tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38983493678166476642024-02-07T19:25:47.950+01:00A Wealthy WorldThe wealth of the natural wonders, brilliant colour, rich history, local traditional cuisine and striking architecture, that make up the world we live in.Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-70190087378061256572011-04-28T15:11:00.008+02:002011-05-04T12:59:32.249+02:00Colourful Colmar<div style="text-align: center;">Colmar is one of those picturesque towns in France that are overflowing with colour. Located in the Alsace region in France at the French - German - Swiss border, it is easily accessible from Freiburg in Germany and from Basel in Switzerland.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWJn7SbW3gYDcYMAP8siy5CMvSEigEHQX69fCVj0wpoBf3q1O6GlKDWrkp5KJmr2A0FoJPk0BrsGFZvrP1JDK1Rd3mUBM9RnJPkqXEjdQ3ctqUxy-N3RaC-Ssf9sZVK6NhOtBC87-GXjB/s1600/Little+Venice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWJn7SbW3gYDcYMAP8siy5CMvSEigEHQX69fCVj0wpoBf3q1O6GlKDWrkp5KJmr2A0FoJPk0BrsGFZvrP1JDK1Rd3mUBM9RnJPkqXEjdQ3ctqUxy-N3RaC-Ssf9sZVK6NhOtBC87-GXjB/s640/Little+Venice+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Petite Venise, Little Venice, Colmar</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>The Launch river runs through Colmar (connected to the Rhine) and forms an intricate network of Canals in the part of town called <i>La Petite Venise</i> or Little Venice, with colourful half-timbered houses and shops on the water's edge. On nicer days you can even go on a boat ride. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE_GyWBQePUC4sL9IIV5obbu9tNrBOIgEXJa-iCqoht480t1ItLcZ9UFRohi138ObAlcv2v1iBUSZ_c_PBbB87S1R3VonYDHobJftZmYZHJF-gU8mTGxebm16T0PRTcn2R1x-SxDhKO3w/s1600/Little+Venice+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE_GyWBQePUC4sL9IIV5obbu9tNrBOIgEXJa-iCqoht480t1ItLcZ9UFRohi138ObAlcv2v1iBUSZ_c_PBbB87S1R3VonYDHobJftZmYZHJF-gU8mTGxebm16T0PRTcn2R1x-SxDhKO3w/s640/Little+Venice+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canal in Little Venice part of old town, Colmar</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">This French region is very well known for its sweet pastries and Colmar is no exception, with numerous shops selling food and drinks dotted all over the old town.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7SLD9Z0YKa3g6dF9t7J-VpmvkKJvQq-PNlgaiyFJEdoS86IcNNKRr61VgUJSsaHKO4iQaLqKnWg3vTbDwhzENUA1feEGGzz4ok44-oE8YpUGqx6S8ydNVxki04oSAzZPsOxqLViIYFOG/s1600/Patisserie+sign+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7SLD9Z0YKa3g6dF9t7J-VpmvkKJvQq-PNlgaiyFJEdoS86IcNNKRr61VgUJSsaHKO4iQaLqKnWg3vTbDwhzENUA1feEGGzz4ok44-oE8YpUGqx6S8ydNVxki04oSAzZPsOxqLViIYFOG/s640/Patisserie+sign+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helmstetter Patisserie sign, Colmar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patisserie sign in the old town, Colmar</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are not outside enjoying the amazing Alsatian wine and cuisine on the streets of Colmar, it would be a good idea to go shopping. The prices in Colmar are quite good when compared to neighbouring Germany and Switzerland and you will find a vast selection of handicrafts that make a wonderful souvenir. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyAJvmmIIajHwxCpZG-cfGeGD-FGfPQNvYvnQ6e16DnaekK5ubuS22KXw4_yOgSbGF4f4C_Fd5yn1wTQvjIt6EnbyPqNSWvgIzbOcEB_UpPYVRSNx93XOMViOlba5FzYakdB7rpmLhglZ/s1600/Alsatian+pottery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyAJvmmIIajHwxCpZG-cfGeGD-FGfPQNvYvnQ6e16DnaekK5ubuS22KXw4_yOgSbGF4f4C_Fd5yn1wTQvjIt6EnbyPqNSWvgIzbOcEB_UpPYVRSNx93XOMViOlba5FzYakdB7rpmLhglZ/s640/Alsatian+pottery.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alsatian pottery on sale, Colmar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLtKzpgvgwb5YUsJmp2IYYFru-zCXjJz_Hhyerd9DCndyxaGts10EGzcmbio2YRfRSpxaAzfczi__dW6bWnlpZDlZBED9D_pd16aWiEsaOl2_lA-xb4XQTLm-2qS1uPgHBHeUnwkPgSiy/s1600/Maison+des+Tetes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLtKzpgvgwb5YUsJmp2IYYFru-zCXjJz_Hhyerd9DCndyxaGts10EGzcmbio2YRfRSpxaAzfczi__dW6bWnlpZDlZBED9D_pd16aWiEsaOl2_lA-xb4XQTLm-2qS1uPgHBHeUnwkPgSiy/s640/Maison+des+Tetes.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maison des Tetes, Colmar</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">La Maison des Têtes, literally the house of heads is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Colmar. Dating back from the Renaissance period, this edifice is decorated with faces and serves as a hotel and restaurant since 1898. It is located between the Domincan Church and the Unterlinden museum.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgln-xSAD8f_zvyKr_7HFnNjSnSXLBxFbjGhhAEHsg1-4LOM1rmQ0g0C8ew90iZ77XE159t-Xef1YjQ6SzyD02ZfMR75BpgvgT_jFP5sWcuKKhLicgUosdX9wVMXlIAROOnWegIHXyKXMyD/s1600/Tabacs+Souvenirs+Colourful+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgln-xSAD8f_zvyKr_7HFnNjSnSXLBxFbjGhhAEHsg1-4LOM1rmQ0g0C8ew90iZ77XE159t-Xef1YjQ6SzyD02ZfMR75BpgvgT_jFP5sWcuKKhLicgUosdX9wVMXlIAROOnWegIHXyKXMyD/s640/Tabacs+Souvenirs+Colourful+house.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful half timbered shop outside St. Martin's Church, Colmar</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Collégiale Saint-Martin, although having the proportions of a cathedral, is stricly speaking a collegiate church. It is built entirely out of pink stones and is definately worth a visit whilst roaming in this city, because of it's beautiful stained glass windows. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMdhRhkUDzbe6NevAaj2umqCyxuIAC9IjS7r1nrqiP3Ej_8x2LFY5SjqrJVPUOX9liHJFEPM8KPfAiCgvWi1mgoPRyEatw3C_9TdvzZN9duA_ZPmVAROxzEAr9bt6hYeDZdQtOSryksG6/s1600/Colourful+stained+glass+-+cathedral+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMdhRhkUDzbe6NevAaj2umqCyxuIAC9IjS7r1nrqiP3Ej_8x2LFY5SjqrJVPUOX9liHJFEPM8KPfAiCgvWi1mgoPRyEatw3C_9TdvzZN9duA_ZPmVAROxzEAr9bt6hYeDZdQtOSryksG6/s640/Colourful+stained+glass+-+cathedral+square.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained Glass, St. Martin's Church, Colmar</td></tr>
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</script>Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-36987317852750139712011-04-23T18:16:00.038+02:002011-05-04T13:00:05.494+02:00Easter delights<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEhNAcXEOBpa8DBgxxsmX41McL1JoRH3bAGOcj_XQBIMzr347UNb0XiKBPOPW4MxWaoKf7T2iMRhtKyy4eqpqncGhS5XTzyPU-9fVyj1WPMnh6-qFZRY96qtzPQWgwzjiIE0N1wE2U1Yp/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEhNAcXEOBpa8DBgxxsmX41McL1JoRH3bAGOcj_XQBIMzr347UNb0XiKBPOPW4MxWaoKf7T2iMRhtKyy4eqpqncGhS5XTzyPU-9fVyj1WPMnh6-qFZRY96qtzPQWgwzjiIE0N1wE2U1Yp/s640/IMG_3075.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bite of these and you're addicted....</td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most Maltese people already know what I am writing about, the rest of you are going to find out pretty soon.<a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOugZ_HV6LPjB_tpRI7_Cu2poXeHv4XFjHE5xjttG6owG-4gfdPPXSuS6t4Kc_OQt0-BFUe02sZvC0kwrFcKNVu3RaKP8wh3zIX6m3fEPlWP8ivbLShiwoQ7LOo4MdKLeeI5pGf0AqhDu/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOugZ_HV6LPjB_tpRI7_Cu2poXeHv4XFjHE5xjttG6owG-4gfdPPXSuS6t4Kc_OQt0-BFUe02sZvC0kwrFcKNVu3RaKP8wh3zIX6m3fEPlWP8ivbLShiwoQ7LOo4MdKLeeI5pGf0AqhDu/s640/IMG_3070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">...Lo and behold, the Maltese Kwarezmal (pronounced qu-ah-re-zi-mahl) is a traditional and very delicious Maltese biscuit made during lent (and within my family, usually consumed before you will learn how to pronounce it). For Maltese Roman Catholics, Lent is supposed to be one of those times that one does not indulge, but my guess is that this is one of the more important exceptions to that rule. Here's my family recipe - it's guaranteed to taste better than it looks.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2OvWuu8uzPl2HDqTj3u-01wkLSORRhLhyEp3Sv6I8ImPcD-XpeEP4UrRTaCxXJquE63n5jRe9qD65Bux3uge5LQAAwyzoGLvZdW3fZlS1TQANZ-5VXvgrfKZ7Zo-fcBMdS121EtX13g5/s1600/IMG_3073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2OvWuu8uzPl2HDqTj3u-01wkLSORRhLhyEp3Sv6I8ImPcD-XpeEP4UrRTaCxXJquE63n5jRe9qD65Bux3uge5LQAAwyzoGLvZdW3fZlS1TQANZ-5VXvgrfKZ7Zo-fcBMdS121EtX13g5/s640/IMG_3073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Admittedly it can be a bit tricky to get them in the right consistency, ideally they should not be too soft or too hard, but either way, I am sure that you will enjoy them. And in any case, it will be a good excuse to make a second batch, because the first one "did not turn out exactly the way you wanted it" right? ;)</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6zJbubUFetLi0h_T4hy6SaMxqAVSv7wEk21e5i79y2aPp-0VDbhcjDLjsJU22Nca4mzL49_rppZRCDQkyvfKM83F4lJX1Deu4lBrlOuE0NiZcPya3Nkf6J7uhdogI7SobfGrXfoXtVTT/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6zJbubUFetLi0h_T4hy6SaMxqAVSv7wEk21e5i79y2aPp-0VDbhcjDLjsJU22Nca4mzL49_rppZRCDQkyvfKM83F4lJX1Deu4lBrlOuE0NiZcPya3Nkf6J7uhdogI7SobfGrXfoXtVTT/s640/IMG_3072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Recipe for Kwareżimal</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">You will need:<br />
</span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">400 grams plain flour<br />
400 grams ground (roasted) almonds<br />
400 grams sugar<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
2 tablespoons orange blossom water (ilma zaghar)<br />
3 tablespoons butter<br />
1 tablespoon cocoa powder<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla essence<br />
1 teaspoon mixed spice<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
Juice and zest of one orange<br />
Zest of one lemon<br />
Chopped almonds or pistachios and honey to decorate.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grease the oven trays using some butter and sprinkle with flour. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) or gas mark 4.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mix the flour, salt, mixed spices, cinnamon and cocoa in a small bowl. Add the sugar , the roasted ground almonds and the orange and lemon zest. Melt the butter and allow to cool. Add the blossom water, vanilla essence und orange juice and mix into the batter mixture.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cut the batter into pieces, roll with your hands and make a flat shape. You can decorate them using a knife, for instance by making crossing diagonal lines like we did. Place on the oven trays and back for about 10 – 15 minutes.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once finished, spread some honey on the top and sprinkle with some chopped almonds or pistachios.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_A7t5A5QgmfHdhwRD5hDxF8xLPZRuHJLGVOoopy2r8GSShh-MbrH5WzUqYu_O3GlgPsqwSVo-8AWGjJ5_5c1nO0-rAmf8nZzwA5c0xld_v-whUKwJkCWLmh1bisMqphWdkIM_AKo-ff5n/s1600/IMG_3076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_A7t5A5QgmfHdhwRD5hDxF8xLPZRuHJLGVOoopy2r8GSShh-MbrH5WzUqYu_O3GlgPsqwSVo-8AWGjJ5_5c1nO0-rAmf8nZzwA5c0xld_v-whUKwJkCWLmh1bisMqphWdkIM_AKo-ff5n/s640/IMG_3076.JPG" width="609" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you are low-carbing, planet mona has an alternative low-carb version <a href="http://www.planetmona.com/food-on-planetmona/64-recipes/3483-malta-lenten-sweets-kwarezimal-by-mona-farrugia">here</a>.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><script type="text/javascript">
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I wish Richard Edwards the best of luck and I hope that we see and hear more of him in the future..Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-28452808926053101942011-03-31T19:32:00.023+02:002012-07-24T13:11:37.875+02:00Red Sand Beach - Ramla Bay, GozoOne of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the world has to be Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo - literally translated - the red sand beach. Its unique golden - red colour comes from the clay deposits in the area, also making it very sticky.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramla Bay as seen from Calypso Cave</td></tr>
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This unique beach is found in the sister island of Gozo, close to Xaghra and Nadur. It is best to visit Ramla in the winter months, when the crowds of Tourists and sun-seekers are long gone, and when one can really enjoy the peaceful nature of this amazing beach.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Come in Summer, and you will see why everyone thinks this is the best beach on the island of Gozo - it will be jam packed with locals and tourists alike. One of the great things about this beach in Winter, which cannot be said about most beaches in Malta or around the world, is that it is practically unspoilt, meaning that you will not see any distasteful shops trying to sell you sun beds, sun cream or food and drink. What you will see, however, is a statue of a Madonna on a pedestal, and if you look very very closely, you might be able to find some ruins of a Roman villa... </div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madonna on a pedestal, behind which are the Roman ruins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-3437153728432918392011-03-24T12:51:00.012+01:002011-05-04T13:02:39.286+02:00Sweet and Sour Pork recipe<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A recipe, not for those who like to eat healthily but for those who like to indulge. Admittedly you will get an (un)healthy and balanced dose of fats, </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">carbohydrates </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and sugar with each serving, but I assure you that it is worthwhile!</span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You will need the following:</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For the sauce:</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6 tablespoons pineapple syrup</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2 tablespoons water</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">½ tablespoon cornflour</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2 tablespoons tomato ketchup</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 ½ tablespoons light soy sauce</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">40 g sugar</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2.5 cm piece of peeled & finely chopped fresh root ginger</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For the battered pork:</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">300g pork fillets in small bite sized pieces</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">130 g flour</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">¼ teaspoon salt</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">150 ml (1/4 pint) water</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For the stir fry:</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3 finely chopped garlic cloves</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 thinly sliced onion</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 red pepper cut in bite size pieces</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 sliced carrot</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5 cm length sliced cucumber</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 chopped tomato</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">150 g can pineapple slices</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For deep frying: sunflower oil</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Make the batter by mixing the dry ingredients together and slowly adding the water until it has a smooth consistency. Heat oil in a wok over a medium heat. Cover the pork pieces in batter and deep-fry for about 5 minutes until nicely browned. Drain excess oil using kitchen paper.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Combine the ingredients for the sauce together until smooth. Stir-fry the garlic over a medium heat for 1 – 2 minutes or until lightly browned in about 1 ½ tablespoons oil. Add the onion, pepper and carrot, stir-frying for about 3 minutes. Next add the remaining vegetables and the sauce mix, mixing well for another 2 minutes before adding the battered pork.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Recipe for 4 portions | Preparation time about 40 minutes | Each portion has (too many) calories</span></span><br />
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</script>Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-24778251055667345542011-02-10T14:36:00.013+01:002011-05-04T13:04:03.939+02:00Market Impressions - Aleppo Souq, Syria<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Possibly one of the most lively and authentic experiences one can have in the Middle East would be that of visiting one of the bazaars, such as the <b>Aleppo Souq</b> (or Souk) in Syria. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeJBXiBgHVnsErEtvjn6SSYk4Gv0011hpxk5D9j7J2oJRXDMKpdyaxIPaGTiK9r5Gl4023oY3w0XpK925rPlD-qDgKCt5U1hrr8zWfpKv-sKEt6GdtzsLykW-k4zmxV2WLS5XC9qnHjhr/s1600/Aleppo+Souq+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeJBXiBgHVnsErEtvjn6SSYk4Gv0011hpxk5D9j7J2oJRXDMKpdyaxIPaGTiK9r5Gl4023oY3w0XpK925rPlD-qDgKCt5U1hrr8zWfpKv-sKEt6GdtzsLykW-k4zmxV2WLS5XC9qnHjhr/s640/Aleppo+Souq+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Textiles on sale in the Aleppo Souq.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a name='more'></a>The souq, despite having been mostly built during the Ottoman period from the 16<sup>th</sup> to the 19<sup>th</sup> century, still plays a major role in the day-to-day life of contemporary Syrians. It is where one would go to buy their daily needs, ranging from your everyday foodstuffs, clothing, to even jewellery and expensive and intricate works of artisanship.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical day to day scene for the sellers: Gawking the tourists.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s easy for the traveller to lose himself in this labyrinth that comprises a significant part of the Old City in Aleppo, with stores selling everything from olive oil soap, exotic spices, beautiful rugs, carpets, scarves and other textiles textiles, not to mention traditional handicrafts. My suggestion: Accept the invitation of one of the stall owners for a cup of tea – even if you do not intend to buy, I am sure that the warmth and generosity of the Syrian people will convince you to reconsider!</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGW9R1G0b0ZrXt3002gYFabEZZmS7GxwsqXws5wRleULVq5UH8H8azQS-amoy0XyNcb4hQtJup5Z6M1XmF4HKW6PuiGLWeT3TLggdSl6xN9pH0mpH7ze8e8EXTzTDQeqZOvWVpG3WgLpaQ/s1600/Turkish+Pottery+05.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGW9R1G0b0ZrXt3002gYFabEZZmS7GxwsqXws5wRleULVq5UH8H8azQS-amoy0XyNcb4hQtJup5Z6M1XmF4HKW6PuiGLWeT3TLggdSl6xN9pH0mpH7ze8e8EXTzTDQeqZOvWVpG3WgLpaQ/s640/Turkish+Pottery+05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It just occurred to me, that it seems that proper craftsmanship and meticulous works of patience are harder to come by nowadays. It is much easier to find mass produced items that have no identity.</span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAnl42ykkGVvxVse7622_4oyiKSjVsWuEflZeq38lxgJGuwQh-CqL_sWLXTd6mwalWekMXvFazGhDiM7R3VtTh3Yfo3VP-H_HabTil0os1KHkfjcBRltjrFuh6efrGcUTSSPRi64Gjuht/s1600/Turkish+Pottery+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAnl42ykkGVvxVse7622_4oyiKSjVsWuEflZeq38lxgJGuwQh-CqL_sWLXTd6mwalWekMXvFazGhDiM7R3VtTh3Yfo3VP-H_HabTil0os1KHkfjcBRltjrFuh6efrGcUTSSPRi64Gjuht/s640/Turkish+Pottery+01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This is one of the reasons why I love these pieces of Turkish pottery that I have at home. I had bought these at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul a couple of years ago and I am very glad that I managed to bring them back home in one piece, err well 8 pieces, to be exact. These are close up pictures a set of dishes or bowls for Turkish <i>mezzes</i>. Obviously, I am not using them other than for decorative purposes, as they are too beautiful to risk breaking.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMS7jbZTJncen48zxmOc9f6BP2CSZWBtLBOyEdbcrMFv-RTCcXWEtsGR-2bTmkq_kYQV7nD3OgK9fTMLWQ357xpZN4OK95wcPnxgm-3DzMn9uOBN1IWtxehnAPUIGjUdBbqacHAESMBcG/s1600/Turkish+Pottery+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMS7jbZTJncen48zxmOc9f6BP2CSZWBtLBOyEdbcrMFv-RTCcXWEtsGR-2bTmkq_kYQV7nD3OgK9fTMLWQ357xpZN4OK95wcPnxgm-3DzMn9uOBN1IWtxehnAPUIGjUdBbqacHAESMBcG/s640/Turkish+Pottery+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Turkey has a strong tradition of pottery making, with its famous <i>İznik</i> ceramics, named after the Turkish town with the same name. Definitely a must-see for visitors to Turkey are the beautiful (and numerous) pottery shops, historical buildings (Topkapı Palace and the Blue Mosque to name a few!) and pottery factories (not just in İznik!) which all present a feast for the eyes for those who appreciate the hard work that goes into such pieces.</span><br />
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<br />Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-18010137668430226962011-01-22T12:33:00.009+01:002011-05-04T13:04:58.667+02:00Thai Pork with Bamboo | Pad Phet Muh Sei Noh Mai<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Yesterday I got about to making one of my favourite dishes: Pad Phet Muh Sei Noh Mai or Thai pork with bamboo. Only I didn't use pork, I used chicken. It's a dish I like to make, firstly, because it is so spicy, and secondly, because by omitting the sugar and the rice, I can make it low-carb. It's also very easy to make. For a change, I also managed to take a photo of it - before the "devouring process" and the water drinking.... :D</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Pork with Bamboo or Pad Phet Muh Sei Noh Mai.</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">You will need:</span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">400g pork escalope (from the topside or eye) - <i>You could also use chicken breast or beef fillet instead of pork.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">3 tablespoons fish sauce</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">1 can whole bamboo shoots (540g)</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">½ red and ½ green pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">5 tablespoons oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">2 tablespoons yellow curry paste</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">2 tablespoons sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Cut the pork in bite-sized strips, mixing one tablespoon fish sauce and the pepper. Let it marinate for approximately 10 minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In a sieve, rinse the bamboo shoots in cold water and cut into fine strips. Wash the peppers and cut in strips.</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Heat up the oil in a pan or wok, adding the yellow curry paste. After about 2 minutes add the meat. Increase the heat and add the bamboo shoots, the pepper strips, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, the sugar and some water. Keep on cooking for about 2 minutes on strong heat while stirring constantly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Serve with rice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Recipe for 4 portions | Preparation time about 25 minutes| Each portion has about 250 calories.</span><br />
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</script>Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-34755481955506810592011-01-20T19:42:00.009+01:002011-05-04T13:06:12.794+02:00A flower in the sky<div class="MsoNormal">Potsdamer Platz in Berlin was once one of the busiest squares in Europe with bars and clubs that were alive day and night. With the advent of the Second World War, that all changed - turning this area into an empty site full of ruins of what once had been. Along came the Berlin Wall, which divided the city, until the fall of the Iron Curtain.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlX1j7kn0qFUtfgW8_OBqQAhkKuOym6YMlPmOrqxGhhp7nLJVPI2gT-7lUmohdq909ydK_z87EiBAPqpLcoAHmHwJ2E8q6SF4F4O9PTSU1BsvfKm2XJOI58CD0b4Nc9TbPF3PfYHAsi4c/s1600/Potsdamer+Platz+Sony+Centre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlX1j7kn0qFUtfgW8_OBqQAhkKuOym6YMlPmOrqxGhhp7nLJVPI2gT-7lUmohdq909ydK_z87EiBAPqpLcoAHmHwJ2E8q6SF4F4O9PTSU1BsvfKm2XJOI58CD0b4Nc9TbPF3PfYHAsi4c/s640/Potsdamer+Platz+Sony+Centre.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The conical roof of the Sony Centre</td></tr>
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Move forward to the 21st Century and you will find yourself in one of the most modern spaces in Germany. In the middle of Potsdamer Platz now stands the Sony Centre, a huge commercial complex. Designed by Helmut Jahn, this complex houses a massive tent-like conical roof and features a highly photogenic combination of glass and steel both during the day and during night, when the roof is lit up in various colours. The inspiration for this roof allegedly came from Mount Fuji in Japan – whatever it was – it worked!</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is considered by many to be one of the best examples of modern architecture in Berlin and it is not difficult to understand why!</div>Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-21321638764166724562011-01-13T19:30:00.007+01:002011-05-04T13:07:23.026+02:00Lindenhof, Zurich<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjY6RhMsjYLM2BbUTAg38uVTuVOwZ2BfnnfElLOB1I4YwxQVV811q6cuiAD2tNHLPV30mRI6yfISeKGFGhjes4vZx6_SXGdU7pTfi79LR0n6DDP2KB-cKwuQ7bkpQUlQLbDpK4UWG32Yz/s1600/Lindenhof+Zurich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjY6RhMsjYLM2BbUTAg38uVTuVOwZ2BfnnfElLOB1I4YwxQVV811q6cuiAD2tNHLPV30mRI6yfISeKGFGhjes4vZx6_SXGdU7pTfi79LR0n6DDP2KB-cKwuQ7bkpQUlQLbDpK4UWG32Yz/s640/Lindenhof+Zurich.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindenhof in Zurich on a lazy day in August.<br />
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</tbody></table>Last Summer I had the opportunity to visit Zurich in Switzerland. Zurich is a lovely city, whose reputation, unfortunately does not give it any good credit at all. Sure, it is a city of bankers and is the driving force of Switzerland's finances, but it is definitely not boring; with its nightlife, trendy venues, and its young crowd.<br />
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This picture was taken from the Lindenhof, which is a raised terrace over the West bank of the river, offering spectacular views of the city and the hills behind it. Originally, it was a Roman customs post - today it has become a popular meeting place. If you happen to visit Zurich, make sure to take some pictures of the modest Protestant architecture of this city from this spot, such as the Grossmünster and the Fraumünster churches (and of course be sure to visit them afterwards).Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-50039248922681786242011-01-08T17:20:00.011+01:002011-05-04T13:12:27.150+02:00Mdina, Malta<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtodm9UwQFde648k2fJFx2VZ8wk4aOkmLMELR2JsJsReWI0Wz5m6OFOYjtca_BLCwaskPpxHZFdOEPlu_jFPB7PVO4SZ4UENEKOv24QpkuF8eyXqvfQePd7msiqPlEUs17zquSlhRbMuFY/s1600/Pjazza+San+Publiju.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtodm9UwQFde648k2fJFx2VZ8wk4aOkmLMELR2JsJsReWI0Wz5m6OFOYjtca_BLCwaskPpxHZFdOEPlu_jFPB7PVO4SZ4UENEKOv24QpkuF8eyXqvfQePd7msiqPlEUs17zquSlhRbMuFY/s640/Pjazza+San+Publiju.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pjazza San Publiju, Mdina, Malta</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my favourite places in Malta (and the World) definitely has to be Mdina. I love the charm of our "Silent City", with its narrow winding streets, medieval buildings and the honey coloured limestone that one cannot help but admire. I took the following photo on a clear day in July 2010 in "Pjazza San Publiju" or St. Publius Square.<a name='more'></a></span></div>Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-38948945373248468942011-01-06T16:45:00.008+01:002011-05-04T13:11:12.843+02:00Rich Chocolate Pistachio Biscuits<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2160/2190194511_d97766e405_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2160/2190194511_d97766e405_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image source <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/parsectraveller/2190194511/">here</a></td></tr>
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Last week I decided that I wanted to make something tasty, so I tried these out. The result was an amazing batch of wonderfully delicious and addictive biscuits, so much so that I had to make them a second time. Unfortunately, since they were so good, I couldn't manage to take a photo of them because they were eaten up very very quickly, but in case you're wondering, I'm posting how I made them below. I will try to make them again and post some photos later on...<br />
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You will need:<br />
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4.50 oz (125g) butter<br />
2 tablespoons castor sugar<br />
1 1/4 cups <b>sifted</b> self raising flour<br />
1/3 cup full cream milk powder<br />
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk<br />
4.50 oz (125g) <b>melted </b>dark chocolate<br />
4.50 oz (125g) <b>melted </b>dark chocolate, <b>extra</b><br />
1 oz<b> melted </b>butter, <b>extra</b><br />
about 1/2 cup <b>chopped </b>pistachios<br />
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Using an electric mixer, beat the first batch of butter and castor sugar in until it is light and fluffy.<br />
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Stir in the flour, milk powder and condensed milk and mix well. Add the first batch of the melted dark chocolate (make sure it has cooled first).<br />
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At this point, you will need to resist the temptation to eat the batter. Preheat the oven to 375°F (175°C) and lightly grease your oven trays. Using a teaspoon, take the batter and make small balls using the palms of your hands, flattening them and placing them on your oven trays about 2 inches apart. You should be able to make about 30 small biscuits like this.<br />
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Bake the biscuits in the oven until they are just firm. This should take about 12 - 15 minutes, but be careful, as if you leave them in too long the bottom parts will get burnt. The biscuits will become more firm once you let them cool.<br />
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Combine the <b>extra </b>butter and chocolate. Once cooled, use this chocolate mixture to spread on the tops of the biscuits and sprinkle them with the chopped pistachios.<br />
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Enjoy!Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898349367816647664.post-76205148890154595862010-12-27T00:06:00.013+01:002011-05-04T13:11:48.413+02:00Winter Sun<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb098RnsRUMoXYrJHXEtNiv8Ql8VYPD7_LuDav7NtLsXrYEkJ1z7Q5oHtgs1VK7PHse0d1jmHfCEneAuEoGkQjPc8gNG7ItLCeSNs_fOAOw7CYWqLuslR0AHlim2QNsmk8L7rWbYHW91Q/s1600/IMG_2998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb098RnsRUMoXYrJHXEtNiv8Ql8VYPD7_LuDav7NtLsXrYEkJ1z7Q5oHtgs1VK7PHse0d1jmHfCEneAuEoGkQjPc8gNG7ItLCeSNs_fOAOw7CYWqLuslR0AHlim2QNsmk8L7rWbYHW91Q/s400/IMG_2998.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Well here goes...<br />
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This first picture I am posting comes from close to home, well very close in fact.<br />
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Its amazing how sometimes, even the most basic things that we take for granted can make an interesting play of light and shadow. On this particular day, the sun was not particularly bright, nor was the scenery particularly breathtaking, but with the right combination, it seems as if there was a window in the sky. Note the limestone <b>baluster </b>that is so common on Maltese rooftops and of course the occasional wire....</span></div>Bjornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09219199684092541241noreply@blogger.com0