THURSDAY: Food Memories

Growing up, seafood was a rarity in our house. We lived right inland, over an hour to any beach, Dad wasn't the fishing type and lets face it, feeding seafood to a family of six would be a very expensive exercise! On the rare occassion we were given some fish, I remember Mum making this delicious and simple fish dish, always accompanied by rice. Its probably been 10 years since i've had it and it has stuck in my mind. I've asked Mum for the recipe a few times, but always forgotten to follow her up. Last night, knowing I had fish to cook, but not wanting the frequented potato to accompany, I thought, "stuff the recipe" i'll just work from memory. And so came 'Mums Fish' with rice and salad.




And heres the recipe:

400g terakihi fillets (or other firm fish)
1 red onion, sliced
1 Tbsp wholegrain mustard
juice of 2 lemons
1 cup cream (or evaporated milk with 1 tsp cornflour)
salt & pepper
Cut fish into large chunks and put in a bowl. Add onion, mustard and lemon juice. Mix together well and leave to marinate for about 2 hours.
Heat a little oil in a hot pan and add fish & marinade. Cook for a few minutes, then add the cream. Simmer for 5 minutes or until cream has thickened. Season well and serve on a bed of basmati rice, with salad to accompany.

Have a wicked weekend everyone.
Tamara xx

FRIDAY: Morrocan Fish 'n' Couscous

Wow today went by fast, as is the way when your not at work. I looked up and suddenly it was 7pm and there was two hungry bellies to fill. Looking through my newly reorganized cupboard, I settled on couscous, but what protein to include? Not enough time for beans to soak and cook, lamb was planned for dinner tomorrow night, not a lot of quick cook meat in the freezer. So I decided on fish. And came up with Fish 'n' Couscous, a Morrocan take on fish n chips! (Morrocan and Middle Easter are my latest culinary phases).




Garlic flavoured couscous 'jewelled' with semi-dried tomatoes, courgette, red onion, olives and parsley. Morrocan spice coated fish, folded through.

Unfortunately my preserved lemons are not quite ready, so I was unable to add them :(

A quick, tasty meal thats a little different. And it sure filled the spot!
Tamara xx

THURSDAY: The Healthier Option

Home Made Fish & Chips




Pan fried Hoki Fillet (unfortunately the only thing avaliable at the supermarket yesterday, I would have prefered Terakihi or Snapper), Crispy Baked Chips, a well dressed Salad, served with lemon wedges and aioli (garlic mayo).

I always thought it was terribly French to eat mayo with your chips, but after my recent trip to England, I now realise that it is almost a British Institution.....a scrummy one though.

I find the secret to crispy chips that aren't deep fried, is to par boil them first, rough them up a bit then bake them at a high heat.

Tamara xx

TUESDAY: Creamy, Indulgent Pasta

Salmon & Pea Pasta

Piles of spaghetti in a sundried tomato and cream sauce, dotted with salmon and fresh peas.

Tamara xx

SUNDAY: A twist on two old classics

Take a comforting British Classic, Fish Cakes and my most favouritist breakfast of all time, Eggs Benedict, play around with them a bit and you've got yourself one yummy dinner!



Smoked FishCakes with Wilted Spinach, Poached Egg and Hollandaise.

The fishcake was kumara (sweet potato) based with smoked Snapper, flavoured with lemon, garlic, parsley and cumin.

Would you believe it, last night was the first time ever that I have managed to make perfect poached eggs! Normally I overcook them or break them, so I generally avoid them. I know, what type of experienced cook cannot poach eggs? Well now I can!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!
Tamara xxx