The Spanish Wok

Cancer Fighting Foods

2012-02-25T16:48:00.002+01:00

Having battled colon cancer recently I am now more aware and conscious of the foods I eat. Not everyday I admit, but certainly in general. My friend Jean Sampson is a wealth of information here. Not only does she advise on cancer fighting foods, but a whole host of other areas too. Check out Jeans Website, The Right Lifestyle (here). Jean recently wrote a small, but very interesting and

Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream

2012-02-20T18:23:00.000+01:00

I have always been a fan of Rhubarb, especially fresh Rhubarb. However, one of the pitfalls of moving to Spain means it is unavailable here. It just won't grow in our environment! Tinned is the only way for us to get our Rhubarb fix unfortunately. Tinned is especially good for crumbles as it's hidden anway so I had the idea to make a Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream and why not? No reason it

Review of El Pilon Cocktail Bar, Competa, Malaga, Spain

2012-02-20T15:51:00.003+01:00

El Pilon is a popular restaurant in the pretty village of Competa, Malaga, Spain in the Costa del Sol. Originally called Meson Duende some 20 or so years ago when run by a British expat couple, it later changed hands and was re-named El Pilon. Since that time, it has changed hands on a couple of occasions and is now run by Tom and Ray and chef Christian who have made several changes.One such

Chicken Fajitas

2012-02-09T08:36:00.000+01:00

When I first began blogging I had it in my head that every recipe had to be completely homemade versions, why? Throughout the week we eat a variety of cuisines, all of which I make homemade and from scratch. However, we also have some "cheats" meals too, one such favourite being Fajitas. We probably opt for this maybe once a month, mainly because it's tasty and quick. I have spent the past

Carrot & Lentil Soup

2012-02-01T09:52:00.000+01:00

I wouldn't say carrot soup is particularly one of my favourites, but add some lentils and it takes on a whole new flavour. Not too sweet and a savoury note too. Perfect. This is great recipe for those who refuse to eat enough vegetables. I know many people not so keen on eating their veg, but they all love this soup. Give it a try and your carrot soup takes on a whole new level. Carrot &

Pinchitos Morunos de Pollo (spiced chicken kebabs)

2012-01-29T10:13:00.001+01:00

These little kebabs of moorish influence are served all over Andalucia. Commonly served as a tapa as they are on a skewer, but often as a meal with patata fritas (chips to us). However, I like to make them at home served with saffron rice which is healthier too. So simple to make at home. A traditional spice mix is used to marinade the chicken pieces prior to grilling and you're on your way to

Cooking with the dragon for chinese new year 2012

2012-01-22T18:35:00.001+01:00

'Gong Xi Fa Ca!' - (wishing you prosperity in mandarin) I'm sure you all know by now that tomorrow is the eve of Chinese New Year, the year of the Dragon. Many households will be cooking up a treat to celebrate this special time. I for one will be too. What's your menu for the celebrations? I'd love to hear from you, see the message at bottom of post. Many of course will be attending

Chinese mini vegeterian spring rolls

2012-01-22T17:02:00.000+01:00

Spring rolls, everybodys favourite. Dip into sweet chilli sauce, soy & ginger sauce, even teryaki sauce. Or just pick up and devour as is. Tempted? Now you can make these at home too. So quick, simple and easy. Make a large batch and freeze for an anytime snack. Chinese mini veg spring rolls:- Small bunch spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped 3 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Small red

Chinese chicken satay with spicy satay sauce

2012-01-22T16:46:00.000+01:00

Who doesn/t enjoy chicken satay with a spicy peanut sauce? I certainly do not believe anyone will say no to these tasty bites! A firm restaurant favourite and a common dish in this household for sure. Great as part of a selection of dishes, a delicious snack or even a starter to a chinese buffet. Tell me you don't enjoy satay, I dare you. If so, this recipe is far better than any take-out.

Chinese BBQ Ribs

2012-01-22T15:58:00.000+01:00

We just love these spare ribs. Sometimes I make up a batch and we just sit & eat them whilst watching a film. Not the healthiest meal in the world, but oh so good. Alternatively, they make a tasty starter to a chinese meal. Especially if you have guests too; everybody tucks into a large plate of ribs whilst chatting and enjoys getting all sticky. 500g Pork spare ribs 2 tbs Clear runny honey 2

Rani Frozen Foods Review

2012-01-17T17:30:00.002+01:00

Do you prepare completely homemade meals every day? Most of us don't actually have time for this and so enjoy it when we can. But, sometimes, just sometimes, many of us actually want to relax and let the oven do the work, don't we? Well, I for one sometimes do and I have no shame in admitting that, I say as I crouch behind the sofa! For this reason I like to have ready meals in the freezer

Suckling Pig (hog roast - cochinillo asado) for 3 kings in Spain

2012-01-13T16:59:00.000+01:00

Well, we done it. Remember my previous post about Cochinillo Asado in the making a short while back? We had been talked into roasting suckling pig for 6th January 2012, known as 3 kings in Spain. The problem was how to go about it!!!! Do we roast in oven? Not enough room, well not for 2 baby pigs anyway!Do we BBQ? Our BBQ not big enough either.Spit Roast? We don't have one - but problem

Padron Peppers - tapa dish

2012-01-13T15:44:00.001+01:00

Have you heard of Padron peppers? They are a small green pepper, grown in Spain and are often described as 'russian roulette' due to their very unique flavour because if you're lucky 1 in every pack will be a hot one!! This makes a fun and exciting tapa to enjoy in a crowd. Cooked & ready to eat! 2 packets padron peppers 2 tbsp olive oil Sea salt Wash and dry the peppers, leaving intact.

Queso de Cabra Tapa (Goats Cheese, Capers, Sundried Toms and Roasted Garlic)

2012-01-13T15:12:00.001+01:00

This is a delicious typical spanish tapa, best served spread onto toasted slices of baguette or warm freshly baked bread. Roasted garlic and paprika are mixed with fresh, soft goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and capers. Traditionally it is served with a slice of sundried tomato and a few capers on top. However, if you find sundried toms a bit chewy like I do, this recipe and method is

Bombay Aloo

2011-12-29T13:45:00.003+01:00

Bombay Aloo, meaning bombay potatoes, is often a side dish served alongside various curries and other side dishes in an indian restaurant. It's the perfect accompaniment to any curry when served with a rice dish too. One of my favourite go to dishes when eating an indian meal. After trying various recipes from cookbooks and some found on the internet, I finally found the perfect one by Kris

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

2011-12-19T17:38:00.003+01:00

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is one of my favourite meals when I need something filling and easy. It's quick to prepare to, so if you're looking for dinner in a hurry, this is a great option. Definitely one for garlic and chilli lovers. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Serves 2) 180g Spaghetti 1 heaped tablespoon finely minced garlic 4 Small red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 14 tablespoons of olive

Chocolate Salami (salame al cioccolato)

2011-12-18T17:11:00.000+01:00

Chocolate Salami, or salame al cioccolato in italian, doesn't sound too appetizing does it? Trust me, you are gonna fall in love with this recipe, especially if you crave chocolate. Sliced chocolate salami & ready to devour Oh, and don't worry, there's no salami in sight except for the appearance before slicing up, which is where the unusual name comes from. Interested now? Then read on....

La Mumba (Spanish hot chocolate & Brandy)

2011-12-14T13:12:00.001+01:00

Now the weather is a little cooler, warm yourself up with a typical and very popular spanish hot chocolate drink, La Mumba. Not one for the kids, this contains brandy, an essential ingredient to keep it authentic. La Mumba A drink for anytime of day, often taken at breakfast time in winter. Or maybe a nightcap too. Make yourself a glass full, sit back, relax and think of Spain! Milk (any you

Homemade Chinese take out Curry Sauce

2011-12-12T14:13:00.001+01:00

I am a little surprised just how popular chinese curry sauce actually is. I soon realised its popularity after posting on my former blog a long while ago over at Deb Cooks... here and here. In fact viewing the stats, both recipes were the most viewed and searched for on the net! How could I not post it here too? See below for new method for the perfect sauce. Chinese Curry Sauce 1tbs veg

A day out in Malaga City

2011-12-08T14:53:00.005+01:00

Would you believe me if I told you that I am the only person in the world that has spent the previous two christmas in Malaga city, but did not see the christmas lights? Unfortunately that little statement is true!!! Last christmas and the one previous I was in hospital in Malaga city over the holiday period and beyond, so this year I was determined to see the lights. Having an appointment to

Char Siu Pork

2011-12-06T17:07:00.007+01:00

Char Siu Pork, sliced & ready to eat A classic chinese dish. Those (my wonderful readers I mean) who are already familiar with The Spanish Wok will know just how much I love Char Siu, I sometimes wonder if I could actually eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper every day!!!! My cooking method is a little different to most, but I promise you this way provides the most succulent, moist,

Hog Roast (Cochinillo Asado)- in the making!!!!

2011-12-06T14:54:00.003+01:00

Well now I've gone and done it Over Sunday lunch this weekend, the conversation turned to food (as per usual); and silly me managed to talk myself into preparing a hog roast for friends on 6th January Los Tres Reyes (known as 3 kings in Spain). I only mentioned that Barry and I had been talking recently about how it may (note: may) be nice to prepare a hog roast one day and the damage was

Albaida Restaurante, Canillas, Malaga - Restaurant Review

2011-12-05T16:22:00.002+01:00

Most of the time when we eat out I forget to take my camera. I always plan to, but generally forget. However, on this occasion I made a special effort to remember as I decided it's high time I started doing restaurant reviews! My plan is to be honest, but fair so please don't shoot the messenger..... Restaurante Albaida is located in the pretty little spanish village of Canillas de Albaida,

An insight into Spain

2011-12-04T09:55:00.002+01:00

There is just so much to mention here from history, culture, religion, regions, food, etc etc I'm not even going to attempt to write such a lengthy post. However, I have listed here a link to provide some fascinating reading material........ Wikipedia provides everything you need to know with incredibly detailed information, enjoy. Spain is made up of several regions and for most I am not