sailing kitchen, the_ food crea - lara reynolds.pdf

Publishedby

TheCinnamonPress

Emailhello@thecinnamonpress.com

Webwww.thecinnamonpress.com

Firstpublishedasane-bookeditioninSeptember2015

ISBN978-0-646-94481-4

©2015TheCinnamonPress

AllRightsReserved.

Author

LaraReynolds

Designer

MelissaDumas

Illustrator

ChristineHill

Photographer

AnnasaVerd

NOTICEOFRIGHTS

Nopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproducedinanymanner,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,orotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher,exceptinthecontextofreviews.

Formoreinformationongettingpermissionforreprintsandexcerpts,contacthello@thecinnamon.com.

Reasonableattempthasbeenmadetoidentifyownersofcopyright.

Errorsoromissionswillbecorrectedinsubsequenteditions.

NOTICEOFLIABILITY

Theinformationinthisbookisdistributedonan“asis”basiswithoutwarranty.Whileeveryprecautionhasbeentakeninthepreparationofthebook,neithertheauthornorTheCinnamonPressshallhaveanyliabilitytoanypersonorentitywith

respecttoanylossordamagecausedorallegedtobecauseddirectlyorindirectlybytheinstructionscontainedinthisbook.

ABOUTTHECOOKLaraReynoldsisanaccomplishedculinaryexpertwithyearsofcookingandadventureexperienceuphersleeve.

Makingscrapboxesofrecipes,foodpicturesandstartingapersonalChristmascakebusinessat15yearsold,itwasclearLarawasgoingtofollowthecareerpathofhospitality.OnceLarasuccessfullycompletedaChefcourseatUltimoTaféinSydney,shewentofftoworkforseveralAustralianmagazinetitlesasarecipedeveloper/writer/photochef,assistchefsanddemonstratorsatSydneySeafoodCookingSchoolaswellascateringforprivateevents,helpingfriendssetuprestaurantsinSpainandhostingundergrounddinnerpartiesinLondonandAmsterdam.

Forthepastfewyears,Larahastakenonthechallengeofcreatingmouth-wateringdishesfromthegalleyofa75footyachtformanyguestsandcrewmembersastheysailaroundtheGreekIslandsoftheIoniansea.Manytipsandtrickswereexchangedwithlocalproducesandothergalleycooksalongtheway.Particularlyaboutbeingorganised,nottobeafraidofcannedvegetables,ensuringeverythingisstoredawaybeforesailingandpurchaseproduceonlyasyouneedit.Takingallthisadviceonboard,Laraisabletocombinebeautifulfreshseasonalproduceandlonglifeproductswhenmakingmealsandaccompanimentsinagalley’thesizeofashoebox’.

LaradrawsmuchofherinspirationforcookingfromherEuropeangrandparents,parents,brotherandfromherbelovedhomelandAustralia,whichshereturnstoonceayear.AlsospendingpartofherlifeinTheNetherlands,Laraisluckyenoughtocontinuehavingadventureswithmanyofherfriendsbeingdevotedfoodies.

FuturepopuprestaurantsandcooksbooksareonthehorizonforLaraReynolds.Keepaneyeoutforthisfearlesscook!

SUN,MOUNTAINSANDSEA…WelcometothestunningturquoisekissedMediterraneanSea.

Whetheryoulovetosailornot,thereissomethingenthrallingabouthoistingupthesailsandfollowingthewind.Feelingthesprayofsaltyseawaterbrushingagainstyourface,thesoundoftheseaengulfingthebodyoftheboatandtherushofthewindroaringpastyourears…itisusuallyafterthisadrenalinerushwhenonewilltakeofftothebarannouncingtheirproudmoment;relishingtheirexperiencesoutatseaorcelebratingtheadventurewithascrumptiousmealondeck.

Cookingontheyachtisanythingbutsmoothsailinghowever,weallknow,theseacreatesanappetite.So,Ioftenhearthroughouttheday,“What’scooking?”

Thisbookisacompilationofvariousdishescreatedbymyselfinmy‘sailingkitchen’inspiredbyandforourguestswhilstsailingaroundtheGreekIslands.Theyarequick,simpleandfeatureingredientsyoucanpurchasearoundtheMediterranean.Maythisbookprovideyouwithsupportinthekitchenandkeepyourpanicstationsatbay.

Remembertokeepitsimpleandusebeautifulfreshherbstodressupyourdishes.Haveabasicvisionforyourmenu,butmostimportantly,takeastroll

throughthemarketsandcreateyourmenuaccordingtowhat’sseasonal.

Ihopeyouenjoymakingandeatingeachdishasmuchaswehave.

HappyCookingandkeepfollowingthesun.

GALLEYNOTESALLMEASUREMENTSAREINAUSTRALIANSTANDARDMETRIC.

1Australianmetricmeasuringcupholds250mLs,

tablespoon=tbsp

1Australianmetrictablespoonholds20mLs

teaspoon=tsp

1Australianmetricteaspoonholds5mLs

1egg=max.60g

AllmilkandcreamusedisfullfatUHT

Alleggsusedasfree-range

Allbutterusedisun-saltedunlessotherwisespecified

OVENTEMPERATURES

Gasmark1=140CCool

Gasmark2=150CCool

Gasmark3=170CVerymoderate

Gasmark4=180CModerate

Gasmark5=190CModerate

Gasmark6=200CModeratelyhot

Gasmark7=220CHot

BASICESSENTIALS:EQUIPMENTBasicknivesforchoppingandcutting/slicingbread

Measuringcupsand/orscales/weights

Measuringspoons

Measuringjugs

Small,medium,largemixingbowls(plastic)

1woodenchoppingboardforbread

4plasticchoppingboardsoneeachforvegetables,cookedmeats,rawmeats,rawseafood

Boxgraterandmicro-plane

Vegetablepeeler

Woodenspoon,slottedmetalspoonandspatula

Colanderandfinemeshstrainer

Severalpairsoftongs

3fryingpansatvarioussizessuitabletoyourstove-top

Saucepans(withoutplasticcoveringsonhandlesastheymelteasilyonthestovetop)

20/22cmroundand20cmsquarecakepan,1x61cupcapacitycupcaketray

Bakingdishinasuitablesizetoyouroven

Casseroledish

Handheldbeaters

Stickblender

PANTRYBASICSSPICESANDDRIEDHERBS

oregano

mint

sumac

groundcinnamon

groundcumin

groundsweetandsmokedpaprika

allspice/mixedspice

onionflakes

mildcurrypowder

OILS

vegetable

olive(extraandregular)

sesameseedoil

VINEGARS

balsamic

redwine

white

MUSTARDS

dijon

wholegrain

GRAINS,PULSESANDWHEATPRODUCTS

whitelonggrainrice

brownrice

lentils(driedorcanned)

cannedkidneybeans

varietyofpasta’s

LONGLIFEPRODUCTS

canneddicedtomatoes

cannedbeetroot

olives(blackandgreen-pittedifpossible)

jarsofroastpeppers

cannedtuna,anchoviesandsardines

honey

sugar

teabags

instantcoffee

plainandselfraisingflour

bakingpowder

bicarbonatesoda

cocoapowder

tomatopaste

ketchup

soysauce

sweetchillisauce

coconutmilkorcream

desiccatedcoconut

driedraisinsorsultanas

cannedpeaches

vanillaextract

STORAGEDependingonthesizeofyourgalley,you’llbeblessedeitherwaywithalotofspaceorlimitedspace.I’mfortunateenoughtohavethelatteroptionandyouknowwhat,it’smademealotmorecreativeandmywashinguploadistiny.I’velearnttowashasyougo.

Onceyouhavefinishedwithonepieceofequipmentwashitupandputitaway–simpleasthat.Havingoneofeverythingalsominimizesthepossibilityofclutter.

GreattipIcanofferyouistotryandfindstoragecontainersthatyoucanstackintooneanotherwhennotinuse.OnebrandIknowdoeswellwiththatisTupperware.Checkouttheirsiteforideasandinspirationwww.tupperware.com

Continuesover>>

INREGARDSTOSTORINGPANTRYITEMSIFOLLOWTHESERULESWHILSTOUTATSEA:

-Buysqueeziebottlesofsaucessuchasketchup,mayonnaiseandmustardwheneveryoucan.Thiswillpreventcontaminationsforexample–doubledippingdirtyspoons;knivesinjarscancausenastyspreadofbacteria.Ifyouonlybuyjars,ensureyoudon’tdoubledip.Personally,Idon’tstoreopenedjarsofmayonnaiseinthefridgeandhavefoundguestsandmyselfhavenotfallenilltofoodpoisoning.

-Bread,cheesecanbewrappedinbutcher'spaperorbrownpaperbag.Istorebreadintheovenandwrappedcheeseinaplasticcontainerinthecoolestpartofthefridge.

-Whenitcomestopurchasingfreshproduce,buyonlyenoughforwhatyou

need.Tryandbuyproductsthatareasfreshaspossible.Avoidbuyingrefrigeratedvegetables/fruitorpackedinplasticcontainers,unlessyoucankeepthemrefrigerated.IalsoavoidwashingmyfruitandvegetablesuntilIneedthem.Youmustensuretheyarewelldriedotherwiseanyextramoisturewillmaketheproducerot.

-Ihavealsoheardofwashingproduceinsolutionofvinegarandwaterroughly1:10ratio.Believedtoextendthelifespanofvegetablesforlonghauljourneys.

-Forstoragekeepproduceindark,coolandwell-ventilatedareasoftheboat.Makehangingbasketsoutofplasticcontainerstostoreyourfruitandvegetables,Infact,theycouldhavealongerstoragelifestoredoutofthefridge.YoucanfindmanyDIYprojectsonYouTube.

-Flours,bakingpowder,bicarbonatesoda,coffeeandsugarsmustbestoredinairtightcontainerstoeliminatethepossibilityofmoisturegettingintotheproductandmakingitdryandclumpy.

SEASICKNESSREMEDIESWeallknowthemotionoftheoceancanturnusgreenatthegills..Imyselffounditpainfuloutatseaduringmyfirstfewweeksontheyacht.IjusthadtolookattheseafromthedeckandIwasreadytoheave.

Mypersonalremedywastosimplygodownbelowinmygalleyandcookmyheartout.Ifacedtherollingaction,whichisfeltmostlyinthelowersectionoftheboatheadonandtriedmybesttoembracethesea’snaturalmovement.Concentratingonsomethingelseandalotofdeepbreathingsoonenoughcuredmyseasickness.

HereareafewmoreremediesworthtryingthatIalsofoundusefulalongtheway:

-Eatingagreenapple

-Suckingongingerlollies,gingerbiscuitsandsippinggingertea

-Wristbandswithpressureballs

BEMINDFULOF…-Howmuchwateryouuse.Remembertouseonlywhatyouneedandturnthetapoffwhenwaterisnotinuse.Unlessyouhavealargewatertankatyourdisposal;-)

-Thegasbottle.Alwayshaveasparegasbottleontheboatsoyoucanmakeachangeoverwheneverthebottlerunsempty

-Importantly,don’tthrowanyfoodscrapsoverboard.Thereareseveralopinionsoutthereaboutthistopic,butmyopinionistobesensitivetotheenvironmentandkeepourwaterwayscleanofwaste.

-Iftravellinglongdistanceandhavecannedfoodinyourstorage,ripoffthelabelanduseapermanentmarkertolabelthecanaccordingly.

-Alwaysdoublebinyourrubbishbinsasitishighlylikelybagswillspilt(commonlygettingcaughtontheinstrumentsondeck)andbinjuicewillspreadthroughtheboatasyouaredisembarkingtheyachttodiscardtherubbishonland.

-Keepcardboardboxesofftheyachttoavoidunnecessaryinsectscomingand/orhatchingontheyacht.

CONTENTSWHAT’SCOOKING….

ABOVEDECK-BREKKY

FluffyOrangePikeletswithCaramelisedFruitandGoldenGoddessCaramelCoconutSauce

SmashedBlackPepperStrawberries,yoghurtandhoneypots

5minuteGranola

PlumLemonandAmarettoCake

GreekStyleEggs

Brekkyinahurry–Bakedfeta

JR’SScrambledEggs

DecadentBaconButtyorSarni

Bouncer

3WAYSWITH…

CABBAGE

ItalianSlawCabbageSalad

AsianSlaw

PickledCabbage

POTATOES

CreamyWarmPotatoSalad

IndianPotatoes

Bubi’sPotatoandCucumberSalad

RICE

GingerandOrangeRice

JewelledRice

WhiteRiceCucumberandChilli(SushiSalad)

TUNA

3alternativerecipes

SALADS

3Melon,Feta,Olive,OnionandParsleySalad

BeetrootwithMintandFeta

SummerLentilSalad

GreenBeanandFetaSalad

CarrotandRaisinSalad

MANGIA!MANGIA!PASTA

RagazziPenne

PeppersandAlmondPasta

ChickeninRedSauce

FRUITSOFTHESEA

PrawnandFetaSaganaki

GreekStylePan-FriedFishPsariSavori

TunaFishCakes

FEELINGCHEESY

BakedCamembert

StuffedPeppers

CheesyBalls

FetaandSundriedTomato,OreganoImpossiblePie

MEATY

Meatballswithatwist

Pork,HoneyandRosemaryKebab’s

SeasideChickenGenovese

Dedi’sChickenWings

DROPANCHOR–NIBBLESWITHDRINKS

MarinadeforOlives

BarNuts

QuickpickledCarrotandCucumberStickswithLabna

TripleDeckBakedGreekCheeseSoldiers

Courgette/ZucchiniBruschetta

SWEETDREAMS

ChocolateBananaBoats

RichCaramelAppleCrumble

ChocolateandCoffee(BIRTHDAY)Cake

BakedYoghurtPeaches

BEVERAGES

Ouzo

Retsina

Tsipouro

Raki

Mastikaliquor

FrappéCoffee

STAPLES

CaramelisedFruit

ToastedRice

1,2,3FlatBread

CreamySaladDressing

TahiniDressing

SimplePastaMustardSaladDressing

MarinatedRaisins

CaramelisedOnions

Labna

5IngredientSalsa

ABOVEDECK-BREKKYThefirstandmostimportantmealoftheday-Brekky,aswerefertoitinAustralia,ismyfavouritemealofthedaytoprepare.Crewandguestsalwaysenjoybrekkyonthedeckinthecockpitlookingattheendlessblueseasandsoakingupthewarmmorningsunrays.

Breakfastactuallymeans,breakingthefast–andontheyachtIcertainlymakesurenoonegoeshungrybyprovidingabuffetstylebrekkyinTheSalonfeaturingfruitjuicessuchasappleandorange,platesofseasonalfruit,varietyofcereals,thickGreekyoghurt,plateofcoldmeatssuchasham,turkeybreastandsalami,breakfastcake,sweetbiscuits,crackers,poachedfruitandoneortwoofthetreatsthatfollow….

FLUFFYORANGEPIKELETSWITHGOLDENGODDESSCARAMELCOCONUTSAUCEANDCARAMELISEDFRUIT

NostalgicmemoriesflowbacktomethemomentIbegintopreparepikelets.IadoremakingpikeletssimplybecausetheymakemefeellikeIamathomewithfamily.EverySundaysomeoneinTheReynoldshouseholdwouldwhipupabatchofpikelets.

MyGreatAuntywouldalsoservethesewiththickcreamandstrawberriesforafternoontea.Atreatindeedandafavouritewithmanyoftheguestsholidayingon-boardtheyacht.Thisisawonderfulrecipetomakewithchildrenandperfectfirstentryintotheirpersonalcookbook.

And,thesepikeletsareafavouriteofthecaptain’ssobigTIPtothegalleycook:gettoknowwhatthecrew,particularlythecaptain’sfavouritedishesareandfeedhim/herwiththeirfavouriteseverynowandthen.

Believeme,it’sworththeeffort!

FLUFFYORANGEPIKELETSWITHGOLDENGODDESSCARAMELCOCONUTSAUCEANDCARAMELISEDFRUIT-Makesabout22-

-GathertheIngredients-

PIKLETS

1¼cupselfrisingflour1-2tablespoonrawsugar1cupfullfatmilk1egg,lightlybeaten1tablespoongoldensyrup/honey1teaspoonfinelygratednon-waxedorangezest(skin)½teaspoonbicarbonatesodamixedwith1teaspoonfullcreammilk–prepareandaddjustbeforecookingpinchofsaltafewknobsofbutterforcooking

COCONUTCARAMELSAUCE

30gunsaltedbutter1/3cupsoftbrownsugar,firmlypacked250mlUHTcream,shakenwell¼cupdesiccatedcoconut1tspvanillaextract

-Let’sgetcooking-

Beginwiththepikelets.Siftdryingredientstogetherinamediumbowl.Whiskmilk,egg,syrupandzesttogether,thenaddtodryingredients,whiskinguntilsmooth.Standmixturefor15minutes.Thenwhiskinbicarbonatesodamixturejustbeforecooking.

NowontotheCaramelSauce;meltbutterinasmallsaucepanovermediumheatforabout1minuteuntilnuttyincolour.Whenbutterisfoaming,addbrownsugar,

stirtocombine;cookforabout1minuteuntilmixturebeginstosmelldivineandsugarisdissolvingandbubbling.Takeoffheat;stirincream,coconutandvanilla,whiskingquicklyuntilwellcombined.Placebackonheatforabout2minutes,whiskinguntilmixturehasthickenedslightly.Coverandsetasideuntilreadytoserve.

Stirbicarbonatesodaandmilkmixturetogetherandpourintothebatter,stirtocombine.

Heat(preferably)anon-stickmediumfrypanovermediumheatandaddalittleoftheextrabutter.Swirlbuttertocoatbottomofthepan.Whenbutterisfoaming,dropleveltablespoonfulsofthemixtureintothepanandcookforhalfaminuteoruntilbubblesappearonthesurface.

Flipoverpikeletsandcookforafurtherminuteuntilgolden.Transfertoaservingplate,covertokeepwarmandcontinuewithremainingingredients.

Serveimmediatelytoppedwithcaramelisedfruit,foundonthestaplespageandgoddesscaramelsauce.Sprinklegroundcinnamonifyoulike.

TIPKnowhowtomakeyourownself-raisingflour.Sift1-cupplainflourwith2teaspoonsbakingpowder.Thelastminuteadditionofthebicarbonatesodaandmilkcombinationisthevitaltoolgivingthepikeletmixtureitsfinalliftandfluffytextureoncecooked.

SMASHEDBLACKPEPPERSTRAWBERRIES,YOGHURTANDHONEYPOTS

ArevelationtoStrawberriesdiscoveredbackintheearly90’sandstillafavouriteofmine.Blackpepperdrawsoutthesweetnessfromthestrawberries.InspirationforthisdishcamefromacornershopinthebeautifulseatownofAssos,Cephalonia.Therewere3punnetsoftheplumprubystrawberriessittingonthecounterwhereIpickupdailymorningbreadandIjusthadtohavethem.

IusuallymakethisinthebeginningoftheseasonwhenStrawberriesareplentiful.Thisisagreatrecipeforusingmarkedorbruisedstrawberries.Thecontrastofthevibrantredstrawberriesandthecreamywhiteyoghurtmakethisbrekkyasimpleyetimpressivebreakfasttoserveyourguestsorlovedone.

Goonandgivethisclassicatry.

-GathertheIngredients-

2punnetsripestrawberries,greentopsremoved,halved1-2tablespoonrawcastersugar,dependingonnaturalsweetnessfromthestrawberries½tspfreshlygroundblackpepper250gtubplainthickyoghurt1tablespoonfreshmintleaves,finelysliced,plusextratoserveHoneytoserve

-Let’sgetcooking-

Tossstrawberries,sugarandblackpeppertogetherinalargebowl.Standfor15minutes,allowingstrawberriestosoftenandreleasetheirjuices.Mashstrawberrieswiththebackofafolk,keepingthestrawberrieschunky.Seasontotaste–mayneedmoresugarorblackpepper.

Swirlhalfoftheberrymixtureand1tablespoonfreshmintthroughyoghurt.Divideremainingblackpepperstrawberrymixtureevenlyinto4glasses.Topwithflavouredyoghurt,swirlofhoneyandmintleaves.

5MINUTEGRANOLA

Atwistontheusualoats.This5MinuteGranolaiseasyandquicktopreparenottomentionthedelightfulheadyscentofspicesandsweetnessgreetingguestsinthemorningastheyrisetoagloriousSummer’sday.

AnAMwinneronallregards!

-Makesabout3cups--GathertheIngredients-

¼cuplightoliveoil¼cupblossomhoney1/3cupdesiccatedcoconut2tablespoonswhitesesameseeds2cupsrolledoats½cupdriedcranberriesoryourfavouritedriedfruit½to1teaspoongroundedcinnamonormixedspice

-Let’sgetcooking-

Heatoilandhoneyinalargefrypanovermedium-highheat,stirringuntiljustwarmedthrough.Stirinsesameseedsandcoconut;cookstirringuntilgolden,2-3minutes.Addoatsforafurther2-3minutes;cookstirringandtossingwith2spoons,untilgoldenbrown.Stirthroughcranberriesandgroundcinnamon.Spreadonatraytocool.

StoreinscrewtopjarsoraddalayerofittotheBlackPepperStrawberrypots.

NOTETheprepackaged,pre-mademuesliwebuyinthesupermarketsarebecomingahealthieroptionhowever,manyarestilllacedwithsugarandfat.Withthishomemadegranolarecipe,youareincontrolwithwhatyouareaddingandusinghealthyoils.Besttomakethisgranolainsmallbatchesasthesesameseedscangooffinhotelementsandbecomeclumpyduetothehumidity.

PLUM,LEMONANDAMARETTOCAKE

Lusciousbreakfastorafternoonteacake-thechoiceisyours.Thiscakeistheperfectadditiontoacontinentalstylebreakfast.EnjoyedwithadollopofthickcreamyGreekyoghurtoronit’sownaccompaniedbyacomfortingcupoftea.

Thiscakeactuallywasoriginallyamuffinrecipe,howeverIhadlentmysiliconcupcakeholderstoaneighboringyachtinpicturesquePortAtherinos,Meganissi.Themouldswereleftonourdeckbeforeleavingintheearlyhoursandhaveneverbeenseenagain.Itwasawindymorningsomyguessistheyarenowcommittedtoalifetimeofswimming.

Again,Ibelieveintakingcareofthosearoundme,soIwilloftengivehalfofthiscaketotheadventurousandhelpfulownersoftheportandTavernainPortSpillia,Meganissi.

-GathertheIngredients-

4smallripeplums,quartered,seedsremoved2tablespoonsamarettoliquororlemonjuice200gselfraisingflour100grawcastersugar,plusanextratablespoon1tspbakingpowderFinelygratedlemonzestfrom1smalllemon(try&getyourhandsonbackyardgrownlemon)150mlfullfatmilk80mlneutralflavouredoil1egg,lightlybeaten1teaspoonvanillaextract(optional)

-Let'sgetbaking-

Inasmallsaucepan,tossplums&extrasugartogether.Placeoverhighheatandcookplumsforabout3-4minutes,turninghalfwaythroughcooking,untilplumsbecomeslightlybrownedandbegintoreleasetheirjuices.Addamarettoorlemonjuice.Cook&tossoccasionallyforabout2minutesoruntilplumsaretender.Removefromheat&setasidetocool.

Pre-heatovento180C.Grease&linebaseandsidesofa20cmsquarecake/slicepan-leavepapertooverhangabout2cmonallsides.Mixdryingredientsalongwithlemonzest,togetherinabowl.Whiskwetingredientsinajug.Addwettodry&stiruntiljustcombined.Youwanttoseelumpsastheywillgiveyouatendercake.

Spoonbatterintoprepareddish.Smoothtopwithbackofawetspoon;dollopplumsontop,pressingthemintobatter.Bakefor25minutes,untilcookedwhentestedwithawoodenskewer.Leavetostandfor5minutesbeforeremovingfromdish.ServewarmwithadollopofthickGreekyoghurt,drizzleofhoney&sprinkleofcinnamonifyousodesire.

TIPCoverwithfoil,halfwaythroughbakingiftopisbeginningtobrowntoomuch.

GREEKSTYLEEGGS

Thankstothelittlepunchofheatandblastofprotein,theseGreekeggsareconsideredtheperfect‘morningafter’brekkyastheyareboundtosoakuplastnight'stoxinsandgiveyouagreatenergyboostforthedailysailingventuresthatlayahead.GreekEggsareperfectlypartneredwithathicksliceofbutterywoodfirebreadboughtfreshfromthelocalbakery.Yum!

-GathertheIngredients-

1mediumredonion,finelysliced2garliccloves,sliced250govenroastedredcapsicums/peppers400gcandicedtomatoes180gfeta,drained3teaspoonsdriedoreganoormint

1teaspoongroundcinnamon1teaspoonsumac4eggsOliveoilExtrafeta,olives,sumacandMint/Greekbasiltogarnish-Let’sgetcooking-

Inasaucepan,sautéonionsinoilfor3-4minutesuntiltenderandgolden.Stiringarlicandapinchofsalt;cookabout1minuteuntilfragrant–stirringoccasionallytopreventonionsfromcatchingtothebottomofthepan.

Stirinpeppers,dicedtomatoes,1tomatocannedfilledwithwater,driedoregano,cinnamonand1teaspoonsugar.Bringtotheboil.Thensimmercoveredfor10minutes.

Usingthebackofalargespoon,make4dipsinthesaucethencrackaneggintoeachone.Coverpanwithlid,cookoveralowheatfor5-6minutes.Removelid.Topwithchunksoffeta;cookforafurther2-3minutesoruntileggsarecookedtoyourliking.Standforafewminutesbeforeserving.Scatterwitholives,sumacandfreshmint/GreekBasilleaves.Servewithcrunchybread.

DIDYOUKNOW…SumacisapowderedformofadriedberrythatgrowsfromawildbusharoundtheMediterraneanareas.Aromaticinscentwithlemonytangy!Lovelysprinkledovertomatosaladsandonrawlambbeforebeinggrilled.

BREKKYINAHURRY-BAKEDFETA

Unassumingandachangefromtheusualtastycheesebreakfastoption.

Take250gfeta,oliveoil,4slicesoftomatoes,driedthymeandtoastedsesameseeds.Place250gfetaonasheetofbakingpaper.Seasonwithpepperand2teaspoonsdriedthyme.Topwith4slicesoftomatoandscatterover2tablespoonsofsesameseeds.Drizzlewitholiveoil.Wrapinfoilandcookin180Covenfor15minutes.Serveimmediatelywithsqueezeoflemonjuice,slicesofcucumberandwhitewoodfirebread.

JR’SSCRAMBLEDEGGS

MydadisthekingofscrambledeggsandeverytimeImaketheseeggsforguests,theyareeagerlyawaitingtowatchmemakethemagain.

Whisk2eggsperperson,smallhandfuloftornfreshparsleyleavesand2tablespoonsperpersonoffinelygratedParmesancheese.Heatpanovermediumheatwith30gbutter,swirlaroundthepanensurethebaseofthepaniscovered.Whenbutterbeingstofoam,poureggymixtureintopan.Stirwithaspatula,goingfromtheedgesfoldingintothemiddlegentlyuntileggcurdslooksilky.Takeoffheatwheneggsbegintojustset.Serveimmediatelywithcrunchybreadorwrappedinhomemade1,2,3Bread(foundintheSTAPLESsection).

DECADENTBACONBUTTYORSARNI

Salty.Buttery.Tomato/BBQsauce.Whitebread–thatisit.

Alsoknownasabaconsandwich.Ifirstwasintroducedtothiscreationonmy2ndyearashostessontheyacht.WewerefreeanchoredoutinwatersofVasseliki,Lefkada,notabletogointotownontheribduetotheheavyrainandstorminourmists.

AfewEnglishguestsrequestedabaconbuttyforbreakfast.Wewerestuckoutatseaanditwastooroughtoheadintoshore.

Ithoughttomyselfwhatonearthisabaconbutty?WellIknewbaconwassomehowinvolvedinitanditwasbreakfasttimesothereIwasslicingloavesofwhitebreadandfryingrashesofbacon…thescentsentmoregueststothegalleyrequestingoneofthesebutties…Iquietlyaskedoneofthechildren,“howdoyouhaveyourbutty?”“Ummm…likedad’s”Ihadachuckleandthought,“great”.

Ihadtomakethebreadstretchanditwasalso2daysoldsoIwasfryingitinthepanwiththebaconjuicestogiveitawellneededboost.SoonIheardoneoftheguestssay,“what’stakingsolong?”Thesaucerequestscameflyinginthenboom,bacononbuttery,bacondrippingsoakedbread,sauceandrashesofbaconontop.“Ihopethisisright”andyes,itcertainlywasgoingbythequietnessintheSaloon.

Bestthingaboutthisbrekkyisthesimplicity–don’tcomplicatethings.However,comingfromAustralia,Ican’thelpbutaddslicesofjuicypan-friedtomatoandmashedvibrantgreenavocado–alittleracy,Iknow!

Seerecipeonthenextpage>>

DECEDENTBACONBUTTYORSARNI-GathertheIngredients-

½teaspoonsmokedpaprika60gsaltedbutter,softened1-2tablespoonsrawsugar12slicesofstreakybacon2mediumripetomatoes,slicedinto8slices4softwhitebuns,split1ripeavocado,seedremovedSauceofyourchoice–tomatoorBBQ

-Let’sgetcooking-.

Preheatoven-grillandline2trayswithbakingpaper.Combinebutterandpaprikawell.Seasonandspreadonbothhalvesofbread.Arrangebread,baconandtomatoesontrays;overlappingifneedbe.

Sprinklesugaroverbothsidesofbaconandtomatoes.Cookfor5minutesoruntilgolden,turninghalfwaythrough.Removebreadearlierifgoldenandtoasty.Spreadtoastedbreadwithripeavocado,topbasewithbacon,tomatoslicesandsauce.Coverwiththewhitebuntop.

TIPAtouchofsugaronthetomatoesbringsoutthesweetness.Omitsugarandusehoneyonthebaconifyouwish–mightneedtocomeout1-2minutesearlier.

BOUNCER

BounceristheEnglishtranslationfromUitsmijter;aniconicDutchbreakfastorlunchtimemealparticularlyenjoyedovertheweekend.TherearemanyvariationsandthisversionwasthefirstdishmyDutchboyfriendcookedformeinourearlystagesofdating.

Rumourhasit,thetitleofthisdishderivedfromlatenightcafésservingpatronstheirlastmealbeforebeingkickedout…or‘bounced’outatclosingtime.

Youwantsuperfresheggsforthisdishsoaskaroundtheislandifanyonehaschooksandfindyourselfarelativelyfreshlylaidegg…flavourisoutstanding!

Etensmaaklekker–Enjoyyourmeal!

-GathertheIngredients-

8slicesfreshwhitebread(it’samust,brownbreadwon’tdo)80gsaltedbutter,softened1tablespoonsDijonmustard8eggs8slicesofthinlyslicedsmokedham8squareslicesGoudacheeseorcheeseofyourchoice

-Let’sgetcooking-

Spreadeachsliceofbreadwithalittlebutterandmustard.Melthalfthebutterin2mediumfryingpans.Crack4eggsintoeachpan.Cookfor1minute,untilwhitesbegintofirmup.Topwithhamandcheeseslices.

Cookforafurther2-3minutesoruntileggsarecookedtoyourliking.Liftcheesyeggsontoslicesofwhitebread.Serveandeatimmediately.

NOTEItmightseemlikealotofbutterinthisrecipebutjustrememberyoudon’teatthiseveryday.Oilwon’tdo,youmustusebutter.

3WAYSWITHCABBAGECabbageisoneofthoseversatilevegetablesprovidingmoresubstancetosaladthanlettuceandcanstarasasupertastysidedish.Mostimportantly,ittakesawhileforthisvegetabletogooffanddeteriorate.So,thesearetheperfectrecipesifyourrefrigeratorelementsarenotuptoscratchwhilstoutatsea.

InspirationforbothoftheserecipescamefrommyearlycookingdaysinEuropewhenIwashelpingafriendopenuparestaurantinBarcelona.TheItalianslawwouldaccompanyPorkandFennelmeatballs…itwasaheavenlycombination,andcompletecrowdpleaser.Ifyouarefeelingfancy,finishthesaladwithadrizzleofTruffleinfusedoliveoil.Youareboundtohearmoansoffoodiesatisfactionatthetable.

ITALIANSLAWCABBAGESALAD-GathertheIngredients-…

350ggreencabbageor½asmallgreencabbage,finelyshreddedorsliced1smallbunchorlargehandfuloffreshparsley,finelychopped-usetheleavesandstalksJuicefrom2non-waxedlemonszestfrom1non-waxedlemon½cupoliveoilorflavouredoilLargehandfuloffinelygratedParmesancheese,plusextraforgarnishPinchofdriedchillitoaddabitoffiretoyourafternoon(optional)

-Let’sgettossing-

Tossallingredientstogetherinalargebowluntilwellcombinedandseasontotaste.ServetoppedwithextragratedParmesancheeseandashoweroftorn

parsleyleaves.

TIPParsleycanbeusedmorethanjustagarnish.Insteadofdiscardingparsleystalks,finelychopandtossthroughyoursaladsorpastasauces.Butwhencookingwithparsleystalks,tossthemthroughthesauceatlastminuteaslongperiodsofcookingcanturnthesaucebitter.

ASIANSLAW

Thissaladisburstingwithcolourandflavour!Refreshingandperfectalongsidegrilledchickenskewersoronameatysausagesandwich.

-GathertheIngredients-

DRESSING

1orange½cupoliveoil2tablespoonssoysauce2tablespoonmaltvinegar½cupsultanas2tablespoonssoftbrownsugarorhoneyPinchdriedchilliflakes(optional)

350gpurplecabbage,finelyshreddedsesameseedoiltodrizzle

-Let’sgettossing-

Removethezestfromoneorange.Peeltheorangethenthinlysliceorangeflesh.Whiskdressingingredientstogetherinalargebowl.Seasontotaste.

Addcabbageandtossuntilwellcoated.Stand10minutesbeforeserving.Again,seasontotaste.Garnishwithorangesanddrizzleofsesameseedoil.

PICKLEDCABBAGE

Thiseasyquick-pickledcabbageiscrunchy,sweetandsalty.Itmakestheperfectsidedishwithporkandworkswellwithoption1intheTUNAchapter.

-GathertheIngredients-

¼cupwhitevinegar¼cuprawcastersugar1tspdriedchilliflakesPinchofsalt½cuproastedsaltedpeanuts,roughlychopped350gwhitecabbage,roughlychoppedSesameSeedoiltoserve

-Let’sgettossing-

Whiskvinegarandsugartogetherinalargebowl,untilsugarhasdissolved.Addremainingingredients.Standfor1hourbeforeservingtoallowflavourstodevelopandcabbagetosoften.DrizzlewithSesameSeedoilwhenreadytoserve.

TIPStorecabbageincoolplaceandprotectitfromtoomuchbruising.Cabbagewillbethenewlettuceduetoitssturdierleaf.

3WAYSWITHPOTATOESBelieveitornot,theoldstarchypotatocontainsahighlevelofvitaminC…particularlyundertheskin.Formostoftheserecipesyoucansimplyscrubthepotatoes,insteadofpeeling.Notonlydoesthisdecreaseyourwork-loadinthegalleybutalsoreducesmessandwaste.Ontheupside,youareboostingyourvitaminintakeandkeepingthekidshappy!Plus,potatoesdon’thavetoberefrigerated;simplystoretheminacooldarkplace,inalooseknitbagandusethemasyouwish.

CREAMYWARMPOTATOSALAD-GathertheIngredients-

250mlfullfatmilk250mlcream30gsaltedbutter½chickenstockcube2garliccloves,squashedwithbackofaknife1redonion,finelysliced4wholecloves1bayleaf,crushedinyourhandtoreleasearomasGreenherbstoserveifdesired750gpotatoes,peeledorscrubbedwell

-Let’sgetcooking-

Combineallingredients,apartfromthepotato,togetherinasmallsaucepan;bringtotheboilthenreduceandsimmeruncoveredforabout10minutes–keepaneyeonitsothemixturedoesn’toverflow.Setasideandleavetosteepfor½hour.

Meanwhile,par-boilpotatoesfor8-10minutesuntiltenderwhentestedwithabambooskewer.Drain,setasideandcoverwithaclothfor10minutes.Straincreamymixture.Discardspices.Seasontotaste.Cutpotatoesintowedgesandgentlytosstogetherwiththeinfusedmilktoensureevencoating.Seasontotaste.Servetoppedwithtorngreenherbs.

INDIANPOTATOES-GathertheIngredients-

750gdirtyskinnedpotatoes,peeledorscrubbedwell1/3cupneutralflavouredoil1mediumredonion,trimmed,cutintoquarters2tablespoonsqualitycurrypowder1cupflakedordesiccatedcoconut2tablespoonsyelloworblackwholemustardseeds

-Let’sgetcooking-

Bringpotatoestotheboilinsaltedwaterfor8-10minutesuntiljusttenderwhentestedwithawoodenskewer.Drainandsetaside.Coverwithacloth.Meanwhile,heattheoilinpanandsautéonionsfor2-3minutesuntilsoftened.Tossinpar-

boiledpotatoesandcurrypowderandcookfor8-10minutesuntilgolden;tossing

regularlytopreventstickingtothebottomofthepan.Add½cupcoconutandmustardseeds;tosstocombineandcookfor5minutesuntilgoldenandfragrant.

Seasontotaste.Scatterwithremainingcoconutandserve.

BUBI’SPOTATOANDCUCUMBERSALAD

Mygo-topotatosaladrecipecomesfrommyRussianBubi(grandmother),Alexandra.IcanrememberthissaladfromwhenIwasachild.Chunksofcreamywhitepotatotossedinimmaculatelydicedonionsandgratedvibrantcucumbers,thissaladwasonthetableforeveryfamilygatheringandrequestedbymanyfamilyrelatives.Theadditionofcucumbergivesthissaladsuchafresh,upliftingtaste.

Therecipeisaroughoutline,aseverytimeIaskedforitorwatchedmyBubimakeit,shewouldalwayssay,“larushkauseabitofthisandabitofthat”.

Tobehonest,noonemakesitasgoodasmyBubi…

BesttousedirtyskinnedpotatoesintherecipeorDutchcreamsalsoworkwellduetotheirfluffyandcreamytexture.Thissaladisbestmadewhenthepotatoesarestillwarm.Makerecipeafewhoursaheadofservingtimetoallowflavourstodevelop.Whenmakingthissalad,choosepotatoeswhicharesimilarsizetoeach-othertoensuretheyareallevenlycooked.

-GathertheIngredients-

750gdirtyskinnedpotatoes,scrubbed1/3cupvegetableorgrape-seedoil¼cupwhitevinegar2mediumcucumbers,peeled,grated1smallwhiteonion,grated

-Let’sgetcooking-

Bringpotatoestotheboilinsaltedwaterfor10minutesoruntiljusttenderwhentestedwithabambooskewer.Setpotatoesasidetocoolslightly.Onceslightlycooled,peelskinoffpotatoesandcutintomediumchunks.Meanwhile,combineoil,vinegar,cucumberandoniontogetherinabowl.

Tosstogetherwithpotatoesandseasonwelltotaste.Coverandstandfor30minutesbeforeserving.Checkseasoningbeforeserving.

TIPFlakedhotsmokedsalmonalsoworkswellinthissaladandtakesittoanotherdimension!

STORETostorepotatoes–keeptheminacool,darkplaceandawayfromonionstopreventthemfromsproutingorturninggreen.Also,storetheminanoldpotatosack/hessiansackandavoidstoringtheminplasticbagsastheywilljustsweatandrot.

3WAYSWITHRICEAnotherwonderfulstapletohaveinyourkitchengalleypantryisrice!Therearesomanydishesyoucancreatewithriceandperfectforthosewhocannoteatgluten.Ricestoreswellonaboatandisn’teasilyaffectedbytheweather.Importantly,plainboiledriceisawonderfulmealtoeatifyougetseasick.

Iamgoingtoshowyou3ricerecipesinfluencedbycuisine–allareeasytoprepareandpackedfullofflavourthankstoeverydayingredients.

Whencookingrice,generalruleofthumbis1:2ratioof1cupofricetotwocupsofwater.

GINGERANDORANGERICE-GathertheIngredients-

60gsaltedbutter3cmpieceofginger,finelygrated3x5cmpiecesfreshorangepeel1½cupswhitelonggrainrice2cupswater1-2oranges,cutintowedgesGarnishwithgreenonionsorcrispyshallots

-Let’sgetcooking-

Overmediumheatmeltbutterinmediumpot.Addgingerandorangepeel;sautéfor1minuteuntilfragrant.Addyourrice;stirtocoatriceinbutter.Pourinwaterandstir;bringtotheboilthensimmercoveredfor15-20minutesoruntilriceistender.Fluffricewithafolk.Seasontotaste.

Servewithorangewedges.Garnishwithonionsofyourchoice.

TIPYoucanaddextrabutterwhenfluffingthericetogiveitalovelyrichtasteforyourguests.

JEWELLEDRICE

PomegranateslinethestreetsofLefkas,theIslandwheretheYachtisbased.Forsomereason,Ineverseeanybodypickingandeatingtheserubyjewels.Itbaffledmeeverytime,butthelightbulbswitchedonwhenIread;pomegranatesarethefruitofthedead…maybetherelaystheanswertomyquestion.

Still,Iamforeverlookingoutforthese‘grenade’likefruitswhenI’mcyclingaroundtheisland.SomedaysIamveryfortunatetocomebacktotheyachtwithafewinmybasket.

Tome,PomegranatesaretheQueenjewelsofthefruitchainandaresimplydeliciousandnottomention,sohealthyforyou.Whenpickingpomegranates,theweightisveryimportantasthatindicatesthelevelofmoisturewithinthefruit.Theheavierthepomegranatethejuiceritwillbe.Thecolourisn’tcrucialandalsoindicatesadifferentvariety.Althoughmanybelieve,deeperredindicatesthefruitwillbelesstart.

Personally,Ipreferapalepinkskin,astheytendtobealittlesharperinflavourandsweeter.Importantly,discardthewhitepaper-thinmembranesasithasaratherunpleasantbitternessaboutit.

-GathertheIngredients-

80gunsaltedbutter1largewhiteonion,finelysliced2cinnamonsticks,snappedinhalf4wholecloves1freshordriedbayleaf1teaspoongroundturmericorcurrypowder1½cupslonggrainedwhiterice,rinsed1cupsultanas,raisinsorcurrants2½cupschickenstock1pomegranate,cutinhalf

Un-shelledpistachiostogarnish

-Let’sgetcooking-

Overmediumheat,melt40gbutterinamediumsaucepan.Addonionandsautéfor5minutesoruntiltenderandgolden.Stirincinnamonstick,clovesbayleafandturmeric/currypowder;sautéuntilfragrant.Addrice;tossinbutterymixturetocoat.Pourinstock;stirandbringtotheboil.Reduceheatandcookcoveredforabout30minutesoruntilriceistender.Addremainingbutterandflakeitthroughthericewithafork;seasontotaste.

Holdpomegranatehalfwayabovethedishanduseawoodenspoontohitthecurvedskinsideuntiljuicyredjewelsbegintodecendontotherice.Tossthroughriceandgarnishwithpistachiosandanyleftoverpomegranateseedsifyouwish.

WHITERICECUCUMBERANDCHILLI(SUSHISALAD)

Thisisalovely,coolingdish.WhentheSummerdaysareswelteringandyoudon’twanttobesweatingitoutintheGalley,thissaladisshortandsweettomakeandacoolingdishforgueststoenjoy.

-GathertheIngredients-

1½cupsshortgrainwhiterice,rinsed2cupswater1/3cupwhitewinevinegar2tablespoonwhitesugar1carrot,peeled,finelyslicedintomatchsticksorrounds1telegraphcucumber,thinlyslicedintomatchsticksorrounds1teaspoondriedchilliFreshmintleavestogarnishSoysaucetoserve

-Let’sgetcooking-.

Rinsericeundercoolwatertoremovestarch.Inamediumsaucepan,stirriceandwatertogether;bringtotheboil.Reduceheattolowandcookcovereduntilriceistender.

Combinevinegarandsugarinamediumglassbowl;stiruntilsugarhasdissolved.Pourontoriceanduseaforktofluffthroughtherice.Addvegetablesandchilli;tossuntilcombinedandseasontotaste.

Garnishwithmintleavesandservewithsoysauceifyoudesire.

TIPChunksofavocadoalwaysworkbrilliantlyinthissalad.Ifyouarecasuallyentertaining,addabitofglamtothisricedishwithafewslicesofsmokedsalmonorpeeledcookedprawns.

3WAYSWITHTUNACannedtunaistheperfectstaplewhilstoutsailing.Justopenthelidanddrainexcessliquidanddressitupwithanyofthesetoppings.

Allthesetoppingsaremadetosuit425gtunacans.

ONETakea425gcanTunaandCombinewith½cupmayonnaise,1tspmisopaste,juicefrom1lemonand½onionfinelydiced.Seasontotaste.Tosswithtuna.Seasontotaste.Serveonplatelinedwithshreddedorwedgesoflettucethenscatterwithherbs,toastedriceandaccompanywithsteamedriceifyouwishanddrizzleofsesameseedoil.

TWOTakea425gcanTunaandCombinewith2-3tablespoonsdrained,rinsedbabycapers,¼cupslicedgherkins,juicefrom2lemons,zestfrom1lemon,varietyofherbsand1/3cupoliveoil.Seasonandtosswithtunatocombine.

Serveonanovalplatterandlineedgewithboiledegghalves.

THREETakea425gcanTunaandCombinewith½cuproughlychoppedkalamataolives,3finelychoppedripetomatoes,zestfrom1lemonandlargehandfuloftornbasil.Tosshalfmixturewithtuna.Serveonplategarnishedwithremainingolivemixture.Servedrizzledwitholiveoilandfreshlycrackedpepper.

SALADSSummertimeisallaboutSalads.Theyaregreattoprepareforguestswhentemperaturesarehigh.Muchtomydelight,saladsdonothavetobeallabouttheregularlettuce,tomatoandcucumberassembly.

Belowareafewsaladswithatwist,explosionofcolourandwonderfultastes.

Onewordofadvice-alwaysusealargebowlwhenpreparingsaladtoavoidabigmess!Yoursaladswillalsohaveanevendistributionofingredientsandeachmouthfulwillbecoatedwithdressing.Simplytransfertoanotherbowltoserveandyouhaveyourselfadelicioussalad.

3MELONFETA,OLIVES,ONIONANDPARSLEYSALAD

NigellaLawsonmakesafabulouswatermelonandfetasaladinherForeverSummercookbook.Thankstoherdelightfulcreation,Iwasinspiredtocreateaversionofmyownmelonsaladanditwasacontinuoushitwiththeguestsonwarmbarmydays.

-GathertheIngredients-

½cupredwinevinegar2tablespoonssugar1redonion,finelysliced¼ofajuicywatermelon,rockmelonandsweethoneydew/greenmelon,seedsandskinremoved,

1cupkalamataolives,seedsremoved,squashed150gfeta,crumbled1smallbunchparsley,stalksfinelychopped,leavestorn1/3cupextravirginoliveoilPinchofsugar

-Let'sgettossing-

Combinevinegarandsugartogetherinabowluntilsugardissolves.Addonionsandsetasidefor15minutestosoftenandpickle.Cutmelonsintochunksandarrangeonplate.Scatteroverdrainedonions,olives,fetaandparsley.

Pourvinegarliquidfromonionmixture,oilandsugarinajar.Screwlidontightandshakefor40secondsuntildressingthickensslightly.Seasontotaste.Pourovermelonsandenjoywithaglassoffruitywhitewine

Thisissuchabreezetomakeandthefinishedproductissoimpressiveconsideringthelackofeffortrequired.

NOTEIflambisonthemenu,thinkaboutaccompanyingthedishwiththismelonsalad.

BEETROOTWITHMINTANDFETA

Beetroot–whatistherenottoloveaboutthissweet,earthyflavouredvegetable?

Fresh,roasted,pickledorboiled,thebeetrootisasversatileasyouwanttomakeit.Mintisawonderfuladditiontobeetrootandisfeaturedinthisrecipe.Luckily,IhavetheopportunitytohandpickmintfromoneofthelocalgardensinthequaintislandofKastosandit’salwaystheroundvariety.

Itistrulyamazingwhatyoucandowithjarredortinnedvegetablessuchasbeetroot.Thisisaperfectexampleofsmartcooking.

-GathertheIngredients-

1/3cupoliveoil2tablespoonsbalsamicvinegar1teaspoonmustard1teaspoonsugar1jarortinbeetrootslices,drained,halved150gfirmfetaAgoodhandfuloffreshmintleaves

-Let'sgettossing-

Combinevinegar,oil,mustardandsugartogetherinascrewtopjar.Shakewelluntilmixturehasslightlythickened.Tossthroughbeetroot.Arrangeonplateandscatteroverfetaandfreshmintleaves.

TIPToincreasethelifeofmintor,infact,anyofyourherbsonboard,simplywrapabunchindamppapertowelorteatowelandstoreinatightlysealedplasticbaginthecoolfridgeforuptooneweek.

SUMMERLENTILSALAD

Lovethemorhatethem-lentilsareapersonalfavouriteofmine.

Driedlentilsareaperfectgalleystapleandanotheralternativetoriceorpotatoes.Ifyoucomeacrosscannedcookedlentils,theyarealsofinetouse.Forahealthycreamyoptionyoucanalsosimplytossthroughthetahinidressingwhichyou’llfindinthestapleschapter.ThehighestvillageonLefkdaisknownasEglouviandit’sheretheyharvestexcellentqualitylentils.Infacttheyevenhostafestivaltohonorthisdelightfulpulse.IfyouaretravellingaroundtheGreekIslands,keepyoureyeoutforEglouviLentils.

-GathertheIngredients-

1cupdriedbrownlentils½cupdrywhitewineoranythingleftoverfromthenightbefore5cmstickfreshrosemary2garliccloves,skinpeeled1vegetablestockcube1smallwhiteonion,finelychopped1smallcucumber,finelychopped3mediumripetomatoes½cupdriedcurrents1-2tablespoonsdrymint,totaste1/3cupextravirginoliveoilFreshmintandGreekyoghurttogarnish

-Let’sgetcooking-.

Rinselentilswell,drain.Placelentilsinasmallpot;pourwineandcoverwith8cmofwater.Stirinrosemary,garlicclovesandcrumbleinstockcube.Bringtotheboil,reduceheatandsimmercoveredforabout15-20minutesuntillentilistenderwithaslight‘bite’inthemiddle–addmorewateriflentilshavesoakedupthewaterbutremainhardandneedmorecooking.

Drainawayanyresiduecookingliquid.Removegarlicanddiscardrosemary.Usebackofaforktomashgarlictoapasteandcombinewithlentilsinalargebowl.In

alargebowl,tossallingredientstogether,seasonwell.

GarnishwithmintanddollopofGreekYoghurt

NOTEBesteatenonthedayandwithouttheyoghurt,willkeepwellinthefridgefor1-2days.

GREENBEANANDFETASALAD

Thequalityofbeansinthisdishareveryimportant.Whenselectingyourbeans,lookforbrightgreen,blemishfreebeansthatarenotlimporhaveshriveledends.Whenitcomestothewalnuts,the‘butterfly’nutasIliketocallthem,lookforonesthatarestillintactwithamildlynuttyscentandsweettaste.Besttobuywalnutsinsmallerqualities,astheycanturnrancidquicklyinthewarmerweather.Betterstill,storewalnutsinacoolplace,ideallyinthefridge,tomaintainthatfreshtaste!

Iowethisrecipetoafamilyfriendwhorarelycooked,butwhenhepresentedthissaladtothetable,Iwasquicktosusshimoutfortherecipe.

-GathertheIngredients-

300gFrenchgreenbeans,topstrimmed,halvediflargebeans1smallSpanishonion,peeled,finelychopped1garlicclove,peeled,crushedAlargehandfulofroughlychoppedwalnuts125ggoatsorfetacheese,crumbledplusextratogarnish1/3cupoliveoilJuicefrom1-2lemons(dependshowzingyyoulikeyourdressing)AlargehandfuleachofKalamataolivesandfreshparsleyleavesAlargehandfulofraisins(optional)

-Let'sgettossing-

Blanchbeansinpotofboilingsaltedwaterfor3minutesuntilbrightgreen.Drainandrinseincoldwaterimmediatelytopreventfurthercooking.

Inalargebowl,tossallingredientstogether.Seasontotaste.Letitstanditfor½hourbeforeeating,Garnishwithextracrumbleofcheese.

TIPCelerystalksofferawonderfulcrunchyadditiontothisdish.Theceleryleavesarealsoedibleandcanreplacetheparsley.Alwaysuseolivescontainingtheseed.Theyaremeatierintextureandhaveamoreorganic,wholesomeflavour.

CARROTANDRAISINSALAD

Acaptains’favourite!Thisalsomakesafabuloussandwichfillerwithcannedtuna.Severalchildguestsalsofoundthisappealingandatastyoptiontoeatalongsidetheirlunchmeal.

IwasfortunateenoughoneyeartogetholdofcurrantsfromtheCorinthiancanal.Greeceistheprimaryproducerofcurrantssoitisworthwhilehuntingdowntheselittlebeautiesifyouaresailingaroundthatarea.Althoughtheyarethesizeofapea,theyaresupersweetandplump.

-GathertheIngredients-

1cupraisins1/3cupoliveoil1-2tablespoonsrawsugar¼cupwhitebalsamicvinegar3-4mediumcarrots,trimmed,peeled,grated1/3cupdesiccatedcoconutAlargehandfuloffreshcorianderorparsleyleaves,chopped

-Let'sgettossing-

Inajaraddraisins,oliveoil,sugarandvinegar.Shaketocombine.Standforatleast30minutesbeforeusing.Tosswithremainingingredientsandseasontotaste.

TIPThissaladisbestmade1hourbeforeserving.Wrapcarrotsinfoiltoextendshelflifefor1-2weeks.

MANGIA!MANGIA!PASTAWhoeverthoughtofthebelovedpastaplateisacompletegenius.ItisthegotomealwhenIhavecrowdstofeedandwhentheweatherisrough.Notonlyisitfillingandacarbohydrateloader,pastacanalsobeaseasyorashardasyouwanttomakeit.Itisvirtually‘foolproof’sotherefore,youundoubtedlyfeelfulfilledonceyouhavemadeyourpastacreation.

Alwayscookyourpastauntilaldente,5-8minutesinboilingsaltedwaterandnoneedtoaddOiltoitasit’scooking.

RAGAZZIPENNE

Thispastadishwastaughttomebyagroupoflargerthanlife,funlovingItalianswhilstweweremooredinabayoffMeganissi.Simple,satisfyingandmorish.TimetoletyourItalianmammashine.

Iwasadvisedforthisdishtousesmallerzucchinis/courgettesasthegeneralruleofthumbisthesmallerthesize,thesweeterthetaste.

Also,useasmanyzucchini’sastherearepeople.

-GathertheIngredients-…

4-6smallzucchinis/courgette,trimmed,choppedinto1cmpiecesVegetableoiltoshallowfry1/3cupoliveoil2garliccloves,slicedApinchofchilli2rashesofbacon,finelychopped1smallwhiteonion,finelychopped350gpenne1/3cupmilk2eggs,lightlybeaten½cupgratedcheeseofyourchoice(tastyorParmigianino)plusextratoserveFinelygratedzestfrom1lemonMixedhandfulofmintandbasilleaves,torn

-Let’sgetcooking-.

Sprinklesaltoverzucchini/courgette.Setasidefor30minutes.Patdry.Meanwhile,heatoilinadeeplargefrypan.Cookzucchini/courgetteinbatches,untilgolden.Drainonaplatelinedwithpapertowel.Discardvegetableoilfrompanandre-fillpanwitholiveoil.

Bringapotofsaltedwatertotheboil.Cookpennefor5-6minutesuntilaldente.Addgarlicandchilliflakes;sauté10secondsuntilfragrant.Useaslottedspoontoremovegarlicfromoil.

Addbaconandonion.Cookfor1minuteuntilslightlycrispy.Addcookedzucchini/courgetteandcookedpasta;tosstocoatinflavouredoilandwarmthrough.Inacupwhiskmilk,egg,cheeseandlemonzesttogether.Seasonwellwithcrackedpepperandsalt.

Takepastaoffheatandtossthrougheggmixtureuntilpastaiswellcoated.Finishwithashowerofherbsandextrafinelygratedcheese.

BuonAppetito!

PEPPERSANDALMONDPASTA-GathertheIngredients-

SAUCE

375gjarroastedpeppers,drained1mediumbrownonion,sliced1-2garliccloves,peeled,crushed½cuproastedalmonds1anchovyfillet375gspaghetti1/4cupoliveoil,plusextratoserveDillsprigstogarnish

-Let’sgetcooking-.

SAUCEBlitzpeppers,onions,garlic,almondsandanchovytogether.Seasontotaste.

Bringapotofsaltedwatertotheboil.CookSpaghettifor5-6minutesuntilaldente.Reserving1cupcookingwater.

Heatoliveoilinalargepot.Addsauce.Cookstirringfor1minuteuntilfragrant.Addalittleofthepastacookingwaterifsauceistoothick.Takeoffheatandtossthroughpastauntilwellcoated.Servegarnishedwithsprigsofdillanddrizzleofoliveoil

CHICKENINREDSAUCE

Asupertastyrecipewaspasseddowntoaladywhommymothermetatwork.Ilovehowyoucanstrikeupconversationsaboutfoodalmostanywhere!

-GathertheIngredients-

2-3piecesofchickenMarylandsonthebone,withskinon,wellseasoned1mediumbrownonion,thinlysliced3garliccloves,smashed1freshbay-leaf1generouscupdryredwineorwhateverisleftoverfromthepreviousnight2x400gcanneddicedtomatoes½bunchofflatleafparsley,stalksfinelychopped,leavespickedforgarnish1tablespoonsweetpaprika6pickledchillies,stalksremoved,chopped

-Let’sgetcooking-.

Placealargestockpotovermedium-highheat.Oncehot,addchickenandbrownuntilgoldenonbothsides.Addonions.

Cookforafurther3minutesuntiltender–addmoreoilifnecessary.

Stiringarlicandbayleaf.Cookforafewsecondsuntilfragrant.Deglazepanwithwine.Cookuntilslightlyreduced.Stirindicedtomatoesandparsleystalks,paprikaandpickledchillies.Cookcoveredoverlowheatforabout1houroruntilchickenistender.Shredmeatoffbonesanddiscardbones.Servewithspaghettiorboiledpotatoes.

Gratedhardwhitecheeseworksperfectlywellasagarnishonthisdish.

FRUITSOFTHESEAComingfromAustralia,Iamgoingtobebiasedandsaywehavethebestseafoodintheworld.UnfortunatelymanyseashavebeenoverfishedandIfeelthisstatementappliestotheMediterranean.Nevertheless,Ibumpintolocalfishermenreturningfromtheirmorningoutatseaandtakealookintotheirbucketsandusuallyfindawonderfultreasuretocookupfortheguests.

PRAWNANDFETASAGANAKI

ThisisadishIoftencookguestsfortheirfirstlunchaboardtheyacht.PrawnSaganakimakesalightandtastylunch;perfectlymatchedwithacrispywhitewine.It’straditionalyetlendingitselftobetweakedhereandthere.Usually,guestsfallintoawell-neededsnoozeafterlunchthenwakeuptoaninvitingturquoiseseatoogoodtorefuse.

Letsight,smellandtouchbeyourjudgewhenselectingqualityseafood.Makesuretheprawniscompletewiththeirhead,eyesandlegs.Avoidheadsthatareunnaturallydarkincolour.Shellmustbeglossyandrelativelyfirm.

AsahighlytalentedAustralianseafoodexpertandcolleagueofmineoncesaid,‘Ifitsmellsfishy,itprobablyis’-sogivethemagoodsmellandtrustyournose!

-GathertheIngredients-

500ggreen/rawprawns,peeled,tailsandheadintact,deveined2garliccloves,peeled,crushed1bunchgreenonions,trimmed,cutinto3cmpieces¼cupoliveoil½cupdrywhitewineorwhateverisleftoverinthefridge400gtindicedtomatoes½bunchparsley,coarselychopped1/3cupeachofdillsprigsandmintleaves150gfeta,crumbledFinelygratedzestfrom1lemon1lemoncutintoquarters

-Let’sgetcooking-

Inamediumbowlcombineprawnswithgarlic.Heatoilindeepfryingpan.Sauteeonionsuntilsoften.Addprawnsthencookfor1minuteeachside.Increaseheat;addwine,pinchsugar,tomatoesand½theamountofherbs.Reduceheat;stirandseasontotaste.

Placelemonwedgesandcrumbledfetaontopofprawns;sprinklewithzest;cookcoveredforabout3minutesuntilcheesebeginstosoften.Seasontotasteandsprinklewithremainingherbsandaddadrizzleofoliveoil.Servewithsteamedwhitericeorboiledbabypotatoes.

TIPYoucanalsouse1kgfreshoverripetomatoes.Simpleremovethesteamcore;chopandaddtothedishwherethetinnedtomatoesareadded.

GREEKSTYLEPAN-FRIEDFISH

OneofmyalltimefavouriterecipeswasdiscoveredalongmysailingventuresaroundtheGreekIslandswasfromalittle‘Aussie’-landislandcalledFrikes.TherecipefeaturedbelowisanadaptationofalocaldishIofteneatwhenwetakegueststoFrikes.Theheadyscentofherbsinstantlymakesyoureyesrollandtastebudswaterwithexcitement.It’sdefinitelyatalkingpointatthetableandisnothinglikeIhavetriedbefore.Ihopeitenlightensyourtastebudsasitdidmine.

-GathertheIngredients-

1kgredmullet,smallseabassorsmallfish,scaledandgutteredSeasonedflourfordustingOliveoilforshallowfrying¼cupoliveoil1mediumredonion,thicklysliced2garliccloves,peeled,sliced2largeripetomatoes,coreremoved,cutintoquarters½cupwhitevinegar½cupdrywhitewine2sprigsfreshrosemary,leavespicked2/3cupraisins

-Let’sgetcooking-

Seasonfishandpressbothsidesintotheflour.

Heatenoughoiltoshallowfryinalargefryingpan.Cookfor2-3minutesonbothsidesoruntilgolden.Removeanddrainonaplatelinedwithpapertowel.Discardoil.

Heat¼cupoliveoiltosauteeonion.Cookfor5minutes;stirringoften.Addgarlicandcookforafurtherfewsecondsuntilfragrantandnotcoloured.Stirintomatoes,vinegar,wine,rosemaryandraisins.

Simmeruncoveredforabout5minutes.Addfishbacktowarmthrough.Serve

drizzledwithextrasauce.BOOM!

TUNAFISHCAKES

Thesearesosimpletomakeandremindsyouthatonecandowonderswithcannedtuna.Feelfreetousewhateverherbyouprefer.Thesearelovelyservedwithafatlemonwedge,steamedwhiterice,ColourfulSalsafoundinStapleschapterandabasiccoleslawsalad.

-Makesabout18-

-GathertheIngredients-

5mediumpotatoes,scrubbed30gbutter2tablespoonsoliveoil1onion,finelychopped2-3teaspoonsmildcurrypowder1/3cupchoppeddill,plusextratogarnish2teaspoonslemonfinelygratedzest2x195gcannedtunainbrine,welldrainedJuicefrom1lemon2eggs,lightlybeaten1cupplainflour,seasonedfordustingVegetableoilforshallowfrying

-Let’sgetcooking-

Placepotatoesinapotofsaltedwaterandbringtotheboilforabout10minutesoruntiltenderbutnotfallingapart.

Oncecoolenoughtohandle,peelanddiscardskinoffpotatoesandtransferpotatofleshtoalargebowl.Usebackofafolktoroughlymashthepotato.Seasontotaste.Covertokeepwarm.

Meanwhile,heatandmeltbutterandoilinasmallfrypan.Sauteeonionsfor2-3minutesoruntiltender.Stirthroughdillandzest;cook1minuteuntilfragrant.Addtobowlofpotatofleshalongwithtunaandlemonjuice.Mixwellandseasontotaste.

Chillmixturefor30minutes.

Shape¼cupmixtureintoroundpattycakes.Placeonalargeplate.Repeatwithremainingmixture.Workingwithonecakeatatime,dipineggwashthentossthroughflouruntilwellcoated.Repeatwithremainingmixture.

Inamediumfrypan,heatenoughoiltocomeonethirdupthesidesofthepan.Testoilwithacubeofbread,ifitsizzles,thenyouarereadytocook!Shallowfry4pattiesatatime,2minuteseachside.Transfertoaplatelinedwithpapertowel.Coverwithfoiltokeepwarmandcontinuewithremainingpattycakes.

Serveimmediatelyscatteredwithextraherbs,alovelydollopofmayonnaiseandfatjuicylemonwedge.

FEELINGCHEESYAfteralongdayofsailingandswimminginthestunningturquoiseseas,yougettoapointintheafternoonwhenthebodycallsforwineandcheese.

Greecehasmanycheeses,mostlyhardandmadefromsheeporgoat.Undoubtedly,Fetaisthemostpopularcheese,withfetaaccountingfor70%ofthecheeseconsumptionsbylocals.Mostvillageswillhavealocalcheese;sodon’thesitatetoaskforasampleofthelocaldelights.

BAKEDCAMEMBERT

IloveawheelofCamembert,particularwhenit’sbakedanddressedwithgrapesandraisins.Guestslovethiswiththeirafternoonwineorpartoftheirlunchtable.

-GathertheIngredients-

6largevineleaves,stemstrimmed(optional)1mediumsizeroundCamembertcheese,halvedlengthwise¼cupmarinateraisins(seestaples)1/3cuproastednuts,chopped,plusextratoserveGrapesandwholesomelocalHoneytoserve

-Let’sgetcooking-

Pre-heatovento180Candlineatraywithbakingpaper.

Placecheesewheelon2leavesorbakingpaperbigenoughtowraparoundthecheese.Fillwithraisinsandnuts.Topwithotherhalfofcheese.Wrapwithremainingvineleavesorbakingpaperifusing.Placeinovenforabout10minutesoruntilcheeseistender.

Removefromoven,servedrizzledwithhoneyandgarnishwithgrapehalvesandextranutsifyoudesire.

TIPIliketousewalnutsoralmondsforthisdish.Theyaremildinflavourandworkwellwiththemarinatedraisins.

STUFFEDPEPPERS

Thisrecipewastaughttobebyoneofthecrewmembersonboardtheyacht.Helovedcookingandwasavegetariansothiswassomethinghe’dhavefordinnerafewtimesaweek.Again,simpletomakeandexceptionallytasty,particularwithaglassofcrispwhitewineintheotherhand!

-GathertheIngredients-

4mediumredorgreenbananapeppers,halved.CoreandseedsremovedOliveoilDriedoreganoFreshgratednutmeg(optional)1cupcaramelisedonion(seeglossary)150gfetaorsoftgoatcheeseLargehandfulrocksalt

-Let’sgetcooking-

Stuffpepperswithonionandgoatcheese.

Placemedium-largepanoverhighheat.Addrocksaltandarrangepepperstofittightlyintopan.Drizzlewitholiveoilandsprinkleoforeganoandnutmeg.Coverforabout5minutesuntilskinbeginstowrinkle;mayneedtoaddwaterifpanislookingdry.Turnandcookforafurther5minutescovereduntilcheeseissoftandpeppersarejusttender.Removefrombedofsalt.Discardsalt.Servewithpepperyrocketsalad.

TIPStoregreenpeppersinabrownpaperbag.Ifindthisvegetabletolast2weeksontheyachtwithoutrefrigeration.

CHEESYBALLS

Achildhoodclassic,mymum,Nadia,wouldcookoftenforthefamily.Thisrecipeisadaptedfromarecipeafriendandworkcolleaguepassedontoherseveralyearsago.Itwasmyfirstexperiencewithvegetarianfood.Packedwithflavour,itcandefinitelyfoolthemeateatersamongstthegroup.TheseCheesyBallsalsomakesatrulyscrumptiousmealforyoungchildren.

-GathertheIngredients-

¼cupoliveoil4mediumsizezucchinis,trimmed,slicedthinly2smallonions,slicedthinly2garliccloves,crushed400gcannedDicedtomatoes1teaspoondriedoreganoorthyme1teaspoondriedmint1teaspoonsugar200gFetacheese50gParmesancheesefinelygrated,plusextraforthetop½cupstalebreadcrumbs2smalleggs,lightlybeatenPinchfreshlygratednutmeg

-Let’sgetcooking-.

Heatoilinalargefryingpanovermedium-highheat.Fryonionsandgarlicforabout5minutesuntilsoftened.Addzucchinisandcookforafurther5minutes,thenaddtomatoes,2cupswater,oregano,pinchofsugarandseason.Simmercoveredfor15minutes;stirringoccasionally.

Inabowl,combinecheese,breadcrumbs,herbs,eggsandseasoning;formingintosmallrounddumplings.Pourmixtureintoa20CMX30CMbakingdishandarrangedumplingsontop.Bakeat180degreesfor20-25minutesuntildumplingsaregoldenandsauceisbubbling.

Servewithacrunchygreensaladtossedinbasicpastasaladdressingfoundin

theStaplessection.

TIPMakestalebreadcrumbsbygratingoldbreadonacheeseboxgrater.

FETA,SUNDRIEDTOMATOANDOREGANOIMPOSSIBLEPIE

Now…thisisvirtuallyimpossibletoruin!InspirationfromthisrecipecamefromalocalproducecartwhichpulledupoutsidetheyachtinthehotportofArgostoli.Thecharminglocalgentlemanwassellingeverythingfromredwine,tocheese,honey,driedfruitandvarietyofdriedherbs..allclaimingtobecraftedfromhisveryownhands.

Alongwithguestsatthetime,wetriedthefirmgoatcheeseonoffer..Icanstilltasteitnow..richandnutty–simplydivine.Andthenextdayitwentintothispieandproducesmilesallroundatthelunchtable.

-GathertheIngredients-

½cupself-raisingflour¾cupfinelygratedParmesancheeseorfirmcheeseofyourchoice1½cupsfullcreammilk4eggs,lightlybeaten60gbutter,melted½cupgreenolives,pitsremoved2teaspoonsdriedoregano½cupsun-driedtomatoesorroastedpeppers,drained,sliced½cupcrumbledfetaorsoftgoatcheese1silverbeetleaf,finelyslicedGarnishwithfreshparsleyleavesandlemonwedgesRocketleavestoserve

-Let’sgetcooking-

Pre-heatovento180C.Lightlygreasea24cmroundcaketin.Linebaseandsideswithbakingpaper;leavinga2cmedge.Ialsojustcutoffenoughbakingpapertopressintopanratherthancuttingaroundoutforthebaseandcollarforthesidesofthetin.

Inabowlcombineflour,milk,eggsandbutter.Mixturewillstillbelumpy.

Arrangeolives,tomatoes,fetaandsilverbeetonbaseofpan.

Pourlumpymixtureintoprepareddish.SprinklewithremainingParmesan.Bake30-35minutesuntilgoldenandset.Allowdishtostandfor10minutesbeforeserving.

Garnishwithparsleyleaves.Servepiecutintowedges,warmorcoldandjuicylemonwedgesontheside.

MEATYWhosaidyoucanonlyhaveaBBQontheland?BBQsoutatseaarealsopossiblewhenyouhaveaportableBBQondeckandthewindisnotblowingtoostrongly.

Luckilyenoughwehaveoneontheyachtandoftentakeourclientstoatranquilbay,weliketocallWhiteCliffBay-alocationIliketokeepsecrete.

andenjoyameatfeastondeckfordinner.Forahostess,it’sidealtocookontheBBQmainlybecausethekitchenstaysclean,apartfrompreparingafewsaladsandsidesandit’sagreatwayfortheclientstogetinvolvedinabitofcooking,particularlythemen.ThebutchershereinGreeceareasrealasrealcanbe.Oftenthebutcherswillhaveasmalldisplaywindowandgointotheirwalk-inmeatfridgetocutyourpreferredcutofmeatstraightofftheanimalcarcass.Allwillbepreparedonalargerthanlifemeatblockakachoppingboard.OnememorablemomentwaswhenIwalkedwithclientsuptoatowncalledStaveros,IthacatocheckoutthebutchertochoosetheirmeatforourseasideBBQ.Iwasinformingthemoftherealitytheyareabouttosee-nothingliketheneat,showybutcherstheyknowintheircountry.Weturnedthecornerintothevillageandoneoftheguestsasked‘Whereisthebutchershop?’Andoutcomesthebutcher,a40cmknifeinhishand,withanafternoongreetingof‘Yasou’.Thetwoclientsjustlookedateachotherwithwickedgrins

andrubbedtheirhandstogetherasifsay‘wehavecometotherightplace’.

Itcanbehardtofindagedmeathowever,andwhenonthesmallerislandsyouhaveasafebetthatthemeatyouareeatinghasn’ttravelledtoofartogettoyourplateandhaveauniqueflavour.Theporkusedinthesecondrecipeisslicesofporkbelly–it’sfattyandcarameliseswellinthepanwiththismarinade.Thechickenwingsareawinnerandcanbepreparedinthetray,marinatinginthefridgeafewhoursbeforecooking.Themincedmeatismadereadytoorderandyoucanpickacleanpieceofmeattohavemincedforyou.Veryleanandtasty.Again,youcancombinehalfporkandhalfbeefifyouwishforatendermeatball.

Ruleofthumb,Igenerallybuyandcookthemeatonthesameday.IremovethemeatfromitspackagingandtransferittoaplasticcontainerorhaveitmarinatingwhichIfindpreservesthemeatalittleandcanbecookedthenextday.Again,thisalldependsonthepowerofyourfridge.

MEATBALLSWITHATWIST

IknowthisisameatchapterbutonethingIrememberfrommymeateatingdaysasachildwasmyBubushka’stomatosauce.Bubi,wouldalwayssautétheonioningenerouslumpsofbutter.Tomeit’sarevelationfromthetraditionaloliveoilandaddsacreamiertastetothesauce.BubiusedtoservethiswithherrissolesbutIhavetransformedtherecipeintomeatballsanditworksperfectly.

-GathertheIngredients-

400gbeeforporkmincehalfandhalfZestfrom1lemon1-2garliccloves,crushedPinchdriedchilliflakesHandfuloffreshmintleaves,chopped,plusextratoserve1egg,lightlybeaten½cupdriedbreadcrumbs1/3cuptoastedpinenuts,slightlycrushed50gbutter1onion,finelysliced2x420gcanneddicedtomatoPinchsugar1cinnamonquillServewithrice

-Let’sgetcooking-.

Inabowlcombinemince,lemon,garlic,chili,mint,egg,breadcrumbsandpinenuts.Rolltablespoonsofmixtureintoballs.Coverandchillforminimum30minsallowingflavourstodevelopandgoforaswim.

Meanwhile,fryonioninbutterandpinchofsaltuntiltenderandtranslucent;stirringoccasionally.Addmeatballs,cookforabout5minutesuntilbrownedallover.Addtomatoes,pinchofsugarandcinnamonquill;cookcoveredfor15-20minutes;stirringoccasionally.

Seasontotaste.GarnishwithextramintandservewithItalianColeslawifyoudesire.

PORKWITHHONEYANDROSEMARYKEBAB’S

Thisismygotolunchrecipeforourguestsfirstdiningexperienceaboardtheyacht.Iliketoskewerthemeatontorosemarystalks…althoughtheylookgorgeous,thistaskcanbetimeconsumingsoit’suptoyou.Steelskewerswouldbethepracticalwaytogosokeepyoureyeoutforthemorpurchaseskewersonline.Thedeliciouscaramelisededgesalsomakethisporkdishafavouriteamongstthecrew.

-GathertheIngredients-

450gporkbellyrashes¼cuphoney2tablespoonsamarettoor¼cupdrysherry1tablespoonsoysauce

Juiceandzestfrom1orange,plusextraorangewedgesforserving2x5cmstalksrosemary,leavespicked,finelychoppedOliveoilfordrizzling,radicchioandlabnatoserve8Steelorwoodenskewers–soakwoodenskewers1hrbeforeuse

-Let’sgetcooking-

Cutporkinto3cmpieces.Seasonporkwithsaltandpepper.

Placesmallsaucepanovermediumheat;addhoney,alcohol,soysauceandorangejuice/zeststirandheatuntilrunnyconsistency.Coolacoupleofminutesthenpourovermeat.Tosstocoat.Coverandmarinateforatleast1houriftimepermits.

Threadporkontoskewers.Heatchar-grillpanoroilinalargepan.BBQ/Pan-fryskewersinbatchesforabout3minuteseachsideuntilgoldenandcookedthough.

Servewithorangewedges,radicchioandlabna.Drizzlewitholiveoiljustbeforeserving.

TIPLabnaissimplyyoghurtthathasbeenleftouttohang;eliminatingwhey,whichmakesyoghurtrunny.Soeasytomake!Seetheclassicfortherecipe.

SEASIDECHICKENGENOVESE

Thisisasimplebuttrulydeliciouslunch-timemeal.Ashowstopperincolourandflavour,thisdishisalsoupthereasoneofthemostloveddishesontheyacht.Ipreparethepestojustbeforeguestsarriveandastheymaketheirwaydownintotheircabins,theyaregreetedwithaheadyscentofbunchesofbasil,whichIoftencomebackwithafteramorningrunningthroughthebackstreets.

TheoddheadpokesintothekitchenanditishereguestsquestionhowonearthIcreateallthemealsonboardinthistinyspace.InspirationforthisdishcomesfromanItalianRestaurantIusedtoworkat,sothankyouChefJoe.

Allowmetoteachyou,SeasideChickenGenovese.

-GathertheIngredients-

450gskinlesschickenbreast,trimmed,cutintobitesizespieces1clovegarlic,skinremoved,crushed½cupdrywhitewineoranythingleftoverinthefridge1/3cupthincreamOliveoilforcooking8slicesprosciutto,torn

PESTO

1largebunchbasilorparsleyorboth,leavespickedJuiceandzest1un-waxedlemon1anchovyfillet1garlicclove,crushed(optional)½cupfinelygratedParmesancheese¼cuptoastedpinenuts½cupextravirginoliveoilExtrabasilandParmesancheesetoserve

-Let'sgetcooking-

Combinechickenandgarlicinabowl.Chillfor15minutes

Meanwhile,makethepesto.Placeallingredientsinajug.Useastickblendertoblitzintoaslightlychunkypesto.Seasontotasteandusemoreoliveoilifmixtureistoorunny.

Heatoilinalargepanovermedium-highheat.Addchicken;cooking2minuteseachsideuntilgolden.Addwine,cookfor40secondsuntilslightlyevaporated.Stirincream,bringtoboilthenstirintwothirdsofthepestomixture.

Takeoffheatandtossthroughtornprosciutto.Arrangemixtureonplateandtopwithremainingpesto,extraParmesancheeseandscatterofbasilleaves.

PerfectwithriceorCreamywarmpotatosalad

DEDI’SSTICKYCHICKENWINGS

Again,anotherfamilyrecipe.MygrandfatherDedi,madetheseformybrotherandIatleastonceaweekasanafterschooltreat…hefriedthembuthere,I’veputaslightlyhealthytwisttothem.Theyweresofingerlickinggood!Irememberthesweetandsaltycombinationperfectlywithahintoforange.MygrandfatherspenttimeinChinaduringhisyoungeryears.ThisAsianinfluenceisevidentthroughtheuseofstaranis,soysauceandofcoursethearomaticgarlicandginger.

-GathertheIngredients-

1.5kgchickenwings,cutinhalfatthejoint

MARINADE

1/3cupdrysherry¼cupsoysauce¼cuphoney4greenonions,trimmed,cutintobatons5cmpieceginger,grated2garliccloves,crushedJuicefrom2oranges,finelygratedzestfrom1orange4wholestaranis1cinnamonquill

-Let'sgetcooking-

MARINADECombineallingredientsand1cupofwatertogetherinabowl.Tosschickenwingstocoat.Coverandchillforanhourorlonger.

Pre-heatovento200C.Linebakingdishwithbakingpaper.Placechickenwingsinprepareddishwithmarinade.Coverandcookfor40minutes.Turnwingshalfwaythroughcookingandcheckliquid;addalittlewaterifneeded.Removefoilandcookuncoveredfor5-10minutesuntilgolden.

Servewithsushisaladorsteamedwhiterice.

DROPANCHOR…NIBBLESWITHDRINKSIt’sthattimeofafternoonwhenthewinehastobepouredandaselectionofsalty,sweet,spicynibblesaretheperfectpartnerincrime.Ioftenpreparethenibblesadaybeforeorearlierinthedayiftheconditionsarefavourable.Theyareallfairlyquick,achievableandnottomention,impressive.

MARINADEFOROLIVES-Gathertheingredients-

½cupoliveoil¼cuprosemaryleaves¼cuplemonjuice2garliccloves,sliced2x4cmstripsoflemonskin450gkalamataolives

Combineallmarinadeingredientsinascrewtopjar.Addolivesandshakeuntilwellcoated.Marinadeforminimumof1hour.Thiswilllastinthefridgefor2weeks.

BARNUTS-Gathertheingredients-

2tablespoonsoil1tspsmokedpaprika1tspcuminseedsHandfulofdriedcranberriesorsultanas450gmixednuts1tablespoonhoneyorbrownsugar

Heatoilinfryingpan.Addspiceswithapinchofflakedsalt;cookfor30secondsuntilfragrant.Addnutsandtosstocoat.Drizzlehoneyorscatteroverbrownsugar;tosstocoatandcookforafurtherminuteoruntilslightlycaramelised.

QUICKPICKLEDCARROTANDCUCUMBERSTICKSWITHLABNA-Gathertheingredients-

1kgthickstyleyoghurt1teaspoonsalt1teaspoonfinelygratedlemonzestPickledVegetables2carrots,peeled,cutintomatchsticks2cucumbers,peeled,cutlengthwaysintosticks1cupwhitevinegar1/3cupsugar2tablespoonslemonjuice1teaspoonsaltflakes½teaspoonchilliflakes(optional)

Labna

-Let'sgetcooking-

Combineyoghurt,saltandlemonzest.

Linefinesievewithcleancottonteatowelorafewpiecesofcleanmuslin/cheesecloth.Spoonyoghurtintomiddleofcloth.Tieedgestoenclose.Placeoverabowlandchillovernight.Readytousewhenfirm.

Bringvinegar,sugar,lemonjuice,¼cupwater,saltandchilliflakesifusing.Stiruntilsugardissolves.Setasidetocoolfor10minutes.Addvegetables;coverandchillfor1hour.

Servewithlabna.

TIPIfyoulike,youcangenerallykeepvegetablesoutofthefridge.They'lllast2weeks.

TRIPLEDECKBAKEDGREEKCHEESESOLDIERS-Gathertheingredients-

12slicesbread,crustsremoved1cupcheddarcheese1cupgravieraorgruyerecheese1portionofdillandlemonbutter(seestaples)4-8slicesham

-Let'sgetcooking-

Pre-heatovento180C.Spreadbothsidesofallthebreadsliceswithbutter.Place4slicesonabakingtraylinedwithbakingpaper.

Topwithasprinkleofcheese,1sliceofbread,anothersprinkleofcheese,sliceofhamandpressdownwithfinalpieceofbread.Finishedwithasprinkleofcheese.Bakeforabout15minutesuntilcheesehasmeltedandisgolden.

Coolforacoupleofminutesbeforecuttingintolongstripslike‘soldiers’.

NOTEGravieracheeseisoneofthemostpopularcheesesinGreecemadefromcow,sheepandgoat’smilk.Thecheeseismoldedinawheelshapeandisknownforitssweetandfruitytaste.

COURGETTE/ZUCCHINIBRUSCHETTA-Gathertheingredients-

2mediumcourgettes/zucchinis,skinon,washedwell1smallrusticloafofbread2smallgarliccloves,skinremovedzestandjuicefrom1lemon2-3tablespoonsoliveoil,plusextratodrizzlehandfuloffreshmintleaves,finelysliced,plusextrawholebabyleavestogarnishpinchofsugargratedparmesanorgoatscheesetogarnish(optional)

-Let'sgetcooking-

Gratecourgettes/zucchinisintoabowllinedwithrelativelythincottoncloth.Sprinkleover1tablespoonofsaltandleavetostandfor15minutes.

Meanwhile,slicebreadinto8X2cmthickslices.Pre-heatovengrillonhigh;grillbread30secondseachsideoruntilgolden.Use1wholegarlicclove;rubovertoastsanddrizzlewithoil.Setaside.

Squeezeexcessmoistureoutofcourgettes/zucchinis.Discardliquidandreturngratedcourgettes/zucchinistoacleanbowl.Add1crushedgarlicclove,lemonzestandjuice,oliveoil,mintandpinchofsugar.Tosswelltocoat.Seasontotaste.Spoonevenamountofmixtureontopreparedtoasts.Scatteroverextramintleavesanddrizzleofoliveoil.Garnishwithcheeseifyoudesire.

SWEETDREAMSDessert..whodoesn’tloveasweetending.Iadorecookingandfinishingamemorablemealandadventurousdayofsailingonasweetnote.

Eachofthesedessertsareeasytoprepareandfeatureingredientshighlylikelytobefoundatshopsinportsalongyoursailingjourney.

MyguestsalwaysbreakoutasmilewhenIpresentoneofthesedessertsafterlunchordinner.

CHOCOLATEBANANABOATS

WhatcanIsay…themostfingerlickingdessertsimplymadeonthebbq.Iowethisrecipetomybrother,Luke.

-GathertheIngredients-

4ripeyellowbananas½cupsaltedalmonds,chopped1x250gchocolatebar,brokenintopieces

-Let’sgetcooking-

Leavebananasintheirskin/peel,slicelengthwisetwothirdsthroughthebanana.Slightlyopentocreateapocket.Insertchocolateandalmonds.Placeonfoilandwraptoseal.PlaceoveraBBQforabout8-10minutesuntilsoftandgooeyinthecentre.

Servewithice-creamifyouareluckyenoughtohaveafreezeronboard.

RICHCARAMELAPPLECRUMBLE

AMoorishadditiontothisclassiccrumble,thetoffeesaucewassomethingIcameacrosswhilsthelpingafriendopenuparestaurantinBarcelona.Itwasoneofthehottestdessertsonthemenu,atthattime.Chunksofbuttercrumble,tenderappleslicesandsweetbutterscotchsauce…needIsayanymore.Theadditionoftheegghelpsgiveitthatcrunchybiscuitlikeconsistency.

-GathertheIngredients-

7mediumgreenapples,peeled,coredandcutinto8’sJuicefrom1lemon,zestfrom1lemon2tablespoonsspicedrum(optional)

TOPPING

1¼cupplainflour1teaspoonallspice¼cupDemeraraorrawsugar125gbutter,cutintochunks2mediumeggs,lightlybeaten

CARAMELSAUCE

½cupcastersugar50gunsaltedbutter½cuppouringcreamSaltflakes

-Let’sgetcooking-.

Preheatovento180Degrees.Combineapple,juice,zest,sugarandrum.Dividebetweenbuttered6x1cupovenprooframekinsor1Litrecapacityovenproofdish.

CARAMELSAUCEMeltbutterinsaucepanuntilalmostnuttybrownincolour.Stirinsugaruntildissolved.Stirincreamandpinchsaltflakes.

CRUMBLETOPPINGPlaceflour,sugarallspiceinabowl;withyourfingertips,andrubinthebutteruntilmixtureresemblescoursebreadcrumbs.Addsugarandeggs;mixwell.Divideapplemixtureamongprepareddishes.Topwith½thecaramelsauce.Presscrumbleontopoftheapples;bakeforabout25-30minutesoruntilcrumbleisgoldenandapplesaretender.Standfor5minutestocoolslightlyServewithremainingcaramelsauceandice-creamifyoudesire.

CHOCOLATEANDCOFFEE(BIRTHDAY)CAKE

Ifyoucelebrateyourbirthdaywithmeasyourgalleycookoutatsea,you’llalwayshaveafreshlybakedcakeadornedwithcandleswaitingforyoutomakeyourwishandblowoutyourcandles.Thisrecipeismorethan25yearsoldandisalwaysawinner.Meltandmix.Nomess,allinonebowlandoneutensiltocombineeverythingtogether.I’vemadethiscakeonseveraloccasionsinbumpyconditionssoIsaywithconfidencethatMotherNaturewon’tstopyoufromplayingbakeroutatsea.

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CHOCOLATEANDCOFFEE(BIRTHDAY)CAKE

ThisisthebirthdaycakeIbakeforanyofourguestsorcrewmembersiftheyhappentobecelebratingtheirspecialdayoutatseaontheyacht.It’slushandcanhaveawonderfulfudgytextureifbakedonahumidday.

-GathertheIngredients-

1½cupsselfraisingflour1/3cupcocoapowder1teaspoonbicarbonatesoda1cupcastersugar1¼cupfullcreammilk1tablespooninstantcoffeegranulesdissolvedwith2teaspoonsofhotwater125gbutter,melted,cooled

2eggs2teaspoonsvanillaessence

CHOCOLATEICING

1½cupsicingsugar2heapedtablespoonscocoapowder50gbutter,softened2-3tablespoonscoffeeliquorormilk2teaspoonsvanillaextract

-Let'sgetbaking-

Pre-heatovento180C.Greaseandlinethebaseandsidesofa22cmroundcakepan.Inabowl,siftflour,cocoapowderandbi-carbonatesoda.Combinealldryingredientsinabowl.Stircoffeeintothemilk;addtodrymixturetogetherwithbutter.

Beatingredientsinamediumbowlonlowspeedwithelectricmixeruntiljustcombined.Increasespeedtomedium;beatabout2minutesoruntilmixtureissmoothandpaleincolour.Addeggsoneatatime,beatingaftereachadditionagainfor2minutesuntilbatterhaslightenedincolourandlookscreamy.

Pourbatterintopreparedpanandbakefor35-40minutesuntilcookedwhentestedwithawoodenskewer.Runaknifearoundthesidesofthecakepan;leaveinpanforcaketocool.Turnoutontoawiredracktocool.Iceandserve.

ICINGSifticingsugarandcocoatogetherintoamediumbowl.Addbutterandmilk.Usinganelectricmixeronlowspeed,mixuntilingredientsarecombined.Increasespeedtomedium.Beatforafurther2minutes.

TIPTheadditionofcoffeetothecakeenhancesthechocolateflavour.

BAKEDYOGHURTPEACHES

Anotherrecipeshowingjusthowonecantransferfruitfromacanintoamoorishdessert.InthisinstanceIusepeaches.Ofcourse,ifyoufindfreshpeachesinyourtravels,goahead,usethoseandincreasethecookingtimeuntiltheyhavesoftened.

-GathertheIngredients-

425gcannedpeaches,drained,syrupreserved2-3tablespoonsdarkspirit–amaretto,bourbon,spicedrum500gthickGreekyoghurt1-2tablespoonsrawsugarGratednutmegandfreshmintleavestogarnishShortbreadoramarettibiscuits,toserve

-Let'sgetbaking-

Placereservedsyrupand1tablespoonofspiritinasaucepanandcookovermedium-highheatforabout3-5minutesoruntilsyruphasreducedbyhalfandisthick.Removefromheatandcoveruntilreadytouse.

Pre-heatovengrilltohigh.Orifusingfreshpeachescookinpre-heatedoven180°C.

Arrangepeachhalvesinsuitableovenproofdish.Drizzlewithspirit.Addadollopofyoghurtintocentreofeachhalf.Sprinklewithsugar.Placeundergrillforabout2-3minutesoruntilsugarhascaramelizedandbecomegolden.Ifusingfreshpeaches,bakeintheovenfor8-10minutesuntiltenderandsugarhascaramelised.

Servegarnishedwithnutmegandfreshmintleaves.

BEVERAGESWhenitcomestoGreekwinesyouhavetheoptionofthetavernahouseorabottlewine..ifwanttoplayRussianRoulletewithwinegoforthetavernahouseotherwisespeakwiththewaitersandaskwhatbottleofwinethey’drecommendyoudrink.Personally,IrecommendtryingSauvignonBlanc,CabernetSauvignonandMerlot’sfromtheNorthernGreeceinparticularfromtheDramaregion.

OtherbeveragestobeconsumedwhilstsailingaroundtheGreekislandsare:

Ούζο,knownasOuzoisarefreshingdrinkenjoyedinthehotSummer.Thisstrong

spiritflavouredwithaniseedmusthavetheadditionofafewice-cubes.IenjoyOuzoalongwithwedgesoffirmgreekcheese,blacklittleolivesandsweetjuicymelon.

Ρετσίνα,knownasRetsina….veryuniqueflavouredbeveragethathasbeenin

productionforover2,000years.RetsinaisWhitewineflavouredwithpineresin.Theresinwasusedtopreventthewinefromspoiling.Ibelievethismustbeenjoyedwellchilled.

ΤσίπουροknownasTsipouro….Extremelystrongspirit,almostpurealcoholmust

beconsumedincombinationwitheatingaplateofchilledcucumbers,juicyplumptomatoesandsaltyfetacheese.Again,afewicecubesinyourglasswillmakeitmoredrinkable.

ΡακίknownasRakiOriginatingfromCrete,thisisalsoaverystrongspirit,almost

purealcoholmustbeconsumedincombinationwitheatingaplateofmezze.BeawareifyouareservedRakifromajerrycan.

Mastikaliquorisbelievedtobeagreatdigestive.Mastic,aresinproducedfromthemastictree,isthemainingredientinthisuniqueliquor.Ithasasweetsmellandasimilartastetoliquorice.YoucanenjoyMastikawithacouplecubesoficeor‘neat’.

FrappéCoffeeisicedinstantcoffee.You’llfindthemtoberelativelystrongand

heavy.Mostofthetimethefrappewillbeaccompaniedwithchilledwaterandyou

canusethistodilutethecoffeeandextendingyourdrinkingtimeforatleastafewhoursjustlikethelocalsdo.

STAPLESCARAMELISEDFRUIT

Sometimes,fruitdoesn’tripenasyou’dlikeittoo…ifthisisthecase,allyouneedisalittlebitofsugarandheatinordertobescrumptious.

Cut3piecesofseasonalstonefruitinhalf;discardtheseed.Dipfruithalvesin1/3cupsugar.Melt30gofthebutterinalargenon-stickfryingpanovermedium-highheatuntilfoaming.Add½splitvanillabean.Placethefruitcutsidedownandcook,turningoccasionally,for5minutesoruntilgoldenbrownandfruitbeginstobleed.Stirin1tablespoonofamarettoorjuicefrom1orange.Removefromheatandsetaside.

TOASTEDRICE

Dryfry1/3cuplonggrainriceinalargefryingpanfor5minutesuntillightgolden

andbeginstopop.Transfertobowltocool.Thenusemortarandpestletocrushtoapowderformorusethebottomofacleanwinebottletocrushthericeintofinepowderform.Toastedriceisagreatsubstitutefornuts.

1,2,3FLATBREAD

Combine185gself-raisingflour,½tspbakingpowderandpinchofsaltinabowl.Add185gthickplainyoghurt;mixtogetherwithaspoonanduseyourhandstobringmixturetogethertoformasmoothdough.Putintoabowlandcover;restfor½hr.

Dividemixturein6equalroundportions.Dustaflat,cleansurfacewithflour.Useawinebottleasarollingpintoflattenbreadintoa10cmrounds,about3mm-4mmthick.

Heatapanoverhighheat.Brushroundswitholiveoilandsprinklewithsaltflakes.Prickdoughwithfolk.Cook1-2minuteseachsideuntilgoldenandpuffedup.

CREAMYSALADDRESSING

Combinetogetherinabowl1/3cupmayonnaise,juicefrom1lemon,1-2anchovy

fillets,½garlicclove,finelygrated,pinchofsugar,pepperandsalttotaste.Pourovercrispyice-burglettuceandtopwithchunksofcrunchybaconandshoweroffreshparsleyleaves.

TAHINIDRESSING

Whisk1cupnaturalyoghurt,1tablespoontahini,1crushedgarlicclove,juicefrom1lemonandpinchsalttotaste,untilsmooth.Mayneedtoaddwarmwaterifmixtureistoostiff.

SIMPLEPASTAMUSTARDSALADDRESSING

Tosuit350gpacketofpasta.

Mix1cupmayonnaise,¼cupwholegrainmustard,2finelyslicedgreenonions,1teaspoonsugar,juicefrom3lemons,zestfrom1lemon,1smallbunchparsley,chopped,handfulofroughlychoppedsundriedtomatoesand2tablespoonsdrainedcaperstogether.Seasontotaste.Tossthroughwarmpastaalongwithchoiceofcontinentalmeats.

MARINATEDRAISINS

Pour½cupbalsamicvinegarand¼cupoliveoilintoascrewtoplidjar.Add2tablespoonswhitesugarandpinchcinnamon;shakeuntilwellcombined.Add1cupofraisinsandshaketocoat.Setasideamarinadefor1hourbeforeeating.

CARAMELISEDONIONS-GathertheIngredients-

¼cupoliveoil2tablespoonsbutter4onions,trimmed,cutinto2cmthickslicewedges5sprigsfreshthyme¼cupwhitesugar2tablespoonsbalsamicvinegar

-Let’sgetcooking-

Heatoilandbutterinafryingpanoverlowheat.Addonionsandaheapedteaspoonofsaltflakes.Cookveryslowlyforabout15-20minutes,stirringoccasionallytopreventtheonionsfromstickingonthebottomofthepan.

Asonionsbecomesoftandgolden,stirinsugarandbalsamic.Cookonionoverlowheatforafurther10minutes,stirringoccasionallyuntilstickyandcaramelised.Serveasdesiredorinasterilisedjarandcoverwithlayerofoil.

LABNA-GathertheIngredients-

1kgthickstyleyoghurt1teaspoonsaltflakes

Combineyoghurtandsaltinabowl.

Linefinesievewithcleancottonteatowelorafewpiecesofcleanmuslin/cheesecloth.Spoonyoghurtintomiddleofcloth.Tieedgestoenclose.Placeoverabowlandchillovernight.

Readytousewhenfirm.

5INGREDIENTSALSA

Supereasyandvibrantadditiontotunacakes.Thisisalsolovelytoservewithcornchipsandmashedavocadoasanafternoonsnack.

-GathertheIngredients-

425gcannedcornkernels,drainedwellSmallhandfulchoppedflatleaveparsley,finelychopped2teaspoonsoliveoil50groastedredpeppers,finelychoppedJuicefrom1lemonPinchdriedchilli(optional)

Combineallingredientstogether.Seasontotaste.Coverandchillfor15minutesbeforeserving.