I spent most of Saturday cooking up a storm, firstly for family coming round for dinner, plus a few treats for a bloggy picnic on Sunday… (click all the names of the foods to go to the recipes)
For Saturday dinner starters I made baba ghanoush (aubergine dip) and Butternut ‘hummus’, with crispy pitta chips and Turkish bread to dip in. These were both delicious and easy to make; extra props to Grania for tips on the butternut hummus.
Cooking the aubergines whole over a gas flame makes them all smoky and soft – perfect for baba ghanoush.
For the main, more aubergines (my guests dropped hints that they like them..), baked and stuffed with feta, served with giant cous cous and griddled courgettes. I’ve been trying to steer clear of wheat lately as I don’t think it agrees with me much, so that means lots of ‘meaty’ veg and interesting non-wheat grains. With an amazing greengrocers just up the road and lots of local Turkish supermarkets with unusual grains, spices and sauces, this isn’t too hard to achieve. This dish went down well with my non-veggie guests too, so I’m calling it a win.
I also rustled up a few (decidedly non-wheat-free) extra treats to take to the Blognic on Sunday – a bloggers’ meet-up in Regent’s Park organised by Lynne and Ellie.
Raspberry crumble cheesecake (recipe in the latest Olive magazine) and raspberry and white chocolate blondies.
Everyone else made a good effort with the food too, it was quite a lovely spread. It was a really fun afternoon and great to chat to lots of new blogger friends – hello Lisa, Daisy Fay, Michelle, Alexis, Marianne, Carole, Ana, Becky, Elizabeth, Tori, Hannah, Ray.. phew!
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ooh, did the butternut hummous work okay in the end? everything looks so gorgeous. especially those aubergines, yum!
Yes, it was SO nice! Your tip with the boiling water worked great, and I found pomegranate molasses in my local Turkish shop.. it's quite an addictive taste.. :)
Hello! It was so lovely to meet you too. I had such a great time, and I hope we can all do it again soon.
x
This all looks so yummy. Sorry I didn't get around to trying your food at the blognic (but figured two brownies was enough – silly thought that). Nice to put a face to the blog.
Ummmmmm….YUMMMMM :)
Kate
http://www.thrillofthechaise.com
Oh yum, food-posts are the next best thing to food and what was on offer at the picnic was really good. Lovely to meet you :-) xo
Looks like the blognic thing was a lot of fun. Hopefully there'll be another one in the future!
My husband is veggie and those aubergines look amazing. I wish I had a gas stove instead of electric now. It looks so yummy! :D
Your picnic spread is so stylish! The Butternut houmous looks so good as well. Yum, so hungry right now!
You are making me hungry again! So great to meet you at Blognic + get a little inspiration to keep learning web and graphic design. Can't wait to see more from your blog!
Sooo lovely to finally meet you Katie! I hope to bump into again soon (I'm sure there'll be more sales or market we have in common)
Oh and I'm totally making the aubergine soon – yum.xx
i don't really know what 'giant' couscous is, but just thought i'd mention that regular couscous IS a wheat-y food. it is made of semolina, from wheat, like pasta, and is not appropriate for people with gluten intolerances. :)
That had to be one of the best looking picnics I've ever seen!
Oh-so-tasty looking! You've given me ideas for my next picnic!
xx
Blognic was good wasn't it. So pleased to have discovered your blog, although if it always makes me this hungry it might not be such a good thing!
Great photos btw… am tempted by your camera having seen it in action… although you obviously have the designers eye, and that wouldn't be part of the kit!
Found you via Wellies made the Raspberries and chocolate blondies DELICOUS!!!!! Thank you.
wow, that looks really amazing!