Tomorrow, I will hand in this weblog, which will be graded, because it is one of my assignments this semester.
Frankly speaking, it was a great pleasure and fun for me. However, at the beginning I was very frightened because I had never had any contact with creating weblogs in the past. The worst thing was to edit and put any kind of multimedia on my weblog. I still think that I am a complete novice in that field. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, I learnt how to create a weblog. WOW!!! For me, a complete untalented person as far as any technology is concerned, it was quite a large-scale-undertaking... I only hope that my recipies are clear and helpful, and my comments and observations have not hurt anybody...
One day, I may add some new posts, but it does not have to be in English, it also might be in Polish, so do not be surprised... See you later folks ... Bon appétit!!!
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Saturday, 21 April 2007
What I LIKE eating and cooking
Hmm... My boyfriend says that when I am cooking I am happier and calmer. He is probably right because cooking brings me lots of satisfaction and eating - lots of pleasure:)
My grandma used to be a cook in the kindergarten and I think she is great because she is able to prepare something delicious from "nothing". As a child, I used to visit her and watch her cooking. I loved tasting eveything. Some people even said that they had never seen such an eager child in eating:) I am not fussy about any food, I love trying new cuisines. I have my favourites of course.
For BREAKFAST I love eating sandwiches, e.g. with cured meat, cheese and vegetables or with jam. Sometimes I eat corn flakes with milk and jam. I love drinking tea, I am addicted to earl grey.
For LUNCH (in Poland called DINNER) I eat something hot. I love varieties of pasta, with different sauces, herbs and vegetables. I love also rice (the best one is Uncle Bens -http://www.unclebens.com/) with fish, grilled chicken with potatoes, different salads with tuna, meat, cheese and sauces. I also love soups: tomato, cucumber, beetroot. Most of them are typical Polish one. I like Romanian, Turkish, Italian (pastas and pizza), Indian (tikka masala) and Greek (olives, variety of meat and salads) cuisines the most.
I like also fruits (watermelon, apples, banana especially), juices, still and sparkling water, chocolate and cheese cakes, scones and sometimes cheese and onion/sour cream crisps.
I like eating and experimenting with new flavours. I hope that I will taste in June Portugese cuisine and in July the French one... We will see:)
My grandma used to be a cook in the kindergarten and I think she is great because she is able to prepare something delicious from "nothing". As a child, I used to visit her and watch her cooking. I loved tasting eveything. Some people even said that they had never seen such an eager child in eating:) I am not fussy about any food, I love trying new cuisines. I have my favourites of course.
For BREAKFAST I love eating sandwiches, e.g. with cured meat, cheese and vegetables or with jam. Sometimes I eat corn flakes with milk and jam. I love drinking tea, I am addicted to earl grey.
For LUNCH (in Poland called DINNER) I eat something hot. I love varieties of pasta, with different sauces, herbs and vegetables. I love also rice (the best one is Uncle Bens -http://www.unclebens.com/) with fish, grilled chicken with potatoes, different salads with tuna, meat, cheese and sauces. I also love soups: tomato, cucumber, beetroot. Most of them are typical Polish one. I like Romanian, Turkish, Italian (pastas and pizza), Indian (tikka masala) and Greek (olives, variety of meat and salads) cuisines the most.
I like also fruits (watermelon, apples, banana especially), juices, still and sparkling water, chocolate and cheese cakes, scones and sometimes cheese and onion/sour cream crisps.
I like eating and experimenting with new flavours. I hope that I will taste in June Portugese cuisine and in July the French one... We will see:)
My boyfriend Marcin and his greatest SANDWICHES in the world!!!
The Royal Witch
Introduction
Preliminary, there is no big deal in meeting standards for this dish. You just need to prepare ingredients (more later on), and be hungry. There is however a bit of subtlety in the final stroke.
1. Ingredients
Introduction
Preliminary, there is no big deal in meeting standards for this dish. You just need to prepare ingredients (more later on), and be hungry. There is however a bit of subtlety in the final stroke.
1. Ingredients
Having assured yourself by ongoing protests of own stomach that you really need something to eat, gather:
- bread of good quality
- ham, or sliced sausage (poultry, fish allowed)
- fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives,
- cheese
- tomato sauce
- herbs (later on)
The first thing I would like to skip, leaving it till the end, so we will start from the moment your bread is nicely spread with tomato sauce mixed with herbs. You need now to chop garlic very finely, ideally if you use a squeezing machine, and put it onto the bread. Note that amount of garlic is of your individual preference. The only clue I can give is to use it more generously, as you dine closer to Transylvania. Unless you are a vampire, werewolf or you have a date after the meal.
Pick 2-3 olives for each slice of bread and cut them in fine pieces. Put them on the sandw
ich, and decide what kind of meat you would like. I have not tried this with the fish instead of beef or pork, but it seems to me that it would not cause any horrid diarrhoeas. Poultry works fine – the fact that my semi-vegetarian friend, is still alive after eating one with chicken, justifies that. The next step is to put tomatoes, or if you prefer your dish without them, cheese. As for the cheese don't be mean. You will find it nice, once you find that your dish is covered by a cheesy tablecloth. Afterwards turn an oven on 200°C for about 7 minutes. Add ketchup, mayo, and mustard in line with your taste.
2. A hint of unspeakable
The secret lies in herbs you add to tomato sauce which you then use to spread the bread with. Grounded garlic, basil, Provancal herbs, chives are the main one I use, but the hardest thing to tackle is to measure them properly, to create the core ingredient. It is a matter of proportion, just like the beauty of a female body which, both of which come with experience.
Written by my boyfriend Marcin
PS. It is me-Ola. Wow, I love when he writes something - like a writer, and when he prepares his greatest sandwiches, it is like love given on the plate:)
some TIPS how to FRY meat and fish...
I am not a vegetarian, I would not be able to resign from eating a piece of meat with garlic, onion and herbs, Yummy!!! I also love eating fish.
Today, now I feel like on TV cooking-programme:-), we will learn how to prepare tasty meat and fish and how to fry them properly.
Let's start from MEAT.
1. When you buy a piece of it, you have to remove fat and clean it with water.
2. Then you take herbs (marjoram, curry, mild or hot pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, onion, parsley, salt). Use those herbs you like and the amount which is ok for you and people who will eat this meat with you. Take into account that children and elderly people prefer eating milder meat to spicier one. I noticed that the best way is to coat a piece of meat in herbs and leave it in the fridge for a day or even two, because the meat will become saturated with herbs and will be simply tastier.
3. Now, when the meat is ready to be fried, take a frying pan and oil (or any kind of fat you like). Take a big spoon of oil and pour it onto a frying pan, let it be hot. Having read my post with spaghetti and preparation of a sauce, now you should know how we check whether the frying pan is ready for putting some meat there... I am only reminding You now.
You have to pour some water on your fingers and then to flick your fingers on the pan, so that water could touch the oil. If the oil starts to sizzle, it means that you can put meat into it. Be careful because it is very easy to burn the piece of meat, so remember to check when it is "gold" to turn it over. Sometimes is happens that it will start burning, add some water then. When you are sure that it is gold on both sides, you may take a pot and put there your meat, cover it with a lid, pour 2 spoons of water and leave on the cooker you used but turn it off, it is still warm enough. Why I am advising you to do that? It is very simple, because the meat will have some time to get softer, it is like a kind of boiling and steaming at the same time. It should take about 20 minutes.
As far as FISH is concerned:
1. Clean it with water as well.
2. Take similar herbs I advised you to use with meat. I do not like coating fish with flour, breadcrumbs or a special kind of coating. It is more caloric and not as tasty as with herbs only.
3. When you have the fish is coated with herbs, take some ordinary or olive oil and DO NOT POUR IT ONTO A FRYING PAN, but spread it onto a fish. WHY??? Once, in December 2006, I watched a cooking programme, they said that when you do it in such a way, you not smell fish in the whole house. I was sure they were bluffing because I did not believe them... But I tried and they were right. When You spread fat onto a fish not pour onto a frying pan it is simply better.
4. It is also very easy to burn the fish so watch out and in a good moment put it over (when it is slightly gold).
I hope You will succeed!!! I am sure about that:)
Today, now I feel like on TV cooking-programme:-), we will learn how to prepare tasty meat and fish and how to fry them properly.
Let's start from MEAT.
1. When you buy a piece of it, you have to remove fat and clean it with water.
2. Then you take herbs (marjoram, curry, mild or hot pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, onion, parsley, salt). Use those herbs you like and the amount which is ok for you and people who will eat this meat with you. Take into account that children and elderly people prefer eating milder meat to spicier one. I noticed that the best way is to coat a piece of meat in herbs and leave it in the fridge for a day or even two, because the meat will become saturated with herbs and will be simply tastier.
3. Now, when the meat is ready to be fried, take a frying pan and oil (or any kind of fat you like). Take a big spoon of oil and pour it onto a frying pan, let it be hot. Having read my post with spaghetti and preparation of a sauce, now you should know how we check whether the frying pan is ready for putting some meat there... I am only reminding You now.
You have to pour some water on your fingers and then to flick your fingers on the pan, so that water could touch the oil. If the oil starts to sizzle, it means that you can put meat into it. Be careful because it is very easy to burn the piece of meat, so remember to check when it is "gold" to turn it over. Sometimes is happens that it will start burning, add some water then. When you are sure that it is gold on both sides, you may take a pot and put there your meat, cover it with a lid, pour 2 spoons of water and leave on the cooker you used but turn it off, it is still warm enough. Why I am advising you to do that? It is very simple, because the meat will have some time to get softer, it is like a kind of boiling and steaming at the same time. It should take about 20 minutes.
As far as FISH is concerned:
1. Clean it with water as well.
2. Take similar herbs I advised you to use with meat. I do not like coating fish with flour, breadcrumbs or a special kind of coating. It is more caloric and not as tasty as with herbs only.
3. When you have the fish is coated with herbs, take some ordinary or olive oil and DO NOT POUR IT ONTO A FRYING PAN, but spread it onto a fish. WHY??? Once, in December 2006, I watched a cooking programme, they said that when you do it in such a way, you not smell fish in the whole house. I was sure they were bluffing because I did not believe them... But I tried and they were right. When You spread fat onto a fish not pour onto a frying pan it is simply better.
4. It is also very easy to burn the fish so watch out and in a good moment put it over (when it is slightly gold).
I hope You will succeed!!! I am sure about that:)
Comment on BRITish NARROW-MINDNESS... sorry, I am simply honest with You...
Yeah, I want to comment on most of the British people I have already met here in Aber. I am going to gossip about my previous flat-mates especially. I had never known so many people who are almost afraid of tasting foreign cuisines and think that British food (probably crisps and chips with vinegar:):):):)) is the best.
It was in October 2006 when we, I lived that time in one of the dormitories on the campus, spoke about Christmas tradition and meals. They asked me what we eat in Poland that time. Believe me, I have never seen so disgusted people with anything. Yeah, according to many Brits Poland is a third-world country, with constant snow. Some Brits also think that we do not have mobile phones, the Internet, similar products in shops etc. PATHETIC!!!
Coming back to my story, I told them that during Christmas Eve we are not allowed to eat meat, because it is our tradition. Of course, they asked what we eat instead. I said that mostly fish, e.g. I love herrings and carp:) Every family prepare different salads, depends on what kind they like. For instance, in my family we eat also a beetroot soup with some kind of raviollis called "uszka" or "small pierogi". We have also cabbage with mushrooms, dumlings with poppy seeds and raisins, herring salads (one is a Ukrainian one, because my grandfather was born there).
However, everything depends on the region. My mum used to eat a fish soup at home, my boyfriend has a mushroom one during Christmas Eve. After the main meal, people eat poppy-seed cakes, cheese cakes,
boiled wheat with poppy seeds and honey etc. The next two days of Christmas, we eat different kinds of meat, salads and cakes.
Could you imagine that my BRITish colleagues almost vomited when I told them about typical Christmas meals?!?!?! How narrow-minded they are... My Gosh.
I am not jealous that they eat for Christmas, let's say similar things they eat usually, because then they cannot feel the special character of the time. I am only horrified that they are so closed in a pejorative sense to other cultures and cuisines....
It was in October 2006 when we, I lived that time in one of the dormitories on the campus, spoke about Christmas tradition and meals. They asked me what we eat in Poland that time. Believe me, I have never seen so disgusted people with anything. Yeah, according to many Brits Poland is a third-world country, with constant snow. Some Brits also think that we do not have mobile phones, the Internet, similar products in shops etc. PATHETIC!!!
Coming back to my story, I told them that during Christmas Eve we are not allowed to eat meat, because it is our tradition. Of course, they asked what we eat instead. I said that mostly fish, e.g. I love herrings and carp:) Every family prepare different salads, depends on what kind they like. For instance, in my family we eat also a beetroot soup with some kind of raviollis called "uszka" or "small pierogi". We have also cabbage with mushrooms, dumlings with poppy seeds and raisins, herring salads (one is a Ukrainian one, because my grandfather was born there).
However, everything depends on the region. My mum used to eat a fish soup at home, my boyfriend has a mushroom one during Christmas Eve. After the main meal, people eat poppy-seed cakes, cheese cakes,
boiled wheat with poppy seeds and honey etc. The next two days of Christmas, we eat different kinds of meat, salads and cakes.
Could you imagine that my BRITish colleagues almost vomited when I told them about typical Christmas meals?!?!?! How narrow-minded they are... My Gosh.
I am not jealous that they eat for Christmas, let's say similar things they eat usually, because then they cannot feel the special character of the time. I am only horrified that they are so closed in a pejorative sense to other cultures and cuisines....
Friday, 20 April 2007
Nigella Lawson... She is so tasty:):):)
She likes eating most mashed potatoes with chicken, I also like mashed potatoes very much, chicken as well... I am also dark hair, dark eyed girl and love cooking... I want to be similar to her or Audrey Hepburn. I have never liked copying anybody but Nigella and Audrey are the women I really admire. Audrey because of acting, her charm, her life and Nigella because of her gorgeous cooking programme and of course her charm as well.
Everybody, who has ever watched her cooking on TV, wants Nigella to cook for him/her.
I agree with her way of cooking because it is not only about cooking as such but the way ‘how to eat’, which in my opinion is even more important.
Nigella Lawson's Food Philosophy
You know what is so great about her? That she simply cooks, not celebrates. She says: ‘Take a shallot, but if you do not have one, an onion is also ok’. I love her because of that. She keeps herbs in the drawer in bags and not on the shelf in the perfect order. When she says to add any herb, she simply takes the handful of it, instead of taking only a bit from the jar. When she talks about stirring the salad, she does it with her hands, like EVERYBODY, who cooks at home – and not using elegant spoons... and then she licks her fingers:) and I do not have to feel guilty that I do the same...
She does not cook a particular cuisine. She also does not think that time consuming meals can give you pleasure, because not many people have time to do that or even want. She prefers a cuisine which is less effective and absorbing, adapted to the age we live in now...
New York Times wrote that 'watching her is like the prelude to orgy' (I have read it on http://kobieta.gazeta.pl/wysokie-obcasy/1,53662,4041265.html?as=6&ias=7&startsz=x).
I am a heterosexual, but even I wait until she licks her fingers because is is so passionate...
‘Nigella Bites’ is the best cooking programme I have ever seen because she is so charming, natural and not fake.
Everybody, who has ever watched her cooking on TV, wants Nigella to cook for him/her.
I agree with her way of cooking because it is not only about cooking as such but the way ‘how to eat’, which in my opinion is even more important.
Nigella Lawson's Food Philosophy
You know what is so great about her? That she simply cooks, not celebrates. She says: ‘Take a shallot, but if you do not have one, an onion is also ok’. I love her because of that. She keeps herbs in the drawer in bags and not on the shelf in the perfect order. When she says to add any herb, she simply takes the handful of it, instead of taking only a bit from the jar. When she talks about stirring the salad, she does it with her hands, like EVERYBODY, who cooks at home – and not using elegant spoons... and then she licks her fingers:) and I do not have to feel guilty that I do the same...
She does not cook a particular cuisine. She also does not think that time consuming meals can give you pleasure, because not many people have time to do that or even want. She prefers a cuisine which is less effective and absorbing, adapted to the age we live in now...
New York Times wrote that 'watching her is like the prelude to orgy' (I have read it on http://kobieta.gazeta.pl/wysokie-obcasy/1,53662,4041265.html?as=6&ias=7&startsz=x).
I am a heterosexual, but even I wait until she licks her fingers because is is so passionate...
‘Nigella Bites’ is the best cooking programme I have ever seen because she is so charming, natural and not fake.
Welcome to the paradise of SALADS...
I love, adore eating salads. I prepare them almost everyday. They are not very time consuming, are tasty and HEALTHY. I will give you some tips how to experiment with vegetables:)
My favourite one is a GREEK SALAD.
In order to prepare it you need (depends how much you would like to eat:):) and how many people are going to eat that): some lettuce, an onion (preferably a red one), 2-3 cloves of garlic, tomatoes, a cucumber, feta cheese, pepper and oil of olives. Some people also add some red/orange/green pepper, but it depends on you...
Chop or slice vegetables and feta cheese into a bowl, add some oil and pepper and squezzed garlic. Stir and relish!!!
I think, however, that the best way to prepare a great salad is to use whatever you have or want to use, do not be afraid of experimenting. As a student, I have to save money so sometimes I do not have every ingredient I want to use in my salad.
Lettuce or cabbage, peppers (no matter what colour they are, but in my opinion red and orange ones are the best), tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs (e.g. basil), onions, garlic, olives, different kind of cheese and sauces, corn, tuna, meat, prawns, pasta, rice, pickled cucumbers, peas etc.
Pasta is great with prawns/chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion and some mayonaise.
Rice is great with pickled cucumbers, peas, corn and mayo.
Lettuce (like a greek salad), but You may add some corn, pepper, cheese, meat etc.
As far as sauces are concerned:
- a yoghurt/sour cream with herbs
- olive oil with herbs (you may add some vinegar or lemon juice)
JUST EXPERIMENT, believe me it is great. Good luck!!!
Polish cuisine is lovely:)
Yeah, Polish Pierogi... You obviously do not know what I am talking about so watch it!!!
Apart from Pierogi we have the most delicious meat, cured meat, natural vegetables, gorgeous BREAD, dairy products especially cottage cheese... My Gosh, Poland and Polish food are great. If you have not been there or tasted this marvellous food, believe me, you have to!!!!!!!!!
Not only food we have great, also: sightseeing, beautiful women:), mountains, the sea, lots of monuments, crazy politicians:) etc.
Apart from Pierogi we have the most delicious meat, cured meat, natural vegetables, gorgeous BREAD, dairy products especially cottage cheese... My Gosh, Poland and Polish food are great. If you have not been there or tasted this marvellous food, believe me, you have to!!!!!!!!!
Not only food we have great, also: sightseeing, beautiful women:), mountains, the sea, lots of monuments, crazy politicians:) etc.
SOUPS... it is not so difficult:)
This time you/my readers of my weblog (if I have got any:):):)) will be my students.
Today, my dear, we are to cook a soup. I decided to teach You a tomato soup, which is probably the fastest, simplest and the cheapest one.
Today, my dear, we are to cook a soup. I decided to teach You a tomato soup, which is probably the fastest, simplest and the cheapest one.
We will need some INGREDIENTS: a few potatoes, one onion, 4 cloves of garlic, one parsnip, a few carrots, one celery, some tomato paste, chopped or peeled tomatos in the can, stock cubes, salt, pepper, some basil and oregano and WATER:)
You can cook some rice (pour hot water into a pot, add some rice and cook for about 10 minutes, stir!) or pasta (how to cook pasta see the post about cooking spaghetti) as well:)
You can cook some rice (pour hot water into a pot, add some rice and cook for about 10 minutes, stir!) or pasta (how to cook pasta see the post about cooking spaghetti) as well:)
Boil a whole kettle of water. Peel the vegetables and chop or slice them (do it the way you like it). Take a pot and pour the water. Add there two stock cubes. Afterwards add all vegetables. Stir all the time. Wait until the vegetables are soft. Then add one 4 spoons of tomato paste and the can of tomatoes, some salt and pepper. The soup should be ready in 4 minutes.
I told you that it is very easy and costs approximately 1,5 pound...
I told you that it is very easy and costs approximately 1,5 pound...
Enjoy YOUR meal!!!
PIZZA made from the SCRATCH!!!
This time my boyfriend Marcin was my victim. I think that men are better in kneading dough, they look so lovely, like children in the sandpit:):)
I am completely unable to buy a pizza here in Aberystwyth, they are distasteful and expensive. I will provide You with a very cheap recipe and the dough is marvellous, I bet You:):)
DOUGH INGREDIENTS:
yeast, flour, oil, water, salt.
I am completely unable to buy a pizza here in Aberystwyth, they are distasteful and expensive. I will provide You with a very cheap recipe and the dough is marvellous, I bet You:):)
DOUGH INGREDIENTS:
yeast, flour, oil, water, salt.
Take a bowl, put there 2 glasses of flour, a packet of yeast, 2 big spoons of oil, half a glass of water and some salt. KNEAD it all together please!!! Then leave it for at least 30 minutes in the warm place, so that this dough is able to "grow".
SAUCE:
tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic, basil, thyme, oregano. MIX it all together in a vessel.
When the dough is ready, take a baking/pizza tray and spread some oil on it, on the bottom and on the sides, so that the dough could not stick. Afterwards, spread the dough on it, take a fork and prick it. Then, take the sauce and spread it onto dough.
THE FLOOR IS YOURS NOW:):):) You might choose a vegetarian, with meat, fruity or frutti di marre. Everything depens on your imagination, taste and of course money:):):)
Put Your pizza into the oven: 200-220 Celsius for 15 minutes!!!
BON APPETIT FOLKS!!!
tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic, basil, thyme, oregano. MIX it all together in a vessel.
When the dough is ready, take a baking/pizza tray and spread some oil on it, on the bottom and on the sides, so that the dough could not stick. Afterwards, spread the dough on it, take a fork and prick it. Then, take the sauce and spread it onto dough.
THE FLOOR IS YOURS NOW:):):) You might choose a vegetarian, with meat, fruity or frutti di marre. Everything depens on your imagination, taste and of course money:):):)
Put Your pizza into the oven: 200-220 Celsius for 15 minutes!!!
BON APPETIT FOLKS!!!
Spaghetti with tomato sauce... SO SIMPLE, CHEAP AND FAST!!!
YOU HAVE TO TRY TO COOK THAT!!!
It was my second and the last lesson with my female girls: Michelle and Gemma. This time I wanted to persuade them that spaghetti is probably the simplest meal to cook in the world, apart from scrambled eggs:) The girls were a bit frightened. They do not usually cook. So I showed everything step by step. In order to make it easy for you, I am going to present this recipe in the similar way, because you might cook it for the first time.
It was my second and the last lesson with my female girls: Michelle and Gemma. This time I wanted to persuade them that spaghetti is probably the simplest meal to cook in the world, apart from scrambled eggs:) The girls were a bit frightened. They do not usually cook. So I showed everything step by step. In order to make it easy for you, I am going to present this recipe in the similar way, because you might cook it for the first time.
INGREDIENTS: spaghetti p
asta (for 4 people about 500g costs about 50p), a bit of oil, tomato concentrate (costs about 25p), peeled or chopped tomatos in a can (cost, it depends where You buy them of course, 15p), herbs (basil, oregano, pepper, salt), one onion, garlic - add 4 cloves; olives and cheese (if you have money, because these are the most expensive ingredients).
asta (for 4 people about 500g costs about 50p), a bit of oil, tomato concentrate (costs about 25p), peeled or chopped tomatos in a can (cost, it depends where You buy them of course, 15p), herbs (basil, oregano, pepper, salt), one onion, garlic - add 4 cloves; olives and cheese (if you have money, because these are the most expensive ingredients). PASTA:
Boil the whole kettle of water and then pour it into a pot, add some salt, two big spoons of oil and mix. Then, add pasta. It should be ready in 10-15 minutes. DO NOT FORGET ABOUT STIRRING!!! It is very important because then the pasta will not stuck to the bottom. You are probably curious how to check when pasta is ready... YOU HAVE TO TASTE IT. Take a fork and "catch" one spaghetti, but wait a second because it is very hot and then try.
SAUCE: 
Chop one onion and 4 (or more) cloves of garlic, take a pan, pour some oil. When the oil is hot, put a chopped onion and garlic. My mum taught me how to check when the oil is "ready". You have to pour some water on your fingers and then to flick your fingers on the pan, so that water could touch the oil. If the oil starts to sizzle, it means that you can put onions and garlic into it.
DO NOT FORGET ABOUT STIRRING and your cooker must be on the lowest programme, because we do not need to burn it. When the onion and garlic are "gold", add (***) the concentrate and chopped tomatoes from the can, stir it of course. Then add some salt, pepper, herbs: the most important are basil and oregano, but you may also use some thyme, marjoram etc. In order to check whether this sauce is tasty, take a spoon and taste a bit. You may need to add some more salt, pepper or herbs.
Chop one onion and 4 (or more) cloves of garlic, take a pan, pour some oil. When the oil is hot, put a chopped onion and garlic. My mum taught me how to check when the oil is "ready". You have to pour some water on your fingers and then to flick your fingers on the pan, so that water could touch the oil. If the oil starts to sizzle, it means that you can put onions and garlic into it.
DO NOT FORGET ABOUT STIRRING and your cooker must be on the lowest programme, because we do not need to burn it. When the onion and garlic are "gold", add (***) the concentrate and chopped tomatoes from the can, stir it of course. Then add some salt, pepper, herbs: the most important are basil and oregano, but you may also use some thyme, marjoram etc. In order to check whether this sauce is tasty, take a spoon and taste a bit. You may need to add some more salt, pepper or herbs.
When pasta and sauce are ready, put some pasta on the plate and pour some sauce on it. Afterwards you may also add some cheese and olives. I think you will like it, not because it is tasty, but because it is quite cheap, simple, fast and... because you cooked it, like my friends: Michelle and Gemma. Look at the photos from our cooking lesson:)
PS. Of course, it was a vegeterian spaghetti, but You may add for example some minced beef, I put (***) in the sauce quidelines when you should add meat.
Thursday, 19 April 2007
Savoir vivre... some people I have observed forget about it...
Etiquette, savoir vivre or simply social norms should be so common amongst people e.g. my customers, unfortunately they are not. I have been working behind the bar. You may call me a barwoman:), a waitress or even a cleaner because my duties are various, beginning from serving and ending at cleaning. It is really pathetic to see "cultural" people, who make a worse mess on the tables than children or even animals!!! As my colleague who works in the Cafe said: "They do not eat their doughnut, they make an explosion of it". I could give you another example: a flake devastated on the saucer. Apart from the huge mess on the tables, like after a storm, I probably do not like most when people do not use ashtrays... PEOPLE PLEASE BEHAVE! YOU HAVE BEEN OBSERVED! I am like a Big Sister:):):)
I found a very interesting article about savouir vivre but not only about that:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0JAW/is_2001_Summer/ai_76445719
I found a very interesting article about savouir vivre but not only about that:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0JAW/is_2001_Summer/ai_76445719
A BREAK at work / studies... MY OBSERVATIONS...
I, a 23-year-old Polish girl living now in the UK, have been observing people eating in my two jobs but also in my studies, and what I found out is as follows:
- most of the people I observed EAT very UNHEALTHY e.g. crisps, chips, fast food, sweets, chocolate, drinking sweet fizzy drinks.
There were only a very few ones who ate hot meals, home made sandwiches with vegetables, salads, some fruits and drank juice. I noticed that it is mainly because people got used to buying ready-made products, not because in most of the cases they do not have time but simply they are lazy. It is so common now to see many obese people on the streets, but who cares??? If even they do not care... I might be wrong...
- most of the people I observed EAT very UNHEALTHY e.g. crisps, chips, fast food, sweets, chocolate, drinking sweet fizzy drinks.
There were only a very few ones who ate hot meals, home made sandwiches with vegetables, salads, some fruits and drank juice. I noticed that it is mainly because people got used to buying ready-made products, not because in most of the cases they do not have time but simply they are lazy. It is so common now to see many obese people on the streets, but who cares??? If even they do not care... I might be wrong...
A roll / sandwich with crisps?!?!?!?!? STRANGE!!!
Could You imagine eating a roll with crisps e.g. lamb or mint ones (e.g. Walkers crisps: http://walkers.corpex.com/cr15p5/index.htm) ??? Now, I could but in the past you should have seen my face when I and my boyfriend saw our colleague (during a break at work, does not matter who it was and where) taking a roll, cutting it into two parts (as usually it is done) and........... PUTTING CRISPS INSIDE!!! I asked my other British friends whether it is also strange for them and.... of course, it is not. It means that something is probably wrong with me:)
I do not want to hurt anybody's feelings, but, being a foreigner some things like those crisps with a roll, crisps and chips with salt and vinegar and taps with separate cold and hot water... are really strange for me...
I do not want to hurt anybody's feelings, but, being a foreigner some things like those crisps with a roll, crisps and chips with salt and vinegar and taps with separate cold and hot water... are really strange for me...
How can people eat crisps and chips with vinegar?!?!?!?! UGH!!! Disgusting!!!
I may be subjective, but my boyfriend and other Poles agree with me, that nothing can surprise me in such a negative way in eating as adding vinegar to crisps and chips. On the left you can see picture of me and my boyfriend eating chips WITHOUT vinegar at the seaside:)' The dictionary defines vinegar as “sour wine” or “a sour liquid obtained by acetic fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids and used as a condiment or preservative.” '
Of course, I sometimes use vinegar but frankly speaking I prefer instead of it lemon juice which is very similar and for me also lighter. I tried to eat both crisps and chips with vi
negar but it was so horrible and distasteful that my taste buds almost exploded. I presume it was like that mainly because the amount of vinegar was too big. In my opinion, vinegar should be only an additive and not a main ingredient of a meal, like herbs, oil etc. I admire all those Brits who adore eating crisps and chips with vinegar because in my view they simply spoil the taste of chips and crisps... If you want to find out more about the versatality of vinegar, see this page:
vinega
r + a foot # a good idea :):):)Tuesday, 27 March 2007
A pancake day:)
The first cooking lesson took place on the 20th of February at my home. My victims were Gemma and Michelle. Both of them have been studying with me. Thanks to the British (???)tradition, everybody was mad that day about pancakes, so, because I love cooking and I adore my colleagues I invited them for a pancake day. Probably, now the girls forgot how to make pancakes and maybe they do not even remember how pancakes look like, so if you are curious about our meeting and would like to learn how to prepare a very cheap and fast meal, below there is a recipe and some photos. Frankly speaking, we had quite a good fun... You should have seen their faces, when they saw what I put on my pancakes?!?!?!?!?! I also could not believed how people can be so closed for new experience... Gemma and Michelle eat pancakes only either with butter and sugar or with butter sugar and lemon. OK, I understand... I think that I understand... but why not try anything else???
For instance:
PANCAKES with: jam, fruit, cream, chocolate butter (that is a sweet proposal)
or with cheese, vegetables, tomato or garlic souce, meat etc.
Believe me that is really great!
PANCAKES with: jam, fruit, cream, chocolate butter (that is a sweet proposal)
or with cheese, vegetables, tomato or garlic souce, meat etc.
Believe me that is really great!
Recipe for pancakes (cost about 50p)
-2 eggs
-salt
-half a litre of milk
-flour (approximately 2 glasses)
-2 eggs
-salt
-half a litre of milk
-flour (approximately 2 glasses)
Put 2 eggs into a bowl, add some salt and mix all together. Then You pour milk and mix, of course. After that add two glasses of flour and again mix that using a whisk. In order to make pancakes softer You might add one fourth of glass of water. If you see that this batter is not thick enough, add a bit more flour. You do not know how much??? Use Your intuition, cooking is a constant learning and experimenting. I hope You will like your pancakes!!!
Experiment with...
Close Your eyes and imagine that you are on a different planet now... it is more colourful, it also irritates Your senses. Now, you are able to feel more, smell more, see more and hear more. Do not be scared. Trust me... The moment you trust me, you will be able to create magic things...
Don't be afraid of experimenting with herbs, mixing sweet and bitter tastes. You also don't have to cut Your vegetables in a perfect way, it's not a cooking programme. Welcome to the spontaneous and normal cuisine. Everything depends on You...
Don't be afraid of experimenting with herbs, mixing sweet and bitter tastes. You also don't have to cut Your vegetables in a perfect way, it's not a cooking programme. Welcome to the spontaneous and normal cuisine. Everything depends on You...
Monday, 12 March 2007
Intro
Hello Everybody,
My name is Ola and I am going to experiment with this weblog for a few weeks. I love cooking, eating and also observing people. That is why I am going to make you bored with everything what is connected with food.... where??? in Aberystwyth, which is a lovely small town in Wales, Great Britain (see picture below). It is located at the seaside and there is also the University of Wales where I study:)
My name is Ola and I am going to experiment with this weblog for a few weeks. I love cooking, eating and also observing people. That is why I am going to make you bored with everything what is connected with food.... where??? in Aberystwyth, which is a lovely small town in Wales, Great Britain (see picture below). It is located at the seaside and there is also the University of Wales where I study:)
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