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The finest forests of S-W England that made this personal top are those that offer a chance to hike, bike, recharge, connect with nature and re-learn how to listen to it.
What do you do when you go to a forest?
Do you set your imagination free while doing any of these activities and reflect on other times when our connection with nature was even more potent? Or do you think about the meaning of life; how we live and what remains behind when we move to where we came from?
Do you ask yourself if we had learnt what we were meant to when we arrived here or if we keep repeating the same mistakes from previous existences?
But most of all, do you enjoy being out, forgetting the stresses of day-to-day life, listening to birdsong, seeing and smelling a tree rather than a honking bus?
I aim for all of the above when I go forest hiking for kilometres on end, from spring to late autumn, to breathe fresh air, see nature transform, and forget about the harsh world around us.
I will make the text short on this occasion and let the images speak more about the simple act of forest hiking.
If you live in the region, you probably recognise many of these finest forests of S-W England. If you plan to visit the area, this post will hopefully inspire you to include a forest hike during your stay.
Enjoy reading down, and remember to go out whenever possible! Breathe, reflect, recharge!
Great Wood
Located on Quantock Hills, minutes from Taunton and M5, Great Wood offers endless walking trails for all fitness levels. It is excellent for mountain biking too, with easy access and plenty of parking spaces. Families with children too young to hike can enjoy an outdoor barbeque at a large picnic clearing alongside the stream and the access dirt roads.
Nutcombe Bottom, Tall Trees Trail
Take this easily accessible trail to see the oldest and tallest trees in England, located close to Dunster Castle, out of Minehead. It takes less than an hour to see it and take pictures, but the forest does not end here. You can hike all you want, see Exmoor ponies.
Haddon Hill
Haddon Hill is also part of Exmoor National Park, as the above forests. You have hours of hiking, biking or water sports opportunities around and on Wimbleball Lake (dam and wild ponies photo prospects included).
Stockhill Woods
Part of the Mendip Hills – home of the famous Cheddar Gorge (and cheese!), Wookey Hole Caves and Blagdon Lake – Stockhill Wood is a relatively recent patch of wood.
It is a fragrant pine forest, relatively small – reason enough to leave the beaten path and wander through the thicker vegetation without any fear of getting lost in the big dark wood! Forestry England planted it a few decades ago to decrease the pollution from lead mining activities.
Avalon Marshes
Avalon Marshes is a wetland nature reserve situated alongside the drain that connects Glastonbury to the Bristol Channel. It is one of the best places in Somerset for bird watching; plus, it has a history dating back to the Neolithic.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Paid entry to these woods is required, but it is worth all the money, especially if you visit in autumn, October-November. Westonbirt Arboretum becomes a symphony of colours that will remain with you long after leaving the site.
Forest of Dean
You can cross the bridge to Wales or drive north on the M5 to the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. Also home of Puzzlewood, a famous film location for A list movies (Star Wars, Doctor Who, Jack the Giant Slayer to name a few), the Forest of Dean is an absolute must-visit for a variety of forest sculptures, mountain bike trails, endless hiking trails, Go Ape and so much more.
Bonus – Fine Forests of Wales
If you are already planning to visit the finest forests of the S-W of England or are in the region, it is well worth a drive over the Bristol Channel to Wales.
If you head towards Cardiff, perhaps stop at Coch Castle and visit the woods around it called Fforest Fawr – my absolute favourite forest, no matter the season!
Explore Brecon Beacons National Park for a more extended trip, and don’t miss its beautiful waterfalls, such as Henrhyd Falls.
I hope you have a choice of woodland close to you and visit them often if only for clearing your mind and do some exercise. If you plan to visit S-W England, remember to include one of the above in your planning.
Helpful apps to use when roaming forests
Since we are so attached to the technology, you might find these two apps of use when you are in the middle of nowhere (provided there is signal coverage!)
AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run is practical to find your whereabouts.
PlantNet Plant Identification is efficient for the kids to learn and differentiate between the tree and plant species.
What say you about the finest forests of S-W England?
If you have a preferred woodland that I have not included in this list, please mention it below in the comments. I might know about it or be interested in exploring it!
The Finest Forests of S-W England
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]]>The post Two Ingredients Creamy Cauliflower Mayonnaise Spread Simple Recipe appeared first on The World Is an Oyster.
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Creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread or cauliflower salad (salată de conopidă) is a Romanian appetiser that is easy to make, light in calories and tasty. The Romanians would call it ‘salad’ although technically it is a spread because we spread it on bread slices and seldom dip a piece of bread into the bowl – therefore not a dip either.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thank you!
The version I am making today is the simple one, containing two basic ingredients (cauliflower and mayonnaise) plus a handful of spices.
There are many alternations and variations for a creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread according to your tastes. If you prefer a tangy bite, you can add freshly squeezed lemon juice. For a more robust flavour, you can add smashed garlic.
I have heard of feta cheese, yoghurt, tuna or chicken combinations but never tried any. I prefer my creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread or cauliflower salad simple. Any meat addition would transform it into a different dish and pile up on the calories.
The mayonnaise in this recipe serves as a glueing agent that would confer the creamy texture. Preferably, homemade mayonnaise is the better option, but a store-bought organic one works well for busy cooks.
Why Cauliflower?
Not everybody’s cup of tea, cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, good cousin with broccoli, cabbage or kale – all low caloric high fibre superfoods packed with vitamins and minerals.
Some affections require caution in the amount of cauliflower consumed. It could interfere with iodine absorption (for thyroid sufferers), cause bloating (associated with Crohn’s disease), or affect blood-thinning medication because it contains high levels of vitamin K.
All that in mind, cauliflower is an excellent antioxidant that has a significant role in brain development, immunity, preventing heart disease, deactivating carcinogens and thus reducing cancer risk.
The smell of boiling cauliflower seems to be the most significant deterrent to cooking it, but this recipe requires minimal boiling or steaming time.
Ingredients for Creamy Cauliflower Mayonnaise Spread
One large cauliflower
Mayonnaise
Salt
Pepper
Paprika or turmeric for colour (optional)
Method
Place water in a large pot and bring it to the boiling point.
Wash the cauliflower and remove the leaves. Cut or separate it into small florets.
When the water boils, place all florets into the pot and cook them over medium heat for 3 minutes. Turn the heating down and transfer the florets into a colander. Allow them to drain and cool completely.
Place the florets in a large ceramic or glass mixing bowl when cooled. Use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower florets and stems into tiny pieces.
Add salt, pepper and paprika/turmeric and mix using a large spatula or wooden spoon. Add mayonnaise and mix until the texture becomes creamy.
Transfer the desired amount of creamy cauliflower mayonnaise spread into a serving dish, sprinkle freshly cut dill (optional, for colour variation) and serve with homemade bread or pita bread.
Enjoy!
Two Ingredients Creamy Cauliflower Mayonnaise Spread (Salad)
Ingredients
- 1 piece organic cauliflower large
- 1-2 tbsp organic mayonnaise light
- ¼ tsp black pepper ground
- ½ tsp salt sea/rock
- ¼ tsp paprika or turmeric optional
Instructions
- Fill ⅔ of a large pot with water and bring it to the boiling point.
- Wash and remove the leaves of the cauliflower. Separate/cut the florets.
- Add the florets to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat. Do not overcook, as the cauliflower needs to remain crisp. If overboiled, the cauliflower will become soggy and lose all the nutrients in the process.
- When ready, transfer the florets into a colander. Allow the cauliflower to drain and cool completely before the next step.
- Place the cooled florets in a large ceramic or glass mixing bowl.
- Use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower into tiny pieces.
- Add salt, pepper and paprika or turmeric (or both) and mix gently with a spatula or a large wooden spoon.
- Add the mayonnaise and mix until the texture becomes creamy.
- Optionally, sprinkle freshly-cut dill to offer colour.
- Fill serving dishes with the desired amount and place them on the table next to sliced bread.
Notes
Two Ingredients Creamy Cauliflower Mayonnaise Spread Simple Recipe
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]]>The post How to Make a Creative Charcuterie Platter for Any Occasion appeared first on The World Is an Oyster.
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Making a DYI creative charcuterie platter is easier than it seems, not to mention the cost is a fraction of ready-made ones. All you need is a bit of imagination and research into the beneficiary’s tastes.
Select various flavours, textures and colours for your platter or board that will satisfy even the fussiest eaters.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thank you!
The beauty of a creative charcuterie platter is that it looks impressive and appetizing, so it should sort out fussiness. You also have the choice to include all groups of foods you desire, according to your lifestyle or specific diets.
Besides, it can make the centrepiece on any festive dinner table, be it Christmas or New Year’s, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, International Children’s Day, birthday and any other important day, not to mention a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for two or a house party.
Anything goes, even a fancy weekday dinner when you don’t know what to cook and storm the fridge for open packs (still in date!) of cheese and meats.
Although humans have eaten cured meats for tens of thousands of years, the art of charcuterie is more related to Renaissance France. In modern times, charcuterie became increasingly popular worldwide because of its pleasant visual presentation and the fact that it permits using a large variety of ingredients at once.
What Type of Dish is Best For a Creative Charcuterie Platter?
A large round or oval porcelain platter or a bamboo board will do. A fancy board with accessories will make a better impression, of course, but a platter stored for ages somewhere in the cupboard it’s just fine for the job, too.
The porcelain platter I typically use is oval and 40 cm/16″ long. That counts as a “large” board that, when filled with goodies, sells for about £150, yet you can make it with under £10, and none will be the wiser!
A large platter easily feeds four people. Of course, you will need a few of them for parties, depending on how many guests you expect.
Ingredients for a Basic Board
Any charcuterie platter or board should contain a few essential ingredients you can work with to create a culinary masterpiece:
- bread/crackers/breadsticks
- cheese – include an assortment of flavours (salty, sweet, spicy, savoury) and textures (creamy, chewy, brittle, dense)
- meats – cured, cooked, smoked, paper-thin slices (prosciutto, ham) or thick slices (salamis)
- raw vegetables – include several colours and textures
- fruits and nuts – fresh/dried fruits; any nuts (check for nut allergy!)
- dips and spreads – jam, humous etc
- treats/sweets (optional) – depending on the occasion
What you choose to include on your charcuterie platter is as important as the presentation.
Firstly, I recommend using organic products from a source you trust or homemade (jam, humous, sausages).
For packed foods, check the expiring date. If the packs were already opened, make sure they still are in the recommended time frame for safe consumption.
How to Assemble Creatively the Charcuterie Platter
Use a clean, dry platter or board. Make sure you have enough room on the worktop for all the ingredients.
Start with washing, peeling and chopping the vegetables. Prepare the other ingredients that are okay at room temperature for longer (olives, nuts, fruits).
Always use labelled chopping boards when cutting foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Use the right slicer for the vegetables, according to the style you choose to cut them. For a skilled cook, a professional knife can sort it. For more design options and speed, I recommend using a multi-blade cutter.
Combine and position the basic ingredients to make them easily accessible to everybody at the table.
Given the plethora of tastes and textures, perhaps it is good to use flavour-free bread/crackers. I used fennel Taralli for this platter because I wanted to finish an open bag before it became soggy (moisture affects food quality, especially in a humid climate.) The combination of flavours was interesting, enhanced by the warm, sweet aroma of fennel seeds.
When you finish placing the vegetables and crackers on the platter, bring the cheese out of the fridge, slice or cut it into cubes and put it among the rest of the ingredients.
Continue with the meats. Use a meat labelled chopping board to slice or cut them as preferred and place them on the platter in an eye-pleasing manner.
Sprinkle dried fruits and chopped nuts over the platter. Optionally, add sweet treats that can make a dessert for this meal.
Serve immediately, paired with a wine of choice or cover the platter with cling film and keep it in the fridge if your guests haven’t arrived yet.
Use kitchen tongs or toothpicks (children, especially, would find it fun!) to fill your plate and enjoy!
Your creative charcuterie board looks epic and guaranteed will impress anyone partaking! Pair it with a glass of wine and bon appetite!
Creative Charcuterie Platter
Equipment
- Labelled chopping boards
- Chef knife
- Slicer
- Large porcelain platter
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 1 carrot organic, large
- 1 cucumber organic, large (or two small)
- 1 tomato organic, large
- 1½ bell pepper organic, optional
- 1 handful Nocellara olives or any other type
- 1 handful savoury Taralli or bread sticks, crackers, bread
- 150 g smoked bacon (kaiser ham) or any other ham
- 150 g spicy chorizo or any other sausage/salami
- 50 g cow cheese
- 50 g dense goat cheese
- 50 g sheep cheese
- 50 g soft cheese
- 2 tbsp apricot or strawberry jam organic
- 1 tbsp medium-hot mustard for meats optional
- 1 handful dried cranberries or any other dried/fresh fruit
- 1 handful chopped walnuts or any other nut
Instructions
- Wash, peel and slice the vegetables. Use labelled boards for each ingredient group to avoid cross-contamination. For creativity, use a slicer with various blades.
- Combine and position the basic ingredients to make them easily accessible to everybody at the table.
- Bring the cheeses out of the fridge, cut/slice and add them creatively among the other ingredients.
- Slice the meats using a meat-labelled chopping board.
- For an eye-pleasing effect, either roll the slices or use a glass to create a flower-like salami (place overlapping slices on the rim, push the middle into the glass, then turn it upside-down and remove the piece gently to keep the shape)
- Sprinkle dried or fresh fruits and chopped nuts over the platter.
Notes
Cover photo credits Tye Doring, Unsplash.
How to Make a Creative Charcuterie Platter for Any Occasion
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]]>The post Romantic World Travel Destinations to Consider Visiting in Search for Love appeared first on The World Is an Oyster.
]]>Various sources look at love and romance connected to travel destinations differently. Today is all about surveys and algorithms that give an idea about everything, and it is the case for romance, too.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thank you!
The Bride magazine, for instance, awarded New York as the most romantic city and preferred proposal destination as well as LGBT wooing in 2019.
A simple Google search for the most romantic travel destination would bring Europe forward, with Paris taking the top spot, followed by Santorini and Venice. Not much to argue, there!
Interestingly, searching for the most romantic country in the world would put the Philippines at the top of the list, followed by Rwanda and the very hot Puerto Rico, all three with over 90% of “people experiencing love on a daily basis” (source The Atlantic, accessed 18/01/2022). Hungary and Cyprus are just below the 90% mark.
Meanwhile, the United States occupies 27th place and France 57! I get poorer nations know better how to prioritize and get to have way more fun! Rich does not necessarily mean happy has been proven right times and again!
Gosh, I loved Puerto Rico! Hot, indeed – places and people! I won’t get into details here because that is another travel-love story that waits for me to write it!
The most romantic holiday destinations seem to include sandy beaches and azure waves lapping at the lover’s feet. No wonder Bali, Cancun, the Maldives or Hawaii would be at the top of the list before significant cities. Buenos Aires (the place of caliente, sensual Argentine tango), Paris or Venice – both competing for “the city of love” appellative for the historical love stories inspired by each and made famous by great writers follow short, though.
What Made my Romantic World Travel Destinations List and Why?
I would love to include in this post a few of the places other fellow travel bloggers and I visited and wrote about as sources of inspiration for your future travels.
Whether you are a couple, single, young or mature, travel for work or relaxation, look for cityscapes or gastronomic destinations, beaches or wineries, in love or hoping to find love in your travels, check the locations included here and see what makes them romantic. Perhaps one day you will decide to buy a plane ticket and fly away to your dream romantic world travel destination you have read about right here!
No matter what your motivation to travel is, any place has its romantic traits if you know where to look. An impressive medieval castle, a sumptuous king’s court surrounded by hectares of lavish gardens, a gondola ride, a perfect meal, a sunset on a wild beach, a skydive over a desert oasis or small-town airbase, a boat paddling on a tiny pond or cruising the oceans – all these and more have their dose of romance included if love drives you to plan travelling!
Any place in the world can make you feel butterflies in your stomach if you happen to be there with the right person. People make places romantic! I have never read a book that describes the sensual way in which a stonemason built a wall!
I said it and will repeat it every chance I have: love is the strongest force in the universe. Hate never created anything but destruction.
Enjoy reading and, if possible, travel to see the places you only read about! Travelling should be a basic necessity and accessible to everyone on this planet! We all know that is not the case, but we can all dream of it and let our imagination wander free in places we hope to visit or re-visit one day!
Limassol, Cyprus or Cruise Ship Romance
Cruising the seas of the world is definitely romantic. Working on cruise ships can and is, too. You don’t just see so many places in a short time, but you meet many interesting people. Because Cupid has his ways, this is an actual affair. I was there. It happened to me. It was… well, read for yourself!
Venice, Italy – Beyond the Façade
Venice, the Serenissima, and her inhabitants have inspired countless love books or movies. Almost every corner, each little canal or Piazzetta offers the perfect angle for a picture, the best restaurant for dinner, or just a private corner to steal a kiss! Still, a lot is not in plain sight but worth discovering. And, yeah, apparently I wrote about the sensual way a famous artist painted a wall! Oops! Art is seductive and painful – a complicated affair!
Cairo, Egypt – A Love for History
Does it have anything to do with Cleopatra VII Philopator and Marcus Antonius? Not really; well, there is some history there. But it has more to do with a particular “Spanish-speaking Egyptian tour guide exuding exotic charm and owner of long, dark and thick eyelashes that would make any girl jealous”. Read the post for clarification!
Romantic Mendocino on the West Coast of the USA
No need to cross the world in search of a romantic place. If you happen to live on the West Coast, there is at least one at the door (don’t take it literarily, you will have to drive to get there!) It might be just what the doctor ordered for your relationship (with your partner, food, nature, and so on!)
Amalfi Coast, Italy – A Gourmand’s Paradise
The Amalfi Drive is southern Italy’s best-known stretch of coast, famous for breathtaking scenery, little postcard towns perched on the mountain cliff, dramatic drop to the narrow beaches and infinite blue sea. But the region’s best is undoubtedly its seafood. Are you looking for inspiration to book a romantic world travel destination for your holiday or simply a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home? Stop here! Recipe included!
Kauai, Hawaii
Didn’t I mention sandy beaches and incredible blue waters as the top romantic destination for many? I did, and you have already read it (unless you skipped that paragraph!) Look no further for a complete guide to the Coconut Coast of Kauai, and imagine how romantic it would be to take your loved one there!
Istanbul, Turkey – The Night’s Mistress on the Golden Horn
What happens when somebody with a romantic interest asks you out for dinner in an incredibly alluring, exotic and vibrant city, and you fall to the city’s charms instead of your date’s? Is it even possible? It was to me, and you will see why if you click here to read the story!
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Still a beach holiday, but perhaps a good idea if you are planning to enjoy time with your friends on a Galentine’s Day holiday. There is so much to do, to see and explore, to eat and drink, but most of all, have fun with your gals!
Capri, Italy – The Most Romantic Destination on Earth!
A long time ago, I read a book, fell in love with the place described in it and could not wait to see the site. And, my, was it worth the wait! A good Swedish doctor fell in love with a place and its people in Anacapri, on the beautiful island of Capri. He bought a patch of land with a long history and built his villa with sweat and blood. He said Capri was the one place in the world he wanted to die. I say it is the one place in the world I want to live in! Read to see why!
Best Relais in Emilia Romagna for Foodies
If you ever wondered why the Italians relationship with food is so special, you need to visit nearly all of the country and the many diverse regions to get the right impression! Here is a good starting point: Antica Corte Pallavicina – a little piece of heaven in the Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy. Buon viaggio e buon appetito!
Santorini, Greece in White and Blue
Greece is famous for its many islands strewn in the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, for millennia of history, for its art and nature and most of all, perhaps, its food. And the quaint village of Oia perched on Santorini’s white clifftop is the right place to enjoy it all before driving down to the shore for a splash in the crystal-clear waves! Or you could learn about the goodness of a simple meal through the eyes of a wanderer. Recipe included!
The Best Wineries in Prince Edward County, Canada
Two hours from Toronto, a gorgeous wine county to go winery hopping is the perfect way to see the region and get your day drinking on! Prince Edward County is home to over 35 wineries and has made a real name for itself within Canada. The region is most well known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, so be sure to try those wines in particular.
Romantic Trsteno Arboretum, Croatia – AKA Olena’s Gardens in GOT
Before this beautiful arboretum made a fantastic film location for Game of Thrones, I had the gardens all to myself to share with my boyfriend back then. No picture and not even the famous series does enough justice to this incredibly romantic corner of paradise. Best to visit! Meanwhile, see why my boyfriend’s nickname was Hotass!
Alaskan Cruise – The best Way to Celebrate Anniversaries
How can a cruise not be romantic? Here is the perspective of a cruiser, her advice, tips and of course, the highlights of her anniversary cruise with her husband. Incredible nature, five-star service, excursions of a lifetime and Dramamine tablets, just in case!
What Would be the Most Romantic World Travel Destination for You?
Hopefully, this post offered you the opportunity of an imaginary trip to some of the most romantic world travel destinations. What is your favourite, even if not included here? Where did you travel and find it incredibly lovely? What are your future travel plans, and do they include romantic places? Even better, what makes a place romantic? Drop a comment below; I would love to hear your opinion.
Romantic World Travel Destinations to Consider Visiting in Search for Love
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Poached egg and smashed avocado on toast is not only a healthy way to start and energise for the day, but it is also easy to make, and it takes a few minutes to prepare. If you wanted to give it more weight, you could name it eggs benedict on avocado since poached eggs are essentially egg benedict without the hollandaise sauce!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thank you!
Avocado is part of the berry family of fruits and requires a warm climate for cultivation. In Mexico, smashed avocado makes the famous guacamole, a versatile dip or spread easily prepared with a handful of ingredients.
Because the star of the recipe is avocado, here are a few health facts about this fruit and reasons why it should be part of a balanced diet:
- improves digestion and vision
- reduced depression
- protects agaist cancer, osteoporosys, heart desease
- contains nutrients and healthy fats that regulates blood sugar levels
- makes you feel fuller for longer between meals
The soft avocadoes are suitable for guacamole, but if you prefer to slice and add them to the dish, they need to be firm, and the skin has to be green, not brown.
For this poached egg avocado on toast recipe, ripe avocadoes are the best because they are easy to peel, core and smash.
Eggs have been part of the human diet for millennia for good reasons: they are highly nutritious, contain good cholesterol and antioxidants, and are pretty much the most perfect food created by nature. This applies to organic eggs, of course. Any human intervention and “help” a hen grow bigger, better and faster results in unhealthy products that guaranteed will cause more harm than necessary, all for the sake of quick profit.
A poached egg and avocado on toast breakfast is the perfect way to start the day and can be efficiently introduced in a morning routine at least a couple of days a week as a variation to porridge or cereals.
For toast, as always, I encourage everybody to use homemade bread. Investing in a bread maker is the best thing one can do. It takes a couple of minutes to add the ingredients, and it requires no effort or time on your part. The result is a beautiful, much healthier and way better bread than a store-bought one. Did I mention that the bread maker is also suitable for making desserts, such as a fluffy Panettone?
Ingredients for poached egg avocado on toast
Ripen avocados
Eggs
Hot mustard
Salt and pepper, dried oregano (optional)
Bread
Salad
Method
Cut the avocados in two, stab the seed and wriggle gently to remove.
Use a large spoon to scoop the fruit out of the peel, careful not to break it if you intend to slice it.
Use a potato masher to mash the avocados in a medium bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste and a teaspoon of hot mustard. I prefer horseradish mustard, but any hot one will do (it gives the paste a smooth texture and improves its taste.)
Slice and toast the bread. Spread the avocado paste and place it on a plate.
To make the poached eggs, fill 2/3 of a saucepan with water and bring to boil. Add a tablespoon of vinegar and a pinch of salt. Have a skimmer spoon at the ready.
Crack an egg and drop it gently into the water when it boils. Use the skimmer spoon to round the white around the yolk (it will tend to spread into the boiling water). Repeat the movement a few times until the white begins to harden. Poach each egg separately for 2-3 minutes.
Using the skimmer spoon, gently remove the egg from the pan, allow the excess water to drip, then place it on the prepared slice of bread.
Repeat the process for each egg until all bread slices contain at least one poached egg.
If you have silicone egg poacher or any other kitchen help for this purpose that is safe to use in boiling water (always check any plastic product is BPA free), it might make the process faster.
If the bread slices are larger, you might need two poached eggs for each.
Sprinkle some dried oregano over the eggs, decorate the dish with salad and serve immediately.
Bon appetite!
Poached Egg Avocado on Toast
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Skimmer spoon
- Serving plates and cutlery
Ingredients
- 3 avocados organic, ripen, medium size
- 3 eggs organic, large
- 3 slices bread preferably homemade
- 1 tsp mustard any hot mustard/horseradish mustard
- pinch sea/rock salt, black ground pepper, dried oregano
- salad to decorate the plate
Instructions
- Mash the avocados in a medium bowl, add salt and pepper to taste and a teaspoon of hot mustard. I prefer horseradish mustard, but any hot one will do (it gives the paste a smooth texture and improves its taste.)
- Slice and toast the bread (medium-thick slices). Spread the avocado paste and place it on a plate.
- To make the poached eggs, fill 2/3 of a saucepan with water and bring to boil. Add a tablespoon of vinegar and a pinch of salt. Have a skimmer spoon at the ready.
- Crack an egg and drop it gently into the water when it boils. Use the skimmer spoon to round the white around the yolk (it will tend to spread into the boiling water.)
- Repeat the movement a few times until the white begins to harden. Poach each egg separately for 2-3 minutes. The yolk must remain runny, as in soft boiled eggs.
- Using the skimmer spoon, gently remove the egg from the pan, allow the excess water to drip, then place it on the prepared slice of bread.
- Repeat the process for each egg until all bread slices contain at least one poached egg (you might need two eggs for larger bread slices.)
- Sprinkle some dried oregano over the eggs, decorate the dish with a salad of your choice or steamed vegetables and serve immediately.
Notes
How to Make Poached Egg Avocado on Toast
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Walnut meringue crescent moon cookies were always the best delight mom baked for holidays. It is a dessert easy to make but so flavourful, with a tender base, a jam layer and a creamy, nutty top – precisely what we loved to munch on often in-between meal times.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thank you!
We would sneak into the pantry where mom kept the massive trays will all the goodies she’d baked for Christmas or Easter (of which the fluffy cozonac was always the centrepiece!) and pinch moon cookies from the beautiful stack so that she would not see (so we thought!) how many were missing by the big day!
It was not long until I started making them with my younger sister and repeated the recipe mainly around Christmas time.
This year, I had the precious helping hand of Santa’s little helper contributing to baking mom’s traditional walnut and meringue crescent moon cookies, and the fun we had in the kitchen was delightful!
Of course, witty Santa’s helper (England born and bred) reading an old recipe handwritten in Romanian was hilarious. Still, I was there to provide the correct translation, and we did not use any alien ingredients on this occasion!
What was incredibly touching to see was how the little helper managed perfectly well with very little intervention on my part. I watched and reminisced how I did the same, around the same age, if not older, in mom’s kitchen back home in Romania.
I am glad to write this and forever remember the generation switch moment as it happened, keeping an old tradition and using the same old (and a tad grease-stained in places) recipe book that mom took the time and patience to write.
It feels emotional now that I’m writing down the recipe. But when we baked the walnut meringue crescent moons, it was fun and pure joy to see how different ingredients transform when mixed and create a delightful dessert.
We agreed on something we both have a passion for – baking is biochemistry, and the kitchen is the lab!
Mom used whatever ingredients she could buy during a difficult time, when communist rule meant restrictions of all sorts, including food.
Today, I am trying to educate my kid to understand the difference the temperature brings to various ingredients and how to use healthier versions and combine them in a way that keeps the flavour but reduces the harm to our body. Mom’s recipe mentioned margarine; we use organic coconut oil or organic butter.
For a self-proclaimed future scientist, I am delighted to see how such a young person understands what excessive refining does to sugar and why that is harmful to our health or how the human digestive system does not have the right enzyme to process cow milk and how healthier substitutes not only help personal health but have a role in the massive chain reaction that affects the environment.
Back to our fun baking for a couple of hours, it was the best time spent away from the computer, and I can’t wait until next time it happens again!
The cookies came out perfectly, and we did a lot of bowl-licking in the process and cooky testing to check that the final product passes the approval of the otherwise fussy quality control bakers and eaters in the family!
Miraculously, the cookies kept disappearing from the platter just as I remember it happened when I was a child! But I rest assured the little helper can bake just fine anytime, not just for holidays, while I watch and enjoy a delightful walnut merengue crescent moon cookie when ready with my cappuccino. Perhaps it will be way more than one, in the end, because they are addictively scrumptious!
Ingredients for walnut meringue crescent moon cookies
For the base
Egg yolks
Coconut oil
Coconut sugar
Baking powder
Orange zest
Plain white flour
Salt
Jam layer
Any jam goes, but a slightly sour one will enhance the flavours. I prefer reduced sugar spicy strawberry jam. A jar is enough for this recipe.
For the meringue
Egg whites
Coconut sugar
Walnuts
Rum essence
Salt
Preparation method for walnut meringue crescent moon cookies
The base
Add the coconut oil at room temperature, a pinch of salt, orange zest, and coconut sugar to a large mixing bowl. Use a handheld mixer and the dough hooks to mix at a low speed.
Add the egg yolks one by one and continue mixing.
Sieve the flour and baking powder over and mix until it incorporates nicely.
If the dough becomes too firm, add a spoon or two of milk and mix.
Move the dough into a lined baking tray and level it by pressing gently with your wet hands.
Spread the jam over and level it nicely with a spatula.
The meringue
Before starting, preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and line the baking tray with a silicone sheet or baking parchment.
We followed mom’s method for the meringue and made the French version. Because we baked the walnut meringue crescent cookies already assembled, the meringue did not need beforehand cooking.
Mix the egg whites with a pinch of salt at high speed until stiff. Use a grinder to finely grind the coconut sugar (until you obtain a powdered, lighter brown icing sugar). Add it gradually to the eggs and mix at a low speed.
Grind the walnuts (not too long; they need to remain flakey) and add them to the batter. Fold gently with a spatula until incorporated.
Pour the meringue over the jam and level it without pressing too much.
Bake for 40 minutes and check the top is not charring.
When ready and you have checked the walnut meringue and base are cooked throughout, let it cool slightly.
Use a medium-size drinking glass to cut the crescent moon shapes while still warm.
Enjoy the cute and tasty walnut meringue crescent cookies with a festive hot chocolate or a nice cappuccino!
Walnut Meringue Crescent Cookies
Ingredients
The dough
- 200 g organic coconut oil
- 5 egg yolks organic, medium
- 400 g plain flour organic, white
- 1 tsp baking powder flat
- 80 g coconut sugar organic
- 1 organic orange zest
- 1 pinch salt sea/rock
Organic strawberry jam
The merengue
- 5 egg whites
- 120 g ground coconut sugar organic
- 150 g ground walnuts organic
- 1 pinch salt sea/rock
- 1 tbsp rum essence
Instructions
To make the dough
- Add the coconut oil at room temperature, a pinch of salt, orange zest, and coconut sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a handheld mixer and the dough hooks to mix at a low speed.
- Add the egg yolks one by one and continue mixing.
- Sieve the flour and baking powder over and mix until it incorporates nicely.
- If the dough becomes too firm, add a spoon or two of milk and mix. Optionally, chill the dough for half an hour.
- Move the dough into a lined baking tray and level it by pressing gently with your wet hands.
- Spread the jam over and level it nicely with a spatula.
The meringue
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and line the baking tray with a silicone sheet or baking parchment.
- Batter the egg whites with a pinch of salt at high speed until stiff. Use a grinder to finely grind the coconut sugar (until you obtain a powdered, lighter brown icing sugar). Add it gradually to the eggs and mix at a low speed.
- Grind the walnuts (not too long; they need to remain flakey) and add them to the batter. Fold gently with a spatula until incorporated. Add the rum essence.
- Pour the meringue over the jam and level it without using too much pressure.
- Bake for 40 minutes and check the top is not charring.
- When the baking time is up, use a toothpick to check that the walnut meringue and base are cooked thoroughly.
- Keeping the parchment/silicone sheet, move the cake from the tray to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Move from the cooling rack to the tabletop and use a medium drinking glass to cut the crescent moon shapes while the cake is still warm.
Walnut Meringue Crescent Cookies Easy Recipe
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]]>The post Festive Cocktails: 25 Recipes For Your Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations appeared first on The World Is an Oyster.
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Another year past deserves recognition in the form of a celebratory dinner, and no Christmas or New Year feast would be buoyant enough without unique festive cocktails (be it alcoholic or not) to accompany the bountiful festive menu you have worked so hard to prepare!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thank you!
The end of the year is when we gather to celebrate and share gifts and joy. It is also a time of reflection back to the year gone, to the hardship and small victories we went through day by day. If we are smart enough, we try to learn something from life’s lessons and also plan to improve in any aspect in the new year.
It is the second year in a row in which a typical nostalgic feeling about the year past might be replaced with anxiety, depression, fear. If possible, we should try to see the full glass (after all, this is a post about drinks, is it not?)
What drives us forward and makes us see the day of light is the hope that things will get better, life will be good, and we will be okay. And we will be! It might be not easy now, but everything has an end!
We will meet with friends we have not seen in ages; we will hug each other, laugh and dance, and enjoy a good meal and a funky drink because this is what humans do!
If anyone can genuinely foresee the future, perhaps they would like to enlighten all of us. Until then, let’s just remember that everything in this world has energy – you, the house you live in, the pebbles in your garden – everyone and everything that happens to be close to you at any given moment.
And energy has a way of transforming according to the vibes each object, animate or inanimate, produces.
If there is logic in everything, then good vibes, kindness and positivity must attract the same thing. And goodness should be the conclusion of this reflection time, as a good drink should accompany the feast we all are having, hopefully, at the end of yet another odd year!
Have your pick from this generous list of festive cocktails and enjoy the holiday season!
1. Cranberry Moscow Mule
Recipe provided by saporitokitchen.com.
This cranberry Moscow mule is a fun twist on the classic cocktail. Flavoured and garnished with cranberry, this cocktail is perfect for the holiday season. Whether you are having a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this festive Moscow mule is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
2. Mulled wine (with or without alcohol)
Recipe provided by gohealthywithbea.com.
Traditional mulled wine or non-alcoholic mulled wine, whatever you choose, is the perfect holiday and winter season comfort drink. In France, it is popular in Alsace (the region close to the German border) around Christmas time, especially at Christmas markets. A must-have on your festive cocktails list!
3. White Chocolate Snowflake Martini
Recipe provided by theartoffoodandwine.com.
White chocolate snowflake Martinis are a gorgeous accompaniment to any winter night, especially a festive one. Still, it is also great for apres ski, an evening dinner party, or a cozy night in. Whatever the occasion, these cocktails will keep you smiling.
4. Cranberry Orange Holiday Sangria
Recipe provided by kaleenaskitchen.com.
The time of year has come for all the fun treats and holiday cocktails. This cranberry orange holiday Sangria is the new holiday favourite among the festive cocktails list! It is a perfect mix of white wine, cranberry vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
5. Gingerbread Martini Christmas Cocktail
Recipe provided by aubreyskitchen.com.
Is it that time of year where you want to cozy up by the fire in your pyjamas while enjoying a delicious Christmas Cocktail? This gingerbread martini recipe is a delightful Christmas drink with Baileys, perfect for your pyjama mood. Are you hosting a festive party? Then it is also the absolute best and festive Christmas Cocktail to enjoy with friends and family.
6. Sugar Cookies for Santa Cocktail (Boozy Christmas Eve Drink)
Recipe provided by kimandkalee.com.
Santa is sure to love this boozy Christmas Eve drink that is both sweet and festive! The sugar cookies for Santa cocktail is great for a holiday party or movie night too!
7. Cranberry Festive Cocktail
Recipe provided by thegiftedgabber.com.
If you are looking for an easy Christmas cranberry cocktail, you are in luck! This cocktail is the easiest drink you can pour – made of vodka with cranberry juice.
8. Whiskey Blood Orange Smash
Recipe provided by saporitokitchen.com.
This whiskey blood orange smash is one of the best winter cocktails. Fresh blood orange juice is mixed with rosemary-infused simple syrup and whiskey, then topped off with fizzy ginger beer.
9. Peppermint Piña Colada
Recipe provided by theblondcook.com.
Traditional Piña Colada gets a festive twist in these delicious peppermint Piña Coladas spiked with rum and peppermint schnapps! Adding a little grenadine for the pretty pink colour is optional, and the presentation with the crushed candy cane rim makes it look more festive.
10. Grinch Christmas Cocktail
Recipe provided by sulaandspice.com.
How could we let the month go by without a nod to our favourite holiday grouch, the Grinch himself? Let’s give the man what belongs to him and make a lemony drink. Mr Grinch is a more casual kinda guy, so feel free to serve it on the rocks in a tumbler type glass.
11. Coquito: Puerto Rican Coconut and Rum Festive Cocktail
Recipe provided by senseandedibility.com.
Coquito translates to “little coconut” in English. It is a drink with a lil’ bit of coconut and a whole lotta rum. Puerto Ricans serve this creamy libation during the holiday season. Technically, you can make it whenever you want to, but, traditionally, it is served beginning at Thanksgiving through to Three King’s Day on January sixth.
12. Advocaat Egg Liqueur
Recipe provided by vividlychristmas.com.
If you don’t want to buy commercial Advocaat from the store, you can easily create a homemade version yourself with this recipe. It is also a grateful recipient of leftover egg yolks.
13. Wassail
Recipe provided by fluxingwell.com.
If you heard of wassail in the old traditional English carol, know that it is a hot beverage that some people still serve during the holidays. There are many variations of this festive cocktail, and this version is non-alcoholic. It’s the kind of recipe you can easily tweak to accommodate personal preference and the ingredients you have on hand.
14. Jack Frost Cocktail
Recipe provided by theblondcook.com.
A Jack Frost cocktail tastes sweet, tropical and Christmas-y, all at the same time! If you don’t want an icy cocktail, you can also make a martini. Shake the vodka or rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut and blue curacao in a shaker with ice, and strain into a martini glass.
15. Kinderpunsch: Non-Alcoholic Warm Punch
Recipe provided by foodfolksandfun.net.
Apple cider, orange juice, cherry juice and warm winter spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise make this the best warm Christmas Kinderpunsch recipe!
16. Chocolate Amarula Festive Cocktail
Recipe provided by greedygourmet.com.
The Amarula cream liqueur adds an irresistible fruitiness to this strong, creamy cocktail, complemented with dark chocolate. In short, it makes one heck of a festive cocktail that bursts with South African flavours!
17. Easy Gluhwein Recipe (Mulled Wine)
Recipe provided by wowitsveggie.com.
Gluhwein is a trendy holiday and Christmas drink all over Europe, particularly in Austria and Germany! When you make mulled wine, you want to keep an open mind. Make it the authentic or traditional way first, and then play it up with flavours and spices to suit your tastes.
18. Peppermint Mimosa {Peppermint Bark Cocktail)
Recipe provided by cocktailswithclass.com.
Mimosas are typically fruity cocktails with either classic orange juice or cranberry juice. Give these fantastic festive cocktails with champagne a try and see what you think! I bet you they are a new addition to your holiday drinks menu!
19. Brandy Alexander Cocktail
Recipe provided by inthekitch.net.
A Brandy Alexander cocktail is a rich, slightly spicy drink with notes of cinnamon and chocolate. It is almost like a more booze-forward version of the classic hot cocoa (except for the hot part).
20. Hot Cocoa Bombs with Marshmallows
Recipe provided by creativegreenliving.com.
Not quite a ready-made cocktail, but don’t you love to place a chocolatey cocoa bomb at the bottom of a mug, pour hot milk over it and see it explode into a magical, chocolatey drink with marshmallows and toppings floating in it? Here is how to make those bombs. You are welcome!
21. Candy Cane Jello Shots
Recipe provided by cocktailswithclass.com.
If you’re looking for a fun and festive shot to serve at your Christmas party this year, look no further than candy cane jello shots. They are easy to make, delicious, and sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
22. Pomegranate Lime Spritzer Festive Cocktail
Recipe provided by mapleandmango.com.
The Pomegranate Lime Spritzer cocktail is incredibly refreshing and made with a few simple ingredients. Besides, it does not contain any refined sugars or syrups, but only a little juice. It would be nice to have a refreshing cocktail to pair with the tons of sweet goodies during the holiday season!
23. Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Recipe provided by wowitsveggie.com.
The perfect blend of flavours in this peppermint martini recipe comes together to make a lovely holiday beverage.
24. Energising Vegan Christmas Spiced Hot Chocolate
Recipe provided by theveganlarder.com.
This Energising Vegan Christmas Spiced Hot Chocolate is thick, heart-warming and full of energising flavours and spices, perfect for the cold weather. It has the wintery spices cinnamon and nutmeg, with the extra kick of chilli (if you want!) It also happens to be the perfect Christmassy drink to sip when you are packing up all your presents.
25. Keto Sugar Free Eggnog
Recipe provided by healthywithjamie.com.
The cherry on top is keto-friendly eggnog made with almond milk and heavy cream – a healthy choice for the holidays or anytime! A drink with a long history in Europe, the mother of all festive cocktails and one that screams Christmas the most! Plus, this is a clean, low carb, sugar and gluten-free version. Enjoy!
What are your special recipes for festive cocktails?
Even if you were to make one drink every day, you have your festive cocktails fill provided through December until Christmas. But there is nothing better than sharing those you liked best with your family and friends that might visit you at the end of the year.
Which are your favourites? What other cocktails are your speciality? Please share and enjoy!
Have a wonderful Christmas and a truly Happy New Year!
Cocktail Recipes (Alcoholic or Not) To Accompany Your Festive Dinners
The post Festive Cocktails: 25 Recipes For Your Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations appeared first on The World Is an Oyster.
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As the autumn sets in an overabundance of colours and hues over the land, it is customary to eat pumpkin in any form besides carving a few for Halloween. An easy to make pumpkin cake with creamy filling is just perfect for those crisp October mornings and can work wonders with a steamy cup of coffee.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thank you!
My favourite pumpkin cake of all is the one in mom’s recipe book. She made it without fail every autumn, and I kept the tradition ever since I became the owner of her bountiful recipe book many years ago.
Mom’s recipe does not use pumpkin in the dough layers. Instead, it creates a delicious creamy filling packed with all the goodness this fairy tale vegetable has to offer in combination with autumn spices that enhance the taste of this simple cake.
Why do we love pumpkins?
We love pumpkins not only because they miraculously shift shapes and become luxurious carriages for exploited good souls in Disney land, but primarily because of the excellent health benefits this vegetable provides and its unmistakable taste, especially when combined with the right spices.
Part of the Cucurbitaceae family and cousin with courgette, watermelon and cucumber, pumpkin is over 90% water but loaded with vitamins and nutrients that help the human immune system fight nasty diseases. All this, of course, applies to the raw pumpkin, consumed as it is.
Once processed at a temperature or mixed with sugar, the narrative changes a bit.
This blog promotes a healthy lifestyle and thrives on creating the healthiest possible recipes using organic products and low, unrefined sugar. Therefore, this cake with creamy pumpkin filling attempts to keep up with these principles.
Mom’s original pumpkin cake with creamy filling recipe and my alterations
Mom’s original recipe is what I call the “perfect ten” formula. It does not involve gymnastics if you think of Nadia Comaneci right now. Instead, the recipe requires ten tablespoons of each main ingredient for the dough.
In time, I have adjusted the recipe and replaced ingredients to stay on the healthier side. Therefore, five tablespoons of coconut sugar make this cake as tasty as I remember it from my childhood.
Because I was born in communism and lived under a restrictive regime for the first fourteen years of my life, I remember the shortage of foods and the cards we used to buy what we were allowed monthly (similar to wartime in the UK).
The choice was practically non-existent, so we had to use whatever we could buy and make it last a month until the next card was issued. What coconut sugar, what cold-pressed rapeseed oil? I never heard of these things until communism ended in a blood bath in Romania!
Fortunately, we live in different times, and I am not sure if for the better since too much choice does not necessarily mean safer or healthier. But, because I strongly advocate against all industrially processed foods and am pro-nature, I hope that I stay on the healthy side as much as possible and help others think of their food choices in the process.
For these reasons, there will be no margarine, refined oil or sugar or non-organic ingredients in this recipe. But it is still a cake, and it needs some flavour. Half of the sugar quantity mom used does just that, especially since preparing the pumpkin will require additional sugar. Remember that the flavour comes from the spices, and a sack of sugar will only make any desert needlessly sickly sweet.
Ingredients for pumpkin cake with creamy filling
Organic pumpkin
Organic plain flour
Organic eggs (yolks for dough; whites for pumpkin filling)
Cold-pressed rapeseed oil
Unsweetened almond milk
Organic coconut sugar
Baking powder
Spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger, aniseed, nutmeg)
Raisins, walnuts (optional)
A pinch of rock/sea salt
Method
To prepare the dough
Preheat the oven and line the baking tray with parchment paper.
Use an electric mixer to batter the egg yolks with sugar and salt until it becomes lighter in colour. Add the milk, then the oil and mix with a spatula. Sieve the flour mixed with baking powder over and mix until it incorporates nicely.
Knead the dough until all the ingredients incorporate nicely and split it into two parts.
Use a roller pin to roll each part to fit nicely on the bottom of your baking tray.
Place the first sheet into the tray, spread some semolina (it helps absorb excess humidity), add the pumpkin filling and place the second dough sheet on top.
Gently pinch the top sheet with a fork to allow any trapped air to escape and obtain a smooth baked surface.
To prepare the creamy pumpkin filling
Wash the pumpkin with warm water and dish wash. Rinse well and dry the pumpkin.
Use a sharp chef knife and a vegetable cutting board to cut the pumpkin as you would for Halloween carvings. Peel the external hard layer off and use a large tablespoon to carve the seeds and the pulp out of the pumpkin.
The seeds have a lot of health benefits, and you can easily find a use for them (in bread baking, for instance, or added to cereals).
Cut the pumpkin you will use into pieces small enough to make it comfortable to grate. Use a box grater to shred the pumpkin on the larger holes side. The same applies to an electric grater.
If you use previously grated and frozen pumpkins, allow defrosting overnight and remove the excess water by pressing down.
Place the grated pumpkin into a pan and over low heating, as if you would make a jam. Allow cooking at low heating the whole time, even if it might sound tedious. You are not aiming for a charred pumpkin and ruined pan! Patience makes perfect!
When the whole quantity of pumpkin is thermally processed, and the volume reduces visibly, add the sugar, spices, and raisins/nuts. Mix and cook for further two-three minutes.
Turn the heat off and allow the cooked pumpkin to cool completely before the next step. Failure to do so will spoil the entire filling for this cake!
While the pumpkin cools, batter the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get stiff peaks. Add it to the completely cooled pumpkin and mix gently with a spatula until it incorporates nicely. The filling will become fluffy, creamy looking and lighter in colour.
Pour the pumpkin filling over the first dough sheet in the tray, then continue as explained above with the second sheet.
Bake on the middle rake for 40-50 minutes. Allow cooling before slicing.
Cut the pumpkin cake with creamy filling in squares or a rhomboid shape, dust it with powdered sugar if desired (I usually skip this step) and serve with the coffee of your choice.
If you don’t mind the cold weather or live in a milder climate, and iced coffee is your thing, check here for inspiring ideas.
Enjoy!
Pumpkin cake with creamy filling
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Pan
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Chef knife
- Large spoon
- Large chopping board
- Rectangular baking tray
Ingredients
For the dough
- 3 pieces large organic egg yolks keep the the whites for the pumpkin filling
- 10 tbsp almond milk unsweetened
- 10 tbsp rapeseed oil organic, cold pressed
- 5 tbsp organic coconut sugar
- 300-400 g organic plain flour use as needed for a firm dough that requires rolling
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp sea/rock salt
For the pumpkin filling
- 1 medium pumpkin or 1kg shredded, frozen pumpkin, defrosted and drained
- 5 tbsp organic coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp raisins and/or walnuts optional
- 3 organic egg whites beaten
- 1 tbsp semolina it absorbs humidity
Instructions
To make the dough
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/356°F/gas mark 4. Line the baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with coconut sugar and a bit of salt until it becomes lighter in colour and creamy. It is OK to use an electric mixer for this step.
- Add the milk, then the oil and mix with a spatula.
- Sieve the flour mixed with baking powder over and mix until it incorporates nicely.
- Knead the dough until all the ingredients incorporate nicely and split it into two parts.
- Use a roller pin to roll each part to fit nicely on the baking tray.
- Gently pierce the top sheet with a fork to allow any trapped air to escape and obtain a smooth baked surface. Usually, I pierce both dough sheets.
To prepare the pumpkin filling
- Wash the pumpkin with warm water and dish wash. Rinse well and dry the pumpkin.
- Use a sharp chef knife and a vegetable cutting board to cut the pumpkin as you would for Halloween carvings. Peel the external hard layer off and use a large tablespoon to carve the seeds and the pulp out of the pumpkin.
- Cut the pumpkin you will use into pieces small enough to make it comfortable to grate. Use a box grater to shred the pumpkin on the larger holes side. The same applies to an electric grater.
- Place the grated pumpkin into a pan and over low heating, as if you would make a jam. Allow cooking at low heating the whole time, even if it might sound tedious. You are not aiming for a charred pumpkin and ruined pan! Patience makes perfect!
- When the whole quantity of pumpkin is thermally processed, and the volume reduces visibly, add the sugar, spices, and raisins/nuts. Mix and cook for further two-three minutes.
- Turn the heat off and allow the cooked pumpkin to cool completely before the next step. Failure to do so will spoil the entire filling for this cake!
Assembling and baking the cake
- While the pumpkin cools, batter the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get stiff peaks. Add it to the completely cooled pumpkin and mix gently with a spatula until it incorporates nicely. The filling will become fluffy, creamy looking and lighter in colour.
- Place the first sheet into the tray, pierce with a fork to reduce air pockets and spread some semolina (it helps absorb excess humidity).
- Pour the pumpkin filling over the first dough sheet in the tray, then continue as explained above with the second sheet.
- Bake on the middle rake for 40-50 minutes. Allow cooling before slicing. Optionally dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Autumn Pumpkin Delights
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A while ago, I wrote a post about why, how, and when humans celebrate Halloween and take the time to cook and bake all sorts of quirky treats meant to symbolise the meaning of the scariest holiday of the year.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thank you!
What shocked me the most in my research for that article was the insane amount of cash globally spent on this holiday, even if it is a relatively new tradition in many parts of the planet.
Take my country of origin, for instance. Romania had never heard of Halloween before 1990. In less than ten years, it became one of the biggest holidays after Christmas and Easter.
Although not the wealthiest in the world (not the poorest, either), Romanians would throw raging parties, rent expensive locations and fill them with lush decorations, serve celebrity chefs foods and drinks and buy funky designer costumes for one night only. They do spend a crazy amount of cash for a holiday that was never even celebrated in Romania because this was not a country’s tradition. And our traditions do go back over 8000 years – not many can say this!
But who can resist the shiny glitter of what others have? A tad too snobbish for my taste, but they are my people, I must accept them as they are (although I do wish they would read more about the fascinating history of this amazing country of ours!)
Of course, the champions at spending are the Americans, with total expenses overtaking Valentine’s Day. Western European countries are following the trend and see increasing amounts spent on Halloween year after year.
Since we love any reason to celebrate anything, especially after so much hardship lately, why not do it in style then?
Hopefully, after all the time spent decorating the house and surroundings efficiently enough to scare the treats or tricksters (after all, everybody counts on it and it is the reason why they venture out at night!), you have some time and resources left to get baking.
I was looking for the quirkiest Halloween treats to make this autumn, and I found a few fabulous ones to put together and inspire everybody’s baking. I will make time and make a few, especially since some won’t even require baking, just time for preparing and assembling.
Whether you host a Halloween party or go to one, these ideas will inspire you and pleasantly surprise either your guests or your hosts if you show up at their spider web-covered door with a box of quirky and luscious homemade treats!
Have a spooky and delectable Halloween!
Quirky Halloween Treats
What is better than tempting your Halloween party guests’ taste buds than with a few seriously scary-looking but delicious buttercream sugar cookies? Don’t they look fabulous on a dark background? Just imagine how amazingly spooky they will look on your Halloween tablescape!
Recipe provided by buttercreamparties.com.
2. Spooky Eyeball Red Velvet Cake Balls
Great for dessert, bake sales, and class parties, the spooky eyeballs not only look impressive–they taste great too! Kids, especially, would love the gross-out factor, and these red velvet cake “eyeballs” surely tick the box!
Recipe provided by shugarysweets.com.
3. Eye of Newt Halloween Wands
Are you feeling crafty? Super cute and easy to make, Eye of Newt Halloween Wands are perfect for parties. Kids love them, and they make a great gift too!
Recipe provided by whoneedsacape.com.
The delectably spooky cupcakes are delightfully fun for all you witches out there obsessed with Winifred (Winnie), Sarah, and Mary and their exploits on Halloween night. They will surely put a spell on you!
Recipe provided by houseofnasheats.com.
Arachnophobic much? Treat your fear with these adorable little guys – the hit of the Halloween table! All you need is two-bite brownies, some chocolate frosting and a few decorations.
Recipe provided by tastesofhomemade.com.
Halloween festivities aren’t complete without a ghoulish recipe. Would you ever guess this Swampy Frog Egg Pudding is a modern spin on a classic dessert gone to the dark side? Gluten-free, dairy-free and fright-filled. Boo!
Recipe provided by boulderlocavore.com.
7. Monster Halloween Marshmallow Pops
Monster Halloween Marshmallow Pops are easy treats that anyone can make. They require only five ingredients and come together in just a few minutes. Suitable for people following a gluten-free diet. I will definitely make some!
Recipe provided by recipesfromapantry.com.
Fun to make, fun to eat, Cocoa Krispy Owls are marshmallow treats made with cereal, cookies, M&M’s and candy corn. It’s time to get those kids in the kitchen, and make some clever and really quirky Halloween treats!
Recipe provided by anaffairfromtheheart.com.
9. Witch’s Brew Halloween Bark
This festive candy bark is made with different colours of candy melts, candy eyeballs, gummy worms and frogs, candy corn and jelly slugs for a “ghoulish” combination of sweets! A spooky treat for Halloween movies night!
Recipe provided by marathonsandmotivation.com.
10. Colourful No-Churn Halloween Ice Cream
Heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk and white cake mix plus food dyes is all you need to make spooky-looking ice cream. A fun and easy frozen Halloween treat!
Recipe provided by xoxobella.com.
11. Meringue Ghosts
Crisp on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside, the Meringue Ghosts will perform a quick disappearing act from your Halloween table – straight into your guests’ tummies! Deliciousness with only two ingredients!
Recipe provided by somethingsweetsomethingsavoury.com.
A healthy cute and still spooky treat is always welcome to balance all that sugar debauchery at Halloween! Big or small, we all deserve it!
Recipe provided by twohealthykitchens.com.
13. Salted Caramel Chocolate Truffles
The cherry on the cake (or should I say the cross on the grave?) and an absolute favourite among the other quirky treats you should prepare for the spookiest party of the year – indulgent salted caramel in silky chocolate ganache. Such an exquisite truffle would surely tick anyone’s fancy and make your Halloween party a guaranteed success!
Recipe provided by andreajanssen.com.
Hopefully, these amazingly quirky Halloween treats will inspire you to get busy in the kitchen before the big party. Have fun making, spooking your guests and eating them!
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]]>The post Scotland Staycation. How to Make the Best of A Messed Up Year appeared first on The World Is an Oyster.
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A Scotland staycation was the easiest choice to make this summer to avoid all the mess that implied airports, location forms, booking and paying for a million tests to prove that one has the freedom to travel? Funny concept, freedom!
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Staycation is a noun that enriched the English dictionary in the first year of the pandemic. Its meaning can be debatable since many insist it implies staying at home and not travelling anywhere.
To me, staycation means not travelling abroad. If I don’t cross an international border and I’m not drinking a cappuccino somewhere in Capri, let’s say, then I am at home, staycationing. There, I made it a verb in its gerund form, too!
It is not something entirely new for me; I had staycationed many years ago in beautiful Pembrokeshire, Wales. Unfortunately, the UK being the UK, the weather was appalling and ruined the entire stay, except for a single day. I swore that was the first and last UK vacation.
Then, the pandemic and all that it brought upon us, plus a greedy government that took one stupid decision after another and ended up imposing tests to travel, deterred me from going to nicer, sunnier places. Not because I cannot afford it, but just because I hate greediness and entitlement. Or the politics. Same rubbish!
I booked Scotland without any expectations. I was not expecting nice weather, nice food, nice people, perhaps just nice places. In all honesty, I picked Peebles because an old friend of my partner owns an inn in the town. I thought if nothing else worked, at least they got to meet after not seeing each other for ages since they worked together in Italy.
Véronique is a lovely Belgian lady who lived over forty years in Italy and ended up in Scotland, of all places. Such is life – she said when I asked her how on earth?
She follows her daughter, who is a bit of a wanderer. From what I gained, the daughter moved to many places, excited by their sound but ended up bored quickly. “Mamma, non mi piace più qui!” So she moves on, expenses mainly supported by mamma.
Her daughter recently moved to Portugal, leaving Véronique in charge of the inn and pub she managed in Peebles. This worked just fine for us; we booked a place where at least one of us knew somebody. If everything else went to bits, at least we had someone to talk to, laugh and drink with.
The Idyllic Scottish Borders
It is a five-and-a-half-hour drive from southwest England to Peebles in The Scottish Borders, mainly on motorways, and it only gets interesting closer to the Lake District exit. But once I got off the boring route, the beauty of the mysterious land (as it says on the plaque at the source of Tweed River) opened up to my tired eyes and swallowed me whole!
After almost two years of motorway driving to and fro work, I was finally on a road that reminded me so much of home, Transylvania. A winding, barely circulated B road on top of a mountain, wild vegetation, and limited wood cover (combated with extensive tree re-planting, as I would gladly notice almost everywhere around the Borders area).
I had to stop and get out of the car, not only for a snack break but to take in the beauty of the place, to breathe the fresh, fragrant air, to forage for wild blueberries right there, in one of the many little parking bays along the road, to hear the cows mooing (not Angus, though, unfortunately) and listen to the shrieks of pray birds.
Suddenly, my expectation level goes from zero to ten. I already liked the places, even if I had not seen much yet and even if this was the only anticipated and expected positive about this trip. Now, I expect a lot more, and boy, do I get so much more than I expected!
After all, John Buchan made this region famous in his brilliant spy mystery and adventure book The Thirty-Nine Steps, which has also seen a few famous ecranisations. I loved the book and highly recommended it. Retracing the main character’s steps feels incredible! It is amazing how our brain stores forgotten information until a place or even brings it back to life, as fresh and clear as it was at the storage moment.
How Peebles and Pizza Tartuffo Truly Made My Scottish Staycation!
Tweed River Valley is incredibly green and fragrant. The lush vegetation essentially hides the road, and I feel like I am in a different country (well, except for a successful independence referendum, I kind of am!)
Peebles is a quaint border town with a beautiful historical heritage (it used to have an essential role in the local woollen industry, for instance) with gorgeous parks, gardens, chic boutiques, home of the famously haunted Neidpath Castle, and so much more.
Every street you walk in the town takes you to a forest before noticing. There is so much greenery here in the summer, and one can actually feel the pure quality of the clean air.
The inn is on the main street, but only a short walk from the riverbank or the many parks offers the opportunity to immerse in nature in minutes and forget about bustling city life. After all, this is what vacation means.
Why Pizza Tartuffo? Because the inn offers food and pizza is on the menu, Tartuffo being one of them. But the best part of it is that Véronique imports all the ingredients from the Emilia Romagna region of north-eastern Italy. Hence, the pizza she makes has the real taste of a real Italian one: divine!
The fact that at the weekend, people would drive an hour and a half from Glasgow only to have pizza in Peebles says it all! I quickly became a fan and had repeat orders any chance I had!
Edinburgh
It takes about forty minutes to drive from Peebles to Edinburgh, and it is the obvious thing to do. Scotland’s capital city for over half a millennium and an excellent university centre, Edinburgh has seen centuries of rich modern history that shows everywhere you turn.
In normal times, tourism is booming, and the city is swarming with visitors. I was there during pandemic restrictions and still heard lots of accents or different languages spoken by enchanted people who had a camera at hand.
It is difficult to capture the importance and the brilliant beauty of such an eclectic, cosmopolitan city in a few lines. It is way better to visit if the opportunity arises.
Of course, the obvious landmarks are a must-see – Edinburgh Castle, the gardens, the National Gallery of Scotland and many other museums or Holyrood Palace just opposite the Scottish Parliament.
To me, it is always more fascinating to wander the cobbled streets in the old town and look for unexpected corners such as the Chocolatarium (how could I ever miss something like this, haha!) or a hidden terrace that makes the best cappuccino you can have outside of Italy. Or take a hike to Arthur’s Seat and contemplate the city from above.
The quaint suburb of Portobello, on the North Sea coast, will make you feel like you’re in Italy! The food, too, if you’re looking for Italian restaurants!
Edinburgh was always on my bucket list, and although I returned a few times during my stay in Peebles, I still feel that I need to return and enjoy more of it, preferably during the Fringe Festival!
Glasgow, Loch Lomond and The Kelpies
Although high on my list to visit, natural forces prevented me from leaving the motorway and heading to the city centre.
On the allocated day to visit Glasgow, it was sunny or partly overcast everywhere in southern Scotland, but dark as dusk and pouring heavily over the city. The only thing left to do was forget about it and continue driving north towards Loch Lomond instead.
I felt annoyed at first, but watching the heavily industrial scenery from the motorway appeased my annoyance. I doubt the city centre is not worth visiting, though, so it remains on the bucket list for the next occasion. I am sure I would find something to please my eye and incite my imagination. A story must be waiting for me in any place that I had not seen yet!
For now, nature and clear skies were more appealing than crossing industrial suburbs through heavy rain.
There were no monsters in the Loch, but I spent an enjoyable day at Lomond that ended with a detour down to River Forth, Stirling Castle and Falkirk, and more importantly, to The Helix: Home of The Kelpies.
In the rich Scottish folklore, kelpies are legendary water spirits that live in the lochs and shift their shape from horses to humans.
Falkirk’s Kelpies are giant metallic horseheads with a certain grace if you manage to see beyond the industrial connection. They must be more spectacular at night with the light spectacle, but to witness it, I need to visit The Helix in a different season, not in August when it is still daylight at 1 AM.
Go Ape at Glentress Forest
With age, I noticed that crazy city life gets me bored easily, and I have a more acute thirst for nature, fresh air, peace and bird song.
Of all the forests around River Tweed Valley and The Borders, Glentress is the best for hiking, mountain biking and the craziest treetop adventure you can wish for. If a 325-metre long zip wire from the top of the highest fir tree over the bike trails and a lake at the bottom of the vale is not enough for your adrenaline levels, I don’t know what else is!
I get dizzy if I have to climb a stepladder, so there is no adrenaline rush for me in Scotland or anywhere else. But it was fun to watch grown-ups hanging some two hundred metres up in the sky and shouting/swearing from the bottom of their lungs while the kids were laughing hysterically!
And it was fun to meet lovely Annie and her brave kids who went all the way to the end of the insane course. Annie, if you ever read this, I’m sending you greetings!
The only thing to keep in mind is that bookings must be made online and in advance, at least for the duration of pandemic restrictions.
While the rest of the tribe went monkeying up the trees and screaming over the valleys, I enjoyed foraging for wild strawberries and blueberries, dodged dozens of bikes on the paths, laughed at the courageous cursing their guts while hanging up in the sky attached with a harness on a thin wire and freaked out when I saw mine doing the same insane thing! But, still, what a great forest and what good it does to humans to spend a few hours surrounded by breathtaking views and nature!
Conclusion
A Scotland staycation makes for some vacation if one has the right state of mind for it! But a holiday abroad is always the better and more fascinating option. I’m looking forward to booking one when these stupid restrictions will cease to exist!
I woke up to the pitter-patter sound of rain on the day of the drive back home. Still, I was not bothered by the otherwise typical music of this entire island. The weather was more than generous for the duration of our stay.
Energised, relaxed and still in holiday mode, it was time to say goodbye to lovely Véronique and the Scottish Borders, head down to York, and eventually return home.
In a way, I felt like I had seen (almost) everything I wanted to see and had done everything I had planned to do, so, to paraphrase others, I could say, enough was enough and non mi piace più qui!
I wonder if Véronique would adopt me. I would love a year somewhere in Tuscany, all expenses paid for by a lovely soul!
Vacation Versus Staycation
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