Publishedby
TheCinnamonPress
Webwww.thecinnamonpress.com
Firstpublishedasane-bookeditioninSeptember2015
ISBN978-0-646-94481-4
©2015TheCinnamonPress
AllRightsReserved.
Author
LaraReynolds
Designer
MelissaDumas
Illustrator
ChristineHill
Photographer
AnnasaVerd
NOTICEOFRIGHTS
Nopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproducedinanymanner,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,orotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher,exceptinthecontextofreviews.
Formoreinformationongettingpermissionforreprintsandexcerpts,[email protected].
Reasonableattempthasbeenmadetoidentifyownersofcopyright.
Errorsoromissionswillbecorrectedinsubsequenteditions.
NOTICEOFLIABILITY
Theinformationinthisbookisdistributedonan“asis”basiswithoutwarranty.Whileeveryprecautionhasbeentakeninthepreparationofthebook,neithertheauthornorTheCinnamonPressshallhaveanyliabilitytoanypersonorentitywith
respecttoanylossordamagecausedorallegedtobecauseddirectlyorindirectlybytheinstructionscontainedinthisbook.
ABOUTTHECOOKLaraReynoldsisanaccomplishedculinaryexpertwithyearsofcookingandadventureexperienceuphersleeve.
Makingscrapboxesofrecipes,foodpicturesandstartingapersonalChristmascakebusinessat15yearsold,itwasclearLarawasgoingtofollowthecareerpathofhospitality.OnceLarasuccessfullycompletedaChefcourseatUltimoTaféinSydney,shewentofftoworkforseveralAustralianmagazinetitlesasarecipedeveloper/writer/photochef,assistchefsanddemonstratorsatSydneySeafoodCookingSchoolaswellascateringforprivateevents,helpingfriendssetuprestaurantsinSpainandhostingundergrounddinnerpartiesinLondonandAmsterdam.
Forthepastfewyears,Larahastakenonthechallengeofcreatingmouth-wateringdishesfromthegalleyofa75footyachtformanyguestsandcrewmembersastheysailaroundtheGreekIslandsoftheIoniansea.Manytipsandtrickswereexchangedwithlocalproducesandothergalleycooksalongtheway.Particularlyaboutbeingorganised,nottobeafraidofcannedvegetables,ensuringeverythingisstoredawaybeforesailingandpurchaseproduceonlyasyouneedit.Takingallthisadviceonboard,Laraisabletocombinebeautifulfreshseasonalproduceandlonglifeproductswhenmakingmealsandaccompanimentsinagalley’thesizeofashoebox’.
LaradrawsmuchofherinspirationforcookingfromherEuropeangrandparents,parents,brotherandfromherbelovedhomelandAustralia,whichshereturnstoonceayear.AlsospendingpartofherlifeinTheNetherlands,Laraisluckyenoughtocontinuehavingadventureswithmanyofherfriendsbeingdevotedfoodies.
FuturepopuprestaurantsandcooksbooksareonthehorizonforLaraReynolds.Keepaneyeoutforthisfearlesscook!
SUN,MOUNTAINSANDSEA…WelcometothestunningturquoisekissedMediterraneanSea.
Whetheryoulovetosailornot,thereissomethingenthrallingabouthoistingupthesailsandfollowingthewind.Feelingthesprayofsaltyseawaterbrushingagainstyourface,thesoundoftheseaengulfingthebodyoftheboatandtherushofthewindroaringpastyourears…itisusuallyafterthisadrenalinerushwhenonewilltakeofftothebarannouncingtheirproudmoment;relishingtheirexperiencesoutatseaorcelebratingtheadventurewithascrumptiousmealondeck.
Cookingontheyachtisanythingbutsmoothsailinghowever,weallknow,theseacreatesanappetite.So,Ioftenhearthroughouttheday,“What’scooking?”
Thisbookisacompilationofvariousdishescreatedbymyselfinmy‘sailingkitchen’inspiredbyandforourguestswhilstsailingaroundtheGreekIslands.Theyarequick,simpleandfeatureingredientsyoucanpurchasearoundtheMediterranean.Maythisbookprovideyouwithsupportinthekitchenandkeepyourpanicstationsatbay.
Remembertokeepitsimpleandusebeautifulfreshherbstodressupyourdishes.Haveabasicvisionforyourmenu,butmostimportantly,takeastroll
throughthemarketsandcreateyourmenuaccordingtowhat’sseasonal.
Ihopeyouenjoymakingandeatingeachdishasmuchaswehave.
HappyCookingandkeepfollowingthesun.
GALLEYNOTESALLMEASUREMENTSAREINAUSTRALIANSTANDARDMETRIC.
1Australianmetricmeasuringcupholds250mLs,
tablespoon=tbsp
1Australianmetrictablespoonholds20mLs
teaspoon=tsp
1Australianmetricteaspoonholds5mLs
1egg=max.60g
AllmilkandcreamusedisfullfatUHT
Alleggsusedasfree-range
Allbutterusedisun-saltedunlessotherwisespecified
OVENTEMPERATURES
Gasmark1=140CCool
Gasmark2=150CCool
Gasmark3=170CVerymoderate
Gasmark4=180CModerate
Gasmark5=190CModerate
Gasmark6=200CModeratelyhot
Gasmark7=220CHot
BASICESSENTIALS:EQUIPMENTBasicknivesforchoppingandcutting/slicingbread
Measuringcupsand/orscales/weights
Measuringspoons
Measuringjugs
Small,medium,largemixingbowls(plastic)
1woodenchoppingboardforbread
4plasticchoppingboardsoneeachforvegetables,cookedmeats,rawmeats,rawseafood
Boxgraterandmicro-plane
Vegetablepeeler
Woodenspoon,slottedmetalspoonandspatula
Colanderandfinemeshstrainer
Severalpairsoftongs
3fryingpansatvarioussizessuitabletoyourstove-top
Saucepans(withoutplasticcoveringsonhandlesastheymelteasilyonthestovetop)
20/22cmroundand20cmsquarecakepan,1x61cupcapacitycupcaketray
Bakingdishinasuitablesizetoyouroven
Casseroledish
Handheldbeaters
Stickblender
PANTRYBASICSSPICESANDDRIEDHERBS
oregano
mint
sumac
groundcinnamon
groundcumin
groundsweetandsmokedpaprika
allspice/mixedspice
onionflakes
mildcurrypowder
OILS
vegetable
olive(extraandregular)
sesameseedoil
VINEGARS
balsamic
redwine
white
MUSTARDS
dijon
wholegrain
GRAINS,PULSESANDWHEATPRODUCTS
whitelonggrainrice
brownrice
lentils(driedorcanned)
cannedkidneybeans
varietyofpasta’s
LONGLIFEPRODUCTS
canneddicedtomatoes
cannedbeetroot
olives(blackandgreen-pittedifpossible)
jarsofroastpeppers
cannedtuna,anchoviesandsardines
honey
sugar
teabags
instantcoffee
plainandselfraisingflour
bakingpowder
bicarbonatesoda
cocoapowder
tomatopaste
ketchup
soysauce
sweetchillisauce
coconutmilkorcream
desiccatedcoconut
driedraisinsorsultanas
cannedpeaches
vanillaextract
STORAGEDependingonthesizeofyourgalley,you’llbeblessedeitherwaywithalotofspaceorlimitedspace.I’mfortunateenoughtohavethelatteroptionandyouknowwhat,it’smademealotmorecreativeandmywashinguploadistiny.I’velearnttowashasyougo.
Onceyouhavefinishedwithonepieceofequipmentwashitupandputitaway–simpleasthat.Havingoneofeverythingalsominimizesthepossibilityofclutter.
GreattipIcanofferyouistotryandfindstoragecontainersthatyoucanstackintooneanotherwhennotinuse.OnebrandIknowdoeswellwiththatisTupperware.Checkouttheirsiteforideasandinspirationwww.tupperware.com
Continuesover>>
INREGARDSTOSTORINGPANTRYITEMSIFOLLOWTHESERULESWHILSTOUTATSEA:
-Buysqueeziebottlesofsaucessuchasketchup,mayonnaiseandmustardwheneveryoucan.Thiswillpreventcontaminationsforexample–doubledippingdirtyspoons;knivesinjarscancausenastyspreadofbacteria.Ifyouonlybuyjars,ensureyoudon’tdoubledip.Personally,Idon’tstoreopenedjarsofmayonnaiseinthefridgeandhavefoundguestsandmyselfhavenotfallenilltofoodpoisoning.
-Bread,cheesecanbewrappedinbutcher'spaperorbrownpaperbag.Istorebreadintheovenandwrappedcheeseinaplasticcontainerinthecoolestpartofthefridge.
-Whenitcomestopurchasingfreshproduce,buyonlyenoughforwhatyou
need.Tryandbuyproductsthatareasfreshaspossible.Avoidbuyingrefrigeratedvegetables/fruitorpackedinplasticcontainers,unlessyoucankeepthemrefrigerated.IalsoavoidwashingmyfruitandvegetablesuntilIneedthem.Youmustensuretheyarewelldriedotherwiseanyextramoisturewillmaketheproducerot.
-Ihavealsoheardofwashingproduceinsolutionofvinegarandwaterroughly1:10ratio.Believedtoextendthelifespanofvegetablesforlonghauljourneys.
-Forstoragekeepproduceindark,coolandwell-ventilatedareasoftheboat.Makehangingbasketsoutofplasticcontainerstostoreyourfruitandvegetables,Infact,theycouldhavealongerstoragelifestoredoutofthefridge.YoucanfindmanyDIYprojectsonYouTube.
-Flours,bakingpowder,bicarbonatesoda,coffeeandsugarsmustbestoredinairtightcontainerstoeliminatethepossibilityofmoisturegettingintotheproductandmakingitdryandclumpy.
SEASICKNESSREMEDIESWeallknowthemotionoftheoceancanturnusgreenatthegills..Imyselffounditpainfuloutatseaduringmyfirstfewweeksontheyacht.IjusthadtolookattheseafromthedeckandIwasreadytoheave.
Mypersonalremedywastosimplygodownbelowinmygalleyandcookmyheartout.Ifacedtherollingaction,whichisfeltmostlyinthelowersectionoftheboatheadonandtriedmybesttoembracethesea’snaturalmovement.Concentratingonsomethingelseandalotofdeepbreathingsoonenoughcuredmyseasickness.
HereareafewmoreremediesworthtryingthatIalsofoundusefulalongtheway:
-Eatingagreenapple
-Suckingongingerlollies,gingerbiscuitsandsippinggingertea
-Wristbandswithpressureballs
BEMINDFULOF…-Howmuchwateryouuse.Remembertouseonlywhatyouneedandturnthetapoffwhenwaterisnotinuse.Unlessyouhavealargewatertankatyourdisposal;-)
-Thegasbottle.Alwayshaveasparegasbottleontheboatsoyoucanmakeachangeoverwheneverthebottlerunsempty
-Importantly,don’tthrowanyfoodscrapsoverboard.Thereareseveralopinionsoutthereaboutthistopic,butmyopinionistobesensitivetotheenvironmentandkeepourwaterwayscleanofwaste.
-Iftravellinglongdistanceandhavecannedfoodinyourstorage,ripoffthelabelanduseapermanentmarkertolabelthecanaccordingly.
-Alwaysdoublebinyourrubbishbinsasitishighlylikelybagswillspilt(commonlygettingcaughtontheinstrumentsondeck)andbinjuicewillspreadthroughtheboatasyouaredisembarkingtheyachttodiscardtherubbishonland.
-Keepcardboardboxesofftheyachttoavoidunnecessaryinsectscomingand/orhatchingontheyacht.
CONTENTSWHAT’SCOOKING….
ABOVEDECK-BREKKY
FluffyOrangePikeletswithCaramelisedFruitandGoldenGoddessCaramelCoconutSauce
SmashedBlackPepperStrawberries,yoghurtandhoneypots
5minuteGranola
PlumLemonandAmarettoCake
GreekStyleEggs
Brekkyinahurry–Bakedfeta
JR’SScrambledEggs
DecadentBaconButtyorSarni
Bouncer
3WAYSWITH…
CABBAGE
ItalianSlawCabbageSalad
AsianSlaw
PickledCabbage
POTATOES
CreamyWarmPotatoSalad
IndianPotatoes
Bubi’sPotatoandCucumberSalad
RICE
GingerandOrangeRice
JewelledRice
WhiteRiceCucumberandChilli(SushiSalad)
TUNA
3alternativerecipes
SALADS
3Melon,Feta,Olive,OnionandParsleySalad
BeetrootwithMintandFeta
SummerLentilSalad
GreenBeanandFetaSalad
CarrotandRaisinSalad
MANGIA!MANGIA!PASTA
RagazziPenne
PeppersandAlmondPasta
ChickeninRedSauce
FRUITSOFTHESEA
PrawnandFetaSaganaki
GreekStylePan-FriedFishPsariSavori
TunaFishCakes
FEELINGCHEESY
BakedCamembert
StuffedPeppers
CheesyBalls
FetaandSundriedTomato,OreganoImpossiblePie
MEATY
Meatballswithatwist
Pork,HoneyandRosemaryKebab’s
SeasideChickenGenovese
Dedi’sChickenWings
DROPANCHOR–NIBBLESWITHDRINKS
MarinadeforOlives
BarNuts
QuickpickledCarrotandCucumberStickswithLabna
TripleDeckBakedGreekCheeseSoldiers
Courgette/ZucchiniBruschetta
SWEETDREAMS
ChocolateBananaBoats
RichCaramelAppleCrumble
ChocolateandCoffee(BIRTHDAY)Cake
BakedYoghurtPeaches
BEVERAGES
Ouzo
Retsina
Tsipouro
Raki
Mastikaliquor
FrappéCoffee
STAPLES
CaramelisedFruit
ToastedRice
1,2,3FlatBread
CreamySaladDressing
TahiniDressing
SimplePastaMustardSaladDressing
MarinatedRaisins
CaramelisedOnions
Labna
5IngredientSalsa
ABOVEDECK-BREKKYThefirstandmostimportantmealoftheday-Brekky,aswerefertoitinAustralia,ismyfavouritemealofthedaytoprepare.Crewandguestsalwaysenjoybrekkyonthedeckinthecockpitlookingattheendlessblueseasandsoakingupthewarmmorningsunrays.
Breakfastactuallymeans,breakingthefast–andontheyachtIcertainlymakesurenoonegoeshungrybyprovidingabuffetstylebrekkyinTheSalonfeaturingfruitjuicessuchasappleandorange,platesofseasonalfruit,varietyofcereals,thickGreekyoghurt,plateofcoldmeatssuchasham,turkeybreastandsalami,breakfastcake,sweetbiscuits,crackers,poachedfruitandoneortwoofthetreatsthatfollow….
FLUFFYORANGEPIKELETSWITHGOLDENGODDESSCARAMELCOCONUTSAUCEANDCARAMELISEDFRUIT
NostalgicmemoriesflowbacktomethemomentIbegintopreparepikelets.IadoremakingpikeletssimplybecausetheymakemefeellikeIamathomewithfamily.EverySundaysomeoneinTheReynoldshouseholdwouldwhipupabatchofpikelets.
MyGreatAuntywouldalsoservethesewiththickcreamandstrawberriesforafternoontea.Atreatindeedandafavouritewithmanyoftheguestsholidayingon-boardtheyacht.Thisisawonderfulrecipetomakewithchildrenandperfectfirstentryintotheirpersonalcookbook.
And,thesepikeletsareafavouriteofthecaptain’ssobigTIPtothegalleycook:gettoknowwhatthecrew,particularlythecaptain’sfavouritedishesareandfeedhim/herwiththeirfavouriteseverynowandthen.
Believeme,it’sworththeeffort!
FLUFFYORANGEPIKELETSWITHGOLDENGODDESSCARAMELCOCONUTSAUCEANDCARAMELISEDFRUIT-Makesabout22-
-GathertheIngredients-
PIKLETS
1¼cupselfrisingflour1-2tablespoonrawsugar1cupfullfatmilk1egg,lightlybeaten1tablespoongoldensyrup/honey1teaspoonfinelygratednon-waxedorangezest(skin)½teaspoonbicarbonatesodamixedwith1teaspoonfullcreammilk–prepareandaddjustbeforecookingpinchofsaltafewknobsofbutterforcooking
COCONUTCARAMELSAUCE
30gunsaltedbutter1/3cupsoftbrownsugar,firmlypacked250mlUHTcream,shakenwell¼cupdesiccatedcoconut1tspvanillaextract
-Let’sgetcooking-
Beginwiththepikelets.Siftdryingredientstogetherinamediumbowl.Whiskmilk,egg,syrupandzesttogether,thenaddtodryingredients,whiskinguntilsmooth.Standmixturefor15minutes.Thenwhiskinbicarbonatesodamixturejustbeforecooking.
NowontotheCaramelSauce;meltbutterinasmallsaucepanovermediumheatforabout1minuteuntilnuttyincolour.Whenbutterisfoaming,addbrownsugar,
stirtocombine;cookforabout1minuteuntilmixturebeginstosmelldivineandsugarisdissolvingandbubbling.Takeoffheat;stirincream,coconutandvanilla,whiskingquicklyuntilwellcombined.Placebackonheatforabout2minutes,whiskinguntilmixturehasthickenedslightly.Coverandsetasideuntilreadytoserve.
Stirbicarbonatesodaandmilkmixturetogetherandpourintothebatter,stirtocombine.
Heat(preferably)anon-stickmediumfrypanovermediumheatandaddalittleoftheextrabutter.Swirlbuttertocoatbottomofthepan.Whenbutterisfoaming,dropleveltablespoonfulsofthemixtureintothepanandcookforhalfaminuteoruntilbubblesappearonthesurface.
Flipoverpikeletsandcookforafurtherminuteuntilgolden.Transfertoaservingplate,covertokeepwarmandcontinuewithremainingingredients.
Serveimmediatelytoppedwithcaramelisedfruit,foundonthestaplespageandgoddesscaramelsauce.Sprinklegroundcinnamonifyoulike.
TIPKnowhowtomakeyourownself-raisingflour.Sift1-cupplainflourwith2teaspoonsbakingpowder.Thelastminuteadditionofthebicarbonatesodaandmilkcombinationisthevitaltoolgivingthepikeletmixtureitsfinalliftandfluffytextureoncecooked.
SMASHEDBLACKPEPPERSTRAWBERRIES,YOGHURTANDHONEYPOTS
ArevelationtoStrawberriesdiscoveredbackintheearly90’sandstillafavouriteofmine.Blackpepperdrawsoutthesweetnessfromthestrawberries.InspirationforthisdishcamefromacornershopinthebeautifulseatownofAssos,Cephalonia.Therewere3punnetsoftheplumprubystrawberriessittingonthecounterwhereIpickupdailymorningbreadandIjusthadtohavethem.
IusuallymakethisinthebeginningoftheseasonwhenStrawberriesareplentiful.Thisisagreatrecipeforusingmarkedorbruisedstrawberries.Thecontrastofthevibrantredstrawberriesandthecreamywhiteyoghurtmakethisbrekkyasimpleyetimpressivebreakfasttoserveyourguestsorlovedone.
Goonandgivethisclassicatry.
-GathertheIngredients-
2punnetsripestrawberries,greentopsremoved,halved1-2tablespoonrawcastersugar,dependingonnaturalsweetnessfromthestrawberries½tspfreshlygroundblackpepper250gtubplainthickyoghurt1tablespoonfreshmintleaves,finelysliced,plusextratoserveHoneytoserve
-Let’sgetcooking-
Tossstrawberries,sugarandblackpeppertogetherinalargebowl.Standfor15minutes,allowingstrawberriestosoftenandreleasetheirjuices.Mashstrawberrieswiththebackofafolk,keepingthestrawberrieschunky.Seasontotaste–mayneedmoresugarorblackpepper.
Swirlhalfoftheberrymixtureand1tablespoonfreshmintthroughyoghurt.Divideremainingblackpepperstrawberrymixtureevenlyinto4glasses.Topwithflavouredyoghurt,swirlofhoneyandmintleaves.
5MINUTEGRANOLA
Atwistontheusualoats.This5MinuteGranolaiseasyandquicktopreparenottomentionthedelightfulheadyscentofspicesandsweetnessgreetingguestsinthemorningastheyrisetoagloriousSummer’sday.
AnAMwinneronallregards!
-Makesabout3cups--GathertheIngredients-
¼cuplightoliveoil¼cupblossomhoney1/3cupdesiccatedcoconut2tablespoonswhitesesameseeds2cupsrolledoats½cupdriedcranberriesoryourfavouritedriedfruit½to1teaspoongroundedcinnamonormixedspice
-Let’sgetcooking-
Heatoilandhoneyinalargefrypanovermedium-highheat,stirringuntiljustwarmedthrough.Stirinsesameseedsandcoconut;cookstirringuntilgolden,2-3minutes.Addoatsforafurther2-3minutes;cookstirringandtossingwith2spoons,untilgoldenbrown.Stirthroughcranberriesandgroundcinnamon.Spreadonatraytocool.
StoreinscrewtopjarsoraddalayerofittotheBlackPepperStrawberrypots.
NOTETheprepackaged,pre-mademuesliwebuyinthesupermarketsarebecomingahealthieroptionhowever,manyarestilllacedwithsugarandfat.Withthishomemadegranolarecipe,youareincontrolwithwhatyouareaddingandusinghealthyoils.Besttomakethisgranolainsmallbatchesasthesesameseedscangooffinhotelementsandbecomeclumpyduetothehumidity.
PLUM,LEMONANDAMARETTOCAKE
Lusciousbreakfastorafternoonteacake-thechoiceisyours.Thiscakeistheperfectadditiontoacontinentalstylebreakfast.EnjoyedwithadollopofthickcreamyGreekyoghurtoronit’sownaccompaniedbyacomfortingcupoftea.
Thiscakeactuallywasoriginallyamuffinrecipe,howeverIhadlentmysiliconcupcakeholderstoaneighboringyachtinpicturesquePortAtherinos,Meganissi.Themouldswereleftonourdeckbeforeleavingintheearlyhoursandhaveneverbeenseenagain.Itwasawindymorningsomyguessistheyarenowcommittedtoalifetimeofswimming.
Again,Ibelieveintakingcareofthosearoundme,soIwilloftengivehalfofthiscaketotheadventurousandhelpfulownersoftheportandTavernainPortSpillia,Meganissi.
-GathertheIngredients-
4smallripeplums,quartered,seedsremoved2tablespoonsamarettoliquororlemonjuice200gselfraisingflour100grawcastersugar,plusanextratablespoon1tspbakingpowderFinelygratedlemonzestfrom1smalllemon(try&getyourhandsonbackyardgrownlemon)150mlfullfatmilk80mlneutralflavouredoil1egg,lightlybeaten1teaspoonvanillaextract(optional)
-Let'sgetbaking-
Inasmallsaucepan,tossplums&extrasugartogether.Placeoverhighheatandcookplumsforabout3-4minutes,turninghalfwaythroughcooking,untilplumsbecomeslightlybrownedandbegintoreleasetheirjuices.Addamarettoorlemonjuice.Cook&tossoccasionallyforabout2minutesoruntilplumsaretender.Removefromheat&setasidetocool.
Pre-heatovento180C.Grease&linebaseandsidesofa20cmsquarecake/slicepan-leavepapertooverhangabout2cmonallsides.Mixdryingredientsalongwithlemonzest,togetherinabowl.Whiskwetingredientsinajug.Addwettodry&stiruntiljustcombined.Youwanttoseelumpsastheywillgiveyouatendercake.
Spoonbatterintoprepareddish.Smoothtopwithbackofawetspoon;dollopplumsontop,pressingthemintobatter.Bakefor25minutes,untilcookedwhentestedwithawoodenskewer.Leavetostandfor5minutesbeforeremovingfromdish.ServewarmwithadollopofthickGreekyoghurt,drizzleofhoney&sprinkleofcinnamonifyousodesire.
TIPCoverwithfoil,halfwaythroughbakingiftopisbeginningtobrowntoomuch.
GREEKSTYLEEGGS
Thankstothelittlepunchofheatandblastofprotein,theseGreekeggsareconsideredtheperfect‘morningafter’brekkyastheyareboundtosoakuplastnight'stoxinsandgiveyouagreatenergyboostforthedailysailingventuresthatlayahead.GreekEggsareperfectlypartneredwithathicksliceofbutterywoodfirebreadboughtfreshfromthelocalbakery.Yum!
-GathertheIngredients-
1mediumredonion,finelysliced2garliccloves,sliced250govenroastedredcapsicums/peppers400gcandicedtomatoes180gfeta,drained3teaspoonsdriedoreganoormint
1teaspoongroundcinnamon1teaspoonsumac4eggsOliveoilExtrafeta,olives,sumacandMint/Greekbasiltogarnish-Let’sgetcooking-
Inasaucepan,sautéonionsinoilfor3-4minutesuntiltenderandgolden.Stiringarlicandapinchofsalt;cookabout1minuteuntilfragrant–stirringoccasionallytopreventonionsfromcatchingtothebottomofthepan.
Stirinpeppers,dicedtomatoes,1tomatocannedfilledwithwater,driedoregano,cinnamonand1teaspoonsugar.Bringtotheboil.Thensimmercoveredfor10minutes.
Usingthebackofalargespoon,make4dipsinthesaucethencrackaneggintoeachone.Coverpanwithlid,cookoveralowheatfor5-6minutes.Removelid.Topwithchunksoffeta;cookforafurther2-3minutesoruntileggsarecookedtoyourliking.Standforafewminutesbeforeserving.Scatterwitholives,sumacandfreshmint/GreekBasilleaves.Servewithcrunchybread.
DIDYOUKNOW…SumacisapowderedformofadriedberrythatgrowsfromawildbusharoundtheMediterraneanareas.Aromaticinscentwithlemonytangy!Lovelysprinkledovertomatosaladsandonrawlambbeforebeinggrilled.
BREKKYINAHURRY-BAKEDFETA
Unassumingandachangefromtheusualtastycheesebreakfastoption.
Take250gfeta,oliveoil,4slicesoftomatoes,driedthymeandtoastedsesameseeds.Place250gfetaonasheetofbakingpaper.Seasonwithpepperand2teaspoonsdriedthyme.Topwith4slicesoftomatoandscatterover2tablespoonsofsesameseeds.Drizzlewitholiveoil.Wrapinfoilandcookin180Covenfor15minutes.Serveimmediatelywithsqueezeoflemonjuice,slicesofcucumberandwhitewoodfirebread.
JR’SSCRAMBLEDEGGS
MydadisthekingofscrambledeggsandeverytimeImaketheseeggsforguests,theyareeagerlyawaitingtowatchmemakethemagain.
Whisk2eggsperperson,smallhandfuloftornfreshparsleyleavesand2tablespoonsperpersonoffinelygratedParmesancheese.Heatpanovermediumheatwith30gbutter,swirlaroundthepanensurethebaseofthepaniscovered.Whenbutterbeingstofoam,poureggymixtureintopan.Stirwithaspatula,goingfromtheedgesfoldingintothemiddlegentlyuntileggcurdslooksilky.Takeoffheatwheneggsbegintojustset.Serveimmediatelywithcrunchybreadorwrappedinhomemade1,2,3Bread(foundintheSTAPLESsection).
DECADENTBACONBUTTYORSARNI
Salty.Buttery.Tomato/BBQsauce.Whitebread–thatisit.
Alsoknownasabaconsandwich.Ifirstwasintroducedtothiscreationonmy2ndyearashostessontheyacht.WewerefreeanchoredoutinwatersofVasseliki,Lefkada,notabletogointotownontheribduetotheheavyrainandstorminourmists.
AfewEnglishguestsrequestedabaconbuttyforbreakfast.Wewerestuckoutatseaanditwastooroughtoheadintoshore.
Ithoughttomyselfwhatonearthisabaconbutty?WellIknewbaconwassomehowinvolvedinitanditwasbreakfasttimesothereIwasslicingloavesofwhitebreadandfryingrashesofbacon…thescentsentmoregueststothegalleyrequestingoneofthesebutties…Iquietlyaskedoneofthechildren,“howdoyouhaveyourbutty?”“Ummm…likedad’s”Ihadachuckleandthought,“great”.
Ihadtomakethebreadstretchanditwasalso2daysoldsoIwasfryingitinthepanwiththebaconjuicestogiveitawellneededboost.SoonIheardoneoftheguestssay,“what’stakingsolong?”Thesaucerequestscameflyinginthenboom,bacononbuttery,bacondrippingsoakedbread,sauceandrashesofbaconontop.“Ihopethisisright”andyes,itcertainlywasgoingbythequietnessintheSaloon.
Bestthingaboutthisbrekkyisthesimplicity–don’tcomplicatethings.However,comingfromAustralia,Ican’thelpbutaddslicesofjuicypan-friedtomatoandmashedvibrantgreenavocado–alittleracy,Iknow!
Seerecipeonthenextpage>>
DECEDENTBACONBUTTYORSARNI-GathertheIngredients-
½teaspoonsmokedpaprika60gsaltedbutter,softened1-2tablespoonsrawsugar12slicesofstreakybacon2mediumripetomatoes,slicedinto8slices4softwhitebuns,split1ripeavocado,seedremovedSauceofyourchoice–tomatoorBBQ
-Let’sgetcooking-.
Preheatoven-grillandline2trayswithbakingpaper.Combinebutterandpaprikawell.Seasonandspreadonbothhalvesofbread.Arrangebread,baconandtomatoesontrays;overlappingifneedbe.
Sprinklesugaroverbothsidesofbaconandtomatoes.Cookfor5minutesoruntilgolden,turninghalfwaythrough.Removebreadearlierifgoldenandtoasty.Spreadtoastedbreadwithripeavocado,topbasewithbacon,tomatoslicesandsauce.Coverwiththewhitebuntop.
TIPAtouchofsugaronthetomatoesbringsoutthesweetness.Omitsugarandusehoneyonthebaconifyouwish–mightneedtocomeout1-2minutesearlier.
BOUNCER
BounceristheEnglishtranslationfromUitsmijter;aniconicDutchbreakfastorlunchtimemealparticularlyenjoyedovertheweekend.TherearemanyvariationsandthisversionwasthefirstdishmyDutchboyfriendcookedformeinourearlystagesofdating.
Rumourhasit,thetitleofthisdishderivedfromlatenightcafésservingpatronstheirlastmealbeforebeingkickedout…or‘bounced’outatclosingtime.
Youwantsuperfresheggsforthisdishsoaskaroundtheislandifanyonehaschooksandfindyourselfarelativelyfreshlylaidegg…flavourisoutstanding!
Etensmaaklekker–Enjoyyourmeal!
-GathertheIngredients-
8slicesfreshwhitebread(it’samust,brownbreadwon’tdo)80gsaltedbutter,softened1tablespoonsDijonmustard8eggs8slicesofthinlyslicedsmokedham8squareslicesGoudacheeseorcheeseofyourchoice
-Let’sgetcooking-
Spreadeachsliceofbreadwithalittlebutterandmustard.Melthalfthebutterin2mediumfryingpans.Crack4eggsintoeachpan.Cookfor1minute,untilwhitesbegintofirmup.Topwithhamandcheeseslices.
Cookforafurther2-3minutesoruntileggsarecookedtoyourliking.Liftcheesyeggsontoslicesofwhitebread.Serveandeatimmediately.
NOTEItmightseemlikealotofbutterinthisrecipebutjustrememberyoudon’teatthiseveryday.Oilwon’tdo,youmustusebutter.
3WAYSWITHCABBAGECabbageisoneofthoseversatilevegetablesprovidingmoresubstancetosaladthanlettuceandcanstarasasupertastysidedish.Mostimportantly,ittakesawhileforthisvegetabletogooffanddeteriorate.So,thesearetheperfectrecipesifyourrefrigeratorelementsarenotuptoscratchwhilstoutatsea.
InspirationforbothoftheserecipescamefrommyearlycookingdaysinEuropewhenIwashelpingafriendopenuparestaurantinBarcelona.TheItalianslawwouldaccompanyPorkandFennelmeatballs…itwasaheavenlycombination,andcompletecrowdpleaser.Ifyouarefeelingfancy,finishthesaladwithadrizzleofTruffleinfusedoliveoil.Youareboundtohearmoansoffoodiesatisfactionatthetable.
ITALIANSLAWCABBAGESALAD-GathertheIngredients-…
350ggreencabbageor½asmallgreencabbage,finelyshreddedorsliced1smallbunchorlargehandfuloffreshparsley,finelychopped-usetheleavesandstalksJuicefrom2non-waxedlemonszestfrom1non-waxedlemon½cupoliveoilorflavouredoilLargehandfuloffinelygratedParmesancheese,plusextraforgarnishPinchofdriedchillitoaddabitoffiretoyourafternoon(optional)
-Let’sgettossing-
Tossallingredientstogetherinalargebowluntilwellcombinedandseasontotaste.ServetoppedwithextragratedParmesancheeseandashoweroftorn
parsleyleaves.
TIPParsleycanbeusedmorethanjustagarnish.Insteadofdiscardingparsleystalks,finelychopandtossthroughyoursaladsorpastasauces.Butwhencookingwithparsleystalks,tossthemthroughthesauceatlastminuteaslongperiodsofcookingcanturnthesaucebitter.
ASIANSLAW
Thissaladisburstingwithcolourandflavour!Refreshingandperfectalongsidegrilledchickenskewersoronameatysausagesandwich.
-GathertheIngredients-
DRESSING
1orange½cupoliveoil2tablespoonssoysauce2tablespoonmaltvinegar½cupsultanas2tablespoonssoftbrownsugarorhoneyPinchdriedchilliflakes(optional)
350gpurplecabbage,finelyshreddedsesameseedoiltodrizzle
-Let’sgettossing-
Removethezestfromoneorange.Peeltheorangethenthinlysliceorangeflesh.Whiskdressingingredientstogetherinalargebowl.Seasontotaste.
Addcabbageandtossuntilwellcoated.Stand10minutesbeforeserving.Again,seasontotaste.Garnishwithorangesanddrizzleofsesameseedoil.
PICKLEDCABBAGE
Thiseasyquick-pickledcabbageiscrunchy,sweetandsalty.Itmakestheperfectsidedishwithporkandworkswellwithoption1intheTUNAchapter.
-GathertheIngredients-
¼cupwhitevinegar¼cuprawcastersugar1tspdriedchilliflakesPinchofsalt½cuproastedsaltedpeanuts,roughlychopped350gwhitecabbage,roughlychoppedSesameSeedoiltoserve
-Let’sgettossing-
Whiskvinegarandsugartogetherinalargebowl,untilsugarhasdissolved.Addremainingingredients.Standfor1hourbeforeservingtoallowflavourstodevelopandcabbagetosoften.DrizzlewithSesameSeedoilwhenreadytoserve.
TIPStorecabbageincoolplaceandprotectitfromtoomuchbruising.Cabbagewillbethenewlettuceduetoitssturdierleaf.
3WAYSWITHPOTATOESBelieveitornot,theoldstarchypotatocontainsahighlevelofvitaminC…particularlyundertheskin.Formostoftheserecipesyoucansimplyscrubthepotatoes,insteadofpeeling.Notonlydoesthisdecreaseyourwork-loadinthegalleybutalsoreducesmessandwaste.Ontheupside,youareboostingyourvitaminintakeandkeepingthekidshappy!Plus,potatoesdon’thavetoberefrigerated;simplystoretheminacooldarkplace,inalooseknitbagandusethemasyouwish.
CREAMYWARMPOTATOSALAD-GathertheIngredients-
250mlfullfatmilk250mlcream30gsaltedbutter½chickenstockcube2garliccloves,squashedwithbackofaknife1redonion,finelysliced4wholecloves1bayleaf,crushedinyourhandtoreleasearomasGreenherbstoserveifdesired750gpotatoes,peeledorscrubbedwell
-Let’sgetcooking-
Combineallingredients,apartfromthepotato,togetherinasmallsaucepan;bringtotheboilthenreduceandsimmeruncoveredforabout10minutes–keepaneyeonitsothemixturedoesn’toverflow.Setasideandleavetosteepfor½hour.
Meanwhile,par-boilpotatoesfor8-10minutesuntiltenderwhentestedwithabambooskewer.Drain,setasideandcoverwithaclothfor10minutes.Straincreamymixture.Discardspices.Seasontotaste.Cutpotatoesintowedgesandgentlytosstogetherwiththeinfusedmilktoensureevencoating.Seasontotaste.Servetoppedwithtorngreenherbs.
INDIANPOTATOES-GathertheIngredients-
750gdirtyskinnedpotatoes,peeledorscrubbedwell1/3cupneutralflavouredoil1mediumredonion,trimmed,cutintoquarters2tablespoonsqualitycurrypowder1cupflakedordesiccatedcoconut2tablespoonsyelloworblackwholemustardseeds
-Let’sgetcooking-
Bringpotatoestotheboilinsaltedwaterfor8-10minutesuntiljusttenderwhentestedwithawoodenskewer.Drainandsetaside.Coverwithacloth.Meanwhile,heattheoilinpanandsautéonionsfor2-3minutesuntilsoftened.Tossinpar-
boiledpotatoesandcurrypowderandcookfor8-10minutesuntilgolden;tossing
regularlytopreventstickingtothebottomofthepan.Add½cupcoconutandmustardseeds;tosstocombineandcookfor5minutesuntilgoldenandfragrant.
Seasontotaste.Scatterwithremainingcoconutandserve.
BUBI’SPOTATOANDCUCUMBERSALAD
Mygo-topotatosaladrecipecomesfrommyRussianBubi(grandmother),Alexandra.IcanrememberthissaladfromwhenIwasachild.Chunksofcreamywhitepotatotossedinimmaculatelydicedonionsandgratedvibrantcucumbers,thissaladwasonthetableforeveryfamilygatheringandrequestedbymanyfamilyrelatives.Theadditionofcucumbergivesthissaladsuchafresh,upliftingtaste.
Therecipeisaroughoutline,aseverytimeIaskedforitorwatchedmyBubimakeit,shewouldalwayssay,“larushkauseabitofthisandabitofthat”.
Tobehonest,noonemakesitasgoodasmyBubi…
BesttousedirtyskinnedpotatoesintherecipeorDutchcreamsalsoworkwellduetotheirfluffyandcreamytexture.Thissaladisbestmadewhenthepotatoesarestillwarm.Makerecipeafewhoursaheadofservingtimetoallowflavourstodevelop.Whenmakingthissalad,choosepotatoeswhicharesimilarsizetoeach-othertoensuretheyareallevenlycooked.
-GathertheIngredients-
750gdirtyskinnedpotatoes,scrubbed1/3cupvegetableorgrape-seedoil¼cupwhitevinegar2mediumcucumbers,peeled,grated1smallwhiteonion,grated
-Let’sgetcooking-
Bringpotatoestotheboilinsaltedwaterfor10minutesoruntiljusttenderwhentestedwithabambooskewer.Setpotatoesasidetocoolslightly.Onceslightlycooled,peelskinoffpotatoesandcutintomediumchunks.Meanwhile,combineoil,vinegar,cucumberandoniontogetherinabowl.
Tosstogetherwithpotatoesandseasonwelltotaste.Coverandstandfor30minutesbeforeserving.Checkseasoningbeforeserving.
TIPFlakedhotsmokedsalmonalsoworkswellinthissaladandtakesittoanotherdimension!
STORETostorepotatoes–keeptheminacool,darkplaceandawayfromonionstopreventthemfromsproutingorturninggreen.Also,storetheminanoldpotatosack/hessiansackandavoidstoringtheminplasticbagsastheywilljustsweatandrot.
3WAYSWITHRICEAnotherwonderfulstapletohaveinyourkitchengalleypantryisrice!Therearesomanydishesyoucancreatewithriceandperfectforthosewhocannoteatgluten.Ricestoreswellonaboatandisn’teasilyaffectedbytheweather.Importantly,plainboiledriceisawonderfulmealtoeatifyougetseasick.
Iamgoingtoshowyou3ricerecipesinfluencedbycuisine–allareeasytoprepareandpackedfullofflavourthankstoeverydayingredients.
Whencookingrice,generalruleofthumbis1:2ratioof1cupofricetotwocupsofwater.
GINGERANDORANGERICE-GathertheIngredients-
60gsaltedbutter3cmpieceofginger,finelygrated3x5cmpiecesfreshorangepeel1½cupswhitelonggrainrice2cupswater1-2oranges,cutintowedgesGarnishwithgreenonionsorcrispyshallots
-Let’sgetcooking-
Overmediumheatmeltbutterinmediumpot.Addgingerandorangepeel;sautéfor1minuteuntilfragrant.Addyourrice;stirtocoatriceinbutter.Pourinwaterandstir;bringtotheboilthensimmercoveredfor15-20minutesoruntilriceistender.Fluffricewithafolk.Seasontotaste.
Servewithorangewedges.Garnishwithonionsofyourchoice.
TIPYoucanaddextrabutterwhenfluffingthericetogiveitalovelyrichtasteforyourguests.
JEWELLEDRICE
PomegranateslinethestreetsofLefkas,theIslandwheretheYachtisbased.Forsomereason,Ineverseeanybodypickingandeatingtheserubyjewels.Itbaffledmeeverytime,butthelightbulbswitchedonwhenIread;pomegranatesarethefruitofthedead…maybetherelaystheanswertomyquestion.
Still,Iamforeverlookingoutforthese‘grenade’likefruitswhenI’mcyclingaroundtheisland.SomedaysIamveryfortunatetocomebacktotheyachtwithafewinmybasket.
Tome,PomegranatesaretheQueenjewelsofthefruitchainandaresimplydeliciousandnottomention,sohealthyforyou.Whenpickingpomegranates,theweightisveryimportantasthatindicatesthelevelofmoisturewithinthefruit.Theheavierthepomegranatethejuiceritwillbe.Thecolourisn’tcrucialandalsoindicatesadifferentvariety.Althoughmanybelieve,deeperredindicatesthefruitwillbelesstart.
Personally,Ipreferapalepinkskin,astheytendtobealittlesharperinflavourandsweeter.Importantly,discardthewhitepaper-thinmembranesasithasaratherunpleasantbitternessaboutit.
-GathertheIngredients-
80gunsaltedbutter1largewhiteonion,finelysliced2cinnamonsticks,snappedinhalf4wholecloves1freshordriedbayleaf1teaspoongroundturmericorcurrypowder1½cupslonggrainedwhiterice,rinsed1cupsultanas,raisinsorcurrants2½cupschickenstock1pomegranate,cutinhalf
Un-shelledpistachiostogarnish
-Let’sgetcooking-
Overmediumheat,melt40gbutterinamediumsaucepan.Addonionandsautéfor5minutesoruntiltenderandgolden.Stirincinnamonstick,clovesbayleafandturmeric/currypowder;sautéuntilfragrant.Addrice;tossinbutterymixturetocoat.Pourinstock;stirandbringtotheboil.Reduceheatandcookcoveredforabout30minutesoruntilriceistender.Addremainingbutterandflakeitthroughthericewithafork;seasontotaste.
Holdpomegranatehalfwayabovethedishanduseawoodenspoontohitthecurvedskinsideuntiljuicyredjewelsbegintodecendontotherice.Tossthroughriceandgarnishwithpistachiosandanyleftoverpomegranateseedsifyouwish.
WHITERICECUCUMBERANDCHILLI(SUSHISALAD)
Thisisalovely,coolingdish.WhentheSummerdaysareswelteringandyoudon’twanttobesweatingitoutintheGalley,thissaladisshortandsweettomakeandacoolingdishforgueststoenjoy.
-GathertheIngredients-
1½cupsshortgrainwhiterice,rinsed2cupswater1/3cupwhitewinevinegar2tablespoonwhitesugar1carrot,peeled,finelyslicedintomatchsticksorrounds1telegraphcucumber,thinlyslicedintomatchsticksorrounds1teaspoondriedchilliFreshmintleavestogarnishSoysaucetoserve
-Let’sgetcooking-.
Rinsericeundercoolwatertoremovestarch.Inamediumsaucepan,stirriceandwatertogether;bringtotheboil.Reduceheattolowandcookcovereduntilriceistender.
Combinevinegarandsugarinamediumglassbowl;stiruntilsugarhasdissolved.Pourontoriceanduseaforktofluffthroughtherice.Addvegetablesandchilli;tossuntilcombinedandseasontotaste.
Garnishwithmintleavesandservewithsoysauceifyoudesire.
TIPChunksofavocadoalwaysworkbrilliantlyinthissalad.Ifyouarecasuallyentertaining,addabitofglamtothisricedishwithafewslicesofsmokedsalmonorpeeledcookedprawns.
3WAYSWITHTUNACannedtunaistheperfectstaplewhilstoutsailing.Justopenthelidanddrainexcessliquidanddressitupwithanyofthesetoppings.
Allthesetoppingsaremadetosuit425gtunacans.
ONETakea425gcanTunaandCombinewith½cupmayonnaise,1tspmisopaste,juicefrom1lemonand½onionfinelydiced.Seasontotaste.Tosswithtuna.Seasontotaste.Serveonplatelinedwithshreddedorwedgesoflettucethenscatterwithherbs,toastedriceandaccompanywithsteamedriceifyouwishanddrizzleofsesameseedoil.
TWOTakea425gcanTunaandCombinewith2-3tablespoonsdrained,rinsedbabycapers,¼cupslicedgherkins,juicefrom2lemons,zestfrom1lemon,varietyofherbsand1/3cupoliveoil.Seasonandtosswithtunatocombine.
Serveonanovalplatterandlineedgewithboiledegghalves.
THREETakea425gcanTunaandCombinewith½cuproughlychoppedkalamataolives,3finelychoppedripetomatoes,zestfrom1lemonandlargehandfuloftornbasil.Tosshalfmixturewithtuna.Serveonplategarnishedwithremainingolivemixture.Servedrizzledwitholiveoilandfreshlycrackedpepper.
SALADSSummertimeisallaboutSalads.Theyaregreattoprepareforguestswhentemperaturesarehigh.Muchtomydelight,saladsdonothavetobeallabouttheregularlettuce,tomatoandcucumberassembly.
Belowareafewsaladswithatwist,explosionofcolourandwonderfultastes.
Onewordofadvice-alwaysusealargebowlwhenpreparingsaladtoavoidabigmess!Yoursaladswillalsohaveanevendistributionofingredientsandeachmouthfulwillbecoatedwithdressing.Simplytransfertoanotherbowltoserveandyouhaveyourselfadelicioussalad.
3MELONFETA,OLIVES,ONIONANDPARSLEYSALAD
NigellaLawsonmakesafabulouswatermelonandfetasaladinherForeverSummercookbook.Thankstoherdelightfulcreation,Iwasinspiredtocreateaversionofmyownmelonsaladanditwasacontinuoushitwiththeguestsonwarmbarmydays.
-GathertheIngredients-
½cupredwinevinegar2tablespoonssugar1redonion,finelysliced¼ofajuicywatermelon,rockmelonandsweethoneydew/greenmelon,seedsandskinremoved,
1cupkalamataolives,seedsremoved,squashed150gfeta,crumbled1smallbunchparsley,stalksfinelychopped,leavestorn1/3cupextravirginoliveoilPinchofsugar
-Let'sgettossing-
Combinevinegarandsugartogetherinabowluntilsugardissolves.Addonionsandsetasidefor15minutestosoftenandpickle.Cutmelonsintochunksandarrangeonplate.Scatteroverdrainedonions,olives,fetaandparsley.
Pourvinegarliquidfromonionmixture,oilandsugarinajar.Screwlidontightandshakefor40secondsuntildressingthickensslightly.Seasontotaste.Pourovermelonsandenjoywithaglassoffruitywhitewine
Thisissuchabreezetomakeandthefinishedproductissoimpressiveconsideringthelackofeffortrequired.
NOTEIflambisonthemenu,thinkaboutaccompanyingthedishwiththismelonsalad.
BEETROOTWITHMINTANDFETA
Beetroot–whatistherenottoloveaboutthissweet,earthyflavouredvegetable?
Fresh,roasted,pickledorboiled,thebeetrootisasversatileasyouwanttomakeit.Mintisawonderfuladditiontobeetrootandisfeaturedinthisrecipe.Luckily,IhavetheopportunitytohandpickmintfromoneofthelocalgardensinthequaintislandofKastosandit’salwaystheroundvariety.
Itistrulyamazingwhatyoucandowithjarredortinnedvegetablessuchasbeetroot.Thisisaperfectexampleofsmartcooking.
-GathertheIngredients-
1/3cupoliveoil2tablespoonsbalsamicvinegar1teaspoonmustard1teaspoonsugar1jarortinbeetrootslices,drained,halved150gfirmfetaAgoodhandfuloffreshmintleaves
-Let'sgettossing-
Combinevinegar,oil,mustardandsugartogetherinascrewtopjar.Shakewelluntilmixturehasslightlythickened.Tossthroughbeetroot.Arrangeonplateandscatteroverfetaandfreshmintleaves.
TIPToincreasethelifeofmintor,infact,anyofyourherbsonboard,simplywrapabunchindamppapertowelorteatowelandstoreinatightlysealedplasticbaginthecoolfridgeforuptooneweek.
SUMMERLENTILSALAD
Lovethemorhatethem-lentilsareapersonalfavouriteofmine.
Driedlentilsareaperfectgalleystapleandanotheralternativetoriceorpotatoes.Ifyoucomeacrosscannedcookedlentils,theyarealsofinetouse.Forahealthycreamyoptionyoucanalsosimplytossthroughthetahinidressingwhichyou’llfindinthestapleschapter.ThehighestvillageonLefkdaisknownasEglouviandit’sheretheyharvestexcellentqualitylentils.Infacttheyevenhostafestivaltohonorthisdelightfulpulse.IfyouaretravellingaroundtheGreekIslands,keepyoureyeoutforEglouviLentils.
-GathertheIngredients-
1cupdriedbrownlentils½cupdrywhitewineoranythingleftoverfromthenightbefore5cmstickfreshrosemary2garliccloves,skinpeeled1vegetablestockcube1smallwhiteonion,finelychopped1smallcucumber,finelychopped3mediumripetomatoes½cupdriedcurrents1-2tablespoonsdrymint,totaste1/3cupextravirginoliveoilFreshmintandGreekyoghurttogarnish
-Let’sgetcooking-.
Rinselentilswell,drain.Placelentilsinasmallpot;pourwineandcoverwith8cmofwater.Stirinrosemary,garlicclovesandcrumbleinstockcube.Bringtotheboil,reduceheatandsimmercoveredforabout15-20minutesuntillentilistenderwithaslight‘bite’inthemiddle–addmorewateriflentilshavesoakedupthewaterbutremainhardandneedmorecooking.
Drainawayanyresiduecookingliquid.Removegarlicanddiscardrosemary.Usebackofaforktomashgarlictoapasteandcombinewithlentilsinalargebowl.In
alargebowl,tossallingredientstogether,seasonwell.
GarnishwithmintanddollopofGreekYoghurt
NOTEBesteatenonthedayandwithouttheyoghurt,willkeepwellinthefridgefor1-2days.
GREENBEANANDFETASALAD
Thequalityofbeansinthisdishareveryimportant.Whenselectingyourbeans,lookforbrightgreen,blemishfreebeansthatarenotlimporhaveshriveledends.Whenitcomestothewalnuts,the‘butterfly’nutasIliketocallthem,lookforonesthatarestillintactwithamildlynuttyscentandsweettaste.Besttobuywalnutsinsmallerqualities,astheycanturnrancidquicklyinthewarmerweather.Betterstill,storewalnutsinacoolplace,ideallyinthefridge,tomaintainthatfreshtaste!
Iowethisrecipetoafamilyfriendwhorarelycooked,butwhenhepresentedthissaladtothetable,Iwasquicktosusshimoutfortherecipe.
-GathertheIngredients-
300gFrenchgreenbeans,topstrimmed,halvediflargebeans1smallSpanishonion,peeled,finelychopped1garlicclove,peeled,crushedAlargehandfulofroughlychoppedwalnuts125ggoatsorfetacheese,crumbledplusextratogarnish1/3cupoliveoilJuicefrom1-2lemons(dependshowzingyyoulikeyourdressing)AlargehandfuleachofKalamataolivesandfreshparsleyleavesAlargehandfulofraisins(optional)
-Let'sgettossing-
Blanchbeansinpotofboilingsaltedwaterfor3minutesuntilbrightgreen.Drainandrinseincoldwaterimmediatelytopreventfurthercooking.
Inalargebowl,tossallingredientstogether.Seasontotaste.Letitstanditfor½hourbeforeeating,Garnishwithextracrumbleofcheese.
TIPCelerystalksofferawonderfulcrunchyadditiontothisdish.Theceleryleavesarealsoedibleandcanreplacetheparsley.Alwaysuseolivescontainingtheseed.Theyaremeatierintextureandhaveamoreorganic,wholesomeflavour.
CARROTANDRAISINSALAD
Acaptains’favourite!Thisalsomakesafabuloussandwichfillerwithcannedtuna.Severalchildguestsalsofoundthisappealingandatastyoptiontoeatalongsidetheirlunchmeal.
IwasfortunateenoughoneyeartogetholdofcurrantsfromtheCorinthiancanal.Greeceistheprimaryproducerofcurrantssoitisworthwhilehuntingdowntheselittlebeautiesifyouaresailingaroundthatarea.Althoughtheyarethesizeofapea,theyaresupersweetandplump.
-GathertheIngredients-
1cupraisins1/3cupoliveoil1-2tablespoonsrawsugar¼cupwhitebalsamicvinegar3-4mediumcarrots,trimmed,peeled,grated1/3cupdesiccatedcoconutAlargehandfuloffreshcorianderorparsleyleaves,chopped
-Let'sgettossing-
Inajaraddraisins,oliveoil,sugarandvinegar.Shaketocombine.Standforatleast30minutesbeforeusing.Tosswithremainingingredientsandseasontotaste.
TIPThissaladisbestmade1hourbeforeserving.Wrapcarrotsinfoiltoextendshelflifefor1-2weeks.
MANGIA!MANGIA!PASTAWhoeverthoughtofthebelovedpastaplateisacompletegenius.ItisthegotomealwhenIhavecrowdstofeedandwhentheweatherisrough.Notonlyisitfillingandacarbohydrateloader,pastacanalsobeaseasyorashardasyouwanttomakeit.Itisvirtually‘foolproof’sotherefore,youundoubtedlyfeelfulfilledonceyouhavemadeyourpastacreation.
Alwayscookyourpastauntilaldente,5-8minutesinboilingsaltedwaterandnoneedtoaddOiltoitasit’scooking.
RAGAZZIPENNE
Thispastadishwastaughttomebyagroupoflargerthanlife,funlovingItalianswhilstweweremooredinabayoffMeganissi.Simple,satisfyingandmorish.TimetoletyourItalianmammashine.
Iwasadvisedforthisdishtousesmallerzucchinis/courgettesasthegeneralruleofthumbisthesmallerthesize,thesweeterthetaste.
Also,useasmanyzucchini’sastherearepeople.
-GathertheIngredients-…
4-6smallzucchinis/courgette,trimmed,choppedinto1cmpiecesVegetableoiltoshallowfry1/3cupoliveoil2garliccloves,slicedApinchofchilli2rashesofbacon,finelychopped1smallwhiteonion,finelychopped350gpenne1/3cupmilk2eggs,lightlybeaten½cupgratedcheeseofyourchoice(tastyorParmigianino)plusextratoserveFinelygratedzestfrom1lemonMixedhandfulofmintandbasilleaves,torn
-Let’sgetcooking-.
Sprinklesaltoverzucchini/courgette.Setasidefor30minutes.Patdry.Meanwhile,heatoilinadeeplargefrypan.Cookzucchini/courgetteinbatches,untilgolden.Drainonaplatelinedwithpapertowel.Discardvegetableoilfrompanandre-fillpanwitholiveoil.
Bringapotofsaltedwatertotheboil.Cookpennefor5-6minutesuntilaldente.Addgarlicandchilliflakes;sauté10secondsuntilfragrant.Useaslottedspoontoremovegarlicfromoil.
Addbaconandonion.Cookfor1minuteuntilslightlycrispy.Addcookedzucchini/courgetteandcookedpasta;tosstocoatinflavouredoilandwarmthrough.Inacupwhiskmilk,egg,cheeseandlemonzesttogether.Seasonwellwithcrackedpepperandsalt.
Takepastaoffheatandtossthrougheggmixtureuntilpastaiswellcoated.Finishwithashowerofherbsandextrafinelygratedcheese.
BuonAppetito!
PEPPERSANDALMONDPASTA-GathertheIngredients-
SAUCE
375gjarroastedpeppers,drained1mediumbrownonion,sliced1-2garliccloves,peeled,crushed½cuproastedalmonds1anchovyfillet375gspaghetti1/4cupoliveoil,plusextratoserveDillsprigstogarnish
-Let’sgetcooking-.
SAUCEBlitzpeppers,onions,garlic,almondsandanchovytogether.Seasontotaste.
Bringapotofsaltedwatertotheboil.CookSpaghettifor5-6minutesuntilaldente.Reserving1cupcookingwater.
Heatoliveoilinalargepot.Addsauce.Cookstirringfor1minuteuntilfragrant.Addalittleofthepastacookingwaterifsauceistoothick.Takeoffheatandtossthroughpastauntilwellcoated.Servegarnishedwithsprigsofdillanddrizzleofoliveoil
CHICKENINREDSAUCE
Asupertastyrecipewaspasseddowntoaladywhommymothermetatwork.Ilovehowyoucanstrikeupconversationsaboutfoodalmostanywhere!
-GathertheIngredients-
2-3piecesofchickenMarylandsonthebone,withskinon,wellseasoned1mediumbrownonion,thinlysliced3garliccloves,smashed1freshbay-leaf1generouscupdryredwineorwhateverisleftoverfromthepreviousnight2x400gcanneddicedtomatoes½bunchofflatleafparsley,stalksfinelychopped,leavespickedforgarnish1tablespoonsweetpaprika6pickledchillies,stalksremoved,chopped
-Let’sgetcooking-.
Placealargestockpotovermedium-highheat.Oncehot,addchickenandbrownuntilgoldenonbothsides.Addonions.
Cookforafurther3minutesuntiltender–addmoreoilifnecessary.
Stiringarlicandbayleaf.Cookforafewsecondsuntilfragrant.Deglazepanwithwine.Cookuntilslightlyreduced.Stirindicedtomatoesandparsleystalks,paprikaandpickledchillies.Cookcoveredoverlowheatforabout1houroruntilchickenistender.Shredmeatoffbonesanddiscardbones.Servewithspaghettiorboiledpotatoes.
Gratedhardwhitecheeseworksperfectlywellasagarnishonthisdish.
FRUITSOFTHESEAComingfromAustralia,Iamgoingtobebiasedandsaywehavethebestseafoodintheworld.UnfortunatelymanyseashavebeenoverfishedandIfeelthisstatementappliestotheMediterranean.Nevertheless,Ibumpintolocalfishermenreturningfromtheirmorningoutatseaandtakealookintotheirbucketsandusuallyfindawonderfultreasuretocookupfortheguests.
PRAWNANDFETASAGANAKI
ThisisadishIoftencookguestsfortheirfirstlunchaboardtheyacht.PrawnSaganakimakesalightandtastylunch;perfectlymatchedwithacrispywhitewine.It’straditionalyetlendingitselftobetweakedhereandthere.Usually,guestsfallintoawell-neededsnoozeafterlunchthenwakeuptoaninvitingturquoiseseatoogoodtorefuse.
Letsight,smellandtouchbeyourjudgewhenselectingqualityseafood.Makesuretheprawniscompletewiththeirhead,eyesandlegs.Avoidheadsthatareunnaturallydarkincolour.Shellmustbeglossyandrelativelyfirm.
AsahighlytalentedAustralianseafoodexpertandcolleagueofmineoncesaid,‘Ifitsmellsfishy,itprobablyis’-sogivethemagoodsmellandtrustyournose!
-GathertheIngredients-
500ggreen/rawprawns,peeled,tailsandheadintact,deveined2garliccloves,peeled,crushed1bunchgreenonions,trimmed,cutinto3cmpieces¼cupoliveoil½cupdrywhitewineorwhateverisleftoverinthefridge400gtindicedtomatoes½bunchparsley,coarselychopped1/3cupeachofdillsprigsandmintleaves150gfeta,crumbledFinelygratedzestfrom1lemon1lemoncutintoquarters
-Let’sgetcooking-
Inamediumbowlcombineprawnswithgarlic.Heatoilindeepfryingpan.Sauteeonionsuntilsoften.Addprawnsthencookfor1minuteeachside.Increaseheat;addwine,pinchsugar,tomatoesand½theamountofherbs.Reduceheat;stirandseasontotaste.
Placelemonwedgesandcrumbledfetaontopofprawns;sprinklewithzest;cookcoveredforabout3minutesuntilcheesebeginstosoften.Seasontotasteandsprinklewithremainingherbsandaddadrizzleofoliveoil.Servewithsteamedwhitericeorboiledbabypotatoes.
TIPYoucanalsouse1kgfreshoverripetomatoes.Simpleremovethesteamcore;chopandaddtothedishwherethetinnedtomatoesareadded.
GREEKSTYLEPAN-FRIEDFISH
OneofmyalltimefavouriterecipeswasdiscoveredalongmysailingventuresaroundtheGreekIslandswasfromalittle‘Aussie’-landislandcalledFrikes.TherecipefeaturedbelowisanadaptationofalocaldishIofteneatwhenwetakegueststoFrikes.Theheadyscentofherbsinstantlymakesyoureyesrollandtastebudswaterwithexcitement.It’sdefinitelyatalkingpointatthetableandisnothinglikeIhavetriedbefore.Ihopeitenlightensyourtastebudsasitdidmine.
-GathertheIngredients-
1kgredmullet,smallseabassorsmallfish,scaledandgutteredSeasonedflourfordustingOliveoilforshallowfrying¼cupoliveoil1mediumredonion,thicklysliced2garliccloves,peeled,sliced2largeripetomatoes,coreremoved,cutintoquarters½cupwhitevinegar½cupdrywhitewine2sprigsfreshrosemary,leavespicked2/3cupraisins
-Let’sgetcooking-
Seasonfishandpressbothsidesintotheflour.
Heatenoughoiltoshallowfryinalargefryingpan.Cookfor2-3minutesonbothsidesoruntilgolden.Removeanddrainonaplatelinedwithpapertowel.Discardoil.
Heat¼cupoliveoiltosauteeonion.Cookfor5minutes;stirringoften.Addgarlicandcookforafurtherfewsecondsuntilfragrantandnotcoloured.Stirintomatoes,vinegar,wine,rosemaryandraisins.
Simmeruncoveredforabout5minutes.Addfishbacktowarmthrough.Serve
drizzledwithextrasauce.BOOM!
TUNAFISHCAKES
Thesearesosimpletomakeandremindsyouthatonecandowonderswithcannedtuna.Feelfreetousewhateverherbyouprefer.Thesearelovelyservedwithafatlemonwedge,steamedwhiterice,ColourfulSalsafoundinStapleschapterandabasiccoleslawsalad.
-Makesabout18-
-GathertheIngredients-
5mediumpotatoes,scrubbed30gbutter2tablespoonsoliveoil1onion,finelychopped2-3teaspoonsmildcurrypowder1/3cupchoppeddill,plusextratogarnish2teaspoonslemonfinelygratedzest2x195gcannedtunainbrine,welldrainedJuicefrom1lemon2eggs,lightlybeaten1cupplainflour,seasonedfordustingVegetableoilforshallowfrying
-Let’sgetcooking-
Placepotatoesinapotofsaltedwaterandbringtotheboilforabout10minutesoruntiltenderbutnotfallingapart.
Oncecoolenoughtohandle,peelanddiscardskinoffpotatoesandtransferpotatofleshtoalargebowl.Usebackofafolktoroughlymashthepotato.Seasontotaste.Covertokeepwarm.
Meanwhile,heatandmeltbutterandoilinasmallfrypan.Sauteeonionsfor2-3minutesoruntiltender.Stirthroughdillandzest;cook1minuteuntilfragrant.Addtobowlofpotatofleshalongwithtunaandlemonjuice.Mixwellandseasontotaste.
Chillmixturefor30minutes.
Shape¼cupmixtureintoroundpattycakes.Placeonalargeplate.Repeatwithremainingmixture.Workingwithonecakeatatime,dipineggwashthentossthroughflouruntilwellcoated.Repeatwithremainingmixture.
Inamediumfrypan,heatenoughoiltocomeonethirdupthesidesofthepan.Testoilwithacubeofbread,ifitsizzles,thenyouarereadytocook!Shallowfry4pattiesatatime,2minuteseachside.Transfertoaplatelinedwithpapertowel.Coverwithfoiltokeepwarmandcontinuewithremainingpattycakes.
Serveimmediatelyscatteredwithextraherbs,alovelydollopofmayonnaiseandfatjuicylemonwedge.
FEELINGCHEESYAfteralongdayofsailingandswimminginthestunningturquoiseseas,yougettoapointintheafternoonwhenthebodycallsforwineandcheese.
Greecehasmanycheeses,mostlyhardandmadefromsheeporgoat.Undoubtedly,Fetaisthemostpopularcheese,withfetaaccountingfor70%ofthecheeseconsumptionsbylocals.Mostvillageswillhavealocalcheese;sodon’thesitatetoaskforasampleofthelocaldelights.
BAKEDCAMEMBERT
IloveawheelofCamembert,particularwhenit’sbakedanddressedwithgrapesandraisins.Guestslovethiswiththeirafternoonwineorpartoftheirlunchtable.
-GathertheIngredients-
6largevineleaves,stemstrimmed(optional)1mediumsizeroundCamembertcheese,halvedlengthwise¼cupmarinateraisins(seestaples)1/3cuproastednuts,chopped,plusextratoserveGrapesandwholesomelocalHoneytoserve
-Let’sgetcooking-
Pre-heatovento180Candlineatraywithbakingpaper.
Placecheesewheelon2leavesorbakingpaperbigenoughtowraparoundthecheese.Fillwithraisinsandnuts.Topwithotherhalfofcheese.Wrapwithremainingvineleavesorbakingpaperifusing.Placeinovenforabout10minutesoruntilcheeseistender.
Removefromoven,servedrizzledwithhoneyandgarnishwithgrapehalvesandextranutsifyoudesire.
TIPIliketousewalnutsoralmondsforthisdish.Theyaremildinflavourandworkwellwiththemarinatedraisins.
STUFFEDPEPPERS
Thisrecipewastaughttobebyoneofthecrewmembersonboardtheyacht.Helovedcookingandwasavegetariansothiswassomethinghe’dhavefordinnerafewtimesaweek.Again,simpletomakeandexceptionallytasty,particularwithaglassofcrispwhitewineintheotherhand!
-GathertheIngredients-
4mediumredorgreenbananapeppers,halved.CoreandseedsremovedOliveoilDriedoreganoFreshgratednutmeg(optional)1cupcaramelisedonion(seeglossary)150gfetaorsoftgoatcheeseLargehandfulrocksalt
-Let’sgetcooking-
Stuffpepperswithonionandgoatcheese.
Placemedium-largepanoverhighheat.Addrocksaltandarrangepepperstofittightlyintopan.Drizzlewitholiveoilandsprinkleoforeganoandnutmeg.Coverforabout5minutesuntilskinbeginstowrinkle;mayneedtoaddwaterifpanislookingdry.Turnandcookforafurther5minutescovereduntilcheeseissoftandpeppersarejusttender.Removefrombedofsalt.Discardsalt.Servewithpepperyrocketsalad.
TIPStoregreenpeppersinabrownpaperbag.Ifindthisvegetabletolast2weeksontheyachtwithoutrefrigeration.
CHEESYBALLS
Achildhoodclassic,mymum,Nadia,wouldcookoftenforthefamily.Thisrecipeisadaptedfromarecipeafriendandworkcolleaguepassedontoherseveralyearsago.Itwasmyfirstexperiencewithvegetarianfood.Packedwithflavour,itcandefinitelyfoolthemeateatersamongstthegroup.TheseCheesyBallsalsomakesatrulyscrumptiousmealforyoungchildren.
-GathertheIngredients-
¼cupoliveoil4mediumsizezucchinis,trimmed,slicedthinly2smallonions,slicedthinly2garliccloves,crushed400gcannedDicedtomatoes1teaspoondriedoreganoorthyme1teaspoondriedmint1teaspoonsugar200gFetacheese50gParmesancheesefinelygrated,plusextraforthetop½cupstalebreadcrumbs2smalleggs,lightlybeatenPinchfreshlygratednutmeg
-Let’sgetcooking-.
Heatoilinalargefryingpanovermedium-highheat.Fryonionsandgarlicforabout5minutesuntilsoftened.Addzucchinisandcookforafurther5minutes,thenaddtomatoes,2cupswater,oregano,pinchofsugarandseason.Simmercoveredfor15minutes;stirringoccasionally.
Inabowl,combinecheese,breadcrumbs,herbs,eggsandseasoning;formingintosmallrounddumplings.Pourmixtureintoa20CMX30CMbakingdishandarrangedumplingsontop.Bakeat180degreesfor20-25minutesuntildumplingsaregoldenandsauceisbubbling.
Servewithacrunchygreensaladtossedinbasicpastasaladdressingfoundin
theStaplessection.
TIPMakestalebreadcrumbsbygratingoldbreadonacheeseboxgrater.
FETA,SUNDRIEDTOMATOANDOREGANOIMPOSSIBLEPIE
Now…thisisvirtuallyimpossibletoruin!InspirationfromthisrecipecamefromalocalproducecartwhichpulledupoutsidetheyachtinthehotportofArgostoli.Thecharminglocalgentlemanwassellingeverythingfromredwine,tocheese,honey,driedfruitandvarietyofdriedherbs..allclaimingtobecraftedfromhisveryownhands.
Alongwithguestsatthetime,wetriedthefirmgoatcheeseonoffer..Icanstilltasteitnow..richandnutty–simplydivine.Andthenextdayitwentintothispieandproducesmilesallroundatthelunchtable.
-GathertheIngredients-
½cupself-raisingflour¾cupfinelygratedParmesancheeseorfirmcheeseofyourchoice1½cupsfullcreammilk4eggs,lightlybeaten60gbutter,melted½cupgreenolives,pitsremoved2teaspoonsdriedoregano½cupsun-driedtomatoesorroastedpeppers,drained,sliced½cupcrumbledfetaorsoftgoatcheese1silverbeetleaf,finelyslicedGarnishwithfreshparsleyleavesandlemonwedgesRocketleavestoserve
-Let’sgetcooking-
Pre-heatovento180C.Lightlygreasea24cmroundcaketin.Linebaseandsideswithbakingpaper;leavinga2cmedge.Ialsojustcutoffenoughbakingpapertopressintopanratherthancuttingaroundoutforthebaseandcollarforthesidesofthetin.
Inabowlcombineflour,milk,eggsandbutter.Mixturewillstillbelumpy.
Arrangeolives,tomatoes,fetaandsilverbeetonbaseofpan.
Pourlumpymixtureintoprepareddish.SprinklewithremainingParmesan.Bake30-35minutesuntilgoldenandset.Allowdishtostandfor10minutesbeforeserving.
Garnishwithparsleyleaves.Servepiecutintowedges,warmorcoldandjuicylemonwedgesontheside.
MEATYWhosaidyoucanonlyhaveaBBQontheland?BBQsoutatseaarealsopossiblewhenyouhaveaportableBBQondeckandthewindisnotblowingtoostrongly.
Luckilyenoughwehaveoneontheyachtandoftentakeourclientstoatranquilbay,weliketocallWhiteCliffBay-alocationIliketokeepsecrete.
andenjoyameatfeastondeckfordinner.Forahostess,it’sidealtocookontheBBQmainlybecausethekitchenstaysclean,apartfrompreparingafewsaladsandsidesandit’sagreatwayfortheclientstogetinvolvedinabitofcooking,particularlythemen.ThebutchershereinGreeceareasrealasrealcanbe.Oftenthebutcherswillhaveasmalldisplaywindowandgointotheirwalk-inmeatfridgetocutyourpreferredcutofmeatstraightofftheanimalcarcass.Allwillbepreparedonalargerthanlifemeatblockakachoppingboard.OnememorablemomentwaswhenIwalkedwithclientsuptoatowncalledStaveros,IthacatocheckoutthebutchertochoosetheirmeatforourseasideBBQ.Iwasinformingthemoftherealitytheyareabouttosee-nothingliketheneat,showybutcherstheyknowintheircountry.Weturnedthecornerintothevillageandoneoftheguestsasked‘Whereisthebutchershop?’Andoutcomesthebutcher,a40cmknifeinhishand,withanafternoongreetingof‘Yasou’.Thetwoclientsjustlookedateachotherwithwickedgrins
andrubbedtheirhandstogetherasifsay‘wehavecometotherightplace’.
Itcanbehardtofindagedmeathowever,andwhenonthesmallerislandsyouhaveasafebetthatthemeatyouareeatinghasn’ttravelledtoofartogettoyourplateandhaveauniqueflavour.Theporkusedinthesecondrecipeisslicesofporkbelly–it’sfattyandcarameliseswellinthepanwiththismarinade.Thechickenwingsareawinnerandcanbepreparedinthetray,marinatinginthefridgeafewhoursbeforecooking.Themincedmeatismadereadytoorderandyoucanpickacleanpieceofmeattohavemincedforyou.Veryleanandtasty.Again,youcancombinehalfporkandhalfbeefifyouwishforatendermeatball.
Ruleofthumb,Igenerallybuyandcookthemeatonthesameday.IremovethemeatfromitspackagingandtransferittoaplasticcontainerorhaveitmarinatingwhichIfindpreservesthemeatalittleandcanbecookedthenextday.Again,thisalldependsonthepowerofyourfridge.
MEATBALLSWITHATWIST
IknowthisisameatchapterbutonethingIrememberfrommymeateatingdaysasachildwasmyBubushka’stomatosauce.Bubi,wouldalwayssautétheonioningenerouslumpsofbutter.Tomeit’sarevelationfromthetraditionaloliveoilandaddsacreamiertastetothesauce.BubiusedtoservethiswithherrissolesbutIhavetransformedtherecipeintomeatballsanditworksperfectly.
-GathertheIngredients-
400gbeeforporkmincehalfandhalfZestfrom1lemon1-2garliccloves,crushedPinchdriedchilliflakesHandfuloffreshmintleaves,chopped,plusextratoserve1egg,lightlybeaten½cupdriedbreadcrumbs1/3cuptoastedpinenuts,slightlycrushed50gbutter1onion,finelysliced2x420gcanneddicedtomatoPinchsugar1cinnamonquillServewithrice
-Let’sgetcooking-.
Inabowlcombinemince,lemon,garlic,chili,mint,egg,breadcrumbsandpinenuts.Rolltablespoonsofmixtureintoballs.Coverandchillforminimum30minsallowingflavourstodevelopandgoforaswim.
Meanwhile,fryonioninbutterandpinchofsaltuntiltenderandtranslucent;stirringoccasionally.Addmeatballs,cookforabout5minutesuntilbrownedallover.Addtomatoes,pinchofsugarandcinnamonquill;cookcoveredfor15-20minutes;stirringoccasionally.
Seasontotaste.GarnishwithextramintandservewithItalianColeslawifyoudesire.
PORKWITHHONEYANDROSEMARYKEBAB’S
Thisismygotolunchrecipeforourguestsfirstdiningexperienceaboardtheyacht.Iliketoskewerthemeatontorosemarystalks…althoughtheylookgorgeous,thistaskcanbetimeconsumingsoit’suptoyou.Steelskewerswouldbethepracticalwaytogosokeepyoureyeoutforthemorpurchaseskewersonline.Thedeliciouscaramelisededgesalsomakethisporkdishafavouriteamongstthecrew.
-GathertheIngredients-
450gporkbellyrashes¼cuphoney2tablespoonsamarettoor¼cupdrysherry1tablespoonsoysauce
Juiceandzestfrom1orange,plusextraorangewedgesforserving2x5cmstalksrosemary,leavespicked,finelychoppedOliveoilfordrizzling,radicchioandlabnatoserve8Steelorwoodenskewers–soakwoodenskewers1hrbeforeuse
-Let’sgetcooking-
Cutporkinto3cmpieces.Seasonporkwithsaltandpepper.
Placesmallsaucepanovermediumheat;addhoney,alcohol,soysauceandorangejuice/zeststirandheatuntilrunnyconsistency.Coolacoupleofminutesthenpourovermeat.Tosstocoat.Coverandmarinateforatleast1houriftimepermits.
Threadporkontoskewers.Heatchar-grillpanoroilinalargepan.BBQ/Pan-fryskewersinbatchesforabout3minuteseachsideuntilgoldenandcookedthough.
Servewithorangewedges,radicchioandlabna.Drizzlewitholiveoiljustbeforeserving.
TIPLabnaissimplyyoghurtthathasbeenleftouttohang;eliminatingwhey,whichmakesyoghurtrunny.Soeasytomake!Seetheclassicfortherecipe.
SEASIDECHICKENGENOVESE
Thisisasimplebuttrulydeliciouslunch-timemeal.Ashowstopperincolourandflavour,thisdishisalsoupthereasoneofthemostloveddishesontheyacht.Ipreparethepestojustbeforeguestsarriveandastheymaketheirwaydownintotheircabins,theyaregreetedwithaheadyscentofbunchesofbasil,whichIoftencomebackwithafteramorningrunningthroughthebackstreets.
TheoddheadpokesintothekitchenanditishereguestsquestionhowonearthIcreateallthemealsonboardinthistinyspace.InspirationforthisdishcomesfromanItalianRestaurantIusedtoworkat,sothankyouChefJoe.
Allowmetoteachyou,SeasideChickenGenovese.
-GathertheIngredients-
450gskinlesschickenbreast,trimmed,cutintobitesizespieces1clovegarlic,skinremoved,crushed½cupdrywhitewineoranythingleftoverinthefridge1/3cupthincreamOliveoilforcooking8slicesprosciutto,torn
PESTO
1largebunchbasilorparsleyorboth,leavespickedJuiceandzest1un-waxedlemon1anchovyfillet1garlicclove,crushed(optional)½cupfinelygratedParmesancheese¼cuptoastedpinenuts½cupextravirginoliveoilExtrabasilandParmesancheesetoserve
-Let'sgetcooking-
Combinechickenandgarlicinabowl.Chillfor15minutes
Meanwhile,makethepesto.Placeallingredientsinajug.Useastickblendertoblitzintoaslightlychunkypesto.Seasontotasteandusemoreoliveoilifmixtureistoorunny.
Heatoilinalargepanovermedium-highheat.Addchicken;cooking2minuteseachsideuntilgolden.Addwine,cookfor40secondsuntilslightlyevaporated.Stirincream,bringtoboilthenstirintwothirdsofthepestomixture.
Takeoffheatandtossthroughtornprosciutto.Arrangemixtureonplateandtopwithremainingpesto,extraParmesancheeseandscatterofbasilleaves.
PerfectwithriceorCreamywarmpotatosalad
DEDI’SSTICKYCHICKENWINGS
Again,anotherfamilyrecipe.MygrandfatherDedi,madetheseformybrotherandIatleastonceaweekasanafterschooltreat…hefriedthembuthere,I’veputaslightlyhealthytwisttothem.Theyweresofingerlickinggood!Irememberthesweetandsaltycombinationperfectlywithahintoforange.MygrandfatherspenttimeinChinaduringhisyoungeryears.ThisAsianinfluenceisevidentthroughtheuseofstaranis,soysauceandofcoursethearomaticgarlicandginger.
-GathertheIngredients-
1.5kgchickenwings,cutinhalfatthejoint
MARINADE
1/3cupdrysherry¼cupsoysauce¼cuphoney4greenonions,trimmed,cutintobatons5cmpieceginger,grated2garliccloves,crushedJuicefrom2oranges,finelygratedzestfrom1orange4wholestaranis1cinnamonquill
-Let'sgetcooking-
MARINADECombineallingredientsand1cupofwatertogetherinabowl.Tosschickenwingstocoat.Coverandchillforanhourorlonger.
Pre-heatovento200C.Linebakingdishwithbakingpaper.Placechickenwingsinprepareddishwithmarinade.Coverandcookfor40minutes.Turnwingshalfwaythroughcookingandcheckliquid;addalittlewaterifneeded.Removefoilandcookuncoveredfor5-10minutesuntilgolden.
Servewithsushisaladorsteamedwhiterice.
DROPANCHOR…NIBBLESWITHDRINKSIt’sthattimeofafternoonwhenthewinehastobepouredandaselectionofsalty,sweet,spicynibblesaretheperfectpartnerincrime.Ioftenpreparethenibblesadaybeforeorearlierinthedayiftheconditionsarefavourable.Theyareallfairlyquick,achievableandnottomention,impressive.
MARINADEFOROLIVES-Gathertheingredients-
½cupoliveoil¼cuprosemaryleaves¼cuplemonjuice2garliccloves,sliced2x4cmstripsoflemonskin450gkalamataolives
Combineallmarinadeingredientsinascrewtopjar.Addolivesandshakeuntilwellcoated.Marinadeforminimumof1hour.Thiswilllastinthefridgefor2weeks.
BARNUTS-Gathertheingredients-
2tablespoonsoil1tspsmokedpaprika1tspcuminseedsHandfulofdriedcranberriesorsultanas450gmixednuts1tablespoonhoneyorbrownsugar
Heatoilinfryingpan.Addspiceswithapinchofflakedsalt;cookfor30secondsuntilfragrant.Addnutsandtosstocoat.Drizzlehoneyorscatteroverbrownsugar;tosstocoatandcookforafurtherminuteoruntilslightlycaramelised.
QUICKPICKLEDCARROTANDCUCUMBERSTICKSWITHLABNA-Gathertheingredients-
1kgthickstyleyoghurt1teaspoonsalt1teaspoonfinelygratedlemonzestPickledVegetables2carrots,peeled,cutintomatchsticks2cucumbers,peeled,cutlengthwaysintosticks1cupwhitevinegar1/3cupsugar2tablespoonslemonjuice1teaspoonsaltflakes½teaspoonchilliflakes(optional)
Labna
-Let'sgetcooking-
Combineyoghurt,saltandlemonzest.
Linefinesievewithcleancottonteatowelorafewpiecesofcleanmuslin/cheesecloth.Spoonyoghurtintomiddleofcloth.Tieedgestoenclose.Placeoverabowlandchillovernight.Readytousewhenfirm.
Bringvinegar,sugar,lemonjuice,¼cupwater,saltandchilliflakesifusing.Stiruntilsugardissolves.Setasidetocoolfor10minutes.Addvegetables;coverandchillfor1hour.
Servewithlabna.
TIPIfyoulike,youcangenerallykeepvegetablesoutofthefridge.They'lllast2weeks.
TRIPLEDECKBAKEDGREEKCHEESESOLDIERS-Gathertheingredients-
12slicesbread,crustsremoved1cupcheddarcheese1cupgravieraorgruyerecheese1portionofdillandlemonbutter(seestaples)4-8slicesham
-Let'sgetcooking-
Pre-heatovento180C.Spreadbothsidesofallthebreadsliceswithbutter.Place4slicesonabakingtraylinedwithbakingpaper.
Topwithasprinkleofcheese,1sliceofbread,anothersprinkleofcheese,sliceofhamandpressdownwithfinalpieceofbread.Finishedwithasprinkleofcheese.Bakeforabout15minutesuntilcheesehasmeltedandisgolden.
Coolforacoupleofminutesbeforecuttingintolongstripslike‘soldiers’.
NOTEGravieracheeseisoneofthemostpopularcheesesinGreecemadefromcow,sheepandgoat’smilk.Thecheeseismoldedinawheelshapeandisknownforitssweetandfruitytaste.
COURGETTE/ZUCCHINIBRUSCHETTA-Gathertheingredients-
2mediumcourgettes/zucchinis,skinon,washedwell1smallrusticloafofbread2smallgarliccloves,skinremovedzestandjuicefrom1lemon2-3tablespoonsoliveoil,plusextratodrizzlehandfuloffreshmintleaves,finelysliced,plusextrawholebabyleavestogarnishpinchofsugargratedparmesanorgoatscheesetogarnish(optional)
-Let'sgetcooking-
Gratecourgettes/zucchinisintoabowllinedwithrelativelythincottoncloth.Sprinkleover1tablespoonofsaltandleavetostandfor15minutes.
Meanwhile,slicebreadinto8X2cmthickslices.Pre-heatovengrillonhigh;grillbread30secondseachsideoruntilgolden.Use1wholegarlicclove;rubovertoastsanddrizzlewithoil.Setaside.
Squeezeexcessmoistureoutofcourgettes/zucchinis.Discardliquidandreturngratedcourgettes/zucchinistoacleanbowl.Add1crushedgarlicclove,lemonzestandjuice,oliveoil,mintandpinchofsugar.Tosswelltocoat.Seasontotaste.Spoonevenamountofmixtureontopreparedtoasts.Scatteroverextramintleavesanddrizzleofoliveoil.Garnishwithcheeseifyoudesire.
SWEETDREAMSDessert..whodoesn’tloveasweetending.Iadorecookingandfinishingamemorablemealandadventurousdayofsailingonasweetnote.
Eachofthesedessertsareeasytoprepareandfeatureingredientshighlylikelytobefoundatshopsinportsalongyoursailingjourney.
MyguestsalwaysbreakoutasmilewhenIpresentoneofthesedessertsafterlunchordinner.
CHOCOLATEBANANABOATS
WhatcanIsay…themostfingerlickingdessertsimplymadeonthebbq.Iowethisrecipetomybrother,Luke.
-GathertheIngredients-
4ripeyellowbananas½cupsaltedalmonds,chopped1x250gchocolatebar,brokenintopieces
-Let’sgetcooking-
Leavebananasintheirskin/peel,slicelengthwisetwothirdsthroughthebanana.Slightlyopentocreateapocket.Insertchocolateandalmonds.Placeonfoilandwraptoseal.PlaceoveraBBQforabout8-10minutesuntilsoftandgooeyinthecentre.
Servewithice-creamifyouareluckyenoughtohaveafreezeronboard.
RICHCARAMELAPPLECRUMBLE
AMoorishadditiontothisclassiccrumble,thetoffeesaucewassomethingIcameacrosswhilsthelpingafriendopenuparestaurantinBarcelona.Itwasoneofthehottestdessertsonthemenu,atthattime.Chunksofbuttercrumble,tenderappleslicesandsweetbutterscotchsauce…needIsayanymore.Theadditionoftheegghelpsgiveitthatcrunchybiscuitlikeconsistency.
-GathertheIngredients-
7mediumgreenapples,peeled,coredandcutinto8’sJuicefrom1lemon,zestfrom1lemon2tablespoonsspicedrum(optional)
TOPPING
1¼cupplainflour1teaspoonallspice¼cupDemeraraorrawsugar125gbutter,cutintochunks2mediumeggs,lightlybeaten
CARAMELSAUCE
½cupcastersugar50gunsaltedbutter½cuppouringcreamSaltflakes
-Let’sgetcooking-.
Preheatovento180Degrees.Combineapple,juice,zest,sugarandrum.Dividebetweenbuttered6x1cupovenprooframekinsor1Litrecapacityovenproofdish.
CARAMELSAUCEMeltbutterinsaucepanuntilalmostnuttybrownincolour.Stirinsugaruntildissolved.Stirincreamandpinchsaltflakes.
CRUMBLETOPPINGPlaceflour,sugarallspiceinabowl;withyourfingertips,andrubinthebutteruntilmixtureresemblescoursebreadcrumbs.Addsugarandeggs;mixwell.Divideapplemixtureamongprepareddishes.Topwith½thecaramelsauce.Presscrumbleontopoftheapples;bakeforabout25-30minutesoruntilcrumbleisgoldenandapplesaretender.Standfor5minutestocoolslightlyServewithremainingcaramelsauceandice-creamifyoudesire.
CHOCOLATEANDCOFFEE(BIRTHDAY)CAKE
Ifyoucelebrateyourbirthdaywithmeasyourgalleycookoutatsea,you’llalwayshaveafreshlybakedcakeadornedwithcandleswaitingforyoutomakeyourwishandblowoutyourcandles.Thisrecipeismorethan25yearsoldandisalwaysawinner.Meltandmix.Nomess,allinonebowlandoneutensiltocombineeverythingtogether.I’vemadethiscakeonseveraloccasionsinbumpyconditionssoIsaywithconfidencethatMotherNaturewon’tstopyoufromplayingbakeroutatsea.
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CHOCOLATEANDCOFFEE(BIRTHDAY)CAKE
ThisisthebirthdaycakeIbakeforanyofourguestsorcrewmembersiftheyhappentobecelebratingtheirspecialdayoutatseaontheyacht.It’slushandcanhaveawonderfulfudgytextureifbakedonahumidday.
-GathertheIngredients-
1½cupsselfraisingflour1/3cupcocoapowder1teaspoonbicarbonatesoda1cupcastersugar1¼cupfullcreammilk1tablespooninstantcoffeegranulesdissolvedwith2teaspoonsofhotwater125gbutter,melted,cooled
2eggs2teaspoonsvanillaessence
CHOCOLATEICING
1½cupsicingsugar2heapedtablespoonscocoapowder50gbutter,softened2-3tablespoonscoffeeliquorormilk2teaspoonsvanillaextract
-Let'sgetbaking-
Pre-heatovento180C.Greaseandlinethebaseandsidesofa22cmroundcakepan.Inabowl,siftflour,cocoapowderandbi-carbonatesoda.Combinealldryingredientsinabowl.Stircoffeeintothemilk;addtodrymixturetogetherwithbutter.
Beatingredientsinamediumbowlonlowspeedwithelectricmixeruntiljustcombined.Increasespeedtomedium;beatabout2minutesoruntilmixtureissmoothandpaleincolour.Addeggsoneatatime,beatingaftereachadditionagainfor2minutesuntilbatterhaslightenedincolourandlookscreamy.
Pourbatterintopreparedpanandbakefor35-40minutesuntilcookedwhentestedwithawoodenskewer.Runaknifearoundthesidesofthecakepan;leaveinpanforcaketocool.Turnoutontoawiredracktocool.Iceandserve.
ICINGSifticingsugarandcocoatogetherintoamediumbowl.Addbutterandmilk.Usinganelectricmixeronlowspeed,mixuntilingredientsarecombined.Increasespeedtomedium.Beatforafurther2minutes.
TIPTheadditionofcoffeetothecakeenhancesthechocolateflavour.
BAKEDYOGHURTPEACHES
Anotherrecipeshowingjusthowonecantransferfruitfromacanintoamoorishdessert.InthisinstanceIusepeaches.Ofcourse,ifyoufindfreshpeachesinyourtravels,goahead,usethoseandincreasethecookingtimeuntiltheyhavesoftened.
-GathertheIngredients-
425gcannedpeaches,drained,syrupreserved2-3tablespoonsdarkspirit–amaretto,bourbon,spicedrum500gthickGreekyoghurt1-2tablespoonsrawsugarGratednutmegandfreshmintleavestogarnishShortbreadoramarettibiscuits,toserve
-Let'sgetbaking-
Placereservedsyrupand1tablespoonofspiritinasaucepanandcookovermedium-highheatforabout3-5minutesoruntilsyruphasreducedbyhalfandisthick.Removefromheatandcoveruntilreadytouse.
Pre-heatovengrilltohigh.Orifusingfreshpeachescookinpre-heatedoven180°C.
Arrangepeachhalvesinsuitableovenproofdish.Drizzlewithspirit.Addadollopofyoghurtintocentreofeachhalf.Sprinklewithsugar.Placeundergrillforabout2-3minutesoruntilsugarhascaramelizedandbecomegolden.Ifusingfreshpeaches,bakeintheovenfor8-10minutesuntiltenderandsugarhascaramelised.
Servegarnishedwithnutmegandfreshmintleaves.
BEVERAGESWhenitcomestoGreekwinesyouhavetheoptionofthetavernahouseorabottlewine..ifwanttoplayRussianRoulletewithwinegoforthetavernahouseotherwisespeakwiththewaitersandaskwhatbottleofwinethey’drecommendyoudrink.Personally,IrecommendtryingSauvignonBlanc,CabernetSauvignonandMerlot’sfromtheNorthernGreeceinparticularfromtheDramaregion.
OtherbeveragestobeconsumedwhilstsailingaroundtheGreekislandsare:
Ούζο,knownasOuzoisarefreshingdrinkenjoyedinthehotSummer.Thisstrong
spiritflavouredwithaniseedmusthavetheadditionofafewice-cubes.IenjoyOuzoalongwithwedgesoffirmgreekcheese,blacklittleolivesandsweetjuicymelon.
Ρετσίνα,knownasRetsina….veryuniqueflavouredbeveragethathasbeenin
productionforover2,000years.RetsinaisWhitewineflavouredwithpineresin.Theresinwasusedtopreventthewinefromspoiling.Ibelievethismustbeenjoyedwellchilled.
ΤσίπουροknownasTsipouro….Extremelystrongspirit,almostpurealcoholmust
beconsumedincombinationwitheatingaplateofchilledcucumbers,juicyplumptomatoesandsaltyfetacheese.Again,afewicecubesinyourglasswillmakeitmoredrinkable.
ΡακίknownasRakiOriginatingfromCrete,thisisalsoaverystrongspirit,almost
purealcoholmustbeconsumedincombinationwitheatingaplateofmezze.BeawareifyouareservedRakifromajerrycan.
Mastikaliquorisbelievedtobeagreatdigestive.Mastic,aresinproducedfromthemastictree,isthemainingredientinthisuniqueliquor.Ithasasweetsmellandasimilartastetoliquorice.YoucanenjoyMastikawithacouplecubesoficeor‘neat’.
FrappéCoffeeisicedinstantcoffee.You’llfindthemtoberelativelystrongand
heavy.Mostofthetimethefrappewillbeaccompaniedwithchilledwaterandyou
canusethistodilutethecoffeeandextendingyourdrinkingtimeforatleastafewhoursjustlikethelocalsdo.
STAPLESCARAMELISEDFRUIT
Sometimes,fruitdoesn’tripenasyou’dlikeittoo…ifthisisthecase,allyouneedisalittlebitofsugarandheatinordertobescrumptious.
Cut3piecesofseasonalstonefruitinhalf;discardtheseed.Dipfruithalvesin1/3cupsugar.Melt30gofthebutterinalargenon-stickfryingpanovermedium-highheatuntilfoaming.Add½splitvanillabean.Placethefruitcutsidedownandcook,turningoccasionally,for5minutesoruntilgoldenbrownandfruitbeginstobleed.Stirin1tablespoonofamarettoorjuicefrom1orange.Removefromheatandsetaside.
TOASTEDRICE
Dryfry1/3cuplonggrainriceinalargefryingpanfor5minutesuntillightgolden
andbeginstopop.Transfertobowltocool.Thenusemortarandpestletocrushtoapowderformorusethebottomofacleanwinebottletocrushthericeintofinepowderform.Toastedriceisagreatsubstitutefornuts.
1,2,3FLATBREAD
Combine185gself-raisingflour,½tspbakingpowderandpinchofsaltinabowl.Add185gthickplainyoghurt;mixtogetherwithaspoonanduseyourhandstobringmixturetogethertoformasmoothdough.Putintoabowlandcover;restfor½hr.
Dividemixturein6equalroundportions.Dustaflat,cleansurfacewithflour.Useawinebottleasarollingpintoflattenbreadintoa10cmrounds,about3mm-4mmthick.
Heatapanoverhighheat.Brushroundswitholiveoilandsprinklewithsaltflakes.Prickdoughwithfolk.Cook1-2minuteseachsideuntilgoldenandpuffedup.
CREAMYSALADDRESSING
Combinetogetherinabowl1/3cupmayonnaise,juicefrom1lemon,1-2anchovy
fillets,½garlicclove,finelygrated,pinchofsugar,pepperandsalttotaste.Pourovercrispyice-burglettuceandtopwithchunksofcrunchybaconandshoweroffreshparsleyleaves.
TAHINIDRESSING
Whisk1cupnaturalyoghurt,1tablespoontahini,1crushedgarlicclove,juicefrom1lemonandpinchsalttotaste,untilsmooth.Mayneedtoaddwarmwaterifmixtureistoostiff.
SIMPLEPASTAMUSTARDSALADDRESSING
Tosuit350gpacketofpasta.
Mix1cupmayonnaise,¼cupwholegrainmustard,2finelyslicedgreenonions,1teaspoonsugar,juicefrom3lemons,zestfrom1lemon,1smallbunchparsley,chopped,handfulofroughlychoppedsundriedtomatoesand2tablespoonsdrainedcaperstogether.Seasontotaste.Tossthroughwarmpastaalongwithchoiceofcontinentalmeats.
MARINATEDRAISINS
Pour½cupbalsamicvinegarand¼cupoliveoilintoascrewtoplidjar.Add2tablespoonswhitesugarandpinchcinnamon;shakeuntilwellcombined.Add1cupofraisinsandshaketocoat.Setasideamarinadefor1hourbeforeeating.
CARAMELISEDONIONS-GathertheIngredients-
¼cupoliveoil2tablespoonsbutter4onions,trimmed,cutinto2cmthickslicewedges5sprigsfreshthyme¼cupwhitesugar2tablespoonsbalsamicvinegar
-Let’sgetcooking-
Heatoilandbutterinafryingpanoverlowheat.Addonionsandaheapedteaspoonofsaltflakes.Cookveryslowlyforabout15-20minutes,stirringoccasionallytopreventtheonionsfromstickingonthebottomofthepan.
Asonionsbecomesoftandgolden,stirinsugarandbalsamic.Cookonionoverlowheatforafurther10minutes,stirringoccasionallyuntilstickyandcaramelised.Serveasdesiredorinasterilisedjarandcoverwithlayerofoil.
LABNA-GathertheIngredients-
1kgthickstyleyoghurt1teaspoonsaltflakes
Combineyoghurtandsaltinabowl.
Linefinesievewithcleancottonteatowelorafewpiecesofcleanmuslin/cheesecloth.Spoonyoghurtintomiddleofcloth.Tieedgestoenclose.Placeoverabowlandchillovernight.
Readytousewhenfirm.
5INGREDIENTSALSA
Supereasyandvibrantadditiontotunacakes.Thisisalsolovelytoservewithcornchipsandmashedavocadoasanafternoonsnack.
-GathertheIngredients-
425gcannedcornkernels,drainedwellSmallhandfulchoppedflatleaveparsley,finelychopped2teaspoonsoliveoil50groastedredpeppers,finelychoppedJuicefrom1lemonPinchdriedchilli(optional)
Combineallingredientstogether.Seasontotaste.Coverandchillfor15minutesbeforeserving.