01 Jan Scarecrow Summer Holiday Vibes
The year has drawn to its close, behind us challenges and successes, before us hope and opportunity. We know the ride ahead will inevitably take us on twists and turns we cannot fathom, but now is the time rest, build our resilience, and make time to think about how we will respond to the ups and downs 2023 will inevitably present us with.
Summer adventures, large or small, are so liberating – how nice it would be to take that elevated mood with us into the new year. For me, I find the sea so healing and powerful, it would be a huge achievement for me to just swim a little more regularly and this should be an achievable goal. I wonder what your ‘medicine’ is for invigorating and liberating yourself? Finally we have some warm weather and sunshine to accompany us on the vacations. Let’s make the most of them!
Traditions often dictate food choices over the festive season – big meals, indulgent desserts, and too much work for some! That’s a really good reason to remember to simplify – often it’s the simplest thing that is the most delicious! So, I suggest you keep your eyes out for the wonderful stone fruit that is coming into season. Here’s a list of nice and simple ways to prepare and use it.
Roasted Stone Fruits
Slice fruit into thick wedges (no need to skin it). Firmer fruit such as peaches and nectarines are an excellent combo and ideal for this. Toss your fruit into a buttered roasting pan, sprinkle with a little raw sugar and roast it for about 20 minutes (slightly charred edges are extra yummy, you can turn your grill on for 5 minutes – but don’t get distracted, you need to keep your eyes on the fruit!). Want to get a little fancy? Add some garden thyme or finely chopped rosemary to the roasting fruit. Maybe some maple syrup is hanging around in your pantry, add a drizzle to the roasting fruit when you pull it out of the oven.
Use the fruit warm or cold.
Try roasting some shallots in olive oil with garlic cloves, salt and chill. Gently mix this with your roasted stone fruit, drizzle with a good balsamic, this makes a beautiful accompaniment for grilled or roasted poultry, particularly duck. Serve with a quick rocket and green bean salad, some ‘crushed’ potatoes finished with parsley, a sprinkle of flaky salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
Roasted fruits are delicious with cheese. Make a mixed leaf salad with mozzarella or bocconcini and spring onions or chives, or with feta, walnuts and some finely sliced red onions, sprinkle with roasted fruits. Make a zesty salad dressing and add some toasted seeds on top. Or, serve roasted stone fruits for dessert, warmed and spooned over good ice cream, maybe some toasted, chopped hazelnuts sprinkled on top. Don’t be discouraged if you’re camping – ‘roast’ your fruit in a pan over a fire!
Bon appetit, have a wonderful and safe summer, and lots of pleasure with family and friends! Don’t spend too much time in the kitchen..!
Alison
|
|
