Delicious Sprouts - Yes! Really!

THIS IS A GREEN RECIPE



This time of year in the northern hemisphere is when vegetables like sprouts and cabbage really come into their own. Many people don't like sprouts, but cook them this way and I guarantee you will be converted.

• Slice your sprouts
• Fry up some pancetta cubes or bacon in olive oil and a little butter
• Add the sprouts and sautee until soft but not soggy
• Add some cooked chestnuts (you can get them pre-cooked and vacuum packed)
• Add lemon juice and black pepper to taste
• Serve
  

What’s Your Guilty Pleasure

Regardless of our refined our tastes may be, we all have a few guilty pleasures. Foods that we just love even though we know we shouldn't. I am very much against processed food, but there are some to which I just can't seem to shake my addiction! I have to admit that a lot of these were introduced to me on my trips to the US, like Twinkies, peppermint patties and potato bread. Even now back in Zambia I crave potato bread hot dogs. I also love canned pasta, especially Heinz Macaroni Cheese. When I was in Italy I fell in love with Kinder Brioche, a type of oblong cake that Italians like to eat for breakfast. Again I still pine after these tasty sponge cakes that are just wonderful dipped in coffee and I wonder why they have never been for sale in the UK. Then of course the ultimate sin – pork fat (crispy) and roast chicken skin. Most of my guilty pleasures are comfort foods or foods that remind me of a particular time in my life. Sometimes it's just reverting back to my childhood, who doesn't want to do that every now and then?

So, share with me, what's your list of guilty pleasures?

Mood Enhancing Foods

Obviously being a foodie means I believe eating can cure most things ( a dangerous notion I know!). For years now whenever I am a bit fed up I make the same thing – pasta with tomato sauce. I don't know what it is about this dish that cheers me up so much, I think it's the reminders of sunny days in Italy with friends. Tomato sauce can be so delicious smell so great it immediately lifts my mood and pasta is something I could not live without. Oh and there has to be basil to in the sauce.

Leave your comment on the food you like to eat when you are in a low mood.

Key Lime Pie

I'd hear of key lime pie but had always thought key was for kiwi and the pie was a kiwi, lime pie. Why I thought this would be a traditional southern delicacy, as kiwis are not at all native to the US, I can't say. But then, another speciality is banana pudding and bananas don't come from the US either! I've since discovered that key limes are a type of lime found in Florida, highly prized for their sharp, fragrant taste.

Basically, key lime pie is a lot like lemon meringue pie without the meringue. There's a biscuit crumb base – Graham Cracker usually which you can buy already crumbed, gotta love the States! This buttery base is topped with a thick, tart topping very much like lemon curd only with lime, obviously. While in the North Carolina I tried 3 different versions of this pie, the first topped with whipped cream, the second two simply garnished with a slice of lime. I am in love with this pie, I have never been one for sweet heavy desserts so after a nice serving of rich southern food, the key lime pie is a welcome full stop. Fragrant, quite light and the acidic lime is something of a palette cleanser. Perfection in a pie.

North Carolina travel guide - Wikitravel

For more on the bakcground of North Carolina including its food, go her
North Carolina travel guide - Wikitravel

Eating the Country - Seafood at Southport

This place is great for atmosphere and good honest seafood, shrimp were a little overcooked but still pretty good and the crabcake was really tasty. Loved the fact they gave us salad instead of tons of fries. They have a great system where you just go and get beers as and when, then tell them at the end how many you had. View of bay stunning, clientele and staff friendly and fun. If you ever come by Southport, check it out.

Eating the Country - Asheville

It's amazing when you visit somewhere and never have a bad meal - anywhere. If you want to eat some incredible food Asheville is a foodie's paradise. We were there for 3 day and had everything from nouveau local food, latin inspired, organic and traditional a la carte. Above is a picture of the Sisters McMullen bakery full of incredible cupcakes and great sandwiches, and cheap too.

Locally Sourced

Our first night we ate at Table on College Street. They change their menu everyday and pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. I ordered rabbit and was impressed with how tender it was. The peas and ricotta gnochi were good accompaniments, however I found the sauce a little overpowering for the subtle taste f the meat.

Staff in the restaurant were friendly and knowledgeable concerning the menu and I had the biggest martini I have ever seen. Great atmosphere, recommended.

Rockin' Pizza

Second night we went to the Mellow Mushroom on Broadway Street. The pizza is more deep pan, but the toppings and sauce are delicious, I went for the Kosmic Karma pizza which had spinach, feta and pesto - really wonderful. Unfortunately it was raining when we went so couldn't sit out on the terrace, this would've been preferable as we found it a bit too loud inside.

Food with a View

For a dinner with oodles of atmosphere you can't beat the Grove Park Inn. Nestled in the mountains just outside of Asheville the views are truly spectacular. We ate on the Sunset Terrace which has an a la carte menu of steaks, duck, seafood and more. We opted for their 3 course for $30 with mussels to start followed by steak diane and cheesecake for dessert. Everything was perfectly cooked and with perfect seasoning, and considering the views, this is an excellent bargain.

Breakfast

We ate breakfast at 3 different places, all great.

Over Easy Cafe on Walnut Street

West End Bakery on Haywood, West Asheville

Chorizo on Page Avenue - by far our favourite, service was a little 'relaxed' but food well worth the wait. Tortillas with eggs, thick pieces of bacon, chutney, guacamole, cilantro-fragrant salsa. Heaven.