Don’t be daunted by the length of its name, it’s actually an extremely easy dish. Almost no cooking required!
My clothes are out in the garden, neatly hung up on the washing line. The sun comes and goes in intervals. The DHL guy has picked up my parcel and the customs form was no trouble at all. What does this mean? Free time to prepare a cracking lunch and catch the last bits of Market Kitchen and Kylie Kwong’s My China on UKTV Food. Pure heaven.
Great to unwind. Who says you can’t unwind in the day?
Just yesterday, Mrs Alex asked about my novel and how it’s getting on. I’ve got a lot of support from the pals with regards to my literary project but it seems it’s still in its pants stage. Sorry guys. I’m working at it 
Manuscripts will definitely be sent out to you lot when it’s done but for now it’s quite difficult to explain what it’s all about, the style, the plot because it’s an unfinished work. Don’t you get that? Finding yourself at a loss for words when you’re trying to formulate a ‘form’ for something ‘unformed’?
I almost have a rule for not talking about incomplete works, but that comes off at times as seeming rather arrogant, distant or rude. Bad habit I think. I remember how I found myself nearly dumb when I tried to describe a work-in-progress fashion plate or abstract composition of a painting for specific art projects of mine. Nonetheless, I do love it when I can’t describe it or control it myself. It feels as though what I give birth to (not physically) has a life of its own and I’m a mere medium for something cool. It makes it as organic as real birth like how I’ve got a life of my own separate from my birth parents.
My o my, do I sound self-centred or what? A second look at what I just wrote defines me as a little crazy, confused, mentally unsound?
Well that’s a bit of my life as it is now.
Did a little shopping and bought my first SUMMER STRAW STETSON. O yes indeed. Sun, watch out. Diva’s gonna take you on. Got some other knicky-knacky bits too, another man-sized white shirt to add to my collection of white shirts, Abercrombies, Lacoste and Ralph Lauren (I know I know, call me a poser but I do love the shirts these guys make). Just something about shirts that are so perfect for every day wear with a skirt, shorts, jeans or going smart.
I didn’t bother doing much with either recipe because I thought the ingredients on their own were good and fresh enough to have it as it is. Fuss free, simple and delicious. Also, all that feasting has resulted in bloatedness and sluggishness. Time for some proper food to sort me out.
This recipe is good for 1.
Lightly Smoked Salmon with Dill & Allspice Couscous Crust
Ingredients
- 1 lightly smoked salmon steak
1/4 cup couscous
pinch of garlic flakes
1/4 tsp hot chili powder
1/4 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp dill
salt for seasoning
olive oil
boiling water
Preheat oven to 180d Celsius.
Grease a baking tray. Coat smoked steak in olive oil.
Mix spices, garlic flakes and dill into the dry couscous in a bowl. Pour hot water into the bowl until it just covers the couscous, about half a cm above the surface. Cover and let it steam and cook for a few minutes.
Remove cover, using a fork, fluff up the couscous.
Season the salmon steak. Then, layer the couscous over the top and press to form a neat crust on top.
Leave to bake in the oven for 15-20min.
Tomato, Mozzarella & Kiwi Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large tomato, sliced
1 green kiwi, skinned and sliced
1/2 a mozzarella, sliced
sprinkling of dried/fresh basil leaves
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
a few drops of balsamic vinegar
Prepare a little dressing by mixing the oil and balsamic vinegar together. Layer out the tomato, kiwi and mozzarella any way you like it. Sprinkle basil over it, followed by the dressing.
Wow. This looks amazing. I’ve never thought about using kiwi fruit in this way. I’m definitely trying it this weekend.
mmm, I love salmon and the seasonings sound like a great combination. The salad looks really good too -tomatoes, kiwi and mozarella… interesting!
Lost for words Diva! Beautifully written again…DHL, clothes,sunhat,books,manuscripts,white shirts…& this great platter in the midst of it all! WOW!!!
Gosh!! I could barely tell at first glance that the crust was made of couscous and those green circles were kiwi slices! I think I’m all too used to the usual panko/ whatever crusts and basil leaves to complete an insalata caprese. Nice, creative work!
Love love smoked salmon! This is quite an easy recipe. I am sure it is delicious! And that kiwi salad? It is something! A must try. So exotic:)
We must be thinking along the same line when we gave long names to our simple dishes
The idea of using couscous as a breading is great1 Really creative.
i am not a fan of salmon, but that crust sounds INCREDIBLE. i may be able to get past my problem with fish just for that crust. the salad ain’t too shabby, either.
A great summer dish! looks awesome, great stuff. Gotta love salmon (wild of course!) haven’t ya!
This looks gorgeous! What a great summery meal.
mmm, the salmon looks amazing!! again, a beautiful summer meal, btw, since tastespotting has died so abruptly , i would reccomend food gawkers if you havent seen it yet. =)
The whole plate is gorgeous! What a great new twist on the salad!
The salmon sounds tasty and the salad looks so vibrant and fresh!
Those pics are FANTASTIC! Also, love the new pic of you as well, you gorgeous hottie, you! This dish sounds de-lish and sinful. But seriously, I really cannot wait to hear more about your book, girl! DO tell, when and if you can bc we’d all love to hear it!
these are the type of dishes they normally serve in big chic restaurants in Paris!! I love all the flavors and they are just in one plate!! yum!
Love the colours! And who can say no to smoked salmon
Looks good! I am a fan of Abercrombie too!! However, it’s expensive to buy in the UK. You can get the same thing in the US for half price!!
couscous crust? Be still my heart! Love the combo of kiwis with a mozzarella salad. Quite inventive if you ask me & beautiful for the summertime.
Great colors here! And the coucous crust is brilliant! What a great inspiration, I never thought about it!
can’t wait for the tomatoes to come in season here, and i love the idea of adding kiwi to this salad, will definitely try it out! and i passed along a cute little “yummy blog award” to you
oooh wow, looks fantastic! and those kiwis add an interesting twist! P.S: I got myself a straw (the straw is of a whitish not yellowish colour though) stetson too, with a black ribbon tied around. It’s a MUST item for the summer!