Watermelon Gazpacho / Chacalli Wines

Watermelon Gazpacho

Watermelon Gazpacho

I love experimenting with soup and was excited to try the Watermelon Gazpacho from Green Kitchen Stories. It was a relatively warm summer day in Antwerp and a cold soup sounded refreshing. Although the soup tasted delicious, it was a bit much as a main course. I think it would be better as a starter – strained and served in drinking glasses for a party, perhaps with a shot of vodka.

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White Gold aka White Asparagus

White asparagus ready to be peeled

White asparagus ready to be peeled

In Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, late April to late June is white asparagus season. During this period I always try to eat as much white asparagus as possible – we’ve already had them 4 times! Compared to green asparagus, the white ones are more tender and less bitter. Normally Koen and I always eat them the Dutch way, with Hollandais sauce, ham, smoked salmon and a boiled egg. This season we’ve been experimenting. A few tips from Jeroen Meus to keep in mind when preparing asparagus:

  • Poke the bottom of the asparagus with your thumbnail; if moisture comes, they’re fresh
  • Rub the asparagus together; if they make a squeaky sound, they’re fresh
  • Rather than cutting the end off, break it off with your hands; that way you don’t accidentally cut off any of the tender asparagus

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