Monday, May 20, 2013

Mango and Lime cooler

Summer is here and what better ways to enjoy great beverages after those long hours working in the garden or just chilling on those breezy summer evenings. Here is one of my most favorite non-alcoholic drink . Mango and Lime cooler . So refreshing with fresh mangoes and very easy to make.

INGREDIENTS :

2 ripe mangoes sliced and pureed
Juice from 2 limes plus the zest
Simple syrup (made from one part of sugar and 1 part of water - Boil until thick )
Ice
500 ml of soda or plain water


METHOD :

Mix the pureed mangoes , lime juice and zest plus the syrup
Add the chilled soda or plain water and ice
Mix well
Adjust lime juice and or syrup as required
Serve chilled


Easy and healthy fish en papillote

En papillote is a French style of cooking in which the food (fish, chicken or vegetables) is put into a folded parchment paper (Aluminum foil paper can be used as well) . The paper holds in the moisture while cooking the food while less or no oil is required thus making it a healthy way of cooking.

I decided to do a trout en papillote with fennel which was incredibly moist and tasty

INGREDIENTS

Trout fillet or any other fish or your choice
2 tbs of olive oil
Juice from one lemon
Salt and pepper
2 cloves of garlic crushed
1 Fennel sliced
A few thyme leaves


METHOD :

Wash fish and pat dry
Place slices of Fennel on parchment paper add a little bit of salt
Put fish on top of fennel slices rub with salt , pepper and garlic
Add lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil and place thyme leaves on top
Fold parchment paper on all sides to close it like a parcel
Place on a tray and bake at 375 degrees F for 15 to 20 mins




Quatre Quarts au citron

Quatre Quarts is a popular French cake from the region of Britany whereby the equal amount of Butter , Sugar , Flour and eggs are used . The end result is a tasty ,buttery pound cake like texture. I used individual molds to make mine but feel free to use a regular mold.

INGREDIENTS :

4 Eggs
1 Cup of sugar
1 Cup of self raising flour
1 Cup of butter
1/4 tsp of salt
Juice and zest of 2 lemons

METHOD :

Preheat oven at 350 degrees F
Melt butter and set aside
Beat eggs with sugar until the mixture becomes pale in color
Add flour and salt and beat slowly
Now add melted butter and whisk until well incorporated
Add lemon juice and zest
Pour in individual mold or a regular 9 x 9 mold and bake for 20-25 mins