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Raw Almond Thumbprint Cookies

May 28, 2013 by Zizi

IMG_4844_bBreakfast

One month ago I became a mother for the first time. So many things have changed since the birth of my son… for example I realized how amazing it is to sit down and eat a delicious meal for 20 minutes (now that I have to eat everything in 10 minutes :)) or to spend time with friends.

While I was writing this post it was nice to evoke memories from last July when we spent a long weekend with friends at a wonderful place, called Lake Balaton. I bet our holiday routine will change from this summer but if we have good company, the joy of spending time with your friends is priceless.

IMG_4909_aBrunch – vegan pancakes, jams, vegetarian spreads, vegetables, salad

Lake Balaton is a freshwater lake in the Transdanubian region of Hungary. It is the largest lake in Central Europe and we, Hungarians call it the “Hungarian Sea”.  It has silky green-yellow water and it’s one of Hungary’s most precious treasures and most frequented resorts. The mountainous region of the northern shore is known both for its historic character and as a major wine region (picturesque vineyards in the region produce an assortment of excellent wines), while the flat southern shore is known for its resort towns. During the peak tourist season (from June until the end of August) the average water temperature is 25°C (77F) which makes bathing and swimming popular on the lake.

IMG_4861_aView from the kitchen window… Isn’t it beautiful?

Like every Hungarian, we try to go to Lake Balaton every summer (we are lucky to have friends who have weekend houses around the lake :)). I really appreciate spending precious time with my loved ones in a beautiful milieu. The most important “ingredients” of having a great weekend are good company, sunny hot weather, fresh air, cooking together, long lasting breakfasts, brunches and dinners eaten outside, swimming in the lake, eating lots of ice-cream, corn on the cob and lángos. We shouldn’t forget the rustic, old house that we called home for the weekend (I wish I could have a house like that!).

During the weekend everyone was responsible to cook or bake something for the whole group. I decided to make vegan hazelnut-vanilla pancakes, vegan chocolate popsicles and raw thumbprint cookies (yes, I have a sweet tooth! :)).

IMG_4935_aLake Balaton before storm…

IMG_4960_a
IMG_4901_aSpagetthi with vegan bolognese sauce, fresh salad, baguette

IMG_4992_aTabuleh and baked potatoes

Let’s see this thumbprint cookie recipe. The history of the thumbprint cookie is pretty much a mystery. Credit for the creation of the thumbprint cookie is often given to either the people of Poland or the Jewish people of Eastern Europe. It is a very versatile choice in cookie as the ingredients required vary widely by recipe. All that is really needed to make a thumbprint cookie is the method of forming the cookies before baking. The dough of a thumbprint cookie is rolled into a small ball and then pressed with the thumb which creates an indent that can be filled with any kind of jams or chocolate.

IMG_4982_a

Raw Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients (makes about 24)

– 3/4 cup dates, pitted
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 and 1/2 cups smooth almond butter
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– juice and zest of 1 orange

 Method

Put dates into a bowl, cover with hot water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the soaking liquid, then drain dates well.

In a food processor, pulse oats until coarsely ground, then transfer into a bowl and set aside. Transfer dates and reserved 1/2 cup liquid to food processor and purée until smooth. Add date mixture, almond butter, shredded coconut, orange juice and zest, salt, cinnamon to oats and “knead” together to make a dough.

Line a tray with parchment paper. Roll dough into 24 balls, transferring them to the tray. Press down your thumb in each cookie to make an indentation in the middle. Spoon a bit of jam into each one and chill the cookies for at least one hour before serving.

IMG_4987_a

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Filed Under: traveling, vegan Tagged With: almond, cookies, Hungary, orange, raw, travel, traveling

Spring In Paris, Part 1

January 28, 2012 by Zizi

I. and I visited Paris, the capital of romance last Spring. It was our third time there but the city always seduce us whenever we go back. Seeing the Eiffel Tower live, my eyes fill with tears. It is so beautiful especially if the weather is nice and sunny.
And nearly one year later what I remember of Paris? Croissant, croissant, baguette, cheese, picnic in the park, lots of walking, market, wow this Eiffel Tower is huge, coffee latte, a nice glass of red wine, croissant, metro, macaron, chocolate, croissant, baguette, jam, butter, metro, pain au chocolat, petit coffee, lots of walking, Eiffel Tower again, market, metro, macaron and… everything again. Now that I wrote down all these I would love to go back to Paris… now!
Cheese heaven at Rue Montorgueil Market
Great breakfast place and bakery, Le Pain Quotidien on Rue Montorgueil
Rue Montorgueil Market

 

 

Beautiful pink cherry blossom in Paris
Place du Tertre, Montmartre – I would love to sit here now watching people passing by, eat a big bowl of salad with French dressing, a big portion of fries, baguette with creamy butter and drink a nice glass of white wine and a bottle of Perrier…
Place du Tertre, Monmartre
Sacré-Cœur
Picnic in Paris

More to come… Stay tuned!

 

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Filed Under: France, market, Paris, photos, travel, traveling

Koya – Udon Noodle Bar – London

November 4, 2011 by Zizi

I love noodle soup. So when I read about Koya in Gwyneth Paltrow’s newsletter, the GOOP, I knew I had to go there. I was happy that my foodie friends, Sarka and Giulia were also keen on trying this place.

Once you step through the navy doorway curtain of this very plain-looking specialist, it’s noodles with everything. This is thick, white udon, made with wheat flour imported from Japan, then kneaded by foot (in a good, hygienic way) for extra chewiness.

Customers can vary how they have their noodles: according to temperature: hot udon with hot broth (dashi), cold with hot broth, or cold with cold dipping sauce; and topping from various meats to mushrooms with walnut miso. Staff seem happy to advise.
We got there by lunch time and the place was very busy packed with Japanese people. That was one good sign we went to the right place. Tap water was placed on the table immediately as we sat down, which is always nice. The menu is simple and there are always specials on the blackboard.

We ordered three small-plate starters/salads to share, then everyone had their own noodle soup. All of us ordered hot  udon with hot broth. I asked for vegetarian broth and it wasn’t a problem.

The fresh noodles were amazing: slippery and chewy. Yum! I loved my toppings too: fried tofu with fresh spring onion.

They are open everyday from 12:00 – 15:00 and 17:30 – 22:30 (Sunday to 22:00). Koya focuses on the friendly characteristic of udon and proposes various recipes, delicious to both Japanese and non-Japanese alike.

My advice would be to go and sit down at the counter and watch the team in action and if you have opportunity speak to the chef.

Koya believes their genuine and honest attitude will establish an eatery to be loved by all. I believe it too!

Koya
49 Frith Street, Soho
London
W1D 4SQ
www.koya.co.uk

Closest tube station: Tottenham Court Road tube
Telephone: +44 20 7434 4463
Twitter: @KoyaUdon
Main courses:£6.70 – £14.70

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Filed Under: FBC, London, pasta, restaurant, travel, traveling, udon, vegan

Borough Market – London, Part 2

October 22, 2011 by Zizi

What about an early Saturday morning market visit? I usually get up early on Saturdays too because I don’t want to miss my favorite organic farmers market in Budapest. It only opens until 1 am so you need to get up early if you want to buy everything you planned.
Borough Market stole my heart in August. I couldn’t stop taking photos. Which is your favorite market in the world? 

Food bloggers in action… I wasn’t the only one taking photos of this tomato paradise. Orange, yellow, light green with dark green stripes, red, black, oval, round… I’ve never seen this many type of tomatoes in one place!

We only had a quick bite for lunch. I chose Veggie Table, a small vegetarian cater business who creates simple, fresh and exciting vegetarian food. They use local vegetables and organic grains to deliver wholesome and delicious meals for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike. They craft real food from real ingredients. They have 5 booths around London markets, one at Borough. Find more information on their website.

I live in Budapest but every time I will go to London I will always go to Borough Market. I think it’s wonderful. You can get things there that you can’t find anywhere else… and I’m not the only one saying this! 🙂

More about the market:
Borough Market – London, Part 1

Borough Market
8 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1TL
www.boroughmarket.co.uk

Open:
Thursdays 11am – 5pm
Fridays 12 pm – 6pm
Saturdays 8am – 5pm

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Filed Under: FBC, London, market, organic, photos, travel, traveling

Borough Market – London, Part 1

October 17, 2011 by Zizi

Before I went to London for Food Blogger Connect, I knew that Borough Market was the place I should not miss! Although I used to live in England for two years I never went to this market. I know why, I wasn’t interested in food that time. But now… Borough Market is paradise for me. I could go there everyday. Let the photos speak instead of me…

More to follow! Stay tuned!

Borough Market
8 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1TL
www.boroughmarket.co.uk

Open:
Thursdays 11am – 5pm
Fridays 12 pm – 6pm
Saturdays 8am – 5pm

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Filed Under: FBC, London, market, organic, photos, travel, traveling

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