPkM-nc3eG0/U-uNEE94mnI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hszSrhO6Z20/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Served with 3 different sauces on the side with vegetables
and potatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ken’s Pez Espada looked fabulous with garlic, parsley and
olive oil sauce drizzled over the top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BEhOnnif24k/U-uNBpzWCnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ACzfOkdE-Ac/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BEhOnnif24k/U-uNBpzWCnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ACzfOkdE-Ac/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Dorada too looked delicious accompanied by potatoes
and a side salad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW3khadkUbg/U-uNFK3mtII/AAAAAAAAAK4/FYYdJfROQH0/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW3khadkUbg/U-uNFK3mtII/AAAAAAAAAK4/FYYdJfROQH0/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">I was a little surprised to discover my Jabali served as a
stew. I had presumed it to be a large
cut of roasted meat. I made this
assumption based on being told Jabali
was a special that day, not Estofado de jabalí.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToXfSIf3roc/U-uNEzE9tgI/AAAAAAAAAKs/QwcwifiuRAI/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToXfSIf3roc/U-uNEzE9tgI/AAAAAAAAAKs/QwcwifiuRAI/s1600/Alberdini%2Bwith%2BKen%2B%26%2BSiss%2B005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whilst I did enjoy the Estofado de jabalí I will
definitely question how it is prepared in future when an option. I’ve previously eaten Jabali elsewhere which
was roasted and more suited to my palette.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">We all enjoyed our meals but I feel Siss made the best
choice with the Fillet Steak. I will
definitely order that next time we visit <b>The
Alberdini</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Only myself and Siss ordered desserts. Sorry no photos, Siss was tucking in hers the
second it placed in front of her and I was busy pushing aside the dreaded “Squirt
Cream” surrounding mine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Siss chose the Chocolate Mousse and I could not resist
trying the Chocolate Brownie. Both good
choices, but please no more “squirt Cream“.
That stuff should never have been invented.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">All in all a fabulous meal. Great service too, nothing was too much
trouble and the prices are reasonable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Special thanks go to Ken and Siss for kidnapping us and
providing a memorable evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-23421214097640566182014-08-02T17:50:00.001+02:002014-08-16T14:39:14.737+02:00KIDNAPPED AND FORCE FED<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Kidnapped and Force
Fed at Hotel Restaurante Alberdini, Competa, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Malaga</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Spain</st1:country-region></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">One evening last week, Mr. Grumpy and I were kidnapped and
taken to the <b>Hotel Alberdini in Competa</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yes you read that correctly, we actually were kidnapped
and taken to the above venue!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjJZaCdpMXM/U90HfWcTkQI/AAAAAAAAAI0/gfCzadT6zYo/s1600/Alberdini+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjJZaCdpMXM/U90HfWcTkQI/AAAAAAAAAI0/gfCzadT6zYo/s1600/Alberdini+entrance.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the driveway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">To cut a long story short, our long time friends and
neighbours, Ken and Siss kidnapped us in a very friendly and organised manner
with the sole intention of providing us with a good time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Who needs enemies when you have friends like that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">After a brief period in remission I was diagnosed as
terminal with the return of Colon Cancer.
Since then we have had many visitors and been quite busy with as many
family and friends as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ken and Siss had told us sometime ago that they were
intending to kidnap me before I become too ill.
They both work hard and very long hours so time for social events is
rare for them. However, Siss had a free
evening coming up and on that date, we too were free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">So a date and time was set for the Kidnapping. I had absolutely no clue as to what this
would entail. I was simply told both of
us were being taken and to be ready for 7.15pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Consequently, we did exactly as we were told!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">We were bundled in the car and driven to a surprise
venue. Upon arrival we certainly were
surprised too. The Alberdini is just 5
minutes from our home but we never seem to go there, isn’t that just typical
though?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">After being shown to a reserved table, the waitress took
our drinks order which quickly arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">The remainder of the evenings events can be read in my
next post <a href="http://tasteometer.blogspot.com.es/2014/08/review-of-hotel-restaurante-alberdini.html">Review of Hotel Restaurante Alberdini (here)</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thanks to Ken and Siss for an amazing evening at the Alberdini<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JU-vHnCVwvs/U90HkrEioHI/AAAAAAAAAI8/HrSFfaC-MuU/s1600/Alberdini+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JU-vHnCVwvs/U90HkrEioHI/AAAAAAAAAI8/HrSFfaC-MuU/s1600/Alberdini+2.jpg" height="182" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">NOTE –</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <b><i>Nobody was harmed and no ransom
was paid to the culprits. Residents of
Competa are now very aware who the kidnappers are due to their photos being
published on facebook</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-62018783756420161772014-07-26T18:54:00.000+02:002014-07-27T11:57:54.543+02:00Thai Red Curry with Braised Duck Recipe (Kaeng Phed Ped Yang)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnvM9D6z13I/U9PbDdPinRI/AAAAAAAAAIM/QKEG8fn4snE/s1600/Red+Thai+Duck+Curry+2+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnvM9D6z13I/U9PbDdPinRI/AAAAAAAAAIM/QKEG8fn4snE/s1600/Red+Thai+Duck+Curry+2+edited.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Red Curry with Braised Duck Recipe (Kaeng Phed Ped Yang)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Thai Red curry, along with Green are both very popular throughout the globe. Yellow curry is also a great option, a lot milder on the heat though.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">It's common place for Thai Red Curry to be served with Beef or chicken, but have you tried it with Duck?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">It's makes a pleasing change and certainly surprises guests when served for a dinner party.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Ready for a change?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Cw8KpUU3qM/U9PbFEjxeOI/AAAAAAAAAIg/8VgdYIrB85Q/s1600/Red+Thai+Duck+Curry+4+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Cw8KpUU3qM/U9PbFEjxeOI/AAAAAAAAAIg/8VgdYIrB85Q/s1600/Red+Thai+Duck+Curry+4+edited.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Red Curry with Braised Duck Recipe (Kaeng Phed Ped Yang)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Thai Red Curry with Braised
Duck Recipe (Kaeng Phed Ped Yang)</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"> - Serves 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ingredients</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 x large duck breast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 x 400g coconut milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 tablespoon red curry paste (or to taste)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ tablespoons Thai fish sauce (or to taste)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 tablespoon palm sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">3 kaffir lime leaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">½ fresh Pineapple (cut into bite-sized pieces)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 x handful Thai basil leaves (reserve some for garnish)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Preparation</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Prepare the duck for braising by scoring the skin. You
want your cuts to be just deep enough to cut through the fat, but not enough to
slice the meat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Begin with a cold frying pan. Add duck, skin side down then turn on heat to
medium-high, <b>DO NOT add any oil to the
pan, </b>cook until the skin is golden brown. Turn the duck over and sear the
other side quickly. We will be poaching the duck in the next step, so it’s OK
if it’s not cooked all the way through, we just want to give the duck a lovely
brown colour and help seal in the juices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Remove duck and place on kitchen paper to drain, set
aside. Also, set aside pan containing duck fat and see note below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Pour the coconut cream into a wok or sauce pan and simmer
for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the coconut oil begins to separate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Add the curry paste, fish sauce, palm sugar kaffir lime
leaves. Simmer for 2 more minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bring to a boil. Then add the coconut milk. Add the duck, flesh side down and braise in the sauce until cooked to your liking.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Remove duck, loosely cover with foil and let it rest for a few minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Taste curry sauce and adjust seasonings to taste.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Add the pineapple and simmer for 2 minutes. Then add the Thai
sweet basil leaves.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Slice the duck (skin can be removed first if preferred).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Add the duck slices to pan, simmer for 1 minute then serve
immediately with additional Thai basil leaves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">NOTE – Once cooled, pour duck fat into a container and
refrigerate or freeze for other recipes.
I usually keep this for roast potatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6EiB7ptVPc/U9PbFJOGX4I/AAAAAAAAAIc/XpmVlViiFrc/s1600/Red+Thai+Duck+Curry+6+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6EiB7ptVPc/U9PbFJOGX4I/AAAAAAAAAIc/XpmVlViiFrc/s1600/Red+Thai+Duck+Curry+6+edited.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Red Curry with Braised Duck Recipe (Kaeng Phed Ped Yang)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-12927333645764780042014-07-21T15:40:00.004+02:002014-07-21T15:45:11.941+02:00Restaurant La Plaza, Canillas de Albaida, Malaga (Review)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Review - <a href="http://www.posada-laplaza.com/en/hotel/restaurant/">Restaurant La Plaza</a></b>,<b> Canillas de Albaida, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malaga</st1:place></st1:city></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Over a long period of time (more years than I care to
remember in fact) I have eaten in every restaurant in the mountain villages of
Competa, Canillas de Albaida, Arches and Sayalonga.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Many no longer exist, many have changed management, new
ones open up regularly and of course there are also those that simply should
not be there at all!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then of course there are those where the management
remains but a new chef is bought in.
This could be due to various reasons, perhaps the chef moves on, perhaps
the chef is replaced. Whatever the
reason, a new chef can often revive a restaurant that may have become
tired. Equally, a new chef can also kill
a previously popular restaurant too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Restaurant La Plaza</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"> has seen several new chefs over
the years. It’s always been popular and
sits in a beautiful position too. It is
part of <b><a href="http://www.posada-laplaza.com/en/"><strike></strike>Posada La Plaza Hotel</a></b>, which
is located directly opposite the restaurant within the square (La Plaza).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">I have eaten there on many occasions myself. Not for a long period though for which there
have been some valid reasons. One being
that we were unsure whether or not it was still trading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">However, recent advertising announcing a new chef and a
new menu too inspired us to go back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">With my brother and sister-in-law visiting for a few days,
it seemed the perfect opportunity for a re-visit, especially as this is one
restaurant they had actually never been to on previous visits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unfortunately, there was a cold breeze that evening
(despite now being summer). However we
had no choice but to sit outside due to me
currently being unable to the tackle stairs up to the dining area
inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">For my starter course, I chose <b>the Indonesian spare ribs with bean sprout salad.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08AGy-Fsixk/U80SnKsEceI/AAAAAAAAAH0/JsV3MZehOes/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Ribs+600x500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08AGy-Fsixk/U80SnKsEceI/AAAAAAAAAH0/JsV3MZehOes/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Ribs+600x500.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indonesian Rack of Ribs with Bean Sprout Salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">A reasonable size rack of ribs, marinated and cooked until
almost falling off the bone. Succulent, tender
and flavoursome. Albeit, a little dry at
either end, due to re-heating I suspect!
The bean sprout salad was a perfect accompaniment. Mixed with onion and peppers and served with
a tasty dressing. Personally, I would
have preferred a thicker, sweeter sauce, which would also have been perfect for
mopping up with the ribs too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Despite this, it was a good choice and I would order it
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">For the main meal, I opted for <b>Duck Confit</b>. A dish rarely
found in restaurants in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Spain</st1:country-region></st1:place>,
so I was looking forward to this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WTPu6PfCAo/U80ScV6F_NI/AAAAAAAAAHg/RrWpHXjIPBI/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Duck+Confit+700x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WTPu6PfCAo/U80ScV6F_NI/AAAAAAAAAHg/RrWpHXjIPBI/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Duck+Confit+700x500.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Confit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">I was not disappointed either, a perfect choice. Perfectly cooked confit duck leg, positioned
on top of a carrot and potato mash, well seasoned and quite smooth. All accompanied with fresh and crunchy
broccoli and cauliflower florets, carrot slices and roast potatoes. The thick gravy completed the dish, which had
a slight sweetness to it and a perfect flavour balance, but not quite enough of
it! I did request extra a short while
later and was expecting it to be bought to the table separately. However, I was a little taken aback when the
Waitress whisked away my plate and returned it now swimming in far too much gravy. This time however, it had not been reduced to
provide the same previous consistency, nor was there the sweetness either. Very runny and a little too salty too which
rather spoiled what was originally a perfect dish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">That said, I’ll know another time to request the gravy be
served separately upon placing the order and plenty of it too! My only other request would be not to have
the sliced carrots. The other vegetables
were plenty, rendering the additional carrots unnecessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Fast forward</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">…………………………….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">That delicious meal was almost 3 weeks ago. I was unable to publish this earlier due to
receiving many guests/visitors from family and friends and therefore had little
time to prepare it for posting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">In the meantime, I, together with my husband, in-laws and
several friends have visited La Plaza again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">This time, it was a beautiful summer evening, without the
cold wind as before. The owner, Gustavo
was also waiting every table the whole evening.
He was on holiday during our last visit, so it was nice to see him this
time as it’s been a few years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Wanting to try a different dish, this visit I chose the <b>Beef Fillet with Mushroom Sauce </b>for the
main my course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8PwwCEcpuc/U80Sf1R0XAI/AAAAAAAAAHs/hmIUDrooYxs/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Beef+Fillet+600x500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8PwwCEcpuc/U80Sf1R0XAI/AAAAAAAAAHs/hmIUDrooYxs/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Beef+Fillet+600x500.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef Fillet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNpGUanDwFI/U80Sf4p3vNI/AAAAAAAAAHw/isIIKsu_ahk/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Beef+Fillet+%25282%2529+600x500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNpGUanDwFI/U80Sf4p3vNI/AAAAAAAAAHw/isIIKsu_ahk/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Beef+Fillet+%25282%2529+600x500.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef Fillet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">I order steak with caution most of the time. It’s rarely perfectly cooked to my liking,
resulting in disappointment and sending it back! There is normally only one particular
restaurant where I always order steak and nothing else (review of that to
follow another time). So to order steak
here was a risk for me. But don’t tell
Gustavo please!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">When my dish arrived I was so pleased to see the fresh
Cauliflower and Broccoli Florets again, alongside the Carrot and Potato
mash. The beautiful looking Beef fillet
was placed on top of the mushroom sauce.
However, I was also hoping for those delicious roast potatoes again, but
no. In there place I received Patatas a
lo Pobre (poor mans potatoes). A simple
side of sliced potatoes, cooked in olive oil with seasoning, sliced onions and
peppers. A nice dish but not, in my
opinion, restaurant quality fare. Tapas yes
or served in the home, but not in many restaurants and definitely not alongside
fillet steak!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Before tucking in, my first task was to check out the
cooking of the beef. I cut straight
through the middle as this is the only way to check if it is cooked to my
liking (medium). <b>Perfectly cooked beef fillet</b>, one happy diner as I hate having to
return food with complaints!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">The mushroom sauce was delicious too and certainly helped
me to quickly forget I was still missing those beautiful roast potatoes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">My Husband ordered the Salmon, as recommended by
Gustavo. He was pleased with his choice
too and was relieved it was served with new potatoes (with butter for dipping
in) and a salad. He will not touch
“trees” as he calls them. In other
words, real vegetables!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">I was too full to enjoy a dessert on our previous visit so
was keen not to miss out again!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">No dessert menu as such was offered to peruse. Instead, Gustavo explained what was
available. The choices were, Crema
Catalana, Crème Brulee, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Tiramasu or Chocolate Mousse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">The first two instantly struck me as strange choice to
offer both as an option. One is Spanish,
One French but basically the same dessert!
The only difference being the cooking method of each. That aside, some delicious choices were
offered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Like many, I do enjoy a good <b>Sticky Toffee Pudding</b>.
However despite not being adverse to dates, I do prefer a pudding
without them. Purists will naturally be
frowning at that comment! But, I find
they spoil it by making the pudding too heavy and bring nothing to the texture
or flavour. I love a moist, light sponge
with <b><u>a lot of toffee sauce</u></b>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Before ordering, I questioned the ingredients in the
sponge and was delighted when Gustavo assured me there were no dates. Despite being a little sceptical, as I have
been told this in other restaurants, only to find it is in fact packed with
dates, I went ahead and ordered it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRcLUIfTWf4/U80SoF0qGGI/AAAAAAAAAIA/8wEc9yoIBBQ/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Sticky+Toffee+Pudding+600x500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRcLUIfTWf4/U80SoF0qGGI/AAAAAAAAAIA/8wEc9yoIBBQ/s1600/La+Plaza+Restaurant+-+Sticky+Toffee+Pudding+600x500.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticky Toffee Pudding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Excellent, <b>the best
Sticky Toffee Pudding</b> I have ever been served in a restaurant! Upon its arrival, I was disappointed to see
such a small portion. Despite this, I
was however unable to finish it!!!!!! A
little fresh cream was swirled into the toffee sauce which made for a nice
presentation. So too was the addition of
Walnuts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">TASTEOMETER’S RATING</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">I most definitely recommend this Restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">The <b>Hotel Posada La
Plaza</b>, opposite the restaurant in La Plaza (the square) also has much to
offer (click link at start of post to view website). The square is for pedestrian
access only. However motorbikes occasionally
ride through. Cars are unable to enter
the Plaza. But, for those with walking
difficulties you can enter by car upon prior arrangement with the management
when booking (applies to both Hotel and Restaurant only bookings). This is necessary for the security post to be
released upon your arrival. No
facilities for disabled are available within the restaurant nor Hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Inside (upstairs) and roof terrace dining available. Outside dining, within the Plaza.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Friendly service and nothing is too much trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Food - 9/10 Very good<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Service - 8/10 Good<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Location 5/10 Pretty setting, but not suitable for disabled
or infirm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Patrons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Pricing 9/10 Fair<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Food choice 8/10 Good – Vegetarian Main Meals offered, but no<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Starters available!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com229755 Canillas de Albaida, Málaga, Spain36.8465115 -3.985929299999952536.840157999999995 -3.9960142999999526 36.852865 -3.9758442999999524tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-85439601936715428952014-06-22T14:48:00.001+02:002014-06-22T14:48:48.243+02:00Halloumi and Strawberry Salad<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdidf1EWYOQ/U6bJW-k00OI/AAAAAAAAAHM/3iMJUDOE9KM/s1600/Halloumi+%2526+Strawberry+Salad+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdidf1EWYOQ/U6bJW-k00OI/AAAAAAAAAHM/3iMJUDOE9KM/s1600/Halloumi+%2526+Strawberry+Salad+004.jpg" height="400" width="332" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">It's been 4
weeks now since my chemo session. I was due to have 3 months of
treatment, every other Tuesday.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">What time I have left I
intend to be spending as quality time having fun with my family and friends.
That includes enjoying as many foodie delights as possible.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;"><br />
I've always had a great love for the saltiness and sqweak of a good quality<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Halloumi Cheese.</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> Paired with sweet<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Strawberries</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and you encounter the most delicious
partnership. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">Having
already been through several periods of illness over the past 4/half years, the
medical team were unsure that I would be strong enough to accept another
session of chemo, especially as this was a lot stronger dose than the treatment
previously received</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">It transpires
that my body clearly can't cope. The first session has just about
rendered me pretty much useless. All further sessions have been cancelled
under the circumstances. This a great relief, what's the point in
spending 3 months plus in a zombie like state?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AL0mWQsDCVc/U6bJW6lPLTI/AAAAAAAAAHA/lRN_86-YHMg/s1600/Halloumi+&+Strawberry+Salad+-+Tasteometer+003+Edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AL0mWQsDCVc/U6bJW6lPLTI/AAAAAAAAAHA/lRN_86-YHMg/s1600/Halloumi+&+Strawberry+Salad+-+Tasteometer+003+Edited.jpg" height="338" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Halloumi & Strawberry Salad</span></b><span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> (Serves 1 – easily doubles)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">4
Strawberries, hulled and cut in half or quartered</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">½ tbsp
Balsamic vinegar</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">Squirt of
Lemon juice</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">½ tbsp Extra
virgin olive oil</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">Sea salt and
freshly ground black pepper</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">3 x
½" thick slices Halloumi cheese (cut from a block, or more if starving)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">1 tbsp Olive
oil</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">Small handful
of mint leaves (finely chopped)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">2 small Cos lettuce leaves, finely
chopped (or a handful of mixed leaves)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">Prepare the Strawberries & dressing</span></b><span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">:-</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">Place strawberries into a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">small
bowl, add the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil,. lemon juice and season
with sea salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine and leave to one
side.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">Prepare the Halloumi</span></b><span style="color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">:-</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Calibri;">Heat olive oil in a
frying pan and pan fry the <b>Halloumi</b> slices on both sides until golden brown
(about 1-2 minutes per side).</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-small; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #5d5d5d;">Recipe adapted from </span></span><a href="http://scandifoodie.blogspot.com.es/2010/09/strawberry-salad-with-halloumi.html" style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 13.85pt;">scandifoodie</a></span></span></div>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #5d5d5d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-80438670507560480352014-05-22T17:47:00.000+02:002014-06-09T12:43:54.709+02:00Craving Matcha Ice Cream (Be careful what you wish for)<div style="text-align: justify;">
'Be careful what you wish for'. A saying I'm sure you've all heard before. But do you understand it's meaning and relevance?</div>
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It seems to have come a regular phrase within my vocabulary, in addition to 'follow your dreams, life is too short to have regrets for the things you never did'. That one is self explanatory!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4zEfIZpta8/U3y-_RgxImI/AAAAAAAAAGw/y8d4h2CzhJ4/s1600/Match+Ice+Cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4zEfIZpta8/U3y-_RgxImI/AAAAAAAAAGw/y8d4h2CzhJ4/s1600/Match+Ice+Cream.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Photo courtesy of <a href="http://dailycookingquest.com/by-cuisine/japanese/matcha-green-tea-ice-cream#comment-18608">Daily Cooking Quest</a></b>
</div>
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Despite being a trained typist from school days. This post is taking some time to type due to one of the side affects of Chemo, causing pins/needles to finger tips in addition to pain.</div>
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Back in January 2010 I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. A larger tumour was discovered and I was operated on immediately.</div>
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After receiving a mild does of Chemo via a portal implanted in my neck, I also received the maximum treatment of Radiotherapy. The Radiotherapy caused a lot of damage and since 2010 I have spent several long periods in hospital, plus 3 more operations.</div>
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Despite being given the all clear just over 12 months ago in 2013. I was informed last week the Cancer has returned and spread. This time it is terminal and I was informed on the same day that <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" hres="https://www.facebook.com/StephensStory?fref=nf">19 year old Stephen Sutton died of the same disease and also of Colon Cancer.</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Please feel free to read on or skip to Matcha Ice Cream (here) if I'm boring you too much</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'Be careful what you wish for'</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before my original diagnoses, I wished for a flat stomach and a little weight loss , just like many of us do! Well that wish came true from the tragedy of being diagnosed with Colon Cancer and the affects of damage via the radiotherapy! <b>Important note </b>- However, please do not be afraid of receiving Radiotherapy if you ever face Cancer yourself. My situation happens to an incredibly low percentage of Cancer patients, it is rare and I just got unlucky.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last year Mr. Grumps and I decided we would move back to UK. There were several reasons for this decision and I particularly have been looking forward to it. One of those reasons was finances and the move would have solved that problem. Mr. Grumps wished we could remain in Spain, but this was never going to happen unfortunately (or so we thought!). Due to many factors, his wish has been granted. Both of us just wished we did not have to do so mainly due to finances. That wish has also now come true due to the fact I am now terminal........................</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Upon arriving in Spain permanently, we decided it was important to arrange Private Health Insurance, write new Wills, have Life Insurance Policies and become Spanish Residents. The most wise moves and lucky we did!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you too have already moved to Spain, or plan to, please find yourself a good Ascesoria (Solicitor) and look into the aforementioned and shy, you may be shocked at what you don't know about the Spanish system.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having taken out Life Insurances Policies has solved any financial stress. The Policy we chose pays out half the insured amount upon diagnoses of any Terminal illness with balance upon death. Now we will have no financial stress for the time I have left and Mr. Grumps will be financially secure upon my death. He will be in a position to do whatever he decides. So there's another wish come true due to tragic circumstances!!!!!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>'Be careful what you wish for'</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> 'follow your dreams, life is too short to have regrets for the things you never did'.</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My Dad died at the young age of 52 due to a massive heart attack. Mum died at the young age of 62 due to lung cancer. Neither of them carried out their dreams. These plans were put on hold for retirement!!!!!!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Matcha Ice Cream and my Craving</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week on the morning of May 14th I came across and commented on a recipe for a Matcha Ice Cream Recipe, posted by <a href="http://dailycookingquest.com/by-cuisine/japanese/matcha-green-tea-ice-cream#comment-18608">Daily Cooking Quest (here)</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That weekend I was supposed to be discharged from hospital and was so looking forward to making this simple recipe as I was craving it so much. Alas, it was not meant to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saturday morning the Oncologist visited me in Hospital and informed me the Chemo would start on Monday. Three months of treatment, via the portal with a bottle every 2 weeks for 2 days treatment being feed in over the 48 hours. However, being a strong treatment and not sure how I would react, the first one was to be given whilst in hospital.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was also informed of side affects. One of many was not to take cold food/drink from the fridge/freezer. I must only consume room temperature items throughout the whole 3 months. No ice cream for me then for a while.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-50861537097450972012014-04-13T18:04:00.001+02:002014-04-13T18:04:23.592+02:00Chengdu Chicken<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chengdu Chicken,</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> so named after the city of <st1:city w:st="on">Chengdu</st1:city>, the
capital of <st1:place w:st="on">Szechuan</st1:place> province. A deliciously spiced <st1:place w:st="on">Szechuan</st1:place>
recipe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A dish regularly seen at our dining table. Mr. Grump eats very little in the way of vegetables, particularly if green. Spinach, however is one of the healthier vegetables he actually loves. So any dishes that contain this beautiful green vegetable, gives me the perfect excuse to get it on the table.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJM3imvwyx8/U0qznGfejcI/AAAAAAAAAGg/YXewpBb7G_c/s1600/Chengdu+chicken+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJM3imvwyx8/U0qznGfejcI/AAAAAAAAAGg/YXewpBb7G_c/s1600/Chengdu+chicken+1.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serves 3- 4 as a main dish, or 4 - 6 as part of a multi-course meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ingredients</b>:-</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 large skinless chicken
breast (finely sliced)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 spring onion (finely
chopped)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 garlic clove (peeled and
crushed)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 slices ginger (peeled)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2-3 large handfuls fresh
spinach (washed)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sea salt to season spinach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tbsp hot bean paste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ tsp sesame oil, or to
taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp freshly ground
Szechuan pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5
tbsp vegetable oil (divided 1 + 4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Marinade</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tbsp soy sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine
or sherry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pinch of ground white pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ tsp sesame oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tsp cornstarch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sauce</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine
or dry sherry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tbsp soy sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tsp rice vinegar (red
rice vinegar if possible)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ½ tsp cornstarch mixed
in 2 tablespoons water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place marinade ingredients
into a bowl, stir well and add the chicken slices. Stir well to coat in marinade. Set aside for at least 20 minutes (longer if
possible).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the meantime, combine
the rice wine or dry sherry, soy sauce, vinegar and sugar. In a separate small
bowl. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch
with the water. Set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heat a wok and when hot,
add 1 tbsp of the oil. Add the spinach and sprinkle a bit of salt of top. As
soon as the spinach wilts (a few seconds), remove it and set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clean out the wok and heat
4 tablespoons oil. Add the chicken, stir-frying continually to keep them from
sticking. When the chicken changes colour and is nearly 80 percent cooked,
remove from the wok and set aside. Leave 2 tablespoons oil in the wok.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add the garlic, ginger and
hot bean paste. Stir-fry briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add the sauce mixture to
the wok. Stir fry for 1 minute, re-stir the cornstarch slurry mixture and stir
into the sauce until thickened. Stir in
the spinach, green onion and sesame oil. Sprinkle over the freshly ground
Szechuan pepper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Transfer to serving dish
immediately.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-13849973420588075892014-04-08T16:09:00.000+02:002014-04-13T15:33:28.257+02:00Char Siu Pork (Chinese BBQ Pork)<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Char Siu</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"> has to be one of my favourite ways to enjoy a pork dish.
I'm not a big fan of pork in general, for me it needs lots of added flavour and
has to be cooked to perfection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Char Siu</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"> is a popular BBQ pork dish is Chinese restaurants and
over the years I've tasted this is many restaurants. Some good and some should
simply not be on the menu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Just look around the
internet and you'll find varying recipes in addition to varying cooking
methods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">The method I insist on
provides you with a delicious, moist and perfectly cooked <b>Char Siu</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Don't just take my word
for it. Try this recipe and follow the cooking method exactly and you won't be
disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmXWt-XcEoM/U0QCfC_6SnI/AAAAAAAAAE0/mo7ssB28zW0/s1600/char+sui+sliced.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmXWt-XcEoM/U0QCfC_6SnI/AAAAAAAAAE0/mo7ssB28zW0/s1600/char+sui+sliced.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Char Siu Pork
(Chinese BBQ Pork)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Approx
750g pork tenderloin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3
tbsp soy sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2
tbsp shaoxing rice wine, sake or dry sherry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4
tbsp hoisin sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
tbsp brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
tbsp runny honey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
tsp Chinese five spice powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
tsp ginger powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
tsp garlic powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">dash
red food colouring (optional, but gives an authentic & beautiful colour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine
all marinade ingredients and put into a plastic freezer type bag<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clean
pork tenderloin by removing sinews etc, prick all over with a metal skewer and
add pork to marinade in bag. Tie knot in top and massage marinade well into
pork.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leave
in fridge overnight, massaging occasionally<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat
oven to 200c (conventional). Half fill a deep roasting tin with water and place
a wire rack on top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remove
pork from marinate (reserve marinate and set aside for later) and place on wire
rack over the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roast
for 15 minutes, remove and baste with marinate. Lower oven temperature to 180c
then roast a further 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remove
and baste with honey/water mixture. Roast a further 10 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let
it rest and slice thinly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile,
pour marinade into a small heavy saucepan and bring to a boil, simmer 2 minutes
and taste. I usually add honey or
sugar. One adjusted to your liking serve
with pork<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-15940252761128021982014-01-28T10:03:00.001+01:002014-03-30T10:50:36.472+02:00Homemade Peking Duck and Duck Sauce Recipe<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">LUVA DUCK?</span></b></div>
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<b>Two days prep and cooking, but damn it's worth the effort and wait.</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QaNzPYccjs/UudwOEKRwBI/AAAAAAAAADs/QZqYlns0NaQ/s1600/Peking+duck+3+(2)+600x500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QaNzPYccjs/UudwOEKRwBI/AAAAAAAAADs/QZqYlns0NaQ/s1600/Peking+duck+3+(2)+600x500.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">A Chinese restaurant favorite and rightly so. I could eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner, could you?</span><br />
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Don't forget, this coming weekend is Chinese New Year. There's no better way to kick off your Chinese feast than with <b>Peking Duck</b>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8R70hhd1W4/UudwOu_5fMI/AAAAAAAAAD4/qsmfO3FRPZM/s1600/Peking+duck+4+%25282%2529+600x500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8R70hhd1W4/UudwOu_5fMI/AAAAAAAAAD4/qsmfO3FRPZM/s1600/Peking+duck+4+%25282%2529+600x500.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>For the Peking Duck</b>:-</div>
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1.4kg (approx) Oven ready duck</div>
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Sea salt flakes</div>
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4 tsps <a chinese-five-spice-powder-recipe.html="" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6932723306575778104" http:="" tasteometer.blogspot.com.es="">Chinese five spice powder</a> (click for recipe) or store bought<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6932723306575778104"></a></div>
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4 Whole star anise</div>
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2 Cinnamon sticks (halved)</div>
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2 tbls Runny honey</div>
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<b>For the Duck Sauce</b>:-</div>
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3 tbls Hoisin sauce</div>
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1 tbls Granulated sugar</div>
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3 tbls Water</div>
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Prepare the duck – Remove the
back bone and flatten the duck. Cut in
half to provide 2 x separate duck halves.</div>
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Using a chef’s torch, burn off
any stray hairs. Or remove them with
tweezers.</div>
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Pour boiling water over each
portion and leave to cool. Pat dry with
kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture.</div>
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Place both portions (skin side
up) onto a rack over a tray. Place
uncovered in the fridge overnight to dry out the duck skin. Or if space, hang over a tray in a cook
place.</div>
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Cooking the duck – Preheat oven
to 150c. Meanwhile. Pierce the skin in several places (do not cut
through the flesh) Rub plenty of sea salt and half of the Chinese spice five
seasoning all over the skin sides.
Message well and push well into the skin.</div>
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Place the duck halves skin side
down onto the rack over a roasting try. Rub
the remaining Chinese five spice onto the insides of the duck halves. Lay on the Star Anise and Cinnamon sticks.</div>
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Place in the oven for 2
hours. Draining off excess fat in try
occasionally.</div>
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After 2 hours turn over and place
skin side up and ½ hour or until meat is tender.</div>
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Remove from the oven and turn on
the grill to highest setting. Pour
approx 1 tablespoon runny honey over each of the portions and brush all over to
evenly distribute.</div>
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Place under grill until skin is
crisped but not burnt.</div>
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Remove and leave to cool slightly
before shredding with two forks.</div>
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Whilst Duck is cooling make the Sauce – Place all
ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Taste and add more sugar if necessary. If too thick add a little more water. Remove from heat and pour into a small
serving bowl.</div>
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Serve with sliced cucumber, sliced spring onions and duck
pancakes with the sauce.</div>
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TIP: This can all be made ahead and simply warmed through before
serving. The duck and sauce freeze well
too.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXVP8H6twdI/UudwGSwhTBI/AAAAAAAAADo/9mYwBG2l1sk/s1600/Peking+duck+1+%25282%2529+600x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXVP8H6twdI/UudwGSwhTBI/AAAAAAAAADo/9mYwBG2l1sk/s1600/Peking+duck+1+%25282%2529+600x500.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><b>Happy feasting.</b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-52829269946385818882014-01-24T16:16:00.000+01:002014-01-25T09:28:56.762+01:00Chinese Five Spice Powder Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>You won't want to be without this</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>essential ingredient</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>for Chinese Cookery</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like all spice mixes they can vary enormously depending on brand. <b>Chinese Five Spice</b> is no different. You would expect that with 5 spices they would all carry the same flavour. Well no in a word. The quantities of each spice added can vary and in some cases so do the actual spices. There are variations using more than just 5 spices!!!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TejOcvoBLnY/UuJ_eGSIoWI/AAAAAAAAADU/-ObxBd72KRQ/s1600/5+spice+600x500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TejOcvoBLnY/UuJ_eGSIoWI/AAAAAAAAADU/-ObxBd72KRQ/s1600/5+spice+600x500.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Store bought spice powders lose flavour quickly and doesn't guarantee quality ingredients have been used. Not to mention that you can often be paying for more than you need and they get lost at the back of the larder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To ensure your spices powders/mixes are of the highest quality and fresh as can be. Toast and grind your own, can't get better than homemade anyway can we?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q8gUWc0s3E/UuJ_beoJhXI/AAAAAAAAADQ/ZfvtsGtFQWs/s1600/Chinese+5+spice+powder+600x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q8gUWc0s3E/UuJ_beoJhXI/AAAAAAAAADQ/ZfvtsGtFQWs/s1600/Chinese+5+spice+powder+600x500.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Chinese Five Spice Powder</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Whole star anise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tsps Szechuan peppercorns</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp Cloves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp Fennel seeds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cinnamon stick (broken into pieces)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a dry pan over medium heat, toast all the ingredients above. Shake the pan occasionally to prevent burning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove from heat and allow to cool.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once cooled transfer to an electric spice grinder and grind to a fine powder. Or you could make the effort to grind in a pestle & mortar!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Store in an airtight container..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">NOTE: Recipe makes approx 1/4 cup. Simply make more when required to ensure freshness.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932723306575778104.post-23548901401675342162014-01-15T17:02:00.000+01:002014-03-25T10:12:46.663+01:00Spicy Mango Chutney<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Tongue Dancing Chutney</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Nothing better than that eh?</span></b></div>
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<br />
Being an Indian food lover it's par for the course to also enjoy all the related pickles & relishes etc; especially Mango Chutney. A Chutney I had always store bought until early last year when I realised I always complained there were too many lumps of Mango and not enough sauce/juice so decided to started experimenting until I came up with a recipe I was happy with.</div>
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Juicy, full of flavour and spicy too, can't get better than that can it?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cB42qkXDSI/UyBPMuWMKPI/AAAAAAAAAEY/iot32HkQ30Q/s1600/Mango+Chutney+003+-+Tasteometer+Recipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cB42qkXDSI/UyBPMuWMKPI/AAAAAAAAAEY/iot32HkQ30Q/s1600/Mango+Chutney+003+-+Tasteometer+Recipes.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Be prepared for your tongue to dance with delight once you've tried it. Not only fab with a pickle try or additional condiment to curries, but amazing with cheese & biscuits and cold meat platters too.</div>
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So not only is this very versatile, it's cheaper than store bought and seems to last forever in the fridge too. Also makes a beautiful foodie gift when presented in a pretty jar.</div>
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Enjoy and please do let me have your thoughts if you make it too.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eeM8Agyjz_4/UyBPMyBCebI/AAAAAAAAAEk/SJTV50WA5G0/s1600/Mango+chutney+004+-+Tasteometer+Recipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eeM8Agyjz_4/UyBPMyBCebI/AAAAAAAAAEk/SJTV50WA5G0/s1600/Mango+chutney+004+-+Tasteometer+Recipes.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Spicy Mango Chutney</span></b></div>
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2 Ripe fresh mango (peeled and cut into small cubes)</div>
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250ml White wine vinegar</div>
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800gms White granulated sugar</div>
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2 tsps Ground ginger</div>
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2 tsps Garlic powder</div>
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2 tsps hot chilli powder (more or less to taste see tip below)</div>
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2 tsps Sea salt</div>
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6 Cardamon pods (seeds only)</div>
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1/2 tsp Black pepper corns</div>
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1/2 tsp Whole cloves</div>
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Mix a small amount of the vinegar (approx 1 tablespoon) with the ginger, garlic and chilli powder to make a paste.</div>
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Place the remaining vinegar in a heavy pan. Add the sugar and bring to the boil, continue to boil until the sugar has completely dissolved.</div>
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Grind the peppercorns and cloves and add to the pan with the salt, cardamon seeds and the paste. Mix well and the mango cubes.</div>
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Reduce the heat and cook uncovered until the mango is soft. Break up some of the cubes to avoid a very lumpy chutney and continue to cook until thickened.</div>
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Leave to cool slightly and pour into clean jars. Keep refrigerated.</div>
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<b>Tip</b> once made this will be very spicy but mellows slightly on standing. (best made a day before consuming)</div>
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<b><i>All photographs are copyright of Tasteometer.</i></b></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Tasteometer suggests reading all recipes prior to preparations. In the event that you have any questions or queries please leave them in the comments section or email to tasteometer@gmail.com
Please be polite and link back to appropriate posts, thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647465432093818752noreply@blogger.com2