Deb Cooks... Debs Kitchen Creations is on the move.....

After many months considering blogging and my blog in particular I have finally made the bold decision to move to a whole new site!

For sometime now I have been unhappy not only with how the blog looks, but how it has been conducted.

Since joining the wonderful world of blogging a few years back I have learned so much.  Now, I'm no expert but I have recognised my mistakes along the way and found the blog to have become confusing and a bit mumbled to say the least.

So may I introduce you to my new and what I hope to be exciting new home at The Spanish Wok.

In future, there will be no new posts on Deb Cooks.  However, the site will remain available for viewing as a reference for past recipes etc etc.

I now invite you to join me over at The Spanish Wok where I will also be showcasing restaurant reviews and if nothing else BETTER photography!!!!

All are welcome, readers old and new and importantly too, all current followers of Deb Cooks.

The comments section on this blog is being closed and I would welcome any comments etc over at The Spanish Wok URL http://www.thespanishwok.blogspot.com/

Thank you to everyone who has supported Deb Cooks and I look forward to our continued friendship in my new home.

Debs xxxxx

Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup

It's that time of year again when you need comfort food.  Soups, Stews, Casseroles, Roast Diners, you know what I mean anyway.

Sometimes, it's almost impossible to purchase certain items here in Spain.  However on a recent trip to our local supermarket I spotted a tin of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce and knew I had to have it as a recipe would call for it one day.

Today I give you not only a comforting soup, but cold killing, head clearing soup, which makes you feel totally happy and satisfied.  Even if you don't have a cold or flu!

A little research provided so many different methods and ingredients that after gaining some knowledge I decided to come up with my own version.

I've made this a few times now and it's always a hit.  In fact the first time I made this I decided to serve it for dinner.  I new Barry would not be impressed to be served soup for his dinner so I told him I was making a stew.  So there you have it, 2 for the price of one.  Make it a little thicker for stew and add more stock for a soup.  Best of both worlds don't you think?

Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup (serves 4)

1 large chicken breast (skin removed)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large red onion (finely diced)
1 large green chilli (deseeded and finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small green pepper (diced 1cm square)
1 small red pepper(diced 1cm square)
2 tsp chilli powder
1 chipotle chilli from tin (finely sliced) +1 tsp of the sauce
2 tsp cumon powder
1 can black beans
1 can chopped tomatoes
2 pts chicken stock
salt and ground black pepper to taste

For garnish:-
2 flour tortillas
grated cheddar cheese
fresh coriander

In a small pan, bring plenty of water to a boil.  Once boiling add the whole chicken breast, turn out the heat, cover and leave for 20 minutes.  Remove and set aside to cool.

In a large pan, heat olive oil.  Add onion and stir to coat in oil.  Add a pinch of salt to stop onions burning.  Cook 15-20 minutes until nicely softened.  Add peppers, garlic and green chilli.  Stir fry 2 1 minute and add the chilli powder, chipotle and the tsp of sauce.  Mix well and cook 1-2 minutes.

Add tin of tomatoes, mix well and cook out the tomatoes for 5 minutes.

Add stock and black beans, bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

In the meantime, shred the cooked chicken breast with 2 forks then add to the soup and stir in, cover and continue simmering for a further 10 minutes.

Heat 2 flour tortillas to become pliable or crispy (whichever you prefer), then cut into strips and grate some cheddar cheese.

Divide soup between 4 generous size bowls, top with strips of tortilla, grated cheese and a sprinkling of coriander (I could not get any, but it would have been far better with).

Get ready to feel warm, cosy and satisfied, enjoy.

Inspiring Recipes Week Ending 16.10.11

I'm a bit behind with the inspiring recipes this week.  The last week was a little tough as I've not been feeling so good. In fact as each day got worse Barry threatened to take me back to hospital again. There was no way I wanted to go back in after spending the end of last year and the first quarter of this year in there, so I persuaded him to give me a few more days.  So glad I did as I then started to improve and am feeling so much better with just the odd bad day.  I really had no idea just how long the recovery period would take and I sometimes wonder if I'm ever going to get back to a normal life.

I think this is another reason why I decided to start the series of inspiring recipe posts because I simply can't stand in the kitchen like I used to and some days can't even muster up the get up and go to actually prepare a dish. Therefore, the blog has suffered and I was anxious to keep it up and running.  I promise more new recipes soon, but in the meantime, enjoy those selected for this series.




Chocolate Wasted Cake

 
Chocolate Wasted Cake by Art of Dessert blog

I'm not really a dessert person, but sometimes, just sometimes, I can be persuaded.

With this cake I could definitely be persuaded.  Hop on over to Art of Dessert blog and check it out. PS If you do make it yourself, please come back and let me know too.

Smoked Gouda Ravioli with
Sun Dried Tomato Garlic Sauce

Smoked Gouda Ravioli with Sun Dried Tomato Garlic Sauce by Teacher Chef blog

I love ravioli and the filling in this dish with a fab sauce is right up my street. Now, where to buy smoked gouda in Spain? If I can't find it, I'll try it with normal gouda, but I best smoked would be fantastic.

If you too love ravioli, hop on over to Teacher Chef blog and check out the recipe.

Samosa

Samosa by US Masala blog

I've made the popular samosa many times myself and whilst I do enjoy my recipe, I'm still tweeking it until I'm fully satisfied with the filling, hence why I have not added them to the blog yet!

I came across this recipe and decided to check it out, they look fat and full (just the way I like them) and the recipe sounded reasonable so I'll be trying it out very soon.

If you are looking for a samosa recipe, check out US Masala blog here



Slow Cooker Korean Shredded Beef Tacos


Slow cooker korean shredded beef tacos by Good Thymes and Good Food blog

I just could not resist this recipe and will definitely be trying it soon. Korean and Tacos, what could be better?

Hop on over to Good Thymes and Good Food blog to see the full recipe.

Creamy Chicken Tacquitos

Creamy Chicken Taquitos by Handle the Heat blog

Everybody loves this type of dish right? A great any day dish and especially easy for a small crowd too.

Check out the full recipe by visiting Handle the Heat blog

Avocada Crab Roll with Soy
Sauce Caviar

Avocado Crab Roll with Soy Sauce Caviar

I do not eat like crab. However, I think this would work well with chicken too, but what really inspired me was the Soy Sauce Caviar.

What a wonderful invention, don't you think? Plus, avocados are everywhere here in Spain, so this is one easy dish for me. Just imagine how impressed your guests would be if you served this! It's definitely a wow for me, for the full recipe and instructions on the caviar, hop on over to La Fuji Mama blog I'd love to hear from you if you make the caviar too.

Spicy Chicken Tostadas

Spicy Chicken Tostadas by Pinch of Yum blog

Nothing makes me happier than chicken and spicy. I think a lot of you would agree with that too wouldn't you?

Another any day of the week dish, even for lunch too. For the full recipe hop over to Pinch of Yum blog

Well, that's all for this week. Happy reading and do come back and let me know if you try any of these delightful dishes.

Enjoy

Inspiring Recipes week ending 9.10.11

Check out this weeks Inspiring Recipes to Try as shown below. Don't forget to check out previous and future weeks  Inspiring Recipes here

We're going around the globe this week too.

Smoky Wok

Ginger Scallion Beef Noodles by Smoky Wok

Those of you who know me, know my love of chinese food and this recipe I just could not resist.  Now I just need to succeed in the usual ordeal of purchasing spring onions over here.  Not an easy task!

Head on over to Smoky Wok to obtain this and other delicious chinese recipes.

Melbourne Food Files

Preserved Lemons by Melbourne Food Files

When you live in Spain, like I do, a regular store cupboard ingredient is preserved lemons. However, you try and purchase them here!

I have attempted to make preserved lemons previously. Unfortunately, they went mouldy. If anyone can suggest as to why this happened, please be kind enough to let me know.

A must have ingredient for tagines. Hop on over to Melbourne Food Files to check out the recipe.

Red Shallot Kitchen

Coxinha - Brazilian Chicken Filled Pastry by Red Shallot Kitchen

These little bites just look so delicious and wouldn't they make an amazing appearance on any party table?

Maybe one day soon I'll get around to trying out this recipe, I'm sure looking forward to the tasting.

Check out the recipe over at Red shallot Kitchen

Veg Recipes of India

Jeera Aloo by Veg Recipes of India

Most of you are familiar with my love of Indian Dishes and this dish sounds particularly interesting.

I just love Bombay Aloo as a side dish and looking forward to trying this potato dish too in the near future.

To check out Jeera Aloo and other indian dishes visit Veg Recipes of India

Hope you too are inspired by my choice of recipes to highlight this week, let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by.

Roast Chicken in a Bag

You know how it is, for whatever reason you empty your kitchen cupboards and find things hiding at the back you totally forgot about.

Having recently moved home, I came across some roasting bags. I must have bought them a long time ago because I don't even remember purchasing them. I remember using them a couple of times in the UK (in the days when I was not really a cook) but can't say I remember how good they actually are!

You all thought I was going to say I found a roast chicken in the back of the cupboard didn't you?

The only one thing I did remember about the roasting bags was that they do help to keep your oven cleaner. However, seeing recent adverts on TV for a spice mix bought with a bag and the comments about how tender the chicken is with this method, I decided to roast my whole chicken in one and see the results. Fantastic, beautifully browned, moist, succulent and flavoursome chicken!

No recipe as such required here, simply place 1 heaped teaspoon all purpose flour into the bag with seasoning to taste, plus herbs and spices of your choice.  Shake it up a little to coat inside of bag.  Pop in the chicken and secure with supplied ties.  Make 6 small slits around top area of bag, place the whole thing into a roasting dish and cook for the usual time (depending on weight) at 180.  Perfect.

Once cooked, the juices will be sitting in the bottom of the bag which can be used to make a delicious gravy.

Enjoy, x

Inspiring recipes this week - 1.10.2011

For far too long now I've been copying recipes into my documents with every intention of trying them out. But of course, that rarely happens. I think because I forget and because the list is so long I get put off reading through it. So instead I decided to document (and share) those recipes in reqular blog posts. The added bonus this way too is that I also get to have the recipe photo meaning I'm more likely to actually make them myself.

Plus, it gives a little due credit to those blogs which have posted the recipes I want to try.

Photo by Simplyreem

Chicken Nuggets by Simplyreem

This is a dish that has been on my 'to do' list for sometime. This recipe has given me renewed inspiration. I think partly due to the wonderful photo and also the addition of potato chips to the coating. Pop over to Simplyreem to check it out.



Photo by TLT

 Mustard Salmon by TLT

This beautiful photo inspired me to check out this recipe.  So glad I did, it looks professional and is super quick and easy to prepare.  Pop over to TLT's blog to check it out.

Photo by LiveLovesPasta

Baked Potato Soup by LiveLovesPasta

It's that time of year again when we are thinking about soups. Although here in Spain we are still having beautiful hot sunny days, the evenings are certainly much cooler now and in order to sit outside in the evening you definitely need to be wearing a jumper. I had it when the signs of summer ending are upon us. This soup will warm you up though, pop over to LiveLovesPasta blog to check it out.

Over time I will also add the recipes from my list in order to share those too and remind me of the ones I really am inspired by.

Have a good week everybody, Debs.

Spaghetti alla puttanesca for Miguel (and inspiration for a new house name)

Over a ladies lunch with my friend Fran the conversation turned to food. Nothing new there then LOL. That was probably about 2 months ago and we discussed a dish I had recently tried which I was raving about, mainly because it's quick and flavoursome too.  Obviously that dish was Spaghetti alla puttanesca.

Spaghetti alla puttanesca for Miguel

Also, commonly called tarts pasta!

Fran asked if I would put it my blog so she had the recipe. As I was not sure when I would be able to do it at that stage I told her I would email her the recipe. Of course I forgot and each time we spoke she reminded me yet again to forward the recipe.

Fran said Mike, her husband (commonly known as Miguel) would love this dish and she was keen to make it for him. Despite her constant requests, I still forgot to email the recipe so one day over coffee I gave it to her verbally instead, job done.

I'm not sure quite how she remembered it, but she did nonetheless and made Spaghetti alla puttanesca for Miguel, just a few days later.  Turns out he loved it!

Sadly and very suddenly we lost Mike recently. Fran reminded me how pleased she was that she was able to make this dish for him before that tragic day and so I promised her I would finally make it a blog post in memory of Miguel.

Sorry Fran for all the previous delays, but at least now the blog post is more special than it would have been.

Fran & Mike (Miguel)

Mike and Fran are very special to myself and Barry.  We first met them nearly 20 years ago.  They had become friends with my in-laws upon meeting in Spain.  A short time later Barry and I came to Spain with some friends for a holiday and whilst in a bar one morning this lady approached us and said "you must be Mike & Dawn's son because you look just like your dad"!!!

From that day we have all been very close.  So much so that after I had lost both my parents, Mike and Fran unofficially adopted me, despite having 2 daughters and a son already.  They obviously had no idea at the time what they were letting themselves in for LOL.  That was over 10 years ago now and I'm often heard referring to them as my mum and dad.

Coincidentally, we moved into a new house recently and always wanted to change it's name (sorry to my in-laws as we bought the property from them).  The house has always been called "Casa Mirador".  Don't get me wrong, we don't dislike it, but; it seems almost every other house out here is called "Casa Mirador"!  Sitting in the garden one evening talking about Mike, a new name suddenly seemed so obvious.  Mike and Fran used to look after the land for my in-laws and planted the whole garden area.  A garden Mike has always been proud of and deservedly so. I'm sure you've already guessed the new name for our home, "Jardin de Miguel" in memory of the wonderful man that created our amazing garden.

A relaxing corner in "Jardin de Miguel"

Well, I'm sure you are soooo hungry now after all that reading, so without further ado, here's a delicious recipe as a tribute to my adopted father Miguel.  Farewell my friend.

Spaghetti alla puttanesca for Miguel - Serves 2/3

250g dried spaghetti
Olive oil
5 cloves garlic (finely sliced)
400g tin of chopped tomatoes
2 tsp capers (rinsed)
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp chilli flakes
1 tsp anchovy paste (or 4 fillets)
1 tsp tomato puree
50g black olives

Heat approx 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saute pan.  Add the garlic, chilli flakes, tom puree, anchovy paste (or fillets) and lots of freshly ground black pepper.  Stir well to combine and cook for about 2 minutes.  Add the chopped tomatoes and mix well.  Cook to reduce tomatoes for about half hour.

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a large pan of salted boiling water as per packet instructions.  Drain well and toss with the sauce together with the capers and olives.  Serve immediately.