Breakfast - Oyado Ryokan in Takayama

When you're not used to super early starts or sleeping on the floor it takes more than a few moments to take in what is laid in front of you for breakfast in a traditional Japanese Ryokan!

This one was most exciting as in Takayama one of the local delicacies is miso cooked on a magnolia leaf. This was cooking on a tea light burner with tofu, onions and the most delicate mushrooms when we entered for breakfast. 

Pickled vegetables, dried beans, egg, seaweed, squash

Layered omelette 

Miso, tofu and mushrooms cooking on a magnolia leaf

Miso soup

Today we had chairs to sit on (horray) - sitting on the floor difficult when you're not used to it. You have a different yukata to wear for sleeping, breakfast and for dinner! Makes for comfy dining. 

Japan, Hanami

All my life I have been desperate to go to Japan and my mum has always said we would go, but it must be during the cherry blossom season. Now I'm here I can see why!

Hanami is the Japanese tradition of watching this beautiful blossom fall which normally lasts 1-2 weeks and we hit Tokyo just in time. 

We went in the daytime where people were starting to gather and picnic under the trees in the parks and on the banks of the river. There are reserved spots all over, where families, friends, work colleagues (everyone) will lay down their mats in their chosen spots and then come down and celebrate the blossom with food and drink. 

Spicy Soups

A spicy Chilli and Tomato soup with a splash of tabasco and loads of lime juice added at the end to give it a real kick can be enjoyed at any time of year as it's hot but refreshing. Then to garnish, you add fried tortilla strips and a dollop of guacamole. YUM

I did a similar thing to this soup of chorizo, potato, tomato, chickpeas and chilli with fried tortilla strips and a spoonful of greek yogurt and parsley. 

Apple tarts and apple cake

Spain so far

I haven't exactly moved to Spain, I come back to London to see friends, boyfriend and do catering jobs all the time. But to fill you all in on my 'other life' here are a few pics. 

Our neighbour Joaquin dropped over some duck eggs from his farm and I promised Jasmine, my niece a massive golden omelette. It was the most amazing deep orange colour and tasted better than any omelette I've made before. I can't decide whether this is because its a duck egg or because it was so fresh?

This is my nephew Joshua. He is testing my mums pearls to see if they are real. (no, not really he has no teeth, he is trying to eat them) His arms and legs are like stacks of doughnuts all smooth and soft. Mine will be the same very shortly I'm sure if I don't stay off the churros and chocolate! 

Lastly, this is my Kiosk. My father salvaged it for my birthday years ago and I am yet to do it up. I love kiosks and can't wait to make it proud. Watch this space for Project Kiosko!

Flan / Creme Caramel

And for pudding I made Flan. This was probably a bit risky as the last time I made these I must have been about 14 but they came out wonderfully and I made a few too many so I could try one, and so if any went wrong there would be some back up!

Empanadas

I came across this little packet of what looked like empanada pastry in the local supermarket. To my relief it was as I had planned to make them as a starter for bed and breakfast guests who requested dinner too. 
I made a filling of tuna, roasted peppers, parsley, onion, garlic, paprika and chilli. 
They were quite yummy. Reminded me of Argentina where Nick and I would judge an empanada against the last. Often I think when you're travelling and weary it just tastes better when you really need it.