Easter Hunting and 2007's first BBQ!
April 8, 2007 at 4:41 PM
by Ashleigh
Amazing, isn't it? It's only the first weekend of April! Never ever before (well, in the six years I've had in Europe) has the weather blessed us with such a fine Easter.
This morning the Easter Bunny (Paashaas), visited us at the garden and left a veritable bounty of eggs for the children. You can see more here.
This evening we are planning the first barbecue of the season. On our balcony of course, in the late evening sunshine. Our menu includes:
- home made organic beefburgers from my special recipe
- the best salsa ever (recipe below)
- potato salad, or in Dutch huzaren salade. Today I made my own mayonnaise for the first time in the food processor. My only question is: why did it take me so long and why do people ever buy mayonnaise? It's so easy to make and you can adjust the level of vinegar to your own taste. I prefer a vinegar-y tang to my potato salad.
- a salad made of postelein leaves, grated carrot, olives and apple, dressed with french dressing. Does anyone know what postelein is in English? I can't find a translation.
- home made mini garlic breads
The salsa recipe is incredibly easy and incredibly tasty.
You need:
- 2 or 3 very ripe tomatoes. They should be deep red and juicy. Don't worry if they're not that ripe, but they taste infinitely better if they are.
- 1 onion
- juice of one lemon (I am lazy and use lemon juice out of a bottle)
- pinch of salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- and the magic ingredient - 2 tsps of Sambal Oelek
- sometimes, depending on the juiciness of your tomatoes, a light sprinkle of sugar
- Finely chop the onion and be methodical about it, this salsa needs to look pretty!
- Chop the tomato into neat cubes and combine the tomato and onion with any juice left on the chopping board in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper and add the sugar if you are using it.
- Squeeze the lemon over the vegetables and add the sambal.
- Stir to combine and leave at room temperature for the flavours to mingle.
Mmm, my mouth is watering!
Comments
Another yummy post. That settles it, you MUST change the name of the blog to Cooked in Holland!
Ash: I personally think 'Half Baked in Holland' has a nice ring ;)
Postelein is Purslane in English - here's a link
http://www.econetwork.net/~wildmansteve/Plants.Folder/Purslane.html
It sure was a beautiful Paasdag today - I live in Amsterdam. Where are you?
Ash: Thanks so much for the translation. I guess I had the wrong search terms because I could never find out what it was in English! I am in Amstelveen :)
Home made mayonnaise tastes even better when made with lemon juice instead of vinegar! Try it, you will love it! Marcella
Postelein: purslane, purslain.
Like your blog very much, good cooking! Marcella
Ash: Thanks Marcella!
Please, squeeze in a chair for me on your balcony, I'm coming to dinner!
Wow! All your salsa talk has made my mouth water for that salsa burger you are planning- And I'm a vegetarian!
So glad someone is having a beautiful day SOMEWHERE (it's cold and overcast here ;(
Happy Easter! (Off to start our own family celebration here :)
April 8, 2007 6:47 PM