a life in two
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Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
Coopt from Annabel Langbein. 2 red onions (peeled) 2 medium beetroots (peeled) 1 small butternut pumpkin (skin and seeds removed) 2 medium carrots (peeled) 2 medium sweet potato (peeled) 2 small fennel bulb splash of extra virgin olive oil about 2 tbsp. maple syrup salt and black pepper 1 cup couscous finely grated zest of… Continue reading
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Risotto With Wild Asparagus
1 bunch of asparagus (about 300 g) 1 medium onion 3-4 garlic cloves 1 cup arborio rice 1/4 cup white wine splash of olive oil 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 1/2 cup Parmesan handful fresh parsley (finely chopped) salt, pepper pinch of sugar and 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar (or any vinegar) 1 tsp. freshest spice mixture Hot… Continue reading
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Freshness in a jar!
It’s time to make new stock of this beautiful spice mixture. During the winter months I add this mixture to almost every meal. It goes well with soups, sauces, risottos… It adds freshness to every meal and the best thing is you know what’s inside. For about 10 jars – 2 deciliters: 1 kg parsley… Continue reading
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Meatballs in tomato sauce
For the meatballs: 250 g minced beef 250 g minced pork 100 g soybean hulls 1 egg 1 big onion (or 2 medium size) 4 cloves garlic handful of chopped parsley 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary (chopped) salt & pepper homemade spice mixture (optional) 3 tbsp. breadcrumbs lard for frying (or oil) For the sauce: olive… Continue reading
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If the music is too loud, you’re too old
How do you know you are getting old? Except the saying we once saw on a t-shirt in Manila: If the music is too loud, you’re too old!? You go to Amsterdam and you are more excited with restaurant scene than with coffee shops. Continue reading
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Caffe latte in Amsterdam
Caffe latte?! In a is soup bowl? No it is too big even for a soup bowl. Two days later we were smarter and ordered espresso with milk, and I could not suppress the laughter when the waiter brought a glass of water on the table. My husband comment was: We don’t even serve rakia in the… Continue reading
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Thai Red Curry Mussels
2 kg mussels 2 can coconut milk (800 ml) olive oil Thai red curry paste Clean and debeard the mussels. Discard any mussels that aren’t tightly closed. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the Thai red curry paste, reduce to medium heat and cook stirring frequently for another minute. Add muscles, stir… Continue reading
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Curing & Smoking Octopus
The minimum weight for smoking & curing is 2 kg. The octopus should be very fresh. Remove and discard the head contents and the tooth. Leave the skin on. No need to wash the octopus or to add more salt. Apply thin layer of olive oil on the octopus. Let it dry for 2- 3… Continue reading
About Me
An English diarist and naval administrator. I served as administrator of the Royal Navy and Member of Parliament. I had no maritime experience, but I rose to be the Chief Secretary to the Admiralty under both King Charles II and King James II through patronage, diligence, and my talent for administration.
A life in two 