KOMPOSTO ( MIX DRIED FRUIT COMPOTE )

Dried fruit compotes are great favourite during the winter months served along side of the rice after the main course. Traditionally it is served with rice but it is great, served with natural yogurt, on your cereal or with ice cream.

• 2 cups of dried fruit
• 3-4 cups of water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp lemon juice

Wash and place all the dried fruit into a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring it to boil then simmer gently for 15 minutes. Add the cinnamon, lemon juice and more water if need. Simmer for further 5-10 minutes until the fruit is cooked. Set aside to cool. Sprinkle more cinnamon powder just before serving.

CHERRY AND FIG SCONES

These scones were colorful and tasty using figs and candied cherries. It was great tea time treat with home made jam and clotted cream.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup self raising flour ( 110 g )
• 1 cup wholemeal self raising flour
• pinch of salt
• 1 heaped tbsp light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter ( 75 g )
• 5  dried figs, chopped ( 50 g )
• 30 g candied ( glace ) cherries, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 tbsp milk
• extra milk for glazing the scones.

Pre heat the oven and lightly grease a baking tray.

1) Mix flour , sugar and salt. Sieve all three in mixing bowl. Cut the butter into small cubes and rub with your fingertips until you achieve fine bread crumbs. 

2) Stir in the chopped figs and cherries. Mix the egg in. Add milk and mix together to form a soft dough. 

3) Roll the dough on a floured surface, about 2 cm thick. Cut into 8- 10 scones using a 6 cm cutter. Place the scones on the baking tray and brush them with milk.

5) Cook the scones on preheated oven at 220 C, 200 Fan setting for 10 -12 minutes until they are golden brown.

6) Cool them on wire rack. Split and serve them with jam and clotted cream.

FRIDAY MARKET IN KUSADASI / TURKEY

Yesterday I was in town for the Friday market. It was vibrant and colourful with fresh fruit and vegetables from the surrounding villages. The farmers are going back to growing everything organic, just like the old times which was the only way many years ago. A farming village called Kirazli is going organic for all their produce. Kirazli is famous for beautiful peaches, cherries, tomatoes, peppers as well as other fruit and vegetables. It is also great place to go for a home cooked meal , prepared by the local women and enjoyed ,with all the produce freshly picked from their own garden.