About FeastforFamine

Food, Recipes

Hi there and welcome to FeastforFamine!

cropped-img_20181009_082554_230.jpgAre you bored with going home to another bowl of pasta, sandwich or reheated lasagna? Going out for a pizza, burger or a steak? If you fancy trying some of the other wonderful stuff going on out there in the world, welcome to my blog, FeastforFamine.

Come on in and join me on my journey around the world, creating food inspired by countries from  Zimbabwe to Peru!

 

FeastForFamine has four main goals, specifically to…

  • Promote flavours and ideas from corners of the world less well-travelled or promoted.
  • Put my own interpretation on some of those and share my ideas with you.
  • Draw attention to some of the issues currently going on in those countries, many of which are suffering greatly from war and/or famine.
  • Through my links with Save the Children, to raise some funds to support children suffering throughout those countries and the wider world.

The emphasis is on inexpensive, wholesome, widely available ingredients which we don’t always think of pairing. Exotic cooking need not cost the earth, but sometimes takes only a slightly more adventurous approach to give our taste buds something new to look forward to.

Sadly, closer to home, several hundred thousand people in the UK now regularly rely on foodbanks. So, I have deliberately chosen a charity whose scope includes the UK, and hope that the ethos behind my ideas and recipes will make most of them accessible to as many people as possible.

Every Monday throughout 2019 I will be posting a new recipe. if you try, and enjoy any of my recipes and you feel inspired to make a donation (of any amount) please feel free to click the link to the donations page. And if not, that’s fine too – I only hope that you enjoy the recipe! Please feel free to leave any comments or feedback, or suggestions for enhancing any of the recipes. The whole idea of this blog is promote experimentation, exchange of ideas and learning from experience!

Scroll down and be inspired x

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Venezuelan P.A.N Time!

Baking, Brunch, Food, Gluten Free, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian, World

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Hi there! I will be whipping up a treat with this at the weekend, but wanted to know your thoughts on it and spread some awareness of its origin and uses.

P.A.N is actually an acronym meaning “Producto Alimenticio Nacional”, translating to “National Food Product”, originating in Venezuela and is seen as a staple in Venezuelan diets.  It is also used widely across the rest of South America and cornflour such as this is also a used in a lot of African cooking too, and can be used in a similar way to Italian Polenta.

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Main uses include Venezuelan arepas and empanadas – yummy! It also boasts no additives and is great for those following a gluten free diet.

Now for the hard part…

As violence, political and economic instability continues in Venezuela, it is estimated that 3 million people have fled their homes, with at least 1 million now based in nearby Columbia. This figure includes 300,000 children, some of whom are travelling alone leaving them incredibly vulnerable.  It is predicted that by the end of 2019, this number will rise to 5.3 million.

Below are some stark statistic from Save The Children US, on the impact this current situation is having on children still in Venezuela:

  • 15% of school-age children are out of school
  • 16 out of 1,000 children die before their 5th birthday
  • 33% of people live in poverty
  • 13% of children suffer from stunting due to malnutrition

If you would like to find out more please visit: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/where-we-work/latin-america/venezuela

I will be making an Inspired by Venezuela recipe later this year, but for now if you would like to have a look at some of the other South American Recipes, I have put together a list, including delicious recipes like Crab and Sweet Potato Fritters to Piri Piri Style Turkey Breast!

Inspired by Haiti – Crab and Sweet Potato Fritters

Inspired by Columbia – Tuna Steak Stew with Lime and Oregano

Inspired by Mexico – Avocado and Cucumber Gazpacho

Inspired By Ecuador – Slow Cooked Pork and Bean Stew with Cheesy Potato Cakes

Inspired by Peru – Chicken, Black Rice, Green Sauce and Avocado SaladInspired by

Brazil Piri Piri Style Turkey Breast, Black Beans, Orange and Tomato Rice, Smashed Avocado and a Simple Salsa

Inspired by Haiti – Banana and Mango Mock Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate and Cashew Nut Shards

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children, who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

So where will we go next? Come back on Monday to find out!

See you soon!

Thanks

Rosalyn x

 

 

 

Inspired by Korea – Vegan Asparagus and Ginger Pancakes

Asian Flavours, Easy, Food, Lunch, Main Course, Recipes, Spicy, Vegan, World

I was lucky enough recently to attend a vegan Korean cooking course with the amazing chef Da-Hae West, (check her out here https://dahaewest.com), which gave me a lot of inspiration as well as making my own Kimchi! One of the things I got to make was a vegan pancake, which is super easy, super delicious and can be adapted to suit your tastes, adding things like prawns, chicken, more chillies, no chillies it’s up to you!

I have made my own version here using lots of asparagus and ginger accompanied by two dips that I think work really well, one vegan and one full on mayo! If you have a go at making this version, or your own, get in touch as I would love to hear about your creations!

Serves: 2 as a main, 4 – 6 as a starter

Prep: 20mins

Cook: 6 – 8 mins for each pancake

Ingredients: For the pancakes: 20 asparagus spears, 250g self raising flour, 375ml ice cold sparkling water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 chilli thinly sliced, (more if you like the heat), 1 clove or garlic minced of thinly sliced, 1 thumb sized piece of ginger minced or thinly sliced, 4 tbsp. of oil for frying

For the Sesame Dipping Sauce: 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar, 1 tbsp. sesame oil, 1 thinly sliced piece of ginger, 1 tsp. sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp. brown sugar

For the Chilli Mayo: 1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar, 1tbsp. mayo, 1 red chilli thinly sliced with seeds if you like the heat.

Method:

  1. First remove the woody ends from your asparagus
  2. Then add to boiling water and boil vigorously for 2 mins
  3. Drain and plunge into cold water and set aside while you make your dips and batter
  4. To make the Chilli Mayo, add the sliced chilli to the rice wine vinegar and set aside until ready to serve
  5. For the Sesame Dipping sauce, mix all of the ingredients together and set aside until ready to use
  6. Mix all of the ingredients together for the pancake except the asparagus so that it’s combined well but no need to over mix
  7. Heat 1 tbsp. of oil in a pan now add half of your pancake batter and pop 10 of the asparagus spears on top of the mixture so that they melt down into the mixture
  8. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes on one side until you start to see air pockets form on the top
  9. Now turn your pancake over (you can flip if you are brave, or use a spatula like me!), add some more oil if you notice that the pan is dry and continue to cook on the other side for 3 – 4 minutes, longer if necessary, you want it to be crispy but not burnt
  10. Repeat the same for the second pancake with the remaining mixture and asparagus
  11. Once both of your pancakes are ready, add the finishing touch to your Chilli Mayo by adding 1 tbsp. of mayo and mixing well
  12. Enjoy!

 

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk

Who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

Thanks x

August Recipe Review -From Portugal to India

American Inspired Desserts, Asian Flavours, Baking, BBQ, Dessert, Easy, Food, Picnic Food, Recipes, Starters, Summer Recipes, Vegetarian, World

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As many of you return to work this week and school after the summer break, let’s have a look back at the Feastforfamine recipes in August. I hope you enjoyed the recipes and even got to try some out, and whether you had a staycation or travelled further afield I hope you had fun and are feeling well rested.

First up in August was a trip to the USA for the healthy but delicious Key Lime Pots, the aim of this recipe was to try and keep all the flavour of this American classic, but without the calories and cooking time, I hope it worked!

Second up and in keeping with the summer theme, I’m thinking BBQs here and lots of them, with the Inspired by Australia – Beer soaked Chicken Wings with Apple and Cucumber Salad, really moorish and easy to make.

Summer is also a great time for picnics, so with this in mind have a look at Inspired by Portugal – Chorizo Loaf simple baking but great to share.

Last stop took us to India for some vegetarian treats with the Inspired by India – Potato and Sweetcorn Samosas with Pea Raita and I really recommend the pea raita as a stand alone dip too!

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

So where will we go next? Come back on Monday to find out!

See you soon!

Thanks

Rosalyn x

Back to School Lunch Box/After School Treat Ideas

Baking, Children, Easy, Gluten Free, Recipes, Treats

 

Hi All,

Looking for some easy lunch box or after school treats this week? Then try one or both of my gluten free cookie recipes…Nutella or Peanut Butter Cookies, you choose! Please click on the links below to go straight to these deliciously easy recipes:

Super Easy Gluten Free Nutella Cookies

Inspired by Nigeria: Peanut Butter, Coconut and Banana Chip Crumbly Cookies

Have a great week!

x

Inspired by Egypt – Courgette and Chickpea Salad with Dukkah

Easy, Food, Gluten Free, Recipes, Salads, Vegan, Vegetarian, World

Dukkah is a great way to add texture and a little spice to salads, stews, eggs or anything you like and this recipes makes enough to fill up one old spice jar, so you will have a batch to keep you going.

Cook: 10mins
Prep: 5 mins

For the Dukkah

Ingredients: Handful of whole almonds, 1 tbsp. sesame seeds, 1 tsp fennel seeds, 1 tsp. cumin seeds, 2 tsp. coriander seeds, good mil of salt and pepper

Method:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 180F
  2. Give all the ingredients a quick blitz in a food processor, or a good bash in a pestle and mortar
  3. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and place all your ingredients on top, spreading evenly over the parchment
  4. Bake in the oven for 8 – 10mins until golden brown
  5. Allow to cool and then place in an airtight container until ready to use

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For the Courgette and Chickpea Salad

Prep: 10mins
Cook: No cooking required but the courgette needs 30mins resting time.

Ingredients: 1 large courgette or two medium, small can of chickpeas drained, juice of half a lemon, 2 tbsp. olive oil, small bunch of parsley chopped, small pinch of chilli flakes, salt and pepper, 1 – 2 tbsp. of Dukkah.

Method:

  1. Spiralise or julienne the courgette, place in a bowl and add a good pinch of salt and then leave in the fridge for 30mins
  2. After 30mins drain any excess water off, of the courgettes
  3. Now construct your salad by mixing in the chickpeas, lemon, oil and parsley and pepper to taste
  4. Sprinkle over as much dukkah as you want and add a small pinch of dried chilli flakes
  5. Enjoy!

Save The Children have been working in Egypt to provide better healthcare, social and educational standards for children. By working with government Save The Children have put in place standards for those living in care and working closely with agriculture and cotton industries to better protect child workers and providing opportunities to learn, giving children a chance to live a life outside of poverty. To find out more please visit: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/middle-east/egypt

And if you would like to make a donation via this blog, please visit my Just Giving Page, by clicking the link here Just Giving

Thanks

Inspired by India – Potato and Sweetcorn Samosas with Pea Raita

Asian Flavours, Baking, Cheap, Children, Easy, Food, Recipes, Snacks, Vegetarian, World

 

These lovely little samosas are mild enough for little tastebuds too! 

Makes: 12 Samosas

Prep: 30mins

Cook: 25-30mins

Ingredients: For the Samosas – 1 pack of ready made filo pastry, 1 medium sized potato, small can of sweetcorn, 1 medium sized onion, 1 tbsp olive oil, (plus a little more for putting your samosas together), 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, small bunch of chopped coriander.

For the Pea Raita – 2 tbsp. cooked frozen peas, 150g natural yogurt, 2 tbsp. olive oil, 1/4 cucumber, 1/2 tsp. dried mint, good pinch of salt and pepper.

Method

1. Peel your potato and cut into small chunks and boil for 8mins

2. Peel and thinly slice the onion and fry in the olive oil with the dried spices on a medium heat for 5mins

3. Add your cooked potato, sweetcorn and chopped coriander to the onion and spice mixture  and cook for 2mins more to ensure all ingredients are covered in the onion and spice mix

4. Turn off the heat and leave to one side to cool

5. Preheat your oven to 180f

6. While you are waiting for the mixture to cool make the Pea Raita by combining all ingredients and giving it a good blitz in a food processor, pop in the fridge until ready to serve with your samosas

7. Now make your samosas, check out the video here https://youtu.be/09Upx-kVIvQ that shows an easy way to roll the pastry, I used a little olive oil to brush at the end to hold all in place and a little over the top before popping them in the oven

8. Pop in the oven for 25- 30 minutes until golden

9. Serve with the Pea Riata

10. Enjoy!

350,000 children are currently at risk after India’s eastern coastline was hit by Cyclone Fani, they need water, food and shelter.  As well as this recent disaster, one child in twenty dies before their fifth birthday from preventable diseases and an estimated 12 million children are employed as child labourers, often in dangerous conditions. Save The Children are currently there trying to provide help and support to these children to provide them with a better future…to find out more please visit:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/asia/india

And if you would like to make a donation via this blog, please visit my Just Giving Page, by clicking the link here Just Giving

Thanks