Duckalicious

Last night I made duck breast with a red wine reduction for the first time and was surprised how easy and delicious it was. Loved the balance of the crispy skin texture of the duck, the tender breast meat, the creamy silky smooth mash and the pungent red wine reduction.

Will have to make this again soon!

Ingredients:

• 2 Duck Breasts 
• 2 Tbsp of Olive oil 
• 2 Shallots
• 200 ml Red zine 
• Zest of one orange
• Juice from one to two fresh oranges
• 2 Tbsp of honey
• 2 Cups of organic stock 
• 1 Knob of Butter
• Salt and Pepper

Method

For the Red Wine Reduction:

• In a saucepan on medium heat, heat oil and cook the shallots until translucent. The add honey, orange juice, red wine and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes. 
• On another saucepan, bring the stock to boil and let reduce for about 20-30 minutes.
• Pour the red wine through a sieve, into the stock and continue cooking for about 20 minutes. Add a knob of butter, remember to keep whisking. Add salt and pepper and keep warm until you are ready to serve. 

For the Duck:

• Gently slice the skin of the duck about times and season well with salt before cooking
• Pan fry the Duck breast on medium to low heat,  on the skin side for approximately 3 minutes, to get the lovely crispy skin texture. Then flip the breast around and fry for about 30 seconds
• Place the duck in a pre-heated (200 C) for 30-40 minutes, depending on how rare you want to serve the duck
• Remove duck and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes

I served the duck over a creamy mash potato and a dash of parley, but have seen many amazing dishes with different pairings. 

Very important note: don't forget to serve the duck with red wine!

Les Marolles

Les Marolles (the workers quarter) has to be one of my favorite areas in Brussels. 

I cant help but get inspired every time I stroll through the area, filled with cute little side streets, quirky shops and art work on the walls. I truly recommend going there next time you are in Brussels!

 

Easter Treat Bag

How cute is this little bunny bag for Easter pressies? I saw this adorable treat bag the other day and just had to share.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!

Repinned from: http://www.everythingemilyblog.com/2014/04/diy-miffy-inspired-easter-treat-bags.html

Magical Snails

Never have I seen snails in this light and will always look at them as the magical creatures they are.

Photographer Vyacheslav Mishchenko has made me fall in love with snails, through his magical photos. 

Truly must see: http://news.distractify.com/culture/arts/macro-photos-of-snails/?v=1

Tea Time Banana Bread

What would tea time be without something sweet?

Today I decided to make banana bread, as the bananas were looking perefectly ripe (which never happens in my household). 

Banana Bread Recipe:

1) 1 1/2 cup flour
2) 1/2 cup sugar or any kind of sweetner
3) 1 egg
4) 1 tsp of baking soda
5) 1/3 cup butter
6) 1 tsp vanilla
7) pinch of salt

Cook for 1 hour at 175°C

Piece of Amsterdam

One of my favorite places to visit is Amsterdam. I adore the little cute canals and streets, filled with corky and fun shops that you cant help but fall in love with.

Here are a few memories I have from my last visit, they may just inspire you to go:

Bite Size Cream Puff Desert

I love being served bite size desserts when out for dinner. My idea of a good dinner is not about being filled up like a stuffed Christmas Turkey, instead having lighter courses that electrify your senses.

A few days ago I had dinner at a friend's house and was served the sweetest tinny dessert in a cup and just had share the idea!

The dessert was a little cream puff served with whipped cream,  raspberries and mint. So simple right?
Trust me, it is a single bite of heaven and truly a must try.