BLACK AND WHITE WEDNESDAY #123 - PRECIOUS

- Fresh Za'atar (Wild Thyme) From Palestine -

This picture was submitted to "Black & White Wednesday", an event created by Susan at "The Well-Seasoned Cook". This week it is hosted by Simona at "Briciole" (click here in order to see who is hosting the next roundup).

WHOLE WHEAT SPINACH AND FETA PIE - PIE AUX ÉPINARDS, À LA FÉTA ET À LA FARINE COMPLÈTE

I like to think that we've got a plan, so let's stick to it. That said, once we've stuck to it, we're allowed as much improvisation as anyone cares to indulge themselves in.
- Guy Ritchie

Cooking and improvising go hand in hand. The preparation of meals is far from being a stress-free activity, thus in order to carry out that task properly and be in control of the situation during moments of pure adrenaline rush, one needs to be highly resourceful, endlessly witty and extremely flexible. In the kitchen, many things can go awfully wrong or turn out contrarily to what you've expected. Consequently, last-minute decision taking, fast thinking and inventiveness are a necessity at all times, or else you'll panic and everything will go terribly pear-shaped. Besides, it is more fun not to systematically depend on derectives, rely on written formulas and follow them to the letter as fierce self-reliance unleashes your aptitude for brilliancy.

Of course, in pursuance of versatility, fluidity and creative emancipation, a cook must possess a basic knowledge of culinary techniques (master principles and practices, acquire essential skills and know how recipes work by understanding their structure), learn about ingredients and their roles as well as properties (how they taste, with what they can be or can't be paired, etc...), be open-minded as well as adventurous and love to experiment. The key to liberty, virtuousity and dexterity lies within exercise, perseverance and courage. So before you throw the towel and declare that it is impossible to reach this level of adroitness, remember that nothing comes without effort and that great art requires suffering. In life, nothing is free.

Stovetop geniuses have the capacity to quickly and easily assemble amazing dishes even when all hell lets loose in their headquarters and disaster is about to strike. Problems don't appear to affect them and they seem to invariably find a solution to each of them. Similarly to a surfer, a cuisinier confronts the tallest waves of tension with confidence and he/she rarely fails to overcome them by virtue of his/her composure and cool attitude...

Some of us were fortunate to be raised in homes where family members craftily prepared food simply by using their imagination. We consider it a blessing as thanks to those extraordinary individuals, we were introduced to the joys of cooking instinctively and had the possibility to gain a solid erudition just by observing them at work or by playing the apprentice chef or the helpful commis.

As a child and teenager, I used to hover a lot around my grandmothers' and mother's kitchens. These welcoming and soothingly warm rooms were the nevralgic center of their homes and it felt good to hang out there,  because they smelled wonderful and that's where company was to be found. As far as I can remember, I was always attracted to this area of the house/apartment like a moth to a flame. I could not resist sitting at the table and looking at what was happening around the range oven or stirring the pans' contents as well as having a quick taste of the yummy fare surrounding me whenever my granny and mum turned their backs. Over the years, I have swallowed an immense amount of precious information which cannot be found in books and which I constantly put to use on a daily basis.

In the abstract art of cooking,
ingredients trump appliances,
passion supersedes expertise,
creativity triumphs over technique,
spontaneity inspires invention,
and wine makes even the worst culinary disaster taste delicious.
- Bob Blumer

Cooking requires confident guesswork and improvisation-- experimentation and substitution, dealing with failure and uncertainty in a creative way.
- Paul Theroux

My gastronomic experience has helped me become a dautnless foodie who can face catastrophes and flops without flipping out excessively or being paralized by confusion and the terror of failure. I have solid nerves and more than one trick in my hat. Well, that's maybe not 100% accurate (I'm embellishing things a little here). Nobody's perfect and I'm not a saint, therefore I cannot solemnly promise/gurantee that I won't throw a fit every now and then, fling things across the kitchen, swear like a sailor or behave like a tantrummy diva if difficulties arise (I get easily hot and bothered - LOL). Anaway, despite my occasional loss of temper and moody behaviour, whatever may happen, I'll always find a way out of the painfuland uncomfortable position I am in.

No later than two weeks prior to writing this article, while I was concocting "Spanakopita", a last-minute complication forced me to drastically change my plans. Unfortunately, my store-bought yufka (I make my own when I have enough time on my hands) had an unpleasantly and suspiscious sourdoughyy odor which alarmed me. After some serious pondering, it is with a heavy heart that I decided chuck it in the dustbin (I hate spoiling food and nearly never get rid of anything). Once that was done, I had to come up with an alternative dish. In less than 60 seconds I found the perfect replacement for the inedible phyllo dough and concocted a wholemeal shortcrust pastry in a jiffy. So, for supper that Friday night, instead of Greek börek, "Whole Wheat Spinach And Feta Pie" landed on the menu. Luckily, my sagacity saved the evening, and P. greeted my creation with a beaming smile and sparkling eyes (how rewarding!).

This remarkably luscious, refined tasting, comforting and healthy (rich in fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin A, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, zinc, magnesium, etc...) savory treat can be eaten warm or cold, depending on the season, and the leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator (up to a week) as well as frozen (up to a month) and turned into a much welcomed easy/lazy dinner for knackered workers. Superfood with gusto!

P.S. Next week and for a few days only, I'll be absent from the net (blog & social media), so don't worry if I don't visit your blog, leave a comment on your last post or show any sign of life on either Facebook or Twitter...

Whole Wheat Spinach and Feta Pie
Recipe by Rosa Mayland, October 2012.

Serves 4-6/makes a 24cm pie.

Ingredients For The "Whole Wheat Shortcrust Pastry":
380g Whole wheat flour
1 2/3 Tsps Fine sea salt
100g Lard, cold & cut into small cubes
90g Unsalted butter, cold & cut into small cubes
Enough water to blend (~90-100ml)
1 Beaten egg, for glazing the top of the pie
Ingredients For The "Filling":
1 Tbs Olive oil
3 Medium onions, chopped finely
4 Cloves garlic, chopped finely
1 1/2 Tsp Dried dill
600g Frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed dry and chopped finely
3 Eggs (~63g)
250g Ricotta
250g Feta, finely chopped
50g Mature Gruyère,  cut into small cubes
Pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste

Method For The "Shortcrust Pastry":
1. Sift the flour and salt into a bowl/bassin.
2. Add the lard and butter. Rub between the fingers until the mixture is flaky.
3. Pour in the water, gradually, while continuously cutting and stirring with a knife (stop adding water when the dough is stiff - it should not be sticky or wet). Gather up into a soft ball and place it in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
Method For The "Filling":
4. In a hot frying pan/skillet, add the oil and chopped onion. Fry until translucid.
5. Add the garlic and dill. Cook for another minute.
6. Add the spinach and stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
7. Put the mixture in a big bowl and let cool completely.
8. Incorporate the eggs, ricotta, feta and Gruyère to the spinach mixture.
9. Salt and pepper to taste.
Method For "Assembling The Pie":
10. Heat the oven to 200°C (400° F).
11. Roll out 2/3 of the pastry and line the base of a 24cm (9 1/2 inches) pie plate.
12. Fill with the spinach mixture and brush the edges of the pastry with water.
13. Roll out the remaining dough (1/3) and cover the pie.
14. Press the edges of the pastry to seal and trim off the excess.
15. With the remaining pastry, decorate the pie top as desired (leaves, flowers, et...).
16. Prick the top of the pastry case to allow steam to escape and glaze the top with the beaten egg
17. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the pastry is crisp and golden.
18. Serve.

Remarks:
You can also make your pastry with plain flour or your filling with fresh spinach and replace the feta as well as the Gruyère by any other cheese of your choice.

Serving suggestions:
Cut into wedges and serve hot or cold with a crisp green salad or a tomato salad.
This pie is perfect for taking on picnics or to potlucks.

Pie Aux Epinards, A La Féta Et A La Farine Complète
Recette par Rosa Mayland, octobre 2012.

Pour 4-6 personnes/1 pie de 24cm.

Ingrédients Pour La "Pâte Brisée A La Farine Complète":
380g de Farine complète
1 2/3 CC de Sel de mer fin
100g de Saindoux, froid et coupé en petits dés
90g de Beurre non-salé, froid et coupé en petits dés
Suffisamment d'eau froide afin que la pâte forme une boule (~90-100ml)
1 Oeuf battu, pour glacer le dessus du pie

Ingredients Pour La Garniture":
1 CS d'Huile d'olive
3 oignons moyens, hachés finement
4 Gousses d'ail, hachées finement
1 1/2 CC d'Aneth séchée
600g d'Epinards congelés, décongelés, essorés et hachés finement
3 Oeufs (~63g)
250g de Ricotta
250g de Feta, hachée finement
50g de Gruyère salé, coupé en petits cubes
Poivre noir moulu, selon goût
Sel de mer fin, selon goût

Méthode Pour la "Pâte Brisée A La Farine Complète": 
1. Tamiser la farine et le sel dans un bol.
2. Ajouter le beurre, puis frotter la farine et le beurre entre les doigts afin d'obtenir un mélange qui ait une texture sabloneuse.
3. Verser l'eau, graduellement, tout en mélangeant bien (ne plus ajouter d'eau quand la pâte atteint la bonne consistance -ni trop mouillée, ni trop collante). Former une boule puis la mettre au frigo pendant que vous préparez la garniture.
Méthode pour la "Garniture":
4. Dans une poêle chaude, ajouter l'huile et l'oignon haché. Faire revenir en remuant constamment jusqu'à ce qu'il soit translucide.
5. Ajouter l'ail et l'aneth. Faire revenir pendant une minute.
6. Ajouter les épinards et faire cuire pendant environ 5 minutes, tout en remuant régulièrement.
7. Mettre le mélange dans un grand bol et laisser refroidir complètement.
8. Incorporer les oeufs, la ricotta, la feta et le gruyère.
9. Saler et poivrer selon goût.
Méthode Pour "Assembler Le Pie":
10. Chauffer le four à 200 ° C.
11. Etaler 2/3 de la pâte et foncer la base d'un plat à pie de 24cm de diamètre.
12. Remplir avec la garniture et mouiller les bords de la pâte avec de l'eau.
13. Etaler la pâte restante (1/3) et couvrir le pie.
14. Appuyez sur les bords de la pâte pour les sceller et couper l'excédent de pâte.
15. Avec la pâte restante, décorer le dessus du pie comme vous le souhaitez (feuilles, fleurs, et ...).
16. Piquer le couvercle de pâte afin de permettre à la vapeur de s'échapper et glacer le dessus avec l'œuf battu.
17. Cuire au four pendant environ 40 minutes, jusqu'à ce que la pâte soit dorée et croustillante.
18. Servir.

Remarques:
Vous pouvez également fabriquer votre pâte avec de la farine ordinaire et faire votre garniture avec des épinards frais ansi que remplacer la feta et le Gruyère par un autre fromage de votre choix.

Suggestions d'accompagnement:
Couper en tranches et servir chaud ou froid avec une salade verte ou une salade de tomates.
Cette tarte est parfaite pour prendre en pique-nique ou pour offrir lors de soupers canadiens.

HOW TO COOK JASMINE AND BASMATI RICE & CUMIN SCENTED GREEN PEA PULAO - COMMENT FAIRE CUIRE LE RIZ THAÏ ET BASMATI & PULAO AU CUMIN ET PETITS POIS

Rice is a beautiful food.
It is beautiful when it grows, precision rows of sparkling green stalks shooting up to reach the hot summer sun.
It is beautiful when harvested, autumn gold sheaves piled on diked, patchwork paddies.
It is beautiful when, once threshed, it enters granary bins like a (flood) of tiny seed-pearls.
It is beautiful when cooked by a practiced hand, pure white and sweetly fragrant.
- Shizuo Tsuji

There was a Young Person of Bantry,
Who frequently slept in the pantry;
When disturbed by the mice,
she appeased them with rice
That judicious Young Person of Bantry.
- Edward Lear, English artist and writer (1812-1888)

Rice is such a marvelous staple. What makes it so indispensable and irresistible is its incredible versability, great nutritional value (contains fibers, vitamins and minerals - an important component of a balanced diet),  refined savor and the many varieties in which it comes. One cannot get tired of eating this God-given cereal as not only is it healthy, but it is also a really scrumptious comodity.

Being a big fan of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines, I am literally addicted to Basmati (grown in the Himalayas and Pakistan) and Thai jasmine rice (cultivated in Thailand, but farmed in other similarly warm and moist environments too), hence I never fail to include one or the other in my weekly menu plan. Their uniqueness and wonderfully soft texture as well as an exhalirating fragrance (aromas that are reminiscent of toasted nuts and/or popcorn) are remarkably compelling and irresistible. A real delight for the senses!

Over the course of the years, a handful of friends have asked me asked me to enlighten them on the art of preparing those exotic grains without failing and I've realised that few people know how to obtain light and tender rice which isn't mushy nor cloggy. It seems that a majority of food lovers are still clueless when it comes to cooking Basmati and Thai jasmine rice. So, because I am a generous blogger who enjoys helping others, I thought that it would be a good idea to reveal my no-fail method for steaming and creatively flavoring both rices here today. In addition, I have decided to share a fabulous recipe for Indian pulao (or pilaf) with you in this post. Hopefully, my tips will prove helpful!

Directions For The Steamed Rice
Recipe by Rosa Mayland, September 2012.

You'll need 2 quantities rice (basmati or jasmine rice) for 3 1/2 quantities water - for ex. 2 scant cups rice & 3 1/2 scant cups water (serves 4). No matter the size of the recipient, always keep a 2 : 31/2 ratio!

1. In a strainer, rince your rice well, until the water runs clear - if you don't, the rice will end up being stodgy and not fluffy at all.
2. Put together the rinced rice and water in a pan (add a little salt when cooking basmati rice).
3. Bring to the boil over high heat while stirring intermittently, then lower the heat to a very low simmer and immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 12 minutes without opening the lid or stiring the rice - this would delay the entire procedure, and affect the actual time required to cook the rice as well as the rice's texture.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand for another 12 minutes without opening the lid or stiring the rice.
5. Once the time's up, you can lift the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Although the rice is ready, I recommend you to let it stand for another 15 minutes in the pan (lid on & fluffed) as it'll just be perfect if you give it a few more minutes to "breathe".
Voilà it's ready!

Tips for adding life to your rice:
Now that you have learnt the basic rule for steaming your rice, you can try experimenting with spices (cumin, curcuma, cardamom, black pepper, chilli, zest, rose petals, etc... - add to the cooking water, at step 2 or fry in a bit of oil before adding the rice and water just like in the pulao recipe below) and herbs (bay leaves, tea leaves, curry leaves or kaffir lime leaves - add at the very beginning of the cooking process, at step 2 or fry in a bit of oil before adding the rice and water just like in the pulao recipe below - or fresh herbs such as cilantro - add once the rice has been cooked, at the end of step 5). They'll give this side dish a little oomph and make it even more appealing.

Another way of flavoring your rice is by substituting some of the cooking water with another liquid (coconut milk, stock, pineapple juice, tea, tamari, rose water, etc...) or by incorporating dried fruits (raisins, apricots, dates, cranberries, barberries, etc...), nuts (almonds, cashews, chestnuts, etc...) or even vegetables (peas, diced peppers, macedoine of carrots, chopped onions, pureed garlic, etc...) to the rice and water at step 2.

Be inspired and let your imagination run wild!

Méthode Pour La Cuisson Du Riz
Recette par Rosa Mayland, septembre 2012.

Il vous faut 2 quantités de riz pour 3 1/2 quantités d'eau - par ex. 2 tasses de riz et 3 1/2 tasses d'eau (pour 4 personnes). Les proportions restent les mêmes peu importe la taille du récipient!
1. Dans une passoire, rincer le riz jusqu'à ce que l'eau du lavage soit claire, puis le faire égoutter - si cette étape est négligée, alors votre riz sera collant, lourd et pâteux au lieu d'être léger et moelleux..
2. Réunir le riz avec l'eau dans une casserole (ajouter un peu de sel lors de la cuisson du riz basmati).
3. Porter à ébullition, tout en remuant de temps en temps. Dès que le riz commence à bouillir, immédiatement baisser le feu (très petit bouillons) et couvrir avec un couvercle hérmétique. Faire cuire pendant 12 minutes - sans ouvrir le couvercle ni remuer le riz autrement cela ralentirait la cuisson du riz et aurait une incidence sur le temps réel nécessaire afin qu'il soit prêt ainsi que sur sa texture.
4. Retirer la casserole du feu et laisser reposer pendant 12 minutes sans jamais ouvrir le couvercle ni remuer le riz. 
5. Une fois que les 12 minutes se sont écoulées, vous pouvez soulever le couvercle et égréner le riz avec une fourchette. Bien que le riz soit prêt, je vous recommande de la laisser encore reposer, dans la casserole fermée, pendant 15 minutes supplémentaires car de cette manière il aura quelques minutes de plus pour "respirer" et sera juste parfait. 
Voilà c'est prêt!

Astuces afin de donner plus de peps à votre riz:
Maintenant que vous avez appris la méthode de base pour cuire votre riz, vous pouvez dès lors essayer d'expérimenter avec des épices (cumin, curcuma, cardamome, poivre noir, piment, le zeste, pétales de rose, etc .. - à ajouter à l'eau de cuisson, au point 2 ou faire revenir dans un peu d'huile avant d'ajouter le riz et l'eau, comme pour le pilaf ci-dessous) et des herbes (feuilles de laurier, de thé, de curry ou de lime kaffir - à ajouter à l'eau de cuisson, au point 2 ou faire revenir dans un peu d'huile avant d'ajouter le riz et l'eau, comme pour le pilaf ci-dessous - ou des herbes fraîches telles que la coriandre laquelle sera ajoutée une fois que le riz aura été cuit,  au point 5) qui arômatiseront merveilleusement votre riz et le rendront plus attrayant.

Une autre façon de parfumer son riz est de remplacer un peu de l'eau de cuisson par un autre liquide (du lait de coco, du bouillon, du jus d'ananas, du thé, du tamari, de l'eau de rose, etc ..) ou d'incorporer des fruits secs (raisins, abricots, dattes, canneberges, épine-vinette/barberries, etc ..), des noix (amandes, noix de cajou, châtaignes, etc ..) ou même des légumes (petits pois, poivrons en dés, carotte coupés en macédoine, oignons hachés, ail en purée, etc ..) à l'eau de cuisson, au point 2.

Soyez inspirés et laissez courir votre imagination!

RAW ZUCCHINI (COURGETTE) SALAD - SALADE DE COURGETTE CRUE /// MONTHLY MINGLE - A TASTE OF YELLOW: A TRIBUTE TO BARBARA

Lately, I have been feeling seriously uninspired, very tired, quite sluggish, highly moody and a little depressed. I guess that I am in desperate need of holidays (I'll have to wait till the middle of August, though) and some "me" time, hence this Friday I have decided to share with you a casual post...

It is the middle of July and the summer squash season is in full swing, so I thought that you might be interested by my no-brainer "Raw Zucchini (Courgette) Salad" which is healthy, toothsome, easy as pie and can be prepared in a matter of minutes. Perfect when you are on the run or just too lazy to cook like a five-star chef!

Today, I wish to pay a tribute to the late Barbara Harris of Winos and Foodies by participating in the event Monthly Mingle - A Taste Of Yellow* and submitting my vegetarian recipe. This dishe's wonderful simplicity, natural generosity and straighforwardness reminds me of this lovely lady whose unexpected passing away totally shocked and devastated me.

Barbara hosted A taste Of Yellow (supporting LiveSTRONG Day - see my participations here and here) and she was one of the first people I got in contact with when I started blogging, back in 2005. We visited each other's blogs and exchanged a few sporadic thoughts via e-mail, Twitter and Facebook.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to know her very well, but I will always remember her limitless kindness and radiant personality. Despite her life-threatening illness, she striked me as being somebody who was extremely courageous, full of energy and had a communicative joie de vivre. A great soul!

- Lavender On My Balcony -

Sadly, after having bravely battled cancer for more than 8 years, Barbara died on the 30th of June 2012. A big loss for her friends, family and the foodblogging world. She is already sorely missed and will never be forgotten. The end of an era, however her legacy will live on...

Rest in peace, dear!

*If you would like to enter A Taste of Yellow Monthly Mingle please head on over to Jeanne’s blog, Cook Sister! for further details on how you can submit your entry. The roundup will go up on August 11th, 2012.

SPICE UP YOUR DISHES WITH FLAVORED SALTS

Salt is the policeman of taste: it keeps the various flavors of a dish in order and restrains the stronger from tyrannizing over the weaker.
- Margaret Visser

Salt plays an important role in our daily life. Not only is it a vital substance for all living creatures as it regulates the water content of our body, but it is also makes food taste better. Nobody can survive or cook without sodium chloride...

Unfortunately, lately we've been brainwashed into thinking that this crystalline mineral is evil and at the origin of many of our health problems, thus you read everywhere that it must be avoided at any cost. There is absolutely no doubt on the controversial nature of this staple as it never ceases to be vehemently discussed about both in the medical and culinary world. An endless debate.

Anyway, the good news is that it is not your enemy (have a look at this Daily Mail article). Of course, one should always consume it in reasonable quantities* and favor quality, hence it is our duty to steer clear of sodium-ladden and harmful prepackaged or junk food (loaded with nasty sodium) as well as table salt which is extremely bad for you (linked to hypertension and other heart or blood illness), crammed with additives and has been stripped of its essential companion elements (iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and iodine).

Natural sea salt is beneficial for your well-being and highly savory, therefore it is the perfect replacement for that insipid, dangerous, abominable and industrially produced muck (check out this interesting read & this one).

A flavoured salt is one of the simplest and most basic ways of finishing a dish – it’s so easy and tasty, yet hardly anyone does it.

- Jamie Oliver

Although this subject is captivating, I'm not going to speak about nutrition today, but instead I will focus on salt as a flavor exhauster and on how one can use it to create extraordinary, refined and glamorous condiments in order to enhance as well as compliment a dish. You might have guessed it, I am speaking about those colorful flavored salts that are all the rage in the culinary world right now.

* To control your salt intake, add sea salt to your food only after you have cooked it. You'll be able to taste if you're getting too much. In any case, I believe that if you have a need for salty grubs, then it is your organism which commands your cravings...

- Seaweed & Rosemary Made By My Friend Corinne -

Salt and seasonings are my big addiction. I would not be able to live without them as I cannot imagine enjoying a chow that is awfully bland, lacks soul or oomph. My taste buds need to be constantly challenged, otherwise the fanciful eater that I am gets terribly frustrated.

Pungent spice blends are heavenly and elevate cooking to another level. That is exactly what flavored salts do. They are so versatile and can spruce up just about anything, thus they have the power to completely transform a recipe. The perfect addition to your kitchen pantry and a great gift for any occasion.

Nowadays, you can purchase them from any deli, supermarket, corner store and market merchant. They might not be a rarity, but generally bought flavored salts are quite expensive. It is the reason why I highly recommend you to prepare them at home as they cost a lot less and you can let your imagination go wild (no limitations) as well as have buckets full of fun during the process.

In order to facilitate your task, I have gathered some useful information and tips that might come in handy when developing your own formulas...

- Ras-El-Hanout Salt -

Which Salts To Choose:

Coarse or fine sea salts - preferably unrefined (grey) -  as well as gourmet rock salts such as sel de Guérande, Himalyan Salt, Hawaiian Salt, Murray River Salt, Persian Blue Salt, Kala Namak, etc... And why not go for a smoked salt too!
For more information check out this salt glossary.

Which seasonings to employ:

. Dried herbs (curry leaves, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, sage, lemongrass, keffir lime leaves, etc...)

. Whole or powdered spices, lightly toasted or not (cumin, coriander, saffron, vanilla, five spice, garam massala, curry, smoked paprika, allspice, mustard, wasabi, celery, onion powder, garlic powder, etc...).
. Dried mushrooms, ground (porcini, truffle, shiitake, morels, etc...)

. Toasted nuts, chopped finely (almonds, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, walnuts, etc...)

. Toasted seeds, chopped finely, if necessary (pumpkin, sesame, poppy seeds, sunflower, etc...)

. Grated zests, dried (orange, lime, lemon, tangerine, kumquat, etc...)
. Dried fruits, chopped (coconut, dried tomatoes, goji berries, etc...)

. Dried edible flowers, whole or petals, ground, chopped or entire (rose, dandelion, lavender, pansies, tulips, violets, geraniums, etc...)

. Miscellanous (coarsely ground popcorn, vinegar powder, dried & finely chopped seaweed, ground cocoa, ground coffee, tea, squid ink, etc...).

In which ratio:
1/4 cup seasonings to 3/4 cup salt.
Nonetheless, you can play around with the concentration of aromas, according to your personal taste.

Which method for combining the ingredients:
In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients (certain ingredients such as nuts, seeds and flowers can be added once the salt has been blended) and give a few pulses, until thoroughly mixed. This will result in a fine mixture.
Some people like coarse-textured flavored salts. If it's your case, ensure yourself that the aromatic components have been chopped/pounded as finely as possible and then just combine all the ingredients by hand.

Which is the best use for flavored salts:

Sprinkle on chips, potato wedges/fries, salads, steamed vegetables, pasta, meat, seafood, over soups, in sandwiches or incorporate to spreads, dips, sauces and dressings.

Delightful combinations:
. Herb salts - poultry, fish, beef, veal, pork, lamb, rubs, vegetables, soups, stews, braises, stuffings, breads, eggs, rice, pasta, dipping oils, dressings and dips.
. Spicy salts -  beef, veal pork, poultry, fish, eggs, rice, popcorn, soups, stews, rubs, pasta, potatoes, sauces, couscous, dips, dressings and dipping oils.
. Mushroom salt - beef, veal pork, poultry, eggs, rice, popcorn, soups, pasta, potatoes, cream sauces and dipping oils.
. Nutty salts - vegetables, breads, rice, soups, dips and salad dressings.
. Seedy salts - vegetables, breads, soups, dips and salad dressings.
. Citrus salts  - fish, seafood, chicken, potatoes, rice, pasta and salad dressings.
. Fruit salts - tagines, couscous, Middle Eastern dishes, poultry, beef, veal, pork, lamb and rice.
. Floral salts -  vegtables, dressings, dips, beef, chicken, pork, lamb, veal, rice and soups.

Recipes Around The Web:

Indian Spicy Salt by Todd's Blog
Jamie Oliver's Flavoured Salts by The Purple Foodie
Lemon Fennel Chili Flavored Salt by Syrie Wongkaew
Seasoned Salt by Diana Rattray
Smoky Spiced Salt With Orange by The LA Times
Spiced Porcini Mushroom Salt by Gilt Taste
Spiced Salt by Food & Wine
Spiced Salt by The New York Times
Virgin Islands Spiced Salt by The Spice House

- Seaweed & Dandelion Petals Made By My Friend Corinne -

CORNFLAKES TERRINE - TERRINE AUX CORNFLAKES

If like me you have abused a little to much of goodies during the Christmas holidays, then you might want to calm down and start eating more healthily again as I'm pretty sure that you are not willing to change your whole wardrobe or stop wearing those cute skinny jeans that you cherish so much because they make you look so slim...

I am not ashamed to confess that for the past 3-4 weeks I have been devouring (like crazy and without thinking about the effects such mindless scarfing might have on my waistline) big quantities of sugar-loaded, butter-rich, calorie-laden cookies, breads, chocolates, cakes and desserts of all kind. I carelessly and happily wolfed down quantities of sweet treats, and had much pleasure indulging in such a naughty fashion!

When the God of Gluttony possesses you, there is no way you can escape. You just have to accept it's taking over your soul and bend to it's will. If you resist, it will whisper in your ears words that'll awaken your craving until you give up the fight and sacrifice yourself on the altar of epicurism. It is impossible to struggle against the urge to "sin".

As a result, my size 36-38 (size 6-8 US) trousers are slightly too tight now and I feel not really comfortable in my body anymore. But hey, what the heck? Eventhough I care about my weight, find it important to exercise regularly and control my diet I also have food desires like everybody else and sometimes have to fulfill them. The delight and beatitude conferred by this nosh marathon was so big that the few centimeters I had gained around my waist, hips and thighs were not that dramatic.

Anyway, once you get back to your normal routine you will lose the extra fat you had acquired and get fit again (as a matter of fact I've already lost most of it), so why be afraid of a short break in your regime. If it happens once in a while and it is not a habit, then it can't be bad. You just have to be in control of things and know when to stop. It's only once it becomes an addiction that it develops into something dangerous and negative. Then you have to raise the alarm and consider taking your problems seriously.

All year long (most of the time, festive holidays aside), I try to eat well and to follow my usual dietary pattern which consists of meals that are mostly vegetarian (80% of the time), poor in carbohydrates (sugar, cereals, starchy vegetables & starches), rich in protein (eggs, dairy produces, legumes, nut, seeds & animal products) and vegetables. This way of feeding is what fits me best. Since I've started preparing less carb-loaded dinners I have more energy, feel a lot less hungry all the time and more comfortable in my body. Not forgetting that it is also very budget-friendly as you don't need to buy tons of overpriced meat.

Although I love meat I cannot cook it more than twice a week otherwise it'll affect my well-being. So, in a way I am nearly a full-time vegetarian. I don't mind being a carnivore, but I also love veggies since there are so many ways you can cook them. At my place, eating vegetarian meals isn't synonymous of boring and bland, all the contrary!

One of my favorite meat-free recipes that I cook at home is a groovy terrine made with cornflakes. This original vegiloaf is very versatile, tasty and nourishing. It has a pleasant herby, corny and nutty flavor, and a soft as well as moist texture. This "Vegetarian Cornflake And Hazelnut Terrine" can be pan-fried, eaten either cold or hot, served for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner and accompanied as well as presented in many different manners.

A multi-faceted dish which is easily prepared, good for the health and which will not ruin you. Perfect!

~ Vegetarian Cornflake And Hazelnut Terrine ~
Recipe by Rosa @Rosa's Yummy Yums 2011.

Serves 4.

Ingrédients:
500ml Milk
160g Cornflakes
100g Ground hazelnuts, lightly toasted
2 Big eggs
1 Big Onion, finely chopped
1 Tsp Nutritional yeast
1/2 CC Garlic powder
A pinch Ground paprika
A pinch Curry powder
A few drops of Tabasco (optional)
1 1/4 Tsp Italian herbs
A pinch dried thyme
Sea salt (fine), to taste
Pepper, to taste
A bit of butter to grease the pan

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 220° C (420° F).
2. In a big bowl, crush (coarsely) the cornflakes.
3. In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs with the milk, garlic, spices, Tabasco, herbs, salt and pepper.
4. Pour this mixture over the cornflakes, add the yeast, hazelnuts and onion and mix well.

5. Butter generously your rectangular cake pan and cover the bottom with sulfurised/baking paper.
6. Scrape the mixture in the pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for aboput 30-40 minutes (test with a skewer).
8. Remove the terrine from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before releasing it delicately from the pan.
9. Serve.

Remarks:
you can replace the hazelnuts by any other ground nuts of your choice, but don't forget to roast them a little.
You can also use the herbs (fresh or dried) and spices of your choice.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot or cold, with tomato sauce, steamed or stir-fried vegetables, a seasonal salad or pan-fried mushrooms.

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~ Terrine Végétarienne Aux Cornflakes Et Aux Noisttes ~
Recette par Rosa @Rosa's Yummy Yums 2011.

Pour 4 personnes.

Ingrédients:
500ml De lait
160g de Cornflakes
100g de Noisettes moulues, toastées
2 Gros oeufs
1 Gros Oignon, finement haché finement
1 CC de Levure nutritionnelle
1/2 CC d'Ail en poudre
Une pincée de paprika en poudre
Une pincée de poudre de curry
Quelques gouttes de Tabasco (en option)
1 1/4 CC d'Herbes italiennes
1 Pincée de Thym séché
Sel de mer fin, selon goût
Poivre, selon goût
Un peu de beurre pour le moule

Méthode:
1. Préchauffer le four à 220° C.
2. Dans un grand bol, concasser grossièrement les cornflakes.
3. Dan un bol moyen, battre les oeufs avec le lait, l'ail, le Tabasco, les herbes, les épices, le sel et le poivre.
4. Ajouter le mélange liquide au cornflakes et ajouter les noisettes ainsi que l'oignon. Bien mélanger.

5. Beurrer généreusement un moule à cake rectangulaire et recouvrir le fond de papier sulfurisé.
6. Verser le mélange dans le moule et lisser le dessus.
7. Cuire pendant 30-40 minutes (vérifier la cuisson avec la pointe d'un couteaux).
8. Sortir la terrine du four et la laisser reposer 5 minutes sur une grille, puis la démouler délicatement.
9. Servir.

Remarques:
Vous pouvez remplacer les noisettes moulues pour d'autres noix moulues, mais n'oubliez pas des les torréfier avant.
Vous êtes libres d'ajouter les épices et herbes (fraîches ou séchées) de votre choix.

Idées de présentation:
Servir cette terrine chaude ou froide, avec de la sauce tomate, des légumes vapeurs ou sautés, une salade de saison ou des champignons légèrement poêlés.