Tuesday 2 December 2014

My daughter's birthday party



   Special days fill our souls, especially if they are full of beautiful moments.
   Last weekend we celebrated our daughter’s birthday.
   A generous group of our friends was present and a significant number of kids as well: lots of girls but boys, we had only 3! - where are you babes?
   Many hours of the day and the night before, were invested in the kitchen to prepare a snack that was deliberately designed to fulfill the  appetite of a group of children where the only vegetarian was the birthday girl ....
   Although it was a challenge, with some effort, I was able to prepare an appealing menu and without anyone noticing the lack of animal products.

  The sausage rolls that I usually prepare make the delights of young and older!
   The menu was varied, but some experiences that result from my constant desire to improvise every new recipe, were excluded because they were completely ruined!
   From those that went to the party table (and they were many!), I suggest the chocolate lollypops and the sausage puff rolls, the first, taking some time to prepare but beautiful and delicious, and the second, quick and appetizing!

Sausage puff rolls:

puff pastry
tofu or soy sausages

Cut each sausage in the desired size or use it in full size.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut into long thin strips.
Wrap each sausage or piece of sausage with a strip and bake until crispy.

Chocolate lollypops:

dark chocolate
 food confettis, nuts, grated coconut, almonds, pistachios
wooden food stiks

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.
Place a sheet of parchment paper on a plane surface.
Fill a dessert spoon with melted chocolate and place on baking paper, drawing a circle. Repeat the process leaving space between each circle.
Let stand for 10 minutes.
Place a new layer of chocolate on each circle.
Let stand 5 minutes and then place a stick in each circle. Press slightly.
Let stand for 5 minutes and pour new layer.

Wait 5 minutes and garnish with the ingredients you like.
Bon appétit!
© veggie delicious food, December  2014

"Caldo Verde" - Portuguese traditional kale soup


     The idea of this soup came after a conversation with a friend. We both have concerns about a balanced diet and one which is in harmony with the season.
   In these cold days, I often prepare soups and when my friend mentioned a typical Portuguese kale soup – “Caldo Verde” - (which I love!) but made with cauliflower instead of the traditional potatoes, I was curious…
    During my usual visit to the Saturday market, cauliflower was the first item in my grocery shopping list and, the second, was kale, which I usually buy from Maria José - Quinta do Poial - Organic Farming.
    I do not know how my friend prepares her “Caldo Verde” but mine was creamy and very tasty. A delight! Even my daughter, who does not like cauliflower, approved it!

ingredients:
(serves 6)

500 g white cauliflower without leaves
250 gr kale finely chopped
1 medium onion
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
6 cups vegetable broth (from kale)
olive oil to season
salt

Wash and finely chop kale leaves.
Cook in salted water. Reserve.
Steamed the cauliflower.
Chop the onion and brown in olive oil.
Add the garlic and brown as well.
Add the cauliflower to the onion and garlic. Wrap.
Add the 6 cups (the amount may vary slightly) of vegetable broth.
Process the soup until creamy.

Add the kale and rectify the seasoning.
Cook for 2 or 3 minutes.
Serve seasoned with olive oil and add some slices of good bread. I served it with our typical “pão de mafra”.

© veggie delicious food, December  2014