21 November 2014

Gastro tourism

If you have neither time nor money to travel all the 500 and something kilometers northwest of Stockholm for a memorable meal at Fäviken in Åre you can opt for a more accessible option. I did and it was great. Dinner at restaurant EKSTEDT in Stockholm was a revelation. I'm truly fond of any chef who manages to delight, tickle and surprise. 

From the single oyster on a bed of seaweed to the pigeon served with a smooth charred blood pudding my tastebuds were singing. I was nearly crying for it is a rare chef who combines common sense, inspiration and - what Florrie at Ballymaloe called TLC - Tender Loving Care. 

I will go back. Find a cheap flight, be content with cheap accommodation and then splash out on a proper meal. That's my kind of gastro tourism and while waiting I can look forward to another occasion: the unveiling of my very own bresaola

A bundle of joy that needs at least four
weeks to mature in the larder.

8 November 2014

Less sugar

Sugar is our new enemy. I'm telling you now unless you hadn't noticed. I understand the downside of too much sugar; my liver can't cope with it and turns excess sugar into fat. Which is not what I need. So, I decided to abstain. In fact I've resolved to do so often lately but something always happens to derail my plan. 

Yesterday it was the very nice man in the organic food shop who gave me a packet of milk chocolate flakes. Well I couldn't say no to that offer and since chocolate is a product with a finite shelf life (my bag of choc flakes will expire on the 28 November) I made these velvety milk chocolate pots - sans the raspberries. 

If you ask me, these velvety milk chocolate pots will have been eaten by Monday and then I can start avoiding sugar. Again.

Muted November colours

Nature always knows how to put on a show, even in muted November colours. So much beauty on display without anybody making any effort and it's all for free.