Assorted Anchovies

Last night we devoured a whole packet of what are the most delicious anchovies I have discovered to date. These hot or cold smoked beauties come from Fickle Fish http://www.theficklefish.co.uk/ not widely available yet but well worth seeking out.

They got me thinking about the vast range of culinary opportunities for the 144 varieties of anchovies, those small fish which can be found in most of the worlds oceans. 

In Spain we have enjoyed them as tapas whole, filleted, lightly brined and served in mellow olive oil.

One of my favourite ever summer receipes is Delia's ceasar salad from her Summer Collection (published in 1993). Just 50 grams of salty anchovies deliver that unique ceasar flavour. http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/salad-days/mixed-leaf-caesar-salad.html  Paired with an adaptation of her parmesan chicken this salad was a feature of one of my early food blogs and you can find the recipes here http://annsfooddiary.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/taste-of-summer.html

Another classic from the great food writer and chef Simon Hopkinson matches lamb with rosemary, garlic and the ever versatile anchovy http://www.simonhopkinson.tv/recipe/10/roast-lamb.aspx

In the garden my rosemary is luscious and green and last summers garlic has stored well. Anchovies are also ready and waiting to be added to a tasty looking piece of lamb. 

Dressing the Table

Creating themes for entertaining seems to be going down well with friends and my recent Chinese New Year dinner was no exception. People seemed to enjoy the fun of using some simple decorations to set the scene and enhance the atmosphere.

On this occasion an oriental runner, an Asian box filed with satsumas, a few brightly coloured paper flowers with some supermarket napkins were the supporting act for the food.

This approach is not all my own idea. One current favourite for evening TV viewing is "My Kitchen Rules" or MKR it's originally Australian, with MKR New Zealand now appearing on Sky Living. In the early stages the competing pairs entertain in their homes and are scored by their rivals and the celebrity chef judges for three course meals produced in their themed instant restaurants http://mykitchenrules.info/ 

Closer to home and just before new year I read a great article in the Saturday Telegraph by Alex Hollywood http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/features/keep-away-fromthe-kitchen-on-new-years-eve/ with inspired ideas on dressing a table for NYE celebrations, I just copied her suggestions and then enjoyed the compliments!

But what I am really looking forward to is dressing the table outside on a warm summer night, another blog and more pictures will follow.

Amal a taste of Morocco and development for women

The fabulous Amal women's training centre and Morrocan restaurant opened in 2012. The innovative concept offers career training for disadvantaged women in Marrakesh giving motivation and training to enable over 40 women a year to gain financial independence.

https://amalrestaurant.wordpress.com/

In addition the Amal restaurant run by the women supported by a small number of staff and volunteers is hugely popular offering both Morrocan and European dishes and currently rated Trip Advisors number 2 of 694 restaurants in this vibrant and inviting city.

A traditional Morrocan cooking class at Amal was one of the highlights of a recent trip. These classes are offered every day and our group of six produced beef and chicken tagines cooked over charcoal followed by an enjoyable group lunch in the courtyard on this bustling restaurant.

The inspirational Oumamie Amal's talented and passionate communications manager was our host for the morning as we cooked while learning the Amal story.

Amal is supported entirely by grants, charitable donations and the income it is able to generate with this great work. Almost all the women trainees move on to take up jobs in the raids, hotels and restaurants of Marrakech able to gain security and independence.

A recommended addition to any Marrakesh break.