tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85932841906512604752024-03-13T12:57:57.033+00:00Cook Your DreamFood, travel and photographySari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-68213172522244585152017-07-20T20:42:00.003+01:002017-07-20T20:42:26.854+01:00Baked Eggs with Caramelised Onions, Broccoli and Sumac<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Best recipes are often the simplest ones. I arrived back home after a press trip to find one broccoli and some onions in the fridge. Luckily, there are eggs in the house most of the time, so I made a very simple lunch. Wish I wasn't lazy to cook caramelised onions more often. The combination of sweet onions, broccoli, eggs and sumac is hard to beat.<br />
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<b>Baked eggs with caramelised onions and broccoli</b><br />
Serves 1<br />
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1tbsp olive oil<br />
1 small red onion, sliced<br />
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar<br />
half a head of broccoli, broken into small pieces<br />
2 eggs<br />
salt and freshly ground pepper<br />
1 spring onion, sliced<br />
sumac<br />
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Heat olive oil in a frying pan, add the onions, cook covered for 5-10 minutes over a medium heat, stirring occasionally.<br />
Remove the lid, add balsamic vinegar, season with salt and freshly ground pepper, cook over a high heat for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until caramelised.<br />
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In the meantime, place the broccoli in a heatproof bowl, pour over boiling water to cover the broccoli completely. Let it stand for 5 minutes, then drain the water.<br />
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Add the broccoli in the pan. Make two wells and crack in the eggs. Cover with a lid and cook over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolk. Scatter with spring onion and sprinkle with sumac.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-75750742955834995112017-07-11T19:01:00.000+01:002017-07-20T16:07:41.471+01:00A Wine Tour of Catalonia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When you say Catalonia, most people imagine Barcelona, but there's so much more. This fascinating Spanish province is home to some of the best Spanish wines, including Cava, Spain's most famous sparkling wine, and my favourite summer drink. A few weeks ago, I spent four days in a company of four lovely international bloggers and journalists exploring wine regions of <a href="http://www.catalunya.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catalonia</a>. If you want to discover new places, activities, delicious local food and wine outside Barcelona, read on.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797240/in/dateposted/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="422" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4260/35366797240_77ee4074c9_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
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<b>Terra Alta Greenway bike tour</b><br />
We kicked off our first day with a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVX0ppmDcf6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bike tour</a> through the Greenway, an old abandoned railway line which was closed in 1973 after one of the tunnels had collapsed. The route offers amazing views of the mountains of the
Natural Park of "Els Ports", typical vineyards and olive groves. Although we cycled only 7 out of 45km of Terra Alta Greenway, which takes you through several tunnels, bridges and old train stations, we all felt that we deserved the wine tasting in our final point, the picturesque La Fontcalda.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366798120/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4095/35366798120_004d6472c5_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366798640/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="975" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4279/35366798640_c6ce3cb907_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797450/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4006/35366797450_7b3f1cf551_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366798530/in/photostream/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4054/35366798530_9e73cedf97_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>A Cathedral of Wine in Pinell del Brai </b><br />
I've never heard of a cathedral of wine before visiting Catalonia, but I definitely liked the sound of it, and was curious to discover what these impressive buildings are. Just like traditional cathedrals, many cathedrals of wine also feature multiple naves, built in the shape of a cross. Tall windows reminiscent of wine bottles, however suggest these cathedrals were serving quite a different purpose. Designed by a Catalan modernista architect Cèsar Martinell, a disciple of Antoni Gaudí, at the end of the 19th century, these were in fact cooperative wine cellars. Four families in Pinnel de Brai, Terra Alta region, decided to build the <a href="http://www.pagosdehibera.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cathedral</a> and set up a cooperative in 1917 after the phylloxera plague destroyed most of the vineyards in the region. You won't find an altar or wooden benches inside, but concrete wine vats which are no longer in use since 1990's. One of the specialities here is a delicious sweet wine called Mistela. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366798720/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="975" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4079/35366798720_e9b20fdfb8_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35754527535/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4234/35754527535_a209d5e945_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35754525425/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="975" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4263/35754525425_667c7dedcc_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35668721332/in/dateposted/" title="Wine tour Catalonia"><img alt="Wine tour Catalonia" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4289/35668721332_be090e8517_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797580/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4033/35366797580_4239af30d2_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35713950926/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4211/35713950926_812fb9f2b0_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797810/in/photostream/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4085/35366797810_d46a90500f_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797870/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4264/35366797870_ee989711e9_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b>Bike tour through Masroig vineyards</b><br />
After a bit of wine history in the morning, it was time for another bike tour, this one even easier than the last. One push of the power button on our electrical bikes made the group moving, heading towards vineyards of <a href="http://cellermasroig.com/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Masroig</a> winery in Montsant region. I don't know if I should blame my bike or my technical skills, but I got my workout after all, when my bike refused to turn the motor on while going up the steepest hill of the entire tour.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366798790/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="975" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4149/35366798790_def638dbfc_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797900/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4116/35366797900_fedc575b6a_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366799820/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4264/35366799820_3270e4df70_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797950/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4290/35366797950_3e1e0b6972_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
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<b>Mas Trucafort restaurant</b><br />
Having my appetite completely whet, I wasn't shy to snatch the last of baked mussels which appeared on the table, and disappeared in a matter of seconds. <a href="http://www.mastrucafort.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mas Trucafort</a> restaurant sources the freshest mussels from Sant Carles de la Ràpita. They were seriously the best mussels I had in my life and I'd go back there just to have them again. But let me tell you about <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVaTJa3gRU3/" target="_blank">paella de tros</a>!<br />
Many people think paella is a coastal food prepared with seafood. Roger Felip Ibars, the owner and chef of the Mas Trucafort restaurant explained that there are in fact many kinds of paella, prepared with any available meat, as the most important ingredient to any paella is rice. He uses marisma rice, a Spanish variety with a large size of the grain, which perfectly absorbs stock and makes for a creamy and tasty paella. He prepares paella over an open fire fuelled by dried grape vines, in pans of different sizes based on number of people eating. Watching him cook the paella is like watching a fire show with a delicious finale. It takes only 16 minutes to cook the dish, but don't forget to cook the rabbit meat, chargrill artichokes and prepare your stock the day before.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366799110/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="975" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4034/35366799110_e66920f480_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35713951016/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4285/35713951016_f8d07dccf7_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366798910/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4217/35366798910_533153fa60_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797800/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4263/35366797800_a715cc5f35_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366799950/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4239/35366799950_fcc159de81_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366799300/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4279/35366799300_9f60935616_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366799200/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4278/35366799200_8f27e674f6_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>Forn de Nulles bakery</b><br />
Luckily we've skipped dessert before a visit to a traditional family run bakery <a href="http://www.forndenulles.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forn De Nulles</a>, known not only for the traditional bread, but also loaves with tomato, turmeric with nuts, cherries, pistachios or chocolate and orange.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35713951096/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4142/35713951096_2db90323ed_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35713951166/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4278/35713951166_5be9a49de3_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797700/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4229/35366797700_c02edc0420_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366799240/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4237/35366799240_f4103ecf58_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>Wine vats walking tour in St Llorenç de Munt i l’Obac Natural Park</b><br />
Bages might be the second smallest wine region in Catalonia, but it's the most interesting one. It was also the last place where the phylloxera plague arrived. In the 1980's fire destroyed most trees in St Llorenç de Munt i l’Obac Natural Park, and revealed old wine vats, remarkable constructions and one of the most important wine legacies of Catalonia. Some of these stone vats had been built grouped together. We went on a fab walking tour with <a href="http://bagesterradevins.cat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bages Terra de Vins</a> to discover these wine vats, and of course there was a wine tasting as a reward. Our incredibly passionate and knowledgable guide Ricard told as all about the history of the region and these fascinating constructions.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35710087661/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Win"><img alt="Catalonia Win" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4230/35710087661_ccc9e165cd_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366799510/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4237/35366799510_611df258a0_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35366797760/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Wine Tour"><img alt="Catalonia Wine Tour" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4229/35366797760_5bbd7ec5cb_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<b>Mura</b><br />
Despite the scorching temperatures, we all loved a quick visit to the medial town of Mura, lead by the funniest guide <a href="https://elmolidelmig.com/qui-som-about-us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pere</a>, who's one of the 90 people living in the town. Wish we had time to get a lunch in one of the town's seven restaurants! Instead, we popped into a small town store selling everything from wine, fresh produce to cleaning products. I bought locally grown chickpeas and was really tempted to add a few gorgeous <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVcqyQyAsFv/" target="_blank">tomatoes</a>.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35710087721/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Win"><img alt="Catalonia Win" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4284/35710087721_8d504893bc_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35673672362/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Win"><img alt="Catalonia Win" height="975" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4238/35673672362_9c285c18f8_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35673672952/in/dateposted/" title="Catalonia Win"><img alt="Catalonia Win" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4231/35673672952_c6792d461b_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35047299273/in/dateposted/" title="Cata"><img alt="Cata" height="" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4254/35047299273_5ccb8c3f38_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35710087851/in/photostream/" title="Catalonia Win"><img alt="Catalonia Win" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4288/35710087851_353caafc2e_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b>Alta Alella winery</b><br />
A glass of chilled Cava in my hand, a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean Sea and lush greens of the vineyard. We couldn't have imagine a better way to spend our last day in Catalonia than a relaxing morning with a brunch and wine tasting in an organic <a href="http://www.altaalella.wine/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alta Alella winery</a>. The winery is conveniently located only 2km from the Mediterranean Sea, so you can feel sea breeze on your skin, but it's also the closest wine cellar to Barcelona.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/35673202222/in/photostream/" title="Catalonia Win"><img alt="Catalonia Win" height="433" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4277/35673202222_24377db39e_b.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
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<i>Note: I was a guest of Catalan Tourist Board, all views are my own.</i><br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-84518807158308935752017-06-11T20:09:00.002+01:002017-06-12T11:03:25.767+01:00Courgette Fritters from Eat the Week with Iceland <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Planning is certainly not my forte, but when it comes to food, I do like to plan. Let's be honest, having weekday meals planned makes my life so much easier and brings fun back to my everyday cooking. Being self-employed and often working from home means that I cook a lot and quite often end up with a bowl of cereal for lunch or a fried egg on top of some greens. We all need new ideas and inspiration when it comes to cooking.<br />
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I'm all about simple and quick recipes, because really, cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Even simple recipes can be flavoursome and cost effective. We live busy lives, but feeding our families and providing them with the right nutrition and a balanced diet is very important.<br />
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I was really excited about a new cooking show called "Eat the Week with Iceland" with TV chef, Simon Rimmer, aired weekly on Channel 4. Simon shows that to have a healthy, balanced diet, you don't have to spend hours in the kitchen. He presents many easy and quick recipes that are simple, nutritious and fun to prepare even for busy families. With the help of a freezer, you can save time, reduce food waste and enjoy foods that are out of season.<br />
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I'm sharing a recipe inspired by this Sunday's episode, One Pot Wonders. I love one pot dishes for many reasons. They are quick and easy, "just throw everything into a bowl or pot" kind of things, so you don't have to worry about a kitchen full of dirty dishes and you can spend more time with your family enjoying a nice meal instead. My favourite recipe from this episode was courgette fritters. Simon was serving them with a simple salsa which took the ordinary courgette fritters to a different level. It's such a great combo, and will help you towards your 5-a-day. I made a few changes to the original recipe, but the result was amazing.<br />
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<strong>Courgette Fritters</strong></h2>
Serves 4<br />
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<strong>Salsa</strong><br />
4 tomatoes – deseeded<br />
1 cucumber – deseeded<br />
½ red onion<br />
Handful coriander<br />
1 avocado<br />
2 limes – zest and juice<br />
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<strong>For the fritters</strong><br />
2 courgettes, grated<br />
6 spring onions, thinly sliced<br />
75g feta cheese, crumbled<br />
20g mint, chopped<br />
100g self-raising flour<br />
pinch of smoked paprika<br />
2 large eggs, beaten<br />
salt and pepper<br />
oil for frying<br />
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In a bowl, mix together the courgette, spring onion, feta, mint, smoked paprika and flour. Stir in the beaten eggs and season with salt and black pepper.<br />
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Heat some oil in a frying pan and drop in a good spoonful of the mix. Cook for 2 minutes each side, drain on kitchen roll and keep warm until all the mix is used up.<br />
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<strong>Salsa</strong> – simply chop all the ingredients and put into a bowl. Season well and add the lime zest and juice.<br />
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Serve fritters topped with a spoonful of salsa.<br />
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<i style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.300000190734863px;">Note: this post was written in collaboration with Iceland Foods. All opinions are my own.</i><br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-21650499377446097462017-04-12T15:28:00.001+01:002017-04-16T00:10:25.450+01:00Green Juice Vegan Martini<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We've had a few unbelievably warm sunny days in London. Spring is definitely my favourite season here. As the days get longer, sun warmer and first blossoms emerge, the city starts to wake up after a long winter sleep. London parks get crowded with people enjoying first sun rays relaxing on fresh green grass. It's not too warm, not too cold, it's perfect. It's that time of year again, for picnics and garden parties.<br />
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Food is the quintessence of any celebration or a party, however no bbq or garden party would be complete without good drinks. I've been obsessed with gin for a while, always looking for a new gin based cocktail. Last night I tasted 'Vegan Martini' during a Sharing Series supperclub and absolutely loved it.<br />
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Apparently sharing cocktails is a new thing. Since sharing food has been very popular why not share cocktails. Anything that can be prepared in advance makes your life so much easier. I'm all about easy recipes so I tried to recreate the Vegan Martini at home and think I found my new favourite party drink. It has green juice as a base which sounds and looks so spring like. You can make your own juice if you have a juicer or just use your favourite store bought one. It takes a few minutes to make this cocktail and you can store it in the fridge ready for you party! Cheers!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/33180835233/in/photostream/" title="Vegan martini"><img alt="Vegan martini" height="974" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2870/33180835233_cb7c44ff78_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b><br /></b><b>Green Juice Vegan Martini</b><br />
Serves 5
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400ml green juice (freshly squeezed or your favourite store bought one)<br />
2cm piece of fresh ginger<br />
juice from 2 limes<br />
50ml Agave nectar<br />
pinch of salt<br />
250ml Tanqueray Gin<br />
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ice and fresh lime to serve<br />
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Place ginger, green juice, lime juice, salt and agave nectar in a jar of a blender and blend together. Pour through a sieve (to remove any ginger pieces) into a glass bottle or a jar, add gin and stir together. Store in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour into glasses filled with ice and decorate with a slice of fresh lime.<br />
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<i>Note: this post was written in collaboration with Tanqueray gin. All opinions are my own.
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-87769386321492190312017-02-07T14:06:00.002+00:002017-02-08T21:35:48.712+00:00Creative Gathering in Tuscany Spring 2017 | April 20 - 23<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm still in a hibernation mode yet I get ridiculously excited and happy at the thought of warm spring sun in Tuscany. I can't wait to be sitting under olive trees in the garden of Juls' Kitchen, soaking up as much of the healing sun's rays as possible, eating simple yet incredibly delicious and nourishing Tuscan food, talking inspiration, photography and life in general, as you do when you meet up with friends and likeminded people, before taking a walk along the medieval houses of Siena to taste even more food.<br />
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Join Giulia, Regula and me for a<b> <a href="http://creativegathering.bigcartel.com/product/creative-gathering-in-tuscany-spring-edition" target="_blank">Three Acres Creative Gathering in Tuscany</a>.</b><br />
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This time we will celebrate spring and everything it has to offer. You will stay at a lovely but basic agriturismo in the Sienese countryside on the outskirts of a tiny village with only a few houses. We will be cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from a local market, we will learn how to arrange flowers and decorate table. And since we are in Italy, we will of course bake sourdough pizza and bread in a wood fired oven. We always make sure our tummies are full and happy, but we also like to nourish or body and skin so will we will be making homemade natural body products and much more.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Details:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Three Acres – Creative Gathering | Spring 2017</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">April 20 – 23 2017</span></b></div>
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Siena countryside, Tuscany</div>
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Nearest airport: Florence or Pisa</div>
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You can also arrive in Rome and take a train to Florence.</div>
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Max 6 participants</div>
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Book your flights as soon as possible as the 25th of April is a national holiday in Italy, so many people will be traveling during the long weekend.</div>
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<b>The cost</b></div>
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1.350€ per person, shared room, your own bed, one roommate</div>
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1.500€ per person, single room
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<b>The cost includes:</b><br />
3 nights accommodation at Tenuta Mensanello, a beautiful Agriturismo just 2 km from the Studio<br />
1 dinner on Thursday at Juls’ Kitchen<br />
1 dinner on Friday in a restaurant in Siena<br />
1 dinner on Saturday in an osteria in San Gimignano<br />
3 lunches cooked at Juls’ Kitchen<br />
3 Italian breakfasts at your agriturismo<br />
1 cooking class<br />
Drinks and refreshments during the weekend at Juls’ Kitchen<br />
Transport during the weekend<br />
All teachings and excursions<br />
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<b>Not included:</b><br />
Transport to and from Italy and to the agriturismo<br />
Anything extra you would like to purchase personally<br />
Travel insurance<br />
Cancellation insurance
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<i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cancellation Policy : Due to the involved logistics, we offer no cancellations or refunds. Please know you can make it before booking. We strongly encourage you to have travel insurance to cover the retreat in the event of strikes, natural disasters, health problems, and other unforeseen events.</i></div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Schedule</b></div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></b><span style="font-weight: 600;">Day 1 – Thursday the 20th of April</span>3pm Check-in at Tenuta Mensanello Agriturismo<br />
5pm Introductions & Aperitifs at Juls’ Kitchen Studio<br />
Welcome Dinner at Juls’ Kitchen with home made pizza baked in the Tuscan wood fired oven</div>
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<span style="font-weight: 600;">Day 2 – Friday the 21st of April</span>Breakfast at Tenuta Mensanello<br />
A trip to Colle Val d’Elsa weekly market for second breakfast, Italian coffee ritual & ingredient shopping. Visit to an artisanal butcher shop.<br />
Cooking class and lunch at Juls’ Kitchen studio.<br />
Session I – Food Photography<br />
Food tour in Siena with some free time to explore the town on your own and perhaps buy some treats to take home<br />
Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Siena</div>
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<span style="font-weight: 600;">Day 3 – Saturday the 22nd of April</span>Breakfast at Tenuta Mensanello<br />
Tour of Tenuta Mensanello to discover where they produce their olive oil, wine, beer and charcuterie.<br />
Session II – Sourdough bread making introduction with <a href="http://www.conlemaninpasta.com/wordpress/2016/11/15/three-acres-creative-gathering-la-mia-schiacciata-fagioli-juls-kitchen/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;">Manuela Conti</a>Tuscan Lunch with local produce under the olive trees at Juls’ Kitchen<br />
Session III – Lightroom introduction<br />
Walk in San Gimignano by night and dinner in a local Osteria<br />
Gelato at Dondoli in San Gimignano, an artisanal and world renowned gelateria.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: 600;">Day 4 – Sunday the 23rd of April</span>Breakfast at Tenuta Mensanello<br />
Session IV – DIY Natural Cosmetic workshop with Claudia Scarpaleggia<br />
Session V – Table setting and flower details with <a href="http://www.valdirose.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Irene from Valdirose </a>Lunch in the garden (weather permitting) at Juls’ Kitchen<br />
Session VI – A talk on food writing<br />
Goodbye at Juls’ Kitchen at 5pm</div>
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**Option to book an extra night at the agriturismo if you want to travel back on Monday. You are welcome to join us for dinner at a restaurant but each will pay for their own.<br />
You have also the option to stay until Tuesday to take part in the Juls’ Kitchen Fettunta Party in the garden surrounded by olive trees. It is an annual event, a great way to meet fellow food enthusiasts and feast together. Fettunta is another name Tuscans give to bruschetta, a toasted slice of bread doused in good olive oil.</div>
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<i style="box-sizing: border-box;">*Note the schedule is subject to change*</i><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><a href="http://creativegathering.bigcartel.com/product/creative-gathering-in-tuscany-spring-edition" target="_blank">Click here f</a>or more info and registration. </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/31949620293/in/dateposted/" title="Three Acres Gathering Tuscany"><img alt="Three Acres Gathering Tuscany" height="974" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/261/31949620293_5cf3ffe063_b.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/31949620653/in/dateposted/" title="Three Acres Gathering Tuscany"><img alt="Three Acres Gathering Tuscany" height="974" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/375/31949620653_ee55a67865_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/32383606640/in/photostream/" title="Three Acres Gathering Tuscany"><img alt="Three Acres Gathering Tuscany" height="974" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/603/32383606640_0d0bf83bfe_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b>Who can attend?</b></div>
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This gathering is open to everyone, not just photographers and bloggers, but all creative people who want to explore different styles and deepen their visual voice.</div>
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<b>Who are we?</b></div>
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<b>Giulia</b> is the author of 5 cookery books, she has been running Tuscan cooking classes, food excursions and workshops for 5 years from her Tuscan family home and studio Juls’ Kitchen.</div>
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She also writes an awardwinning blog Juls’ Kitchen:</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/31949620293/in/dateposted/" title="Three Acres Gathering Tuscany"></a><a href="http://www.julskitchen.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.julskitchen.com</a></div>
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Twitter & Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/julskitchen/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@Julskitchen</a></div>
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<b>Regula</b> is the author of 2 books on food and drink culture. She photographs and writes for a living. She is also a graphic designer. Her focus lies with reality, this can mean natural light or going on a fishing boat at 4 in the morning to capture the essence of a situation.</div>
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Regula also writes a blog which was shortlisted for a Saveur Blog Award:</div>
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<a href="http://www.missfoodwise.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.missfoodwise.com</a></div>
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Twitter & Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/missfoodwise/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@MissFoodwise</a></div>
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<b>Sarka</b> has been a professional photographer for 6 years working with editorial clients in the UK and her homeland Czech Republic. She has been tutoring photography workshops for years and she is your go to girl for the technical part.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sarkababicka.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.sarkababicka.com</a> </div>
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Twitter & Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarkababicka/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@Sarkababicka</a></div>
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-85097962139453078622017-01-31T11:02:00.001+00:002017-01-31T11:02:16.863+00:00An Autumn Three Acres Gathering in Tuscany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last year in October, my friends <a href="http://en.julskitchen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Giulia</a>, <a href="http://www.missfoodwise.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Regula</a> and I hosted our first Three Acres Gathering in Tuscany. Inspired by our friendship and the idea of learning from each other, we wanted to open our get togethers to other like minded people. There's nothing better than spending time with friends cooking, eating, learning, laughing and just having a good time.<br />
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Tuscany feels like second home. I adore the beautiful countryside, its people, food, wine and fresh air. We couldn't have imagined a better place to spend a few unusually warm and sunny autumn days with our sweet guests coming to join us not only from Italy and the Netherlands but also as far as the USA and Ecuador.<br />
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Needles to say, we had a great time making pizza in a wood-fired oven, dining in the garden under olive trees with the warm autumn sun kissing our skin, learning and tasting local pecorino cheese, cuddling a baby goat at a local organic cheese farm, strolling the streets of medieval Siena before sunset, talking photography and inspiration, making homemade pici and sourdough bread, learning how to arrange flowers and set a beautiful table for a lunch with friends, making natural body products, all that while eating a lot of Tuscan food, drinking wine, laughing and enjoying each other's company.<br />
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Time flies when you are having a great time and we couldn't believe how fast the three amazing days passed by. We had to say good bye to our lovely guests <a href="http://www.conlemaninpasta.com/wordpress/2016/11/15/three-acres-creative-gathering-la-mia-schiacciata-fagioli-juls-kitchen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Manuela</a>, <a href="http://simoneskitchen.nl/three-acres-gathering-toscane/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simone</a>, <a href="http://valdirose.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/creative-gathering.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Irene</a>, Debbie and Sofia but we knew that the memories of the times we've spent together would stay with us forever. <br />
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We also knew that we want to come back soon and experience Tuscany in all its spring glory and so we are excited to announce the dates of our next Three Acres Gathering that will take place <b>April 20th - 23rd at Juls' Kitchen Tuscan studio. </b><br />
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Registration will open in a few days so stay tuned for more info. Spaces are limited but you can email me if you want to be put on a reserve list.<br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-36743763769840646082016-11-27T11:03:00.002+00:002017-04-29T19:10:20.544+01:00Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni With Creamy Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm known for cooking simple and quick recipes. I like to cook but I don't enjoy spending long hours in the kitchen. My everyday recipes are quick and straight forward, usually ready in about 30 minutes. However, there are days when I 'push' myself to cook something special and a bit more complicated.<br />
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This weekend, we had friends over, and with rainy and cold weather I felt like a nice comfort pasta dish would be the perfect thing for a dinner menu. Lasagne and cannelloni fall into my 'special occasion' recipes category as they require slightly more effort. I haven't had cannelloni in years so I decided to combine my favourite spinach & ricotta ravioli recipe with cannelloni pasta. When it comes to pasta I make no compromises. If I don't have time to make my own fresh homemade pasta, I use only the best dried pasta. I can't make cannelloni at home so I used Barilla, one of my favourite pasta brands, tested and recommended by many Italians.<br />
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Apart from sharing the recipe, I also wanted to let you know that Barilla is running an exciting competition, giving away a £1,000 voucher to use towards a weekend trip to Italy for 2! To enter, you need to post a picture of a pasta dish on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BarillaUK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barilla UK's Facebook page</a> or on Instagram using the hashtag #OutsidetheBox and #BarillaUK. I just came back from Italy two weeks ago, but I'd go back instantly! I'm still dreaming of all the delicious pasta dishes, fresh mozzarella and amazing Italian wine!<br />
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So finally, here's the recipe.<br />
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Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni With Creamy Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts<br />
Serves 4<br />
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600g fresh spinach<br />
250g ricotta<br />
2x 125g soft goat cheese<br />
40g grated Parmesan cheese<br />
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
3 garlic cloves<br />
2x 400g chopped tomatoes<br />
2tbsp red wine vinegar<br />
salt and freshly ground pepper<br />
18 tubes Barilla cannelloni<br />
1 tbsp pine nuts<br />
Olive oil<br />
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Preheat the oven to 180C.<br />
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Heat a table spoon of olive oil over low heat in a large skillet. Add the spinach, cover with a lid and let it wilt. You may want to do this in batches if your skillet is not large enough. Stir it occasionally until all the spinach has cooked down. Transfer into a bowl and let it cool slightly.<br />
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In the same skillet, add another table spoon of olive oil and chopped onions. Cook the onions for a few minutes until soft and translucent. Add chopped garlic, tomatoes and vinegar, bring to the boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.<br />
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When the spinach is cool enough to handle, squeeze out most of the liquid into to a bowl and roughly chop. Return chopped spinach to the bowl with the liquid, add ricotta, one goat cheese, 1/2 of grated parmesan and stir together. Season with salt and pepper.<br />
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Spread half of the tomato sauce over the bottom of an oven proof dish (25x30cm). Spoon the spinach mixture into a piping bag or a plastic food bag with a corner snipped off and fill all the cannelloni tubes. Lay them in the baking dish and spread the rest of the tomato sauce on top. Scatter over the second goat cheese and remaining parmesan and sprinkle with the pine nuts. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: this recipe was created in collaboration with Barilla pasta. All opinions are my own.
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-42379066438714584572016-09-04T13:42:00.000+01:002016-10-05T20:11:09.952+01:00Creative Gathering in Tuscany 28-30 October 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We all know this. If you live a creative life there will be time when you start feeling stuck, unmotivated and tired. There are several ways of finding new inspiration and motivation. For me, the best way to start feeling inspired again is getting together with my friends. I've known Giulia and Regula for years, and despite the geographical distance among us, once in a while we manage to get together, cook, talk, laugh, eat and learn from each other. Those days are the best and always leave me re-energised and inspired to start creating again.
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This time we decided to expand our little creative gathering and bring in even more creative minds. If you are a writer, blogger, photographer or just someone who wants to meet and spend time with other like minded people we would love to meet you and spend a few days in dreamy autumnal Tuscany. </div>
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Join us for a creative gathering which will celebrate the seasonal food and the pleasure of getting together in a quiet location in the Tuscan countryside.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/29351788232/in/dateposted/" title="Tuscany, Italy"><img alt="Tuscany, Italy" height="433" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8062/29351788232_01f84c4a0c_o.jpg" width="650" /></a> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Three Acres – Creative Gathering</span></b></div>
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Strands of mist entangled around the branches of the trees on the hilltop. The smell of a fireplace at dusk. A whiff of roast chestnuts around every corner, a chestnut cake with rosemary, pine nuts, raisins and olive oil. Mushrooms and squash. A glug of nocino – a traditional walnut liqueur by the fire. Toasted bread with a drizzle of new olive oil and creamy beans spooned on top.</div>
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You can not find a better moment to visit the Tuscan countryside.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Details</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">October 28 – 30 2016</span></b></div>
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Siena countryside, Tuscany</div>
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Nearest airport: Florence or Pisa</div>
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You can also arrive in Rome and take a train to Florence.</div>
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Max 6 participants</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You can <a href="http://creativegathering.bigcartel.com/product/creative-gathering-in-tuscany" target="_blank">register here</a>. </span></b></div>
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<b>What we will be up to*</b></div>
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You will stay at a lovely but basic agriturismo in the Sienese countryside on the outskirts of a tiny village with only a few houses. We will pick you up every day and when we are at Jul’s Kitchen we will walk there and enjoy the fresh air. Juls’ Kitchen is situated in that tiny village and is the cookery studio of Giulia Scarpaleggia who has been teaching Tuscan cookery courses and food expeditions there for over five years. The studio is cosy and features a large open plan kitchen where will will cook and eat and drink copious amounts of tea. We have a lovely big garden there with wonderful countryside views, olive trees and the company of a Maremma Sheep dog and a black cat.</div>
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We will light up the wood burning oven to make pizza, focaccia and bread, we will enjoy a spread of local vegetables and charcuterie to taste the real flavour of the countryside, we will walk under century old oaks to channel nature’s force and inspiration.</div>
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Inspired by the ‘Three Acres and a Cow’ philosophy we will visit a local organic family run cheese farm where they make a raw milk pecorino, the typical sheep milk cheese of Tuscany. After the farm we will head to Siena for a walk and dinner in one of the most well preserved medieval towns of Tuscany. There will be plenty opportunities for each student to practice the techniques learned during the weekend.</div>
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Giulia, Regula and Sarka will discuss their philosophy on styling and shooting and we will show you how to style and photograph one subject in three different styles.</div>
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<b>Who can attend?</b></div>
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It is open to everyone, not just photographers and bloggers, but all creative people who want to explore different styles and deepen their visual voice.</div>
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<b>Who are we?</b></div>
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<b>Giulia</b> is the author of 5 cookery books, she has been running Tuscan cooking classes, food excursions and workshops for 5 years from her Tuscan family home and studio Juls’ Kitchen.</div>
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She also writes an awardwinning blog Juls’ Kitchen:</div>
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<a href="http://www.julskitchen.com/">www.julskitchen.com</a></div>
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Twitter & Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/julskitchen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Julskitchen</a></div>
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<b>Regula</b> is the author of 2 books on food and drink culture. She photographs and writes for a living. She is also a graphic designer. Her focus lies with reality, this can mean natural light or going on a fishing boat at 4 in the morning to capture the essence of a situation.</div>
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Regula also writes a blog which was shortlisted for a Saveur Blog Award:</div>
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<a href="http://www.missfoodwise.com/">www.missfoodwise.com</a></div>
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Twitter & Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/missfoodwise/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@MissFoodwise</a></div>
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<b>Sarka</b> has been a professional photographer for 6 years working with editorial clients in the UK and her homeland Czech Republic. She has been tutoring photography workshops for years and she is your go to girl for the technical part.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sarkababicka.com/">www.sarkababicka.com</a> </div>
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Twitter & Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarkababicka/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Sarkababicka</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The cost</span></b></div>
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The all-inclusive cost is 890 € per person</div>
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<b>This includes:</b></div>
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2 nights accommodation in a countryside <a href="http://www.mensanello.com/home-eng/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">agriturismo</a> in a shared double room</div>
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1 dinner on Friday at Juls’ Kitchen + 1 dinner on Saturday in a restaurant in Siena</div>
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2 lunches cooked at Juls’ Kitchen</div>
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2 breakfasts at your agriturismo</div>
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Drinks and refreshments during the weekend at Juls’ Kitchen</div>
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Transport during the weekend</div>
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All teachings and excursions (2)</div>
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<b>Not included:</b></div>
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Transport to and from Italy and to the agriturismo</div>
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Anything extra you would like to purchase personally</div>
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Travel insurance</div>
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Cancellation insurance</div>
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*Note the schedule is subject to change*</div>
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<i>Please note that we have done everything to keep the price as low as possible but as we pay each producer or business and work with beautiful local produce, the price reflects that. We want the small businesses we work with to benefit from this collaboration, not be left out of pocket because we are after a freebie. Everyone deserves to get the price they or their product is worth.
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-986160551343104752016-08-30T13:47:00.002+01:002016-08-30T17:28:01.390+01:00My First Taste Of The USA - Baton Rouge, Louisiana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28754752516/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="974" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7788/28754752516_9f3865ed96_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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Who doesn't like the excitement of first times? I feel like a kid before Christmas every time I embark on a new adventure.<br />
I'm always ready and eager to explore a new country, taste local cuisine, learn about other cultures and meet local people. For me, that's the beauty of traveling and reason I can never stop exploring the world. <br />
I didn't know when my first trip stateside would happen, I didn't plan one. There are so many interesting places and countries in this world I want to visit and explore. Not for any particular reason, but USA wasn't too high on my list. But things often happen when we least expect them. The same goes for my first trip to the United States in the middle of June. I was contemplating my next holiday when an invitation from <a href="http://www.visittheusa.com/UK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit The USA</a> to explore Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana landed in my inbox. I admit it, I had to google Baton Rouge first.<br />
Needless to say, I didn't hesitate too long to jump on the opportunity and started planning my first trip to the States, gathering a list of places to eat in order to complete my mission - taste my way around the "Red Stick".<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28169692374/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="974" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8785/28169692374_ff6337ac58_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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Although being a capital city, Baton Rouge has a small city vibe with a youthful spirit, thanks to the Louisiana State University residing there. With only two and a half days to spend and a fairly long list of places to visit, I tried to be organised. Sadly, local public transport is not as affective as it could be, so after a couple of long waits for even longer bus rides I opted for Uber. It was the easiest way to move between areas where the restaurants I wanted to visit where within reasonable walking distance. I noticed that most people don't walk in Baton Rouge and considering the hot humid climate of the region, it's quite understandable.<br />
Being used to walking everywhere in London, I had to learn my lesson. A few hours in the hot weather determined my first stop, Draft House Bar in the downtown area, a fun place with over 100 beers to taste. It was indeed a good start to a fabulous foodie adventure.<br />
Baton Rouge has many restaurants offering some of the freshest seafood. I completely fell in love with the local Creole and Cajun influenced cuisine. I may be slightly obsessed with prawn étouffée now.<br />
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Here's a little guide to some of my favourite spots in Baton Rouge.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28503398790/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8718/28503398790_444cdc8b1d_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28755227626/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8753/28755227626_ece86d540b_o.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28755227366/in/photostream/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8641/28755227366_c6f14edb93_o.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28502461500/in/photostream/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8709/28502461500_6c2bf2e4d0_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28755348446/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7504/28755348446_0342d21020_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28755227776/in/photostream/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8711/28755227776_ec4b158dd9_o.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a dhref="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28681700742/in/dateposted/" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8593284190651260475" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8875/28681700742_6b9fa14ca5_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b><a href="http://www.tonyseafood.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tony's Seafood</a></b><br />
It's a little seafood wonderland, deli and grocery store. Tony's seafood has been around since 1959. What was originally a small fruit stand selling only fresh produce quickly grew into a thriving seafood business. They sell the best fresh and boiled seafood in town including popular Louisiana Fish Fry products. The place get very busy everyday especially around lunch time but we had to queue for our Boudin balls and seafood box even in the afternoon. It was well worth it!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787310395/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="416" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8751/28787310395_d5201e7494_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787310515/in/photostream/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="415" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8841/28787310515_b16ef73e12_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28503006480/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8791/28503006480_36e7dbb027_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28682248872/in/photostream/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8325/28682248872_cccb104c8a_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<b><a href="http://www.louiescafe.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Louie's Cafe</a></b><br />
Another restaurant with a history. Five dollar shake scene from Pulp Fiction resonated in my head the second my fruit smoothie buried under a thick mountain of cream landed on the table. Opened since 1941, this cute cafe with red and white striped chairs and retro interior is open 24 hours a day. It's loved by locals and students alike due it's proximity to LSU campus. I devoured their shrimp & crawfish omelette and finished off my breakfast with a bowl of fruit salad with yogurt and nuts.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787310715/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8638/28787310715_4195dba8fa_o.jpg" width="650" /></a><
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28710245221/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="974" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8614/28710245221_f88dbe28a3_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787310865/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8666/28787310865_d9a051166f_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b>Mike the Tiger</b><br />
Baton Rouge is home to Louisiana State University (LSU) with quite an impressive campus. Of course, I couldn't resist to go and see LSU's live mascot, Mike the Tiger. Sadly, the current tiger Mike VI was recently diagnosed with cancer. He was already treated with radiotherapy but his prognosis is still terminal.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787310245/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7554/28787310245_a84c075986_o.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787311615/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8861/28787311615_4b8d836020_o.jpg" width="650" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28503006140/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="974" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8655/28503006140_71e89f792f_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787310975/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8816/28787310975_0b286d3f7e_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787311135/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8672/28787311135_357586231d_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b><a href="http://magpie.cafe/#home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magpie Cafe</a></b><br />
I went to this cafe twice in two days. Simply the best coffee in town (in my opinion). A local community based cafe that would easily compete in the east London hipster scene has everything you need. Filled with young people glued to their laptops, sipping cortado or fresh juice, their daily offerings include healthy seasonal soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries made using local ingredients.<br />
I finally got to taste kombucha, a fermented tea drink, popular with US health bloggers which is still waiting for its place in the sun on the UK market.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28684601582/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="974" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7468/28684601582_fa63cf3fdb_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787311455/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7667/28787311455_46b87004da_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28758026336/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisianau"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisianau" height="" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8773/28758026336_96c7b2035c_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28758026176/in/photostream/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisianau">
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<b><a href="http://www.frankiesdawghouse.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frankie's Dawg House</a></b><br />
Located right next to Magpie Cafe, this place, about the size of a backyard shed has for my European standards an innovative menu, featuring hot dogs served with peach mango salsa or small lobster. We went for the fully loaded Chuck Norris Dawg with bacon, grilled onion & jalapeños. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787311335/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8820/28787311335_cffdbffe58_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28755713716/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7647/28755713716_cb13754bdd_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28710245361/in/photostream/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8864/28710245361_80c8a42b7e_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b><a href="http://citypork.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">City Pork Deli & Charcuterie</a></b><br />
A meat lovers dream and perhaps my favourite place in town, also just a few steps from Magpie Cafe, City Pork Deli & Charcuterie wins bonus points for the friendliest staff. Not being a Bloody Mary fan, their bacon and okra Bloody Mary made me reconsider this drink. Score! Wish I wasn't so full to be able to taste more of their delicious menu, however we polished off the whole charcuterie selection board.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28710071791/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8586/28710071791_e0b424dd74_o.jpg" width="650" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28710247291/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="998" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8361/28710247291_5488e5408d_o.jpg" width="650" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28710071431/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8835/28710071431_4cf6f6772c_o.jpg" width="650" /></a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28710071621/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="449" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7569/28710071621_feaa324b9f_o.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.sammysgrill.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sammy's Grill </a></b><br />
The best lunch I had in a long time was definitely at Sammy's Grill. Three pounds of local hot boiled crawfish with corn and potatoest entertained me for about an hour. We also tried blackened alligator and washed it all down with a few pints of local beer. I'm still dreaming of this lunch!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28755713916/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="974" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8115/28755713916_dfa489de9c_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b>Louisiana's Old State Capitol</b><br />
It's s beautiful historic government building and definitely a must see when you visit Baton Rouge. Unfortunately we didn't manage to go inside.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28503006790/in/dateposted/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="974" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7537/28503006790_3777fdd7c6_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28503006250/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="974" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8812/28503006250_ed600f1295_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b>Louisiana State Capitol</b><br />
It's the current seat of government for the US state of Louisiana. A 34-story building (America's tallest state capitol) offers an arial view of Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River from the observation deck located on the 27th floor. A beautiful old elevator will take you up to the tower.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787310125/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8899/28787310125_f487132d7b_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/29150036516/in/dateposted/" title="Sarka Babicka"><img alt="Sarka Babicka" height="974" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8145/29150036516_6fe8a75d57_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28505690990/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8831/28505690990_bc855b1385_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b><a href="http://breada.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Stick Farmers Market</a></b><br />
If you happen to be in Baton Rouge on Saturday, don't miss the weekly morning farmers market. Although it may appear a little small, it has a plethora of fresh local produce and an inside area with a great selection of breakfast and lunch offerings. As I was walking among the vendors, I'd wished I was staying in an Airbnb with a kitchen not a hotel. I was dreaming of a plate of sliced tomatoes sprinkled with flaky sea salt and drizzled with olive oil. Luckily we were saved by delicious crepes from GoYaYa's Crêpes stand at the Main Street Market building. I don't usually eat pulled pork for breakfast but I couldn't leave without tasting The Cuban crepe!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787312045/in/dateposted/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8813/28787312045_e2301f77c8_o.jpg" width="650" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28755714726/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="883" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8632/28755714726_689c2eb8a5_o.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787312165/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="439" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8487/28787312165_21a261de06_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28503007010/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8615/28503007010_d919bfe302_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28172576474/in/dateposted/" title="Baton"><img alt="Baton" height="" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8582/28172576474_abee35c537_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28710245541/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="974" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7751/28710245541_4779aa9eec_o.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787311715/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8829/28787311715_d3f115b4e3_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28685183272/in/photostream/" title="Baton"><img alt="Baton" height="863" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8606/28685183272_4f654a2ee1_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b><a href="http://parrains.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parrain's Seafood</a></b><br />
Luckily we arrived early because this Cajun seafood restaurant is very popular with locals and there's usually wait on the weekends. Still full after our market breakfast we shared a small plate of charbroiled oysters. The menu has all the authentic Cajun/Creole staples. Boudin, blackened alligator, boiled crawfish, turtle soup, crab and corn bisque, seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffée... I highly recommend BBQ'd black drum filet with dirty rice.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28787584515/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8665/28787584515_1bea2f1682_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28755714916/in/photostream/" title="Baton Rouge, Loui"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Loui" height="" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7472/28755714916_f505240fbf_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.thechimes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Chimes</a></b><br />
Very casual and friendly bar / restaurant located right by the LSU campus. It's a lively place (a little loud) with lots of locals who come here for cheap eats, beer and sports TV. I was once again feeling quite full so I ordered a small plate of crawfish étouffée but I could have definitely eaten a large one. It was scrumptious!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28710069821/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8120/28710069821_be7b60afce_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28175536013/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="974" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8663/28175536013_2bf2079c73_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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I wrapped up my short but amazing trip to Baton Rouge with a beautiful sunset over the Mississippi River on my last evening.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28710071931/in/dateposted/" title="Baton Rouge, Louisiana"><img alt="Baton Rouge, Louisiana" height="434" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8677/28710071931_66b48ea2ff_o.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
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<i>Note: My trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana was sponsored by <a href="http://www.visittheusa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit The USA</a>. All views are my own.
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-14853810510837095362016-08-05T12:05:00.002+01:002016-08-05T12:15:18.960+01:00Grilled Peach and Cheddar Avocado Crostini<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We've had a few nice sunny summer days in London recently and I couldn't be happier. Hot weather makes me crave fresh salads and simple recipes using seasonal produce. I'm generally happy with a plate of chilled watermelon or avocado toast on such days.<br />
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Last week I bought way too many peaches. I wanted to make something new so I revamped my usual avocado toast by adding a few slices of peach and my favourite <a href="http://bit.ly/CastelloTickler" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tickler cheddar</a>. A few minutes under broiler to melt the cheese, a sprinkle of walnuts and cress on top. A quick summer lunch... sorted! Easy and delicious!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28130531653/in/dateposted/" title="Grilled peach and cheddar avocado crostini"><img alt="Grilled peach and cheddar avocado crostini" height="974" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8335/28130531653_0e60f3fd00_o.jpg" width="650" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/28130531463/in/dateposted/" title="Grilled peach and cheddar avocado crostini"><img alt="Grilled peach and cheddar avocado crostini" height="413" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8867/28130531463_454416ae0e_b.jpg" width="650" /></a>
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<b>Grilled Peach and Cheddar Avocado crostini</b><br />
makes 6<br />
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1 large stonebaked ciabatta<br />
1 avocado<br />
2 ripe peaches, sliced<br />
salt and freshly ground pepper<br />
1 tbsp lemon juice<br />
30g <a href="http://bit.ly/CastelloTickler" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Castello Tickler Extra Mature Cheddar</a>, shredded<br />
40g walnuts<br />
handful of fresh cress<br />
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Preheat oven broiler to high. Make 6 slices of ciabatta and place them on a baking sheet. Broil ciabatta about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove from the oven.<br />
In a small bowl mash avocado with a fork, add lemon juice and season with salt a pepper. Spread the avocado on top of each toasted ciabatta. Top with a few slices of peach and sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven and broil until cheese is melted 3-4 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle each ciabatta with walnuts and cress.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: this recipe was created in collaboration with Castello. All opinions are my own. </i><br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-91319359739260669042016-06-17T05:37:00.002+01:002016-07-11T22:55:48.754+01:00Quinoa Pudding & Casa Cook Hotel Rhodes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few week ago I went to the Greek island Rhodes to spend three days at a brand new Casa Cook boutique hotel by Thomas Cook. It was my second time in Greece, and just like the first time in Crete last year, I fell in love with Rhodes very quickly. It's a beautiful island with gorgeous nature, small villages, delicious food and lovely people.<br />
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The hotel felt like a little piece of paradise, featuring gorgeous modern interior design with urban flair. There was so much to do, see and taste and my three days flew away like a leaf in the wind.<br />
However, it was the first morning at the hotel when I'd tasted a quinoa pudding for breakfast and couldn't get over how delicious and creamy it was. I knew immediately I needed the recipe and decided to ask the hotel's executive chef Giorgakis Manoli if he would share his recipe. Luckily he kindly agreed!<br />
To say I didn't want to go back to London would be an understatement. At least I brought back with me a recipe for the easiest and the most delicious quinoa pudding ever.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/27641475506/in/photostream/" title="Sarka Babicka"><img alt="Sarka Babicka" height="974" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7313/27641475506_1ecc9fd918_o.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
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<b>Quinoa Pudding</b><br />
Serves 2<br />
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1/4 cup quinoa<br />
1 can (400ml) coconut milk<br />
seeds from 1 vanilla bean or 1tsp vanilla extract<br />
1/8 tsp salt<br />
2tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar<br />
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Rinse quinoa well under running water. Put all ingredients into a small pot and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring often until quinoa is soft. Add more syrup if you like your pudding sweeter.<br />
Divide the pudding between two bowls and serve with your favourite fruit or jam and nuts.<br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-32801147744788328862016-02-22T19:03:00.001+00:002016-02-22T20:30:47.329+00:00Taste Of Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tomorrow is a big day for five chef pairs. February 24th 2016 is the day when five James Beard Foundation Rising-Star chefs together with their Waldorf Astoria Master Chef partners will prepare and present their final dishes to a panel of judges in New York City as the final part of <a href="http://waldorfastoria3.hilton.com/rs/taste-of-waldorf-astoria/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taste of Waldorf Astoria</a> competition.<br />
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Shortly before Christmas last year, I was honoured to travel to Jerusalem to spend a few days in a beautiful <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-tQVtAnTCX/?taken-by=sarkababicka" target="_blank">Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem hotel</a>, following James Beard Foundation Rising-Star <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ChefJJ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chef JJ</a> and Waldorf Astoria Master Chef <a href="http://waldorfastoria3.hilton.com/resources/media/wa/JRSWAWA/en_US/pdf/en_JRSWAWA_Chef_Barak_Jul_2015.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Itzik Barak</a> with my camera.<br />
It was an unforgettable experience and a dream job to photograph and watch two great professionals working their magic in the kitchen and also exploring history and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-wJAnqnTA_/?taken-by=sarkababicka" target="_blank">tasting flavours of the region</a>.<br />
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After days of cooking, brainstorming, tasting and visiting local markets, the chefs have created their final Taste of Waldorf dish called "The Seven Species". It's Dorade fish cooked with aubergine puree and bread crust served over bulgur salad with homemade tahini and fresh vegetables and herbs. All my favourite ingredients and flavours on one plate.<br />
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Needles to say, it was hard to say goodbye to the most comfortable <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-wA-0enTDG/?taken-by=sarkababicka" target="_blank">home away from home</a>, serving the best kosher version of the iconic Eggs Benedict (using smoked salmon instead of bacon) and the wonderful team of Taste of Waldorf Astoria. Btw I must have eaten my weight in Eggs Benedict there - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-vZXfMHTCn/?taken-by=sarkababicka" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-0_2AnHTD_/?taken-by=sarkababicka" target="_blank">this</a> are just two of many more I've had! Also there's a<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-9EQ6it3fY/?taken-by=tarasgroi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> short video of the Eggs Benedict</a> by the super talented videographer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tarasgroi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tara Sgroi</a>.<br />
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Surely, all five chef teams deserve to win, but I truly hope that "<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-y5U9MHTA7/?taken-by=sarkababicka" target="_blank">The Seven Species</a>" dish will be the new winner.<br />
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<br /></div>Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-6136367947944375182015-12-30T16:36:00.001+00:002015-12-30T16:40:31.607+00:00Wrapping Up 2015 With a Spicy Cocktail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/23422082604/in/dateposted/" title="Spicy Beer Bloody Mary"><img alt="Spicy Beer Bloody Mary" height="929" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1614/23422082604_418fb67ff8_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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With only one day left of 2015, it's time to wrap up and say goodbye to what has been an amazing year. It usually takes me days to write a blog post, so I will keep this one really short as I would love to get it finished today.<br />
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2015 has been quite a spectacular year, filled with everything I could have ever wished for; <a href="http://www.cookyourdream.com/2015/09/crayfish-season-in-finland.html" target="_blank">friends reunion</a>, new friendships, amazing people, exciting travel destinations, great work opportunities, and just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I became an aunt to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_t2Nh-nTPK/?taken-by=sarkababicka" target="_blank">cutest niece</a> in the world. Some of the work-related highlights of this year include shooting <a href="http://www.cookyourdream.com/2015/04/happy-easter.html" target="_blank">another 12 issues</a> of <a href="http://www.igurmet.cz/casopis/#.VoQIUYSaf8s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gurmet magazine</a> in Prague, teaching a <a href="http://www.cookyourdream.com/2015/06/london-food-lifestyle-photography.html" target="_blank">food photography and styling workshop </a>with <a href="http://candidsbyjo.com/" target="_blank">Jo</a> and <a href="http://oliahercules.com/" target="_blank">Olia</a> or travelling to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-tQVtAnTCX/?taken-by=sarkababicka" target="_blank">Jerusalem</a> to photograph <a href="http://tasteofwaldorf.com/" target="_blank">Taste of Waldorf Astoria</a>. I'm grateful for everything this year has brought and taught me and I'm really excited for the next one.<br />
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So here's to 2016, a new year full of new exciting opportunities, friendships, travel destinations, challenges and more.<br />
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2016, I'm ready for you.<br />
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To give a toast, my friend Jo and I decided to do a little cocktail photoshoot, which seemed like a crazy idea at the time (just before Christmas and both of us being insanely busy) but we managed to create two drinks, perfect for the end of the year party. It was so much fun shooting these cocktails and playing with beutiful props from <a href="http://www.westelm.co.uk/" target="_blank">West Elm</a>. I shared my Spicy Beer Bloody Mary here or head over to <a href="http://candidsbyjo.com/food/2015-highlights/" target="_blank">Jo's blog</a> for the elderflower gin & tonic recipe.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/23754383620/in/dateposted/" title="Spicy Beer Bloody Mary"><img alt="Spicy Beer Bloody Mary" height="414" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1636/23754383620_be374f39dd_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/23682458759/in/photostream/" title="Spicy Beer Bloody Mary"><img alt="Spicy Beer Bloody Mary" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5824/23682458759_8265d71600_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/24024512676/in/dateposted/" title="Cheese board"><img alt="Cheese board" height="414" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5664/24024512676_1d38ec757d_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/23968354641/in/photostream/" title="Cheese board"><img alt="Cheese board" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5756/23968354641_9f6fb7ffe7_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/24024512836/in/datetaken/" title="Gin Elderflower Tonic"><img alt="Gin Elderflower Tonic" height="929" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1660/24024512836_05948eccc8_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/24050614165/in/datetaken/" title="Gin Elderflower Tonic"><img alt="Gin Elderflower Tonic" height="929" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1491/24050614165_aa1c884532_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/23425052663/in/dateposted/" title="Spicy Beer Bloody Mary"><img alt="Spicy Beer Bloody Mary" height="414" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1495/23425052663_0574718b22_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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<b>Spicy Beer Bloody Mary </b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 2</span><br />
<br />
4 large ice cubes<br />
1 lime<br />
1 tbsp Maldon salt<br />
130 ml tomato juice<br />
a dash of Worcestershire sauce<br />
4 dashes Tabasco (1-2 for a milder taste)<br />
330 ml Mexican beer<br />
freshly ground black pepper<br />
olives<br />
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<b>Method</b><br />
Put Maldon salt in a small bowl or plate. Rub rims of two glasses with a wedge of lime and dip each glass in the salt.<br />
Drop two large ice cubes in a cocktail shaker, add tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, a table spoon of lime juice and beer. Give it a stir and strain into two glasses filled with ice.<br />
Garnish with two olives and a pinch of black pepper.<br />
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<i>Many thanks to <a href="http://www.westelm.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">West Elm</a> for providing glasses & barware for this photoshoot. </i><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8593284190651260475%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5664801206306675933%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.staticflickr.com%2F1614%2F23422082604_418fb67ff8_o.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Nr1SLqWFAmYi&description=Spicy%20Beer%20Bloody%20Mary" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8593284190651260475%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5664801206306675933%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.staticflickr.com%2F1614%2F23422082604_418fb67ff8_o.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Nr1SLqWFAmYi&description=Spicy%20Beer%20Bloody%20Mary" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8593284190651260475%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5664801206306675933%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.staticflickr.com%2F1614%2F23422082604_418fb67ff8_o.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Nr1SLqWFAmYi&description=Spicy%20Beer%20Bloody%20Mary" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8593284190651260475%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5664801206306675933%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.staticflickr.com%2F1614%2F23422082604_418fb67ff8_o.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Nr1SLqWFAmYi&description=Spicy%20Beer%20Bloody%20Mary" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>
Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-7661432404430950242015-09-15T10:47:00.001+01:002015-09-15T18:42:42.162+01:00Crayfish Season in Finland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21420408591/in/datetaken/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2207"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2207" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5711/21420408591_6fb006e32d_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
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Summer is the time for <a href="http://www.cookyourdream.com/2010/03/karelian-pies-winter-holiday-and.html" target="_blank">crayfish parties</a> in Finland (and Sweden). There are many ways to enjoy crayfish during the season which begins on 21 July. You can either attend a special crayfish festival at some of popular island restaurants, buy frozen crayfish at a supermarket or visit a friend's summer cottage, fill a few traps with fish, go on a lake to place your traps and hope there will be some crayfish when you come back to pick them up in the morning. Then you go through the whole process of counting your catch, letting little ones go, cleaning the rest, boiling, marinating and finally, eating!<br />
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I chose the last option and spent a weekend with our Finnish friends at their summer cottage. There was not too much to count though as we only caught 12. Luckily, there was a basket filled with nettle and crayfish waiting for unlucky beginner, left by our friend's father. Thanks to him we could have experienced this lovely tradition.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21223721320/in/dateposted/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2202"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2202" height="450" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/740/21223721320_18fd43b019_o.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21400931792/in/photostream/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2205"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2205" height="450" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/726/21400931792_cea4885ae8_o.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21226066249/in/dateposted/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2231"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2231" height="414" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5663/21226066249_678184eb76_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20814090043/in/dateposted/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2262"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2262" height="414" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/730/20814090043_090859473d_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21385750756/in/photostream/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2307"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2307" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5665/21385750756_f7f84b0268_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20790518053/in/dateposted/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2341"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2341" height="414" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5649/20790518053_60cb1e7a1e_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21225322348/in/dateposted/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2397"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2397" height="929" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/778/21225322348_f7f0ff5478_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20788899364/in/photostream/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2400"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2400" height="414" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/760/20788899364_d3a413842a_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21411605525/in/dateposted/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2430"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2430" height="414" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/736/21411605525_ff7b327d91_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21224288988/in/dateposted/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2485"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2485" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5689/21224288988_1833513482_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20789433114/in/photostream/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2450-2"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2450-2" height="414" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5727/20789433114_c4bf9c29e6_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20788899414/in/photostream/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2464"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2464" height="414" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5703/20788899414_216405083f_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21401258442/in/photostream/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2484"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2484" height="929" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/574/21401258442_731c8366ce_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21420552231/in/photostream/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2505"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2505" height="929" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/675/21420552231_5a64c1bdf6_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21385893116/in/datetaken/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2472-2"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2472-2" height="414" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/566/21385893116_2f8f84377d_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21420713941/in/dateposted/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2515"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2515" height="414" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5665/21420713941_f71e604ce3_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20791053123/in/photostream/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2527"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2527" height="929" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/707/20791053123_9279aac894_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/21224866938/" title="Finland_Crayfish-2587"><img alt="Finland_Crayfish-2587" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5684/21224866938_56c7e64bf8_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-57622547179852351532015-08-14T10:50:00.000+01:002015-08-14T12:03:28.068+01:00Finnish Blueberry Pie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/19916625664/in/dateposted/" title="
Finnish Blueberry Pie, Sarka Babicka Photography"><img alt="Finnish Blueberry Pie | Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5718/19916625664_eea759e92a_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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I returned from a holiday in Finland last week and all I can think of is a blueberry pie. It's been about five years since we were last in Finland but it felt like a year ago. That's what happens when you meet great friends again. It all comes back to you instantly, so many memories of all the great times we shared. Those are the best holidays. I came back relaxed and well rested.<br />
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I'm a big fan of simple and delicious recipes. Many Finnish recipes are just like that. All you need to make a perfect meal are a few fresh, seasonal ingredients. Blueberry season has only started when we arrived at out friend's summer cottage but the forest floor was already covered in a beautiful blue carpet. It's hard to get wild forrest blueberries when you live in London so I usually go a bit nuts when I can pick these sweet blue jewels. Wild blueberries are the real deal unlike the commercially grown ones. They taste so much better!<br />
I usually prefer all fruit raw, but when life gives you liters of blueberries you have to make a pie. I obviously had to ask my friend to share her recipe. It's the simplest and most delicious blueberry pie I've ever had.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20351242488/in/photostream/" title="Blueberries, Sarka Babicka Photography"><img alt="Blueberries | Sarka Babicka Photography" height="414" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5828/20351242488_a910f8ce64_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20356106850/in/dateposted/" title="Blueberries and GLD, Finland"><img alt="Blueberries and GLD, Finland | Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5797/20356106850_ab16988a2d_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20517909696/in/photostream/" title="English Toy Terrier, Finland"><img alt="English Toy Terrier, Finland | Sarka Babicka Photography" height="414" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5679/20517909696_1ee7cd8796_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/20539261535/in/photostream/" title="Finland, lake | Sarka Babicka Photography"><img alt="Finland | Sarka Babicka Photography" height="414" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5808/20539261535_6ac0ec4d84_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
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<b>Finnish Blueberry Pie</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves about 8</span><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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<i>For the dough</i><br />
100g unsalted butter, melted<br />
1 eggs<br />
75g sugar<br />
180g plain flour<br />
1tsp baking powder<br />
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<i>For the filling</i><br />
1 egg<br />
200ml soured cream<br />
75g sugar<br />
blueberries<br />
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<b>Method</b><br />
Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Grease a 20-23cm/8-9inch pie tin or pan. In a medium bowl, mix together sugar and egg, add the melted butter and stir well until combined. In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder and add it to the butter mixture. Stir together to form a soft dough. Pat the dough evenly over the bottom and sides of the pan. Add a lot of blueberries on top to fill the pan.<br />
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, egg and sugar and pour over the blueberries. Bake for about 30 minutes. Let the pie cool down before slicing.<br />
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<br /></div>Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-44978871320602995362015-06-17T15:16:00.001+01:002015-06-17T16:02:22.547+01:00Open Skies Magazine Dishoom Feature<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18699045168" title="Dishoom King's Cross Open Skies Magazine Emirate's Airlines by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Dishoom King's Cross Open Skies Magazine Emirate's Airlines" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/484/18699045168_742f8279b4_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
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Back in April I photographed a food feature for <a href="http://www.emirates.com/uk/english/flying/inflight_entertainment/open-skies/issue/2325883/april-2015" target="_blank">Open Skies</a> (Emirates Inflight Magazine). I didn't have to think too long when I was asked to suggest a restaurant for the feature. <a href="http://www.dishoom.com/" target="_blank">Dishoom</a> at King's Cross is one of my all time favourite places to eat in London. I love the airy, industrial interior and drool-worthy menu which is nothing like a stereotypical curry house dishes. Chef's special Nihari is a lamb-on-the-bone stew beautifully spiced with meat so tender that it melts in your mouth.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18700590909" title="Dishoom King's Cross by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Dishoom King's Cross" height="929" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3914/18700590909_b8d007ae75_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18264217084" title="Dishoom King's Cross by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Dishoom King's Cross" height="414" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3672/18264217084_15310e2a40_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18886742965" title="Dishoom King's Cross by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Dishoom King's Cross" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/487/18886742965_fa5228fc43_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18860506186" title="Dishoom King's Cross by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Dishoom King's Cross" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/508/18860506186_6f07e93ed1_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18886743115" title="Dishoom King's Cross by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Dishoom King's Cross" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/478/18886743115_5bf9bc226b_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18699044788" title="Dishoom King's Cross by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Dishoom King's Cross" height="414" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5613/18699044788_af5c267693_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18699044988" title="Dishoom King's Cross by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Dishoom King's Cross" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/471/18699044988_0eecd8e374_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18265791563" title="Dishoom King's Cross by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Dishoom King's Cross" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/470/18265791563_594be6e777_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18702839420" title="Open Skies Magazine by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Open Skies Magazine" height="" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/554/18702839420_16c9f1cb30.jpg" width="305" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18890529355" title="Open Skies Magazine by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Open Skies Magazine" height="" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3905/18890529355_7728b37eae.jpg" width="305" /></a>
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-9574537130067549912015-06-10T12:16:00.000+01:002015-06-25T23:25:57.110+01:00London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop in Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18031904233" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8867/18031904233_d283322bc0_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<br />
What started as a vague conversation over the most delicious Korean fried chicken, ended as a great day spent with a group of lovely and creative people. I still remember the afternoon when <a href="http://candidsbyjo.com/" target="_blank">Jo</a> and I were licking our greasy fingers and discussing the possibility of doing a photography workshop together. Only about a week later the planning process had started. We teamed up with super sweet and talented food stylist & writer <a href="http://oliahercules.com/" target="_blank">Olia Hercules</a> (she's just published her first cookbook <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mamushka-Recipes-Ukraine-Olia-Hercules/dp/1784720380/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433893543&sr=8-1&keywords=mamushka" target="_blank">Mamushka</a>) for our intimate one-day hands on food photography & styling workshop. Being on the same page from the very beginning, we had envisioned a creative and inspiring day for a small group of food and photography enthusiasts.<br />
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Fast forward a few months, on the last Sunday in May, we were unpacking boxes of food and props at <a href="http://lyleslondon.com/" target="_blank">Lyle's</a> in Shoreditch (the light in there leaves me in awe every time I visit), waiting for our workshop participants to arrive. To start the day off we covered some basics of composition, lighting, colour theory, working with props, mobile photography and food styling before it was time for our attendees to have a go and put theory into practice during three practice sessions.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18464808828" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/418/18464808828_89cea4fbb0_o.jpg" width="620" />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18033976563" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="292" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/424/18033976563_134945da06_o.jpg" width="195" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18649956952" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="292" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/276/18649956952_926d88e1d2_o.jpg" width="195" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18468458089" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="292" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/283/18468458089_d32c421d1d_o.jpg" width="195" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18647887902" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/427/18647887902_5d1d529f33_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18647887052" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/531/18647887052_7dfa35d30e_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18464808228" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8829/18464808228_80c8c8164b_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18029889824" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/369/18029889824_430b9b78cd_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18034346513" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8874/18034346513_c299e4a2d5_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18466392199" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8858/18466392199_2541e823e7_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18029890444" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8831/18029890444_787870a0b1_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18626230636" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/559/18626230636_ca0972ba27_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18652583195" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8870/18652583195_b130e629ea_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18627015556" title="London_food_photography-workshop-63 by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London_food_photography-workshop-63" height="457" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/286/18627015556_90cf8090a0_o.jpg" width="305" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18465637580" title="London_food_photography-workshop-67 by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London_food_photography-workshop-67" height="457" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/312/18465637580_455d6ab3ac.jpg" width="305" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Salad photos by <a href="http://www.joannayee.com/" target="_blank">Joanna Yee</a></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18466392129" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/524/18466392129_ecceb5c2ff_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18031904173" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/452/18031904173_9ee9328b21_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18657277371" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="930" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/541/18657277371_107afafa6b_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Photo by <a href="http://www.joannayee.com/" target="_blank">Joanna Yee</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18464808518" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8834/18464808518_e26a9f5f88_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18652583175" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/403/18652583175_c699106f94_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18466391869" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="457" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/343/18466391869_bd4cc0a9ca.jpg" width="305" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18647887322" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="457" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/470/18647887322_f0ac3114ca.jpg" width="305" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18029890124" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8878/18029890124_1f262f39ed_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18464808288" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/348/18464808288_54d8ed48ab_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18647887092" title="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8885/18647887092_091ea24178_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18467386748" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/495/18467386748_28fc1343fb_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18464807988" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/487/18464807988_ed20e8709f_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18467539790" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="929" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/437/18467539790_ff5971a453_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18650171162" title="Charlotte Hu Photography by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Charlotte Hu Photography" height="" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/510/18650171162_289ff53ace_z.jpg" width="620" /></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Photo by <a href="http://www.skilletandshutterbug.com/blog/" target="_blank">Charlotte Hu</a></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7u_e8MQOts/VXeGpoPdULI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/3tXOXgkhBwM/s1600/IMG_5031.JPG" imageanchor="1" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop, goodie bags"><img border="0" height="620" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7u_e8MQOts/VXeGpoPdULI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/3tXOXgkhBwM/s640/IMG_5031.JPG" width="620" /></a></div>
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Big thanks go out to our generous sponsors, specifically <a href="http://www.natoora.co.uk/shop/" target="_blank">Natoora</a> for the most beautiful produce that we all swooned over and <a href="http://www.westelm.co.uk/" target="_blank">West Elm London</a> for gorgeous props. We all stayed well hydrated during the day thanks to <a href="http://www.goodbeans.co.uk/" target="_blank">Good Beans</a> cold brew coffee, <a href="http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Innocent Coconut Water</a> and <a href="http://www.joesteacompany.com/" target="_blank">Joe's Tea</a>. A small healthy bites were supplied by <a href="https://twitter.com/eat_100_percent" target="_blank">100% Natural Foods</a> brownies and <a href="http://www.cereallovers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cereal Lovers</a> granola. And as we all know, wine makes every event better, so even this workshop wouldn't be the same without good bubbles and wine from <a href="http://www.campoviejo.com/" target="_blank">Campo Viejo</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18469858158" title="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop" height="414" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/367/18469858158_5ffb3e3433_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
Olia and Jo checking the <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/sjphotoworkshop/" target="_blank">#sjphotoworskhop</a> hashtag on Instagram. :)<br />
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Here's what our workshop attendee's say about their experience.<br />
<a href="http://naturalkitchenadventures.com/review/food-lifestyle-photography-workshop/" target="_blank">Natural Kitchen Adventures</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skilletandshutterbug.com/blog/sarka-jo-workshop" target="_blank">Skillet & Shutterbug</a><br />
<a href="http://thelittleplantation.co.uk/blog/perfect-green-salad-and-food-photography" target="_blank">The Little Plantation</a><br />
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Oh and Jo created a short video, have a look!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/130225057" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/130225057">Food Lifestyle Photography workshop</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user40928536">Joanna Yee</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-57758516101162018432015-05-29T14:34:00.000+01:002015-06-17T13:01:02.846+01:00Freestyle Food Month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18041381759" title="Avocado rice cake by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Avocado rice cake" height="929" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7733/18041381759_c5d52d9480_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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Only two more days and June is here, which means summer is behind the door! I always get so excited just thinking of warm sunny days. There are so many reasons to love summer and the abundance of fresh local produce is just one of them. I love cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients. The summer months are the best time of year to enjoy fruit and vegetables at their best. Strawberries finally taste like strawberries and tomatoes are flavourful and juicy, ready to be savoured with a just a sprinkle of sea salt... Therefore June is a great month to go freestyle in your kitchen.<br />
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I'm joining Lurpak's Freestyle Food Month, a campaign encouraging food lovers to use quality ingredients and get creative in their kitchens. Sounds totally up my alley. I absolutely love the new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw_fPv5_y-Q" target="_blank">TV commercial</a> for the campaign. If you haven't seen it yet, you must watch it. Not only it makes you hungry, but it also makes you want to run into your kitchen and start playing and experimenting. I will be making quick and easy snacks perfect for warm sunny days when you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want to enjoy healthy food full of flavour and nutritions. No recipes, just a few ingredients thrown together and you are good to go.<br />
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I believe in simplicity and freshness when it comes to food. Fresh quality local ingredients inspire me to try new things and experiment. If you want to see what I will be making, follow me on my <a href="https://instagram.com/sarkababicka/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for some summer food inspiration.<br />
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I'd also love to see your take on Freestyle Food Month. You can join me in June and experiment in your kitchen. Create any bready meal or snack, such as crackers, bagels, bread, toast etc. using quality seasonal ingredients and post a photo on your Twitter or Instagram with #FreestyleFood hashtag. Don't forget to mention me @sarkababicka so I can see your photo. I will select 10 winners who will receive a food hamper from Lurpak and The Original Supper Box Company.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18039772008" title="chili prawns by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="chili prawns" height="929" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7776/18039772008_9154fd0d6d_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/18201344665" title="Greens by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Greens" height="620" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7786/18201344665_c6e4d497e6_z.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/17806338983" title="Avocado smoked salmon rye crackers by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Avocado smoked salmon rye crackers" height="620" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7728/17806338983_d1a8e87c54_z.jpg" width="620" /></a>
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-68223425070517148642015-04-08T10:12:00.000+01:002015-04-08T10:36:36.880+01:00London Food & Lifestyle Photography Workshop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16881502338" title="Coconut Yogurt & passion fruit by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Coconut Yogurt & passion fruit" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8689/16881502338_58f67de3c2_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
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I hope you all had a lovely Easter! I have two exciting announcements today! First - spring has finally come to London and I couldn't be happier, second - I will be teaching a food photography & lifestyle workshop with my friend and photographer Joanna Yee in London at the end on May. We will also have a food stylist and writer Olia Hercules joining us and sharing some of her secrets.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/17074510892" title="IMG_4272 by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4272" height="621" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8817/17074510892_5f47001fbf_c.jpg" width="620" /></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lyle's London, Image by Joanna Yee</i></div>
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Here's all the details. Hope to see you there!
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>London Food & Lifestyle photography workshop with Sarka Babicka & Joanna Yee </b></h3>
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<b>Date: Sunday 31 May 2015 </b><br />
<b>Place: Lyle’s | Tea Building | 56 Shoreditch High Street | London E1 6JJ </b><br />
<b>Time: 10 AM – 5 PM </b><br />
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Join us for a creative & inspired one-day photography & styling workshop in London’s Shoreditch. Using the beautiful space at Lyle’s we’ll cover our approach to food & lifestyle photography including:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>composition </li>
<li>working with natural light to create different moods </li>
<li>selecting & working with props </li>
<li>the process of telling stories through images </li>
<li>mobile photography tips </li>
</ul>
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Olia Hercules, Leith’s trained chef, food writer and stylist, will also be providing practical tips on food styling and demonstration. You will gain hands on experience styling and shooting based on what you learned at the workshop to create a small portfolio of work. There will also be an opportunity for you to get a private critique of your existing work from Sarka or Joanna should you opt to.<br />
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This is a workshop for those who are looking to learn or improve their food & lifestyle photography and styling skills. We hope you can join us for this creative and inspired day where you will leave with valuable tips & insights to execute on your own.<br />
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<b>Cost: £300 </b><br />
Includes: Tea, coffee and a light lunch will be provided.<br />
Equipment: Bring a camera, fully charged battery and memory card(s)<br />
Maximum of 10 participants<br />
Tickets are non-refundable<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>For registration, go to our <a href="http://londonfoodphotoworkshop.ecwid.com/#!/London-Food-&-Lifestyle-Photography-Workshop-with-Sarka-Babicka-&-Joanna-Yee-31st-May-2015/p/49387857/category=0" target="_blank">online store</a></b></div>
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<b>About: </b><br />
<a href="http://www.sarkababicka.com/" target="_blank">Sarka Babicka</a> is a London based food and travel photographer. She works with clients locally and internationally on a variety of editorial and commercial assignments. Her work has been featured in publications such as Forbes, The Times, The Telegraph, Woman and Home, Bon Appetit, CNN Travel, The Huffington Post and more.<br />
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<a href="http://www.joannayee.com/" target="_blank">Joanna Yee</a> is a London-based freelance photographer specialising in food, travel and lifestyle photography. Her work has been featured in Good Things Magazine, Vogue Instagram, The Huffington Post and Time Out London. She is currently shooting a cookbook ‘Summers Under the Tamarind Tree’ by Sumayya Usmani.<br />
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<a href="http://oliahercules.com/" target="_blank">Olia Hercules</a> is a Leith’s trained chef, food writer and stylist. Olia grew up in Soviet Ukraine and Cyprus. She honed her cooking skills in the fiery kitchens of Ottolenghi and later working as a recipe developer and stylist for a variety of food magazines, including Sainsbury’s and Jamie’s. Her recipes are regularly featured in 10 Best column of The Guardian’s Cook supplement. Olia's first cookbook 'Mamushka' will be published on June 1st.<br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-74950548930723092502015-04-02T20:20:00.001+01:002015-04-02T20:20:44.834+01:00Happy Easter!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16390010064" title="Vejce-0013 by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Vejce-0013" height="812" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7635/16390010064_5a87ce6d43_b.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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In celebration of Easter and my love for eggs, I'm sharing a few photos from my favourite feature I photographed for a Czech food magazine called <a href="http://www.igurmet.cz/casopis/159-gurmet-42015/#.VR1-jlxq9Jc" target="_blank">Gurmet</a>.<br />
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Have an egg-tastic long Easter weekend lovely people!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16986510376" title="Sarka Babicka by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Sarka Babicka" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7634/16986510376_767568ee15_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16392364383" title="Sarka Babicka by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Sarka Babicka" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7653/16392364383_ff961a4af5_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16390014304" title="Vejce-0050 by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Vejce-0050" height="812" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8751/16390014304_71be20d027_b.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16392364373" title="Sarka Babicka by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Sarka Babicka" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7606/16392364373_d766e4c588_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16392299003" title="Vejce-0023 by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Vejce-0023" height="812" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7599/16392299003_ba6df42c01_b.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16826214849" title="Vejce-0042 by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Vejce-0042" height="812" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8744/16826214849_7073a769c9_b.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/17011540381" title="Vejce-0008-3 by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Vejce-0008-3" height="812" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8744/17011540381_d1cdfdc0a7_b.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16986436656" title="Ravioli-0012-3 by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Ravioli-0012-3" height="812" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7642/16986436656_a2768fd9fe_b.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-38775081815046266432015-02-25T12:54:00.000+00:002015-02-25T12:54:47.064+00:00Homemade Almond Milk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16612559356" title="Homemade almond milk | Sarka Babicka Photographer"><img alt="Homemade almond milk by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8645/16612559356_744d91ff88_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16638494685" title="Homemade almond milk | Sarka Babicka Photographer"><img alt="Homemade almond milk by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/16638494685_d580297c3b_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16637483002" title="Homemade almond milk | Sarka Babicka Photographer"><img alt="Homemade almond milk by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8610/16637483002_5ec14589f5_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16451091570" title="Homemade almond milk | Sarka Babicka Photographer"><img alt="Homemade almond milk by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8581/16451091570_4a734cb7d7_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16018587373" title="Homemade almond milk | Sarka Babicka Photographer"><img alt="Homemade almond milk by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8681/16018587373_02da7c78c1_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16454970120" title="Homemade almond milk | Sarka Babicka Photographer"><img alt="Homemade almond milk by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8619/16454970120_9792f8d42f_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16454970110" title="Homemade almond milk | Sarka Babicka Photographer"><img alt="Homemade almond milk by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8579/16454970110_089fce5de6_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/16023414743" title="Homemade almond milk | Sarka Babicka Photographer"><img alt="Homemade almond milk by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8566/16023414743_de0157c721_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-78093393380295398412014-12-08T09:00:00.000+00:002014-12-17T18:50:31.165+00:00Quantum of the Seas <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15785114517" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7545/15785114517_1d006d4bdf_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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I so much love sea and all things related. Being originally from a country with no sea, I don't even know where this love affair came from. Seaside, boats, infinite shades of blue, relaxing sound of the sea, fresh breeze and the smell of the salt in the air, I can dream on. Just add good food and I'm one very happy girl.<br />
But strangely enough, an idea of days spent on a ship cruising the ocean never really excited me. I was thinking something like "Why would you voluntarily get stuck on a ship for days? What would you do? What a boring way to spend your holiday..." I was proven SO wrong, after spending two days on board <a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/quantumoftheseas/quantum-experiences/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Quantum of the Seas</a> last month. I had absolutely no idea it would be one of the best experience of the year. My first cruise ever couldn't get any better than this. From the moment I put my foot on board, I wouldn't stop saying "wow"! Starting with an amazing lunch at Jamie's Italian, followed by a lot more food at some of 18 restaurants on board, drinking cocktails prepared by a robotic bartender, watching one of the most interesting shows at the Two 70º or admiring the ship from a glass pod lifted 300 ft above sea level, I was not bored even for a second and wished I could stay for another week to experience everything this smart ship has to offer. And there is a lot more!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15968854271" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Jamie's Italian aboard Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7541/15968854271_51ca256281_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15785114617" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Jamie's Italian aboard Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7466/15785114617_63b9bd8034_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15970822685" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Jamie's Italian aboard Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/15970822685_01139ef8a0_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15351209093" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Jamie's Italian aboard Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7484/15351209093_d03a71a6bf_o.jpg" width="620" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15785114567" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Jamie's Italian aboard Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/15785114567_b2c3390b68_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15783437078" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Jamie's Italian aboard Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8635/15783437078_1248ecea8b_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15784812279" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7503/15784812279_8ec8260c01_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15968854131" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="414" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/15968854131_1bc06dde98_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15971003472" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7506/15971003472_bbf8240df9_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15348564734" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7465/15348564734_fcc3bd411e_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15783532720" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7478/15783532720_e7cdaa9f1b_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15785114457" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7564/15785114457_12f8ebefc3_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15970169032" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="414" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8597/15970169032_425b271f81_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15945068416" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7579/15945068416_17b27e7e95_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15785114317" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="905" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/15785114317_f5c9f55a0e_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15970169002" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7512/15970169002_a90cac6836_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15970822315" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15970822315_0f40abfd77_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15783436898" title="Quantum of The Seas by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Quantum of The Seas Royal Caribbean cruise by Sarka Babicka photography" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7579/15783436898_4a425d5a3e_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0w3Q7433jg/VH73IDni2II/AAAAAAAAKd0/q5AsaiK7LxE/s1600/FruitChristmas-Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0w3Q7433jg/VH73IDni2II/AAAAAAAAKd0/q5AsaiK7LxE/s1600/FruitChristmas-Cake.jpg" height="929" width="620" /></a></div>
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I admit I have a sweet tooth, so cakes are one of my favourite subjects to shoot. Recently, I photographed seasonal cakes for one of my clients - <a href="http://www.rubysoflondon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rubys Of London</a>. It's always pleasure to work with talented people. Beautiful, incredibly delicious, and as a bonus vegan and gluten free, Ruby's cakes are everything you can ask for. I've got to love the sweet perks of my job. If you happen to be in London on weekends, I recommend to swing by <a href="http://www.greenwichmarketlondon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Greenwich Market</a> to soak up the magical Christmas atmosphere, warm up with a cup of mulled wine and have a taste of Ruby's delicious cakes and cupcakes.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nM4VBVPifCw/VH7-oT6BlXI/AAAAAAAAKe4/xkHqM52JNHM/s1600/FruitChristmas-CakeSlice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nM4VBVPifCw/VH7-oT6BlXI/AAAAAAAAKe4/xkHqM52JNHM/s1600/FruitChristmas-CakeSlice.jpg" height="929" width="620" /></a></div>
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-31377959500267151062014-11-13T11:13:00.001+00:002014-12-17T19:35:14.371+00:00Broome Farm Orchards & Cider<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15588845367" title="Hereford-apple-trees-Bulmers by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Hereford apple trees Bulmers by Sarka Babicka photography" height="929" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7485/15588845367_799e93840e_b.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15775566762" title="Hereford-orchard-cider-Bulmers by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Hereford orchard cider Bulmers by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="414" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7558/15775566762_4cf12fa395_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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Summer's long gone, but there are a few things that make autumn my second favourite season, definitely not the weather though! I take autumn as a gentle preparation for a few months of dreadful cold and lack of light. Fresh air, changing colours, autumn produce and cider, on the other hand are those things that make this season more bearable, and actually beautiful.<br />
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A few weeks ago I visited <a href="http://www.rosscider.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Broome Farm</a> in Herefordshire owned and run by Mike Johnson, a cider maker and owner of Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company. Cider became my favourite drink quickly after I moved in the UK, so I was really excited to be able to watch the process of making this delicious drink. Mike produces quite a few different varieties of cider and perry (all made from 100% pure juice) which I had the pleasure to taste. Luckily, the tasting came after I had taken a tour around the farm and watched apples being harvested and turned into a delicious naturally fermented drink which can come up to 8.4% alc! Mike's apple and perry pear orchards spread over 40 acres producing many different varieties of cider apple and perry pears including Michelin and Dabinett bittersweet cider apples grown for <a href="http://www.bulmers.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bulmers</a>. Mike is an enthusiastic cider maker and really nice person so it comes as no surprise that he's been awarded many times for his produce and contribution to the cider industry. He's always happy to share his knowledge with new cider makers and he also runs an annual cider festival, which I really hope to visit next year.<br />
So despite a typical rainy autumn day and a very early start, I had a great time (and arrived back home a bit tipsy).<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15589197610" title="Hereford farm cider Bulmers by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Hereford farm cider Bulmers by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="414" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8412/15589197610_0b13b26497_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/15588587648" title="Broome Farm by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Broome Farm by Sarka Babicka Photography" height="942" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15588587648_b42e489fee_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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<a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593284190651260475.post-45645131534681627022014-07-08T09:00:00.000+01:002014-10-03T18:52:01.979+01:00Gooseberry Galette<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/14593188491" title="Gooseberry Galette by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Gooseberry Galette" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/14593188491_7320b152a2_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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I wish summer could last forever or at least 6 months. There are so many reasons to love this season but fresh produce is one the most important ones; strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, red currants, cherries, green peas, tomatoes, radishes to name just a few of my favourites. This summer is especially amazing because I can enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables everyday. Morning yogurt with granola and freshly picked berries, lunch salads made from crunchy lettuce and greens, handfuls of fresh picked berries going straight in my mouth, snacking on radishes that were just washed off the dirt, that's my everyday reality and I can't even imagine it's going to end in a few weeks. I've been also baking a lot. Gooseberry galette was my latest experiment and I'm definitely going to make it again. My gooseberries were more on the sweet side, so I was surprised that they turned out to be quite tart and acidic after baking. However, I really like the contrast of sweetness of the crust and acidity of the gooseberries in this galette. It's a perfect hot summer day dessert.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/14409955528" title="Red Gooseberries by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Gooseberries" height="415" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/14409955528_e12f44dab1_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/14593263901" title="Red Gooseberries by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Gooseberries" height="929" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14593263901_2797905347_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/14409976309" title="Gooseberries by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Gooseberries" height="414" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14409976309_b94c89ff16_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/14409878338" title="Gooseberries by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Gooseberries" height="929" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3848/14409878338_5386da0442_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/14593834871" title="Gooseberry Galette by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Gooseberry Galette" height="929" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5569/14593834871_8e928001a0_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarkab/14596474312" title="Gooseberry Galette by Sarka Babicka, on Flickr"><img alt="Gooseberry Galette" height="929" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/14596474312_6e408a88a6_o.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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<b>Gooseberry Galette</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves about 8</span></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b></div>
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125g plain flour</div>
<div>
125g spelt flour<br />
2 tbsp golden cane sugar<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
115 g cold unsalted butter, diced<br />
3 tbsp cold milk<br />
500g fresh gooseberries, topped and tailed<br />
35g golden cane sugar<br />
1 egg for egg wash<br />
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<b>Method</b><br />
Combine flours, sugar and salt in a medium bowl, then add diced butter and using your hands rub the butter in to the flour until you have pea sized crumbles. Add the cold milk and blend everything together with a fork. Do not knead the dough, just gather the clumps into a ball.<br />
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and flatten it a bit. Refrigerate for at least an hour. (I left the dough in the refrigerator for two days, because I didn't have time to bake the galette the same day.)<br />
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Preheat oven to 180℃. Unwrap the dough and press the edges so that there are no cracks. Dust a sheet of parchment paper with flour and roll out the dough into a 25cm circle about 0.3 - 0.5cm thick. Transfer the dough on the parchment paper to a baking sheet. Sprinkle over the gooseberries, leaving a 5cm border. Sprinkle with most of the sugar, reserving 1 tbsp of sugar to sprinkle over the edges. Fold the edges over the gooseberries, brush the edges with egg wash and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.<br />
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Bake on the lower half of the oven for about 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown.<br />
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Sari @ Cook Your Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06469242249544167945noreply@blogger.com