Sunday, March 16, 2008

Happenings In My Life


First of all, I sincerely apologize for my absence! I've been very busy at the moment doing a lot of writing while at the same time trying to get my business off to a productive start. Last weekend I had the pleasure to conduct my first official Mijn Zoete Leven culinary walk in Amsterdam. We visited some wonderful delicatessens and bakeries, tasted bread, cheese, ham and chocolate, talked about olive oils and mustards, and ended our walk at the farmers' market where I showed the participants a selection of stalls and told them all about what's in season at the moment. Once again, I want to thank the shopkeepers who took the time to tell us a little something about their products or who gave us a taste of something delicious- especially Hollandaluz, Caulils, Unlimited Delicious and Vlaamsch Broodhuys.

Aside from that, I've also been doing a little redecorating at home, mostly around the kitchen. Nothing big- added some new cabinet handles, bought some lovely antique plates and utensils (I adore things with a history in the kitchen) and yesterday we purchased a beautiful wooden cabinet where I am displaying some of my favorite plates and glasses. We treated ourselves to a gorgeous porcelain multi- tiered bon bon dish and two beautiful antique- looking wine glasses, just for the two of us. My wonderful husband also surprised me yesterday by taking me into a cooking store and buying me a new Jamie Oliver Italian Series frying pan! He even added a bag of pink and green marshmallows (my secret addiction) for good measure! And speaking of new kitchenware- I also got the red Le Creuset Tarte Tatin pan I had been lusting after! It was my birthday present!

On the cooking front, things are busy! Actually I am going to keep it short because I am hosting a six course French dinner tonight- complete with Kir Royales, gougères and lots of Burgundy! I started marinating the meat for the Boeuf Bourguignon Friday night, cooked it yesterday and am finishing it off with the mushrooms and pearl onions today. We're in for a treat! But before signing off, let me tell you about something completely different- Jamie Oliver's "Cheeky Chilli- pepper Chutney". I made this one last Friday, simply because I had a bunch of chillies I needed to use up. It was really amazing, quite mild and just a teeny bit sweet. The recipe comes from one of my favorite Jamie books- Jamie at Home. Give the chutney a go sometime!

Ok, off to get ready for that dinner party! Here's the recipe for the chutney:

Makes about 500g

Ingredients

  • 8-10 fresh red chillies
  • 8 ripe red peppers
  • Olive oil
  • 2 medium red onions, peeled and chopped
  • A sprig of fresh rosemary, leaves picked and chopped
  • 2 fresh bay leaves
  • A 5cm piece of cinnamon stick
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 100g brown sugar
  • 150ml balsamic vinegar

Method: How to make cheeky chilli-pepper chutney

Step 1 If you want your chutney to last for a while, make sure you have some small sterilized jars ready to go. Place your chillies and peppers over a hot barbecue, in a griddle pan or on a tray under a hot grill, turning them now and then until blackened and blistered all over. Carefully lift the hot peppers and chillies into a bowl (the smaller chillies won't take as long as the peppers so remove them first) and cover tightly with cling film. As they cool down, they'll cook gently in their own steam. By the time they're cool enough to handle, you'll be able to peel the skin off easily.

Step 2 When you've got rid of most of the skin, trimmed off the stalks and scooped out the seeds, you'll be left with a pile of nice tasty peppers and chillies. Finely chop by hand or put in a food processor and whiz up. Then put to one side.

Step 3 Heat a saucepan and pour in a splash of olive oil. Add the onions, rosemary, bay leaves and cinnamon and season with a little salt and pepper. Cook very slowly for about 20 minutes or so, until the onions become rich, golden and sticky.

Step 4 Add the chopped peppers and chillies, the sugar and the vinegar to the onions and keep cooking. When the liquid reduces and you're left with a lovely thick sticky chutney, season well to taste. Remove the cinnamon stick and the bay leaves. Either spoon into the sterilized jars and put them in a cool dark place, or keep in the fridge and use right away. In sterilized jars, the chutney should keep for a couple of months.

12 comments:

Jen said...

I think in some ways it was Jamie Oliver who really got me started cooking.

It sounds like life has been busy and full - and happy b'day!

Anonymous said...

oh my! the next time i'm in amsterdam i am definitely signing up for your culinary walk!

A Dutch Brit said...

Lucky you, some more kitchen treats. I'm looking for a oil & vinegar set, one that doesn't leak/drip! I know Eva Solo does a nice one as does Cole & Mason (four seasons)...only I haven't found a shop that stocks either yet!

Beatriz Macias said...

Feliz cumpleaños Paola! It looks like life is happening around you. We miss you, but we know you are working hard at building your dream. I came to let you know that I am tagging you for a meme, but I also know that your blog is not that KIND of blog, so if you do not want to do it, you don't have to. Rules and my meme are on my blog http://suitcase-contents.blogspot.com/2008/03/meme.html
Take care.

Sandy said...

Other than my Mom and Nigella, Jamie Oliver had a big part in my love for cooking also. And funny, this weekend my husband surprised me with his latest book (which also helps me with my new ideas for gardening this year!).
Do you have Jamie at Home, Paola? If not, it would be very appropriate for you as well, with your plans of gardening this year.

Your recent changes sound wonderful. It's important to make your surroundings your own.

Anonymous said...

mmm... Kir Royales and gougères ... yummy. Sounds like you have a very busy life. Good luck for tonite's dinner.

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

Oh yes yes yes. Thank you for this :)

Also, a quick reminder to please change my link your sidebar--I'm at http://bleedingespresso.com now! Thanks :)

violets said...

Wow Paola you have been busy, I miss reading your blog when you're not about, but its good to hear how well things are going for you.


Vi xx

Paola Westbeek said...

Hi Jen,
I adore Jamie and have also learned so much from him, not just recipes, but also about good food.

Welcome Pina! I'd love to have you come along!

Hi Vanessa,
Hmmm...I'm not sure I've seen a good set either. I'll keep my eyes peeled and will let you know if I see something! Good luck with your search!

Hi Beatriz,
Thank you! Like I said...I'll try my best! Still need to turn in an interview for an expat website, too!

Hi Sandy,
I do have the book and I love it! Actually it was Jamie who started me off on the gardening bug!

Hi Cooking Ninja,
I saw you also made some gougères! They are yummy indeed, aren't they!

Hi Michelle,
Nice to see you stop by. The address has been changed!

Hi Vi,
Thanks for stopping by! Always great to see you pop in!

paola

Lisa said...

I want to come to dinner!! It sounds wonderful.
Congratulations on your first tour!
Sip a kir and eat a gougere for me! :)

Kelly-Jane said...

It's lovely to hear things are going so well =)

KJxx

Paola Westbeek said...

Thanks Lisa! If you ever come to The NL, you are invited!

Thanks KJ! It's always nice to see you here. Hope you've had a great Easter!

paola