Left Overs day
Did You Know?……………We borrowed the word “réchauffé” in the early 19th century from the French; which means “to reheat.” English speakers apparently decided that leftovers would seem more appealing with a French name. When I was at college we had a flamboyant lecturer called Miss Ferguson and she always called left overs “réchauffé” and I suppose it does sound more appealing.
I turned my leftovers of celeriac and potato mash, slow roasted tomatoes, a few spinach leaves, a couple of parsnips and two lamb rump steaks into a stack.
I mixed the cup of left over Celeriac and Potato Mash with : 1 egg, 2 tablespoons flour, 75 grams chopped feta cheese and a little chopped parsley . Drop spoonfuls into a heated frying pan with a little olive oil. Cook until brown on one side then turn over and brown on the other side.
I reheated my slow roasted tomatoes in the oven with the spinach leaves sitting on top to wilt .
Philip peeled the two parsnips and sliced them very thinly with a potato peeler. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and dry on a paper towel. Spread on a tray, toss in a little olive oil and bake in a hot oven until crisp.
My two Lamb Rumps were already coated in Z’atar from the previous night. They were panfried for 3 – 4 minutes each side and left to rest for 5 minutes.
To compile my stack : Place mashed celeriac and potato patty on a warm plate , top with spinach, tomatoes and sliced lamb . Scatter crispy parsnips on top .
Travel Stories
As my time gets closer to what was departure for my Scottish Tour, I thought I would share travel story’s from previous blogs. For those who have travelled in the past you can relive some fun times and for those planning on a tour in the future you may be inspired .
Duntrune Castle Visit 2019
But the biggest surprise of all was our visit to Duntrune Castle. I planned a visit to the garden and the son of the present laird of the Castle said he might be able to arrange for us to go into the castle. The garden was magnificent and was set away from the damaging salt blasts behind tall hornbeam hedges. Surprise Surprise…. the most beautiful glamorous drift of Blue Meganopsis poppies. They are so hard to grow and to see them in this blue profusion was so special. After a little hiccup we were met by Robin – Laird of the Castle and Clan chief of the Malcolm clan and his partner Trish. This delightful pair invited 13 random New Zealanders into their castle home, showed us around and freely chatted about themselves and life in a castle. Of course stone lines the walls in a castle, even the new bathroom !!. Stone spiral staircases go from one floor to another and although from the outside it looked enormous, the rooms were relatively small, very cosy and comfortable. It is built on high rocks above the water line and in a perfect defensive position. For two people well into their 80’s the castle is home and we felt very humbled and privileged to peak into their private life for an hour.
I worry about Robyn and Trish and I hope they have been safe in the thick walls of Duntrune Castle .
