If you know me at all, you know two things. One, that Wednesday is my favorite day because it is an opportunity to crush on a special female foodie. And two, I am all about the LOVE and look for it in all aspects of life, even hosting a #LOVEfest competition. With that said, today’s honoree is the absolute perfect choice. Ella Woodward, or Deliciously Ella as she is most widely known, is one of the most popular foodies out there at the moment, be it male OR female. Lucky for us she happens to be a lovely lady! Not to mention that she is also a big fan of LOVE. In fact, on her new book cover she is wearing a cool sweater (jumper for my UK/Irish followers) with, what else, L-O-V-E on it!
I realize we have a couple more days of decadence before the New Year’s resolutions kick in. But this is actually the best time to start thinking about how to tackle January with some good healthy food. Ella is just the person to help us with that endeavor. This super sweet and beautiful young lady (and yes she is young, only 23 years old) has had her own journey to clean eating and better health. I thought I was a sugar fiend until I read about Ella’s sweet tooth. But in order to overcome a debilitating medical condition, she did more than just go on the straight and narrow for the New Year. She overhauled her entire eating regime giving up sugar, dairy, gluten and meat. As well, she adopted exercise such as yoga into her routine. From someone who couldn’t get out of bed 95% of the day a couple years ago, she completed her first half marathon in the autumn of this year. She chronicled all this on her blog which garnered a massive loyal following as well as a super popular social media presence. And her cookbook Deliciously Ellahas broken all sorts of sales records and won numerous awards. With her second book due out very soon, she also has a brick and mortar in Marylebone that just launched called The Mae Deli. This new venture is with her fiancé Matthew (the M, and she being the E part for the name of Mae’s Deli) is already getting loads of delicious buzz.
And speaking of delicious, while all of Ella’s food is delicious, I thought I would recreate her Carrot Cake Cookies for #WCW. I think in order to be successful at a New Year’s resolution, I’d better be well equipped or else there is temptation to grab something naughty. With this recipe I think I can whip out a batch and keep them on hand so when Jan 1st rolls around I will still be able to have my treats without guilt or feeling deprived. If you want you can follow along with my snapchat tutorial (username: blissbakery) while I make these super simple but oh so good goodies!
Ingredients
270g of oats * (I used organic Irish oats)
3 ripe bananas (about 340g) *(I used organic free trade)
3 red apples (about 350g)* (I used organic Gala)
2 carrots (200g) * (I used organic)
150g of sultanas * (I used California raisins)
3 tablespoons of date syrup *(I didn’t have this so I used maple syrup instead)
2 tbs of nut butter – peanut butter is especially good (although you can ignore the nut butter totally if you don’t eat nuts) *(I used organic almond butter)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
3 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 teaspoons of nutmeg
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C
Grate the apples and carrots (no need to peel them) and mash the bananas. Then mix them with all the remaining ingredients in a bowl.
Grease a baking tray with coconut oil.
Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mix and pat it into flat cookies shape on the tray, do this until all the mixture has been used. Try to get an even amount of sultanas in each cookie as those that are heavier with sultanas are more likely to burn. The mixture should make about 25 cookies.
Then bake the cookies for about 30 minutes until they turn golden brown, at this point take them out the oven and let them cool slightly.
I am a crazy carrot cake aficionado, so of course I had to go for this recipe. I thought eliminating the cream cheese frosting, so indicative of a typical carrot cake topping, would be a tough one for me. But the flavors in these cookies are so incredible and the texture so moreish you just don’t miss it. While all of Ella’s recipes are plant based, she has stated she doesn’t miss meat in the slightest. I am pretty reliant on needing some protein, especially since I had gestational diabetes both times I was pregnant. I had to inject insulin daily in my second pregnancy so I’m lucky it went away after both of my children were born. Which is why indulging my sweet tooth isn’t so good for me on a regular basis. However, these little gems packed with vitamins are not only healthy but also have the hint of sweetness that I crave.
Most articles written about Ella Woodward are going to make mention of the fact that she is part of the Sainsbury Grocery Store family. But I have a hunch that soon enough, any article about Sainsbury is going to mention that they are related to Deliciously Ella and The Mae Deli fame. She has really brought a whole new perspective to how food can be used to heal the body instead of hurting ourselves through the misuse of processed food. It isn’t about losing weight folks it is about feeling better by eating clean! Her natural radiant beauty and vivacious energy is a great advert for her way of life. And though she has included chicken and salmon options at her deli (of which I am grateful) she says it is a place for health and happiness.
What a great way to start the new year folks with Ella’s kind of positivity! I hope you take time to learn a bit more about her and support her new book, book signing tour, supper clubs and cooking classes. Ella is a self taught chef and is working hard to impart all her kitchen and nutritional wisdom. But we need to be open to it and soak it all in as well.
Thanks Ella for your effort to share your own journey and for inspiring so many others to find a healthier self. Your warmth towards and support of your followers does not go unnoticed. You practice what you preach and do it all with gentleness and grace. You are truly one of a kind and deserve all the good things that are coming your way. Including today’s Woman Crush. Though I’m sure it will continue well on past just Wednesday! Happy 2016!
Peace and Love!
YDP
P.S. Tomorrow I am taking my snapchat friends along on a “Thursday Thrill Trip” to The Mae Deli since I won’t be able to do the usual Foodie Fieldtrip Friday because of New Year’s Day. So stay tuned for more crushing on all things Ella Woodward folks! Very excited to see all the healthy food she has on offer there!
A very Merry Christmas to all of you! We are having our first Christmas in London. It is very festive around here. And we are blessed that my son and daughter in law have flown all the way from Los Angeles to spend it with us. They came to stay with us in Dublin for Christmas time 2010. That was during the infamous winter where we actually had a white Christmas in Ireland because of all the snow! Aw memories!
Some people look back and remember a “favorite” Christmas celebration and say, “such and such was the best one ever.” Even my Hubby says that his favorite Christmas of all time was when we stayed at Darina Allen’s cottage (called The Rocket House) overlooking Ballycotton Bay in Co. Cork (see video below). For me, I don’t have a favorite, because for one reason or another, each has its own important significance in my life. Of course I have fond memories of the Christmases when my kids were little with the fun of Santa and all. It was a tradition to have their picture with Santa. In fact I still took them to have their picture taken when they were teenagers! They were very good to keep humoring me with the family “tradish”! My daughter is keeping it alive by taking my granddaughters for their visit as well. I just wish they could be here with us for Christmas too.
I even cherish the Christmases I had as a youngster where we were destitute and had nothing, because they were still memorable. One year as a young teenager I had saved all my money from babysitting jobs and bought gifts for each family member and eagerly put them under the tree weeks before the actual day. My mom took it upon herself to unwrap each present one night while were were all asleep and decided they were frivolous gifts. She said I had to take them back and get them something else more practical that they needed. Which was a little challenging since I had purchased them at a swap meet. I was disappointed at the time, but I realized that Christmas isn’t about the gifts, it is about the intention.
Whatever your tradition, or whether you have a favorite Christmas or not, I just want to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas! Enjoy your loved ones and of course I hope you get to savor some good food. Try to have the openness of an innocent child this holiday. It so precious and indeed positive to look at the world from their vantage point!
With a little break from the popular Woman Crush Wednesday series (due to YDP’s participation last week in the Great Blogger Cookie Swap) we are back with passion! This is the day we honor one of the wonderful women from the culinary world. And who is getting crushed on today? Well, we are infatuated with one of the U.K.’s most recognizable foodies, none other than the amazing Nigella Lawson! For the first time, this week readers and snapchat followers joined in with their suggestions to help choose which cook should get the Yankee Doodle Paddy Spotlight of LOVE. And with Christmas just a couple days away, Nigella has been chosen to get all sorts of fondness showered on her today!
Nigella‘s new book, Simply Nigellaseems to be on everyone’s Christmas list. It is called the “Feel Good Food” book and pretty much anything she makes will leave you feeling good! She already has nine best selling cookbooks to her credit, numerous television series under her belt, a popular app, and umpteen awards such as the 2014 Observer’s Readers’ Award as Best Food Personality, just to mention a few of her phenom accomplishments. She really is a Domestic Goddess (as was the title of one of her books) and has been a ‘go to’ for many looking to up their kitchen game. She has made cooking and eating an unabashedly beautiful art form. And all of this from someone who doesn’t even like to be called a chef.
Nigella didn’t study culinary arts but she has perfected a way to translate them to the masses. Adored by women, men, well known chefs, people here in the U.K. and all around the globe. Her warmth, openness and willingness to engage with her fans has really helped create a protective net around her. Which is why when she went through some recent difficulties she had a legion of supporters behind her wishing her well. And this latest book and accompanying television series has been just the thing to get back on track, for all of us! Cuz life does have its ups and downs. I can relate to Nigella’s notion of cooking being a wonderful way to make sense of the world around us as I have shared on here before. I love her quote in a recent article, ““I was thinking how ushering forth this cake induced in me a feeling of cosiness and serenity, and I felt I’d got to the stage in my life that what I was creating in my new home and my new kitchen… it’s about feeling an enormous sense of light. The food is uplifting and the comfort you get from it makes me feel restored and full of vitality.”
So I am going to create some light with her amazing Christmas Rocky Road recipe. It is currently being featured on her website as a “Cookalong Competition” whereby you make one of the suggested monthly recipes and upload a photo for a chance to win a signed cookbook. And I will be doing it live on snapchat (username: blissbakery) if you’d like to follow along. It will be viewable for 24 hours until it disappears, but I would urge you all to give this delicious recipe a try yourself and enter the contest. Because what Nigella has nurtured is a wonderful sense of community both on her website and her social media. She includes a regular “#follow of the day” on her Instagram that certainly gives those chosen a massive boost. I’m not just talking about more followers to their account, it is the overwhelming sense of joy that someone as wonderful as Nigella Lawson would lend her seal of approval.
Chop both sorts of chocolate small, or use chocolate buttons made for melting, and then put into a heavy-based pan to melt with the butter and syrup over a gentle heat.
Put the biscuits into a freezer bag and bash them with a rolling pin to get big- and little-sized crumbs; you want some pieces to crunch and some sandy rubble.
Put the Brazil nuts into another freezer bag and also bash them so you get different-sized nut rubble.
Take the pan off the heat, and add the crushed biscuits and nuts, whole glacé cherries and mini-marshmallows. Turn carefully to coat everything with syrupy chocolate.
Tip into a foil tray (I use one 236mm x 296mm / 9¼ x 12 inches), smoothing the top as best you can, although it will look bumpy.
Refrigerate until firm enough to cut, which will take about 1½–2 hours. Then take the set block of rocky road out of the foil tray ready to cut.
Push the icing sugar through a small sieve to dust the top of the Rocky Road. Then, if you like, add a sprinkling of edible glitter for some festive sparkle.
With the long side in front of you, cut into it 6 slices down and 4 across, so that you have 24 almost-squares.
MAKE AHEAD TIP:
Make the Rocky Road and refrigerate to set. Don’t add the icing sugar yet, but cut into bars, then store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 1 week. Decorate with icing sugar and edible glitter about 1–2 hours before serving.
FREEZE AHEAD TIP:
Make the Rocky Road as above and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in a cool place. Decorate as above.
Though I’m not a professional photographer, these bars are so gorgeous even I can make them look pretty! Perfectly festive treats to give as gifts or take to holiday parties!I don’t normally put in two pics of the final product, but I couldn’t resist a close up shot. I love all the colors and textures in these Christmas Rocky Road Bars! I didn’t have edible glitter on hand, so I just put a few mini Christmas trees I had to make it look wintery.
One of the things I love most about Nigella is her willingness to offer help and suggest tips for finding success in the kitchen. For me, one of my kitchen challenges has been the transition from America to this side of the pond where everything is in metric! It would do your head in trying to sort out all the conversions. But she effortlessly (as with everything) has both versions available with the click of a button. Thanks Nigella!
Being a mom of two kids myself, I know how important the holiday time is for family. I just want to take this opportunity to wish you Nigella a most wonderful Christmas and send lots of love and light your way. I also want to thank you for being an inspiration in more ways than one. There are so many of us out there that appreciate the passion and respect you have for food and cooking. And your humility about your influence in the culinary world is as beautiful as you are! But trust me, when loads of your fans eagerly tear off the wrapping paper on Christmas morn to find they have received your cookbook, you’ll likely hear the sound of many ovens being fired up! Cuz there will be a whole lotta Nigella’s recipes on the go!
Lots of love to THE Domestic Goddess,
YDP
P.S. True story, it was destiny that Nigella would be today’s #WCW because besides the help from the snapchat followers, my friend (who also made our moving announcements) the awesome Holly Shortall and her BFF Jamie Tuohy met Nigella in Dublin not long ago! As well when I was on one of my Foodie Fieldtrip Friday’s recently, I spotted a giant billboard ad for her book and I had to take a picture. So it is a lovefest that has been marinating!
Today is the Winter Solstice. December 21st (or the 22nd depending on where you live) is the shortest day of the year. Whilst everyone might be focused on the impending Ho Ho Holiday in a few days time, I like to savor this special day for a couple of reasons. One, starting tomorrow we gain another few minutes of daylight each day. Second and most importantly, this is the day that a select few lucky people get to witness first hand the miracle of Newgrange. Though I have put my name in the lottery every year for the last eight years, I have yet to win a coveted space to be in the chamber at the first hint of dawn. Not familiar with it? Well I have been to Newgrange so many times I could get a job there as a tour guide by now! It is an ancient structure north of Dublin airport that archeologists believe was used as a pagan worship tomb on the Solstice. This feat of architecture allows the first bit of daylight on the darkest day of the year to penetrate and illuminate the inner sanctum of the stone structure (as you can see by the pic at the top). It is theorized that the stone age burial spot became a holy place for these early Irish people. So that is why today, of all days, I decided to do my YDP “best of” short list on my favorite place, Dublin! Because this my friends is (unofficially) one of the wonders of the world! And it is right in Dublin’s backyard!
I’ve already given you tips on Los Angeles and London on here for the first two installments of “YDP’s best of short list”. While Newgrange is a bit outside of Dublin, it is only fitting that I share with you my tips on where to stay, eat and things to do in a very special place which is close to my heart. As you know if you’ve been reading this blog, Ireland is my soul home. It is the “Paddy” part of Yankee Doodle Paddy. Though we relocated to London after seven years in Dublin, we hope to move back soon, God willing. And yes, Newgrange is gonna be on the ‘best of ‘ list today folks, cuz it is THAT good! You just HAVE to make the short trek out there if you are in Dublin! It isn’t everyday that you can experience a Unesco World Heritage Site that is 5,000 years old! That is older than the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge in the U.K! And the irony is that in one of the rainiest countries in the world, this Neolithic structure is totally waterproof! My first visit there I almost didn’t make it, but that is a story to read about here from my “back in the day” blog when I was a student at Ballymaloe Cookery School.
Now on to all the ‘best of’ places! Since it is nearly Christmas, and seriously, Dublin is one of the prettiest places this time of year, what with the Grafton Street shopping and all the festive lights and decorations, and Brown Thomas‘ famous window displays….. Oh, and Bono (you know him from U2) and some famous friends often do a bit of holiday busking around there as well! So, I am going to give you a lil gift of my own! I am going to give you a plethora of choices in each of the categories!
Places to stay:
Splurge: While you can’t go wrong with a classic like The Shelbourne (I mean it is a 5 star legend) the Marker is making its own mark (corny pun intended). Situated just south of the main city center right on the Grand Canal Docks, it is very posh and super hot right now. I haven’t stayed there but know people who have and they rave about it. I was there simply to purchase some Cronuts. They were the first place in Dublin making and selling the wildly popular cross between a donut and a croissant. And it is important for me to maintain my up to the minute research on all new food trends (LOL). They were running a promotion where by if you bought one of their limited edition boxes of cronuts you might have a chance of finding a golden ticket inside. The golden ticket would allow you to book a reservation in the hotel bar. Right! That is how busy this place is! While my food research was a success, no golden ticket was found!
But I think having stayed at the Shelbourne back in 1995, and having dined there on numerous occasions (I particularly love their High Tea time) it really is a nice traditional and sophisticated place. It went under major renovations a few years ago and is the ‘go to’ for all the celebs and dignitaries in town. Plus it is situated right on St. Stephen’s Green. So you could go for a lovely walk through the park, feed the ducks, then head over to the Little Museum of Dublin for a true telling of the story of Dublin through their thoughtful exhibits.
Mild on the old pocketbook: The Schoolhouse or The Dean are both excellent choices in this category. Before moving to Dublin, Hubby and I took a reconnoissance trip to finalize his work commitment and look for housing. We stayed at the Schoolhouse and it will always have fond memories for me. It is super quiet, convenient and I love that it is converted from an historic schoolhouse. While I haven’t stayed at The Dean I have been there for parties and dining. It is not quiet at all (but they have a disclaimer on their website) because this place is happening and in the midst of one of the most trendy areas of the city. But it is very hip and I love the decor, food and drinks. I do want to stay there one of these trips back to Dublin, just so I can go on the swing that is in the entrance to the Sophie’s dining room. Which by the way, besides The Guinness Storehouse, Sophie’s has the best view of Dublin!
Cheap and Cheerful: B&Bs truth be told are really the best way to get the essence of the Irish warmth and hospitality. This tiny island nation isn’t called the “Land of a Thousand Welcomes” for nothing. It would behoove your wallet and your experience to let a lovely Irish household serve you a nice pot of tea and a full Irish (breakfast that is) before sending you off to do your sightseeing. Cuz you’ll get loads of great chat and craic that you won’t get at any where else! Check out Trip Advisor for suggestions or the link at the beginning of this paragraph for options.
Places to eat:
When I announced to my family and friends back in 2006 that I was going to sell my house in L.A. and move to Ireland for cooking school they said, “Whaaaaat? As in Irish Stew and Irish Soda Bread Country?” But they just didn’t know the truth! Ireland (and of course I am biased) is an amazing foodie gem in the world. Sure the restaurants are still up and coming, but it is the raw ingredients that are phenomenal and are seen on menus all around the globe at the finest restaurants. Irish dairy, particularly cheese and butter (hello Kerrygold), fish (particularly smoked salmon), grass fed meat (yes that includes the amazing lamb for stew) and produce (particularly Wexford strawberries in summer) are the best in the world!! And all of the suggestions of places to eat are those who highlight what is best about Irish food. Thank goodness I myself was blessed to have gone to one of the best cookery schools in the world. Darina Allen and family provide a curriculum focused on the importance of sustainability and seasonality of real, whole and natural food. Today there are a handful of fab foodies in Dublin continuing to spread the word through their cookbooks and videos, such as Susan Jane White and Donal Skehan.
Since Avoca is better known as my “happy place” I had to include this. They have several locations around Dublin (though the original, which was a woolen factory, is in Co. Wicklow) and all have food halls for a quick bite, or sit down cafes for a more leisurely meal. And though I am not a shopper, they do have some pretty gorgeous clothes and gifts, so you could pick up a few bits and pieces while you are there. As well K.C. Peaches, which was started by an American woman who was living in Dublin, has sprouted to include several locations around town. Tasty food at a decent price, and you can pop it all in a “take away” container to eat on the run, or dine it, your choice.
Johnnie Fox’s is under the places to eat category, but bonus, it is also something to do! They are famous for their “Hooley Nights”. It is situated in the Dublin mountains, hence it brags it is the highest pub in the city! The food is pretty darn good for pub food, and the musical backdrop is super fun! In fact, I have been so many times now I know all the musicians by name! There is a traditional Irish dancing segment (think Riverdance but a bit smaller) just to get your heart pounding with the steps.
Here is a pic from one of the many trips to Johnnie Fox’s my “go to” place to take out of town visitors!
Dylan McGrath was all the rage when we moved to Dublin in 2008. His restaurant Mint had earned a Michelin Star and he earned a reputation for his kitchen antics. But before we could even get a booking the restaurant closed. However, Dylan bounced back and now has several restaurants around that are equally fabulous. I love the concept of Rustic Stone and have dined there several times. The food was so healthy, delicious and seasonal (we ordered an entire meal of beets, served various ways). I have also dined in Fade Street Social and attended functions there as well. There is a great buzz and tasty nibbles and snacks.
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and Chapter One are both Michelin Star restaurants (three and one respectively). Both are definitely on the pricy side, but you will not be disappointed. It is a treat well worth splurging for in my opinion. Patrick Guilbaud is fancier and more French influenced (not surprisingly since the owner is French). Chapter One is elegant but a bit more casual feeling. And the cool thing about Chapter One is there is the option of dining at the Chef’s Table which is situated in the kitchen, so you can see all the excitement right there in the control room! Hubby treated me to both for birthday dinners (Patrick Guilbaud in 2008 and Chapter One in 2012) and I can still remember each dining experience like it was yesterday. The dishes were beautifully presented and the taste was exquisite. Fun fact, both have had their food photographed by my fav Barry McCall (see pic on my About page). When you’re finished dining, why not purchase one of the cookbooks as a souvenir and continue to savor the meal while drooling over Barry’s unctuous photos!
No that isn’t a spotlight! That was our waiter at Patrick Guilbaud trying to snap a pic of Hubby and I after our amazing dinner!
Things to do:
It isn’t a surprise that the Guinness Storehouse is the number one tourist attraction in Dublin. My son (who is now 30) said when I took him there for the first time, “Mom this is Disneyland for grown ups!” He even showed his excitement on his first visit when he got to test his hand at pouring the perfect pint! He’s been multiple times at this juncture, and one time in particular when he and his wife were visiting us in Dublin, he challenged her to a Guinness “pour off” contest!
And when you are over in that part of Dublin checking out Guinness why not pop in to the Jameson Whiskey Factory for a tour of their original premises. And you get a booze blanket to boot! I didn’t know what that was. But when I took my son there and tasted the whiskey for the first time I said, “Hey Hun, my legs feel warm” and that was when he enlightened me to the benefits of whiskey!
Trinity College which houses the Book of Kells is a must see whenever I have guests visiting. The Long Room in the Library is breathtaking and the beauty of the incredibly detailed illumination of the Book of Kells (the books of the Gospels) is an experience not to be missed! As well, for any history buffs or anyone interested in human rights, the Kilmainham Gaol (a former prison) is a powerful and haunting journey back in time to see what the early Irish patriots suffered.
Looking into one of the cells from the peep hole, and its ‘s touching to see that a prisoner had painted the image of Our Lady on the wall.Hubby sitting inside a cell reflecting on what it must have been like.
While Dublin is fascinating with loads to do, it is also small in comparison to other major cites. That is a good thing because it means you can get away for a day trip that isn’t too far, but yet you feel like you’ve gone to another whole land all together. I tell people all the time that if you only see Dublin, than you haven’t experienced the whole essence of Ireland. It is important to see some of the vibrant greens and smell the fresh country air. Yet when folks are on a short stay they think it isn’t possible to leave Co. Dublin. But I say YES it is!
There are two places I recommend (and depending, you can do one or both, but not in the same day) and one of them is Glendalough. It is the ancient monastic site of St. Kevin and is tucked away in the most beautifully green and wooded area on a lake in Co. Wicklow, just south of Dublin. Wild Wicklow Tours offers great rates and picks up at convenient locations around Dublin. Plus they make a pit stop at my happy place along the way, Avoca! Helllooo people! And it is always a hoot to take the Paddywagon!
Now finally we shall end where we started and that is with Newgrange in Co. Meath. Promise me you will go? I will even offer to be your tour guide! You don’t need to rent a car to get there either as there are many day bus tours that go out there. Mary Gibbons operates tours there, from Dublin City Center, which are recommended by Rick Steves. Here are just three pics (taken at separate times) out of the many visitors I have introduced to Newgrange (top pics left to right: my son, my daughter and granddaughter, bottom: my brother).
If I could only spend my life in one place for eternity it would be Ireland. While my family hails from the Western part of the country (Galway and Sligo) I found our time in Dublin to be fun, enriching and yes sometimes challenging. But I can hardly wait to move back! And I encourage anyone and everyone to make it a point to travel there. It is a city rich with history, music, art, food and literature (some of the greatest writers in the world have come from Dublin). I think it is one of the best places to go for a long weekend get away. You will not only pack in loads of things to do, but you will also take away the most incredible memories… mainly of the wonderful Irish people!
Is breá liom tú ireland,
YDP
P.S. Just to note, I am not getting paid or compensated for any of these recommendations. They come from my heart. But if you read the ABCs of YDP you’ll understand.
Have you ever had a food attachment? What I mean is have you ever felt so happy with a flavor of a certain dish, or type of cuisine, that you would want it for your last meal, for your first meal, and for your “stranded on a desert island” meal? Well pretty much that sums up my feelings about anything that is made and served at Ottolenghi in London. This isn’t the first you’ve heard me go on about it. I included Ottolenghi (and two of their off shoot restaurants) on YDP’s “best of” short list for London . So for today’s Foodie Fieldtrip Friday, I thought why not bring along my snapchat friends (username: blissbakery) on a little tour of three of their outstanding food establishments. Because seeing photos and reading about it is one thing, but to get actual video too would be the next step before an “in person” visit. Can you tell I am trying to get all the folks in snapchat land to come over here for a giant Ottolenghi food festival!?
Why am I so enamored you ask? Because food, in my opinion, is personal and emotional. Sure most people would describe it as a nutritional substance, which it is, from a purely physical aspect. But food, and all that goes with it (the prepping, cooking, eating, etc.) can also evoke feelings. And when you eat food that has good “feelings” somehow it just tastes better. Alright, maybe for some it is a matter of how quickly they can skoff a burger before they meet up with their pals. But for foodies, like me, cooking or eating a meal is almost ritualistic in nature. I suspect that even people who put their hand to their mouth without ever thinking about the food that is going in, still get a happy twinge when they taste their granny’s special apple pie. Or they may even feel loved when they walk into their mom’s kitchen smelling all the aromas while she is cooking her famous Christmas dinner. And that my friends is the essence I get from anything I’ve tasted from Yotom Ottolenghi or Sami Tamimi. The upshot is, you can feel the love in their food.
The nicest guys you’d ever meet! Yotam (left) and Sami (right)
Sami is completely self trained as a chef, giving credit to his late mother for his food inspiration. Yotam is a professionally trained chef, having studied at Le Cordon Blue. But their reverence for quality ingredients, respect for classical cooking, yet embracing innovation and blending of unique flavors is what makes their food empire so special. Though both originally from the Holy Land, they met and began their restaurant venture in London. When I met them last year at the Ballymaloe Lit Fest I asked how they have been able to bridge the proverbial political gap of an Israeli and a Palestinian working together to run a successful business? They said it probably wouldn’t have happened if they were still in Jerusalem. But they have written an ode to their motherland, a tour de force cookery book called Jerusalem.
There have actually been several other books published along the way as well: Ottolenghi, Plenty, Plenty More and the latest is NOPI. So I decided to head to their restaurant NOPI in the Soho area of London for the first stop on the tour.
I arrived at 11:30 and had a lovely poached egg and mushrooms on sourdough toast for a late breakfast. The mushrooms were beautiful, earthy and satisfying. And the poached egg was ethereal and perfectly cooked. The egg yolk made a nice runny design down the mound of mushrooms when I cut into it. Heaven on a plate!
After a tour around the restaurant I met Angelo the head chef. He kindly helped me with some Za’atar spices that I had been looking for in order to make the famous Ottolenghi Butternut Squash and Red Onion recipe (below). I enjoyed a lovely almond milk cappuccino made by Vytas, but I passed on having dessert (I needed to save room). Sometimes it is the little things a restaurant does that is so impressive, like the brass ring on the plate with the check. Love that touch! I left to go to destination #2 but not before taking some snaps of the gorgeous platters of salad being set up on display for the lunch crowd. So vibrant!
I toured around Chinatown on my way to Covent Garden to the baby of the Ottlenghi family called Sesame. It is a melting pot of Mediterranean street food flavors and is a great option to the unhealthy fast food that permeates Western society. I’ve been numerous times since they opened in April and love having something to eat that is quick, but also good for you! But when I arrived there I saw the place had been boarded up. I was in a state of shock and disbelief.
I called NOPI where I had just dined and asked what happened and they told me that it had just closed the day before. I was able to find a public notice through the Sesame twitter page. I got so emotional. Absolutely gutted! Then I happened to see people leaving Sesame through a side door and talked to them. They worked there and were in the process of packing things up. They shared their sadness as well, but also seemed optimistic. They said that Covent Garden turned out to be a challenging location for the type of fare they offered, and that they would reopen after the New Year somewhere else. God bless them! It just shows that even a company that is at the top of success in its industry can still face difficulties. The food business is a tough one, but the Ottolenghi brand is super strong and with the kind of positivity they have, they will weather this little blip. I can hardly wait for them to reopen in their new location! Wherever it may be, I’ll find them and be the first customer!
Next I traveled to the Belgravia location of the classic Ottolenghi deli and my spirits were lifted, as well as my taste buds. Remember, I didn’t have dessert at NOPI and I have a massive sweet tooth. So I helped myself to a yummy taster of flourless chocolate cookies. And then I proceeded to buy the whole shop (nearly) getting all sorts of Christmas gifts and some food for dinner. I bought lovely veggie focaccia bread pizza and a broccoli salad (with a kick) for Hubby and my dinner and movie night at home!
Then of course I had to get an amazing coconut macaroon and beautiful parsnip and pecan cake for afters. Though the shop is quite small, it is packed with goodness. The colors of the salads piled high on crisp white platters is overwhelming. And the front window is bursting with the most incredible looking treats such as giant meringues and mini fruit tarts. There are also deli locations in Notting Hill, Islington, and a sit down restaurant in Spitalfields.
If you can’t find Za’atar in your local store, it is available to purchase online through Ottolenghi’s website by clicking the next link.
And now on to the fabulous Ottolenghi recipe with the special Za’atar spices! For those of you who may not know, it is a combination of herbs from the Middle East and is even Biblically referenced. Here is how the dish is described by the amazing chefs Yotam and Sami:
“If you want a vegetarian dish to make an impact on the table, this does the job – it looks great and has really complex flavors.”
Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Onion with Tahini and Za’atar
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash (around 1.1kg), cut into 2cm x 6cm wedges
2 red onions, cut into 3cm wedges
50ml olive oil
Maldon sea salt and black pepper
3½ tbsp tahini paste
1½ tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp water
1 small garlic clove, crushed
30g pine nuts
1 tbsp za’atar
1 tbsp roughly chopped parsley
Method:
Heat the oven to to 220C/425F/gas mark 7. Put the squash and onions in a large bowl, add three tablespoons of oil, a teaspoon of salt and some black pepper, and toss well. Spread, skin down, on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes until the vegetables have taken on some colour and are cooked through. Keep an eye on the onions: they may cook faster than the squash, so may need to be removed earlier. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.
Put the tahini in a small bowl with the lemon juice, water, garlic and a quarter-teaspoon of salt. Whisk to the consistency of honey, adding more water or tahini as necessary.
Pour the remaining oil into a small frying pan on a medium-low heat. Add the pine nuts and half a teaspoon of salt, cook for two minutes, stirring, until the nuts are golden brown, then tip the nuts and oil into a small bowl.
To serve, spread the vegetables on a platter and drizzle over the sauce. Scatter the pine nuts and oil on top, followed by the za’atar and parsley.
This is my result folks! The dish is so simple to make yet the depth of flavors and textures is incredible. It is light and also filling at the same time. The colors are eye popping and look great on a platter to be served family style.
Each and every element of this dish is well thought out to add its own distinctive flavor and texture, yet coming together as one. And the Za’atar is the “spicing on the cake” love it!
It was quite cathartic to make this dish as I was feeling very emotional about what happened to Sesame. But I have such admiration for them and they have really inspired me and my cooking. I just want the best for them and wish them even more success to come. The cool thing is Sami usually refers to the “Ottolenghi family” in his social media posts. Because there really are so many vital people involved, he wants to share the credit of the success of the business, which is so lovely and humble.
I really hope that if you ever come to London that you will visit one of their restaurants or delis. And if you can’t make it this far, bring Ottolenghi style to your world by trying out one of their fabulous and healthy recipes. You really will feel the LOVE!
Respectful and peaceful love, אַהֲבָה + الحب
YDP
P.S. as I have stated before in the ABC of YDP I am not a food photographer or stylist. So apologies to Ottolenghi and Co. as I know your dishes look much better than I have been able to recreate here. But they still tasted amazing!
“Today’s the day” the email in my inbox said. No, it isn’t Christmas, but it feels like it! Today is the reveal of the The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap! I’ve been counting sleeps until this day! It is my first year participating in this global cookie exchange/ fundraising campaign and I jumped in the deep end on this one. As many of you know, I am a total non-tech person. A bumbling, stumbling, trying my best to sort it out person. Hence I like to offer my ABC of YDP to disarm any critics. It is quite a miracle actually that I have photos and text in one place. But the kitchen is my home and I was loving baking these gorgeous Mint and Chocolate Chip Cookies to share with these three beautiful ladies, Marsha, Becca, and Laura.
Hubby loved them so much that he asked if he could make a video demonstration for me. Even though it was frigid and dark outside the day we filmed, these cookies warmed our home and tummies! And what really warms me is the outstanding work of Linsday and Julie to put together this massive campaign to raise money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Charity. Please God, this band of baking bloggers’ efforts will make life a bit sweeter for the children helped by this fundraiser. It has certainly put a sweet note into our Christmas season. I mean who wouldn’t want to receive three dozen home baked cookies at your door?
I received the most stylishly wrapped and terrifically tasting Rosemary Brown Butter Dark Chocolate Cookies (sprinkled with smoked salt I might add) from the fabulous Victoria. I’m the chocoholic in the family, so you can guess who tucked into them immediately!
I was also treated to some delish Almond Ricotta Cookies from the amazing Iris, which my Hubby nearly devoured in one fell swoop! They were an inspiration for me to bake one of Giada DeLaurentis’ recipes for the #WomanCrushWednesday I did for her recently.
Finally I received the lovely Cinnamon Pecan Toffee Thumbprint Cookies by the gorgeous Gill which literally saved my life. I had been fasting for a medical exam and they arrived just as I was heading out the door to the hospital. After the procedure the nurses and I had a feast in the recovery room, with a cuppa tea and all!
Thank you so very much, all three of you fantastic bakers! I am super excited to have met you through this wonderful medium and I look forward to keeping up with your culinary adventures.
Now on to my contribution to it all…the preciously pretty, chocolatey chewy, deliciously dangerous and perky peppermint cookies!!!
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks/8 oz) or 227 g of butter at room temp, if using unsalted butter than add a good pinch of salt to the dry ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar (315 g)
2 eggs (free-range and organic if possible) at room temp
1/2 tsp peppermint
2 1/2 cups flour (362 g)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup cocoa powder (70g)
2/3 cup roughly chopped dark chocolate (104 g)
For the decoration on top: A couple of peppermint candy cane sticks bashed up into crumbs (I did it in a ziploc bag with a rolling pin, but you could also do it in a food processor).
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350F/180C.
In a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the peppermint extract and the eggs (one at a time) scrapping down the sides of the bowl in between additions.
Sift the dry ingredients together (flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder) and add to the mixer in stages, scrapping in between each addition.
Finally add the chocolate chunks. You are only trying to get them mixed through, so you don’t need to run the mixer but only for a second or two.
In large spoonfuls, put the dough onto a parchment lined baking tray leaving enough space for them to spread out. Bake for 10 minutes on the center rack of the oven. Remove from the oven, leave on the baking tray and place the tray on a cooling rack.
Immediately (the cookies still need to be warm) sprinkle them with the peppermint stick crumbs. After a few more minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a rack to finish cooling. Make sure to completely cool before enjoying so that the candy cane pieces meld into the cookie. Then you get the nice chewiness of the cookie and the lovely crunch of the candy cane all together. Simply divine and oh so moreish! The recipe makes about 24 cookies.
To get these babies packed up properly, I wrapped them individually in clear cellophane bags, sealed them with a home stamped sticker, and placed them in a festive box. I included the cards I had made when we moved from Dublin to London. So the good Queen herself was on there guarding the lot of them! Oh and I added a candy cane too just for fun!
On the inside of each box lid I put a sticker with the ingredients, because I wanted all three recipients to know that the most important element added to any of my baking is LOVE!
I am normally super picky about people tasting my baked goods straight from the oven fresh. So you can imagine the stress I felt that they would arrive not only in one piece but also edible! All of the ladies let me know when they received them and in fact they were grand! Thank goodness there are enough food bloggers on this side of the Atlantic to have a cookie swap, I can’t even imagine the concern I’d have about them making the journey to the U.S. from the U.K.!
I really enjoyed this process from start to nearly finish. It isn’t quite complete yet, as I am looking forward to seeing the final roundup of recipes from all the bloggers which will be posted by this weekend. It is these types of things that urge me on to overcome my ineptness with social media and technology. I’m still learning, but hope that when I participate next year, I’ll have all the bells and whistles on my site. Until then, thanks again to everyone involved. And lots of love to my amazing daughter-in law Koko for telling me about this event. She’s been doing it for a few years and now I see why she gets so excited about it!
Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope it isn’t too cold where you are, but if it is, fire up the oven and make these cookies!
Before I even begin to recount our amazing 2 Michelin Star, four hour lunch at Geranium, I must remind you of the ABCs of YDP. I do so to put all minds at ease, that I am not a writer, photographer nor a food stylist. And you can add food critic to the list as well. I am a trained chef, yes, and lover of food, for sure. I have some basis with which to comment on food, but actually, anyone who eats is entitled to that. Because I have been paid as a professional cook I know the pressure it takes to create something out of various edible raw materials that is worthy for paying patrons. However, I have never done it in the Michelin realm. Therefore, anything you read beyond this is only a reflection of my opinion. Well ours, since Hubby was the one who treated me to this dining extravaganza.
Up to floor 8, my lucky number!
The choice of a lunch reservation over dinner was actually a prudent one for many reasons. The menu and cost are the same. But because Geranium is in a high-rise building with glass windows, experiencing the daylight transitions as a backdrop to the amazing food was incredible. Remember, this is winter and in Copenhagen it gets dark at 3:30 pm. On top of that, with 20 courses of food, we were able to have a leisurely dining experience and have the rest of the evening to digest our food. As well, the restaurant allowed us to split a flight of wine pairings with the courses, so we were coherent for all aspects of the meal!
The ambiance was quiet, serene, and calm. The dining room wasn’t too full, several tables of couples, several men dining alone, and a table of four. The furniture was a very clean line Danish design. It was mostly white and pale grey colors, with natural wood touches. Nothing to distract from the beauty of the food. There was a cool fireplace just to the left of the reception desk as you get off the elevator and is also visible from the dining room. It is a raised fireplace with glass around it and the flickering lights of the flames seemed to dance.
The staff were all young, attractive, international, professional, knowledgable, and friendly. And interestingly enough my Hubby noticed (as he waited tables himself while in university) they were all quite thin. He thought it was interesting given that they work in one the top restaurants in the world, and likely get to taste a thing or two. But that is the key to the whole ethos. The food is so clean and healthy, it never felt heavy, refined, stuffy or filling. All of the portions are small and since the food is mostly vegetables or fish (we had two courses with duck) it is actually quite light.
When I say we had 20 courses, you’d think that we would be rolling out of there and we didn’t feel that way at all. Because there was a synchronicity to the courses, and a balance of flavors and textures along with how the delivery was timed, we never felt that we had to turn away a course, or force ourselves to eat it. Each course was described in detail, the ingredients and preparation, as if we were on a food archeological expedition and the servers were our guides. Sometimes a course would be served by one waiter, other times two or three. And often the chef that prepared and plated a particular dish would bring it to the table wearing their toque (tall white hat).
Between the savory and sweet courses, we were taken on a tour of the wine cellar and then to an annex dining room (in the process of being built) which will house an open plan kitchen allowing for easier interaction between chefs and diners. The sous chef, Paul, came out to meet us personally and we chatted and had a picture taken with him. It was very generous of him to talk to us as they had a quick turn around for the dinner service. But at no time did we feel rushed. As much pressure as the restaurant is under to maintain its standards, you don’t feel the tension at all. It appears effortless and seamless. Even in the way your napkin has been refolded and neatly placed for your return visit from the ladies room.
While the food isn’t your normal, everyday fare, it is creative, experimental, earthy, seasonal. exquisite and yet still tasted like real food. Though I did a snapchat story (username:blissbakery) it has since expired. It was just over 10 minutes in length, LONG, yet felt like it went by in a flash as there was so many astonishing visuals of the food. But I took screen shots and will share them here with captioned commentary of the taste, since that was part of the video aspect on snapchat. Bottom line, any food write up’s most important aspect is to describe the taste! Remember, this was the menu that was specific to our dining experience. The choices differ depending on the season, and also the patron’s preferred selections. Each customer is presented a personal menu when they leave which shows each and every course, beverage selection (they also offer a flight of fresh juices for those not wanting to indulge in wine) and they stamp the date on the inside. The quote on their website “Thoughtfulness can be tasted” is indeed true!
While our main server Damien poured us each a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne we nibbled on the most delightful, thin, crisp and savory edible leaves and thus began the playful mirage of flavors, textures and visuals of the feast! The leaves were made from Jerusalem artichokes and were accompanied by a walnut oil and rye vinegar dipping delight.
Velvety and fragrant flowers swirled into Tomato Water that has been infused with pork fat was our second course. The most delightful taste and textures!
I wish I had taken a picture of this after it was stirred. It had loads of unctuous lobster pieces at the bottom of this fermented carrot juice, basically liquid gold!A bit of squid ink and a blow torch and voila you have charred potatoes with a sheep’s butter on the side. Wow! Who knew something so charred could be so charming!
The final two “Appetizers” were both fish derived and both displayed in most unusual and also quite stunning ways. The “Dillstone” looked like a giant green pearl, but was filled with Mackerel and the “Razor Clam” was filled with a tartare. All completely edible and totally delicious!
You can’t judge a book by its cover, or a sea urchin by its needles. Though sea urchins don’t look the most appetizing, when I tasted this sublime under the sea symphony I had a new opinion of the crustacean family!
While this left pic looks like a piece of Italian marble, it is actually Hake and was served naked, then dressed at the table with the most fragrant and multi textured sauce. The parsley stems fresh and bright along with the rich Finnish Caviar in a buttermilk sauce which had crunchy fish scales sprinkled on top. I think this was my favorite dish of the meal! I only wish my pics were better!
The breads served were so light and moreish. I loved the dainty Parmesan sticks and the gluten free rolls with seeds on top were nearly in my pockets to save for breakfast. I need the recipe STAT!A quail’s egg in Danish Cheese sauce had nasturtium garnish which is an edible plant similar to watercress. I loved how this dish was plated, a million little pieces all together make one great presentation and taste!Don’t let the neutral colors fool you, this dish was a taste explosion! The scallop was taken apart and then reconstituted into the round disc and accompanied by , celeriac puree, berries and camomile broth.
We were served two wild meat dishes, both duck from different parts of the bird. The leg was smoked and dolloped with truffle shavings and dripping with an elderberry sauce. The breast was served with beautiful grilled pear and wood sorrel which looks like a shamrock.
So it made me a bit homesick!
Dessert is always pretty much my favorite meal of the day….wait it isn’t a meal on its own? Well these three were hearty enough, yet not heavy, to be a meal! Beeswax Icecream with the pollen (which was also served on a bed of pollen) was very whimsical and the dried apples with sheeps yogurt was so cool, and I’m not just talking about temperature. Really it was awesome how they put that all together! But their signature “Naked Tree” is quite astonishing really. A very interesting combo of tastes. But since it is the land of Carlsberg, I guess everyone is into beer. And the frozen beer disc in the middle of the Smoked Beachwood Cream made it all look pretty too.
Since we were there to celebrate my birthday they also brought out a mini birthday cake. Love the toned down, peeled back version. Not the typical sugar laden buttercream type. It was three layers inside and totally delish! Along with that they brought out some mini sweets too! A caramel candy was as vibrant as the colorful Rose Hip sauce it was bathing in. While we were being served dessert wine we nibbled on the pumpkin seed cake, a chocolate cake ball with oats and sea buckthorn and a chocolate green egg.
One of the highlights of the whole journey was being served a tea that had been steeped in fresh herbs. It was heaven!
Though this lunch is out of most people’s budgets (including ours) it is a possibility. Everyone needs a dream to add some sparkle to their lives. Hubby and I don’t go out much and we never spend money on ourselves. But when we save and save, and then treat ourselves to a bucket list destination, it makes it that much more special. It really was the best birthday ever as we got to incorporate a foodie fieldtrip and enjoy Copenhagen together. Damien our waiter explained that some customers have come every year but during a different time of year to experience the changing menu. We had the “The Geranium Winter Universe” as they call it, but each season brings its own colors, ingredients and dynamic preparation and presentation. For me, this was such an incredible experience I will be digesting it for years to come.
Thanks to my Hubby with lots of love to him and all the great chefs at Geranium who made my birthday so special.
Foodie Love,
YDP
ps. Keep your own bucket list alive by adding to it and ticking something off the list every now and again. This visit to Geranium was a perfect example of that!
