WELCOME TO Val's Alentejo -I write about my region of Alentejo. My art ,painting, my cottages, Family life, my animals -Travels And my love for Roses- and rural country life.

Monday 3 December 2012

'whetting your appetite'

Most of you will remember my lovely "Avoca Cookbook" giveaway, that I was so lucky to win from Christa @  'Emilie's Daughter'..  I have cooked a few dishes from the book and they came out just super. 
Today Monday the 3rd December.. I thought that i would tempt you and whet your appetite a little with some christmas ideas from this beautifully illustrated cookbook..
  The book is not only a cook book with recipies.. but it has a story behind it. With lots of lovely photography and ideas for the various seasons of the year.
Today is just a couple I chose.
                                             Some ideas

                                  21 days to go.  We can all start thinking about the goodies that will be upon our festive table.
                                   This one I will make for my guests next week for my christmas get together. Hot Celeriac Soup.
                      not sure about the apple and stilton scones.. but a great idea too
                              My daughter in Law asked me for some ideas for xmas eve..I thought i would mak this to add to the menu.. It's already making me hungry.!
I have a friend coming over to stay wednesday night.  This is what I have chosen for our evening meal.      Winter Chicken Pie.  made with puff puff pastry..
Mushrooms and herbs.
I love a chicken pie ..and this recipe looks super. I have never made it with puff puff.  This will be a first.


 I think it looks great.  I only wish that i had those little cooking dishes to serve individuals..

                     You might me able to read some of the recipe
                                   Explains a little of how to do this particular one..  I myself will add a few extra veg, having made so many in the past.
                Just a little something to "Whet" your appetite and get the juices flowing with some ideas for cooking during this December season..

Wishing you all a happy Monday.  

Stay warm and safe.


Val

39 comments:

  1. The Winter Chicken Pie looks very tempting. I can read the recipe, so will give it a try, thanks.

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  2. Hello Val

    Your choice of the chicken in puff pastry will delight you friend. This is a beautiful book and I love it when I cook several recipes from a book and they all turn our well. You guests will love perusing this cookbook.

    Have a great week

    Helen xx

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    Replies
    1. I am looking forward to using the puff pasty Helen.
      I remember making it when i was a teenager, with my mum ,but never made it again.
      Recipies can sometimes be a great source of chit chat.
      thank you Helen.
      Happy Monday
      val

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  3. Oh, It sounds wonderful. I wish I was coming for a visit too. I would love to taste the chicken pie. I have been craving scones and collecting recipes for both sweet and savory. I think I should make some today. Thank you for the inspiration!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa.. Wish you were coming over too. liked the photo of the boys near your fire!
      I hope i can fit the scones in.
      Enjoy your day
      xxx val

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  4. I love the look of those recipes Val. Your guests will certainly enjoy dining with you. I'm giving my first dinner party of the season on Friday with my two sisters and their husbands. Will post with pictures. Won't tell you the menu as they read my blog. Enjoy your company this week. Have a good one.
    Patricia x

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    Replies
    1. The book has some amazingly tempting recipes Patricia..
      Looking forward to reading about your dinner party Friday.
      Its the season. Time is ticking on.
      thanks for coming over and leaving your kind comments
      val xx

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  5. Dear Val - I love cheese scones so I am very attracted to the apple and stilton cheese ones. I may try that as an alternative to the cheddar cheese ones I make.
    Have a wonderful evening with your friend on Wednesday and hope that you both enjoy the chicken pie - cheers to you both.

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    Replies
    1. I am not sure about the scones. I dont like stilton..but will try them, they sound delicious..
      Thanks for leaving your comments Rosemary.
      looking forward to an evening with a friend.
      val

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  6. i don't enjoy cooking so don't do recipes, either. :) i like to eat, though.

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    Replies
    1. Well Tex, If you were here I would enjoy to cook for you.
      I usually make my own recipies up.. but this book has some good recipies.
      Who does the cooking ):
      val

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  7. The book looks very attractive for making recipes !
    You choose the Winter Chicken Pie for your friend and
    it seems delicious !Good luck and enjoy your new book !

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    Replies
    1. A busy week. looking forward to making the pie.
      sounds like the first time I have ever baked.!):
      thank you Olympia

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  8. The chicken pie sounds delicious, Val. I love mushrooms and herbs, and the flaky crust looks yummy. What a wonderful cook book. You know, Nel is becoming to be a good cook. She would love these recipes. And Jess loves to bake. I can't wait for all the goodies at Christmas time.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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    Replies
    1. It does sound and look delicious Sheri.
      The cookbook is really beautiful.
      Pass on the recipe to Nel.
      not long now before christmas

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  9. Oh, I love the picture of the Holy family on your Header. It is perfect for Christmas.
    ~Sheri

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for popping over Sheri,
      Its all getting busy now.
      happy weeekend.

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  10. Hi Val. Those recipes look so good. What a nice book. How nice to be able to spend the holidays with your family. You all will have such a good time. Thanks for birthday wishes for Jake and for the rest of your kind comments. I appreciate them all so much..Happy Monday..Judy

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Judy,
      I am so looking forward to being with all my family.
      nice to see your kind comments Judy.
      x

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  11. Those recipes look all so yummy. bet you also had fun cooking. Your Holiday blog header is so beautiful dear Val. Christmas is really just round the corner.
    rita

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Rita.
      Nice to see you. pleased you like my holiday header.
      Yes, its not long now
      christmas is really in the air

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  12. What lovely ideas you have found in your cook book. I always live cookery books that tell a bit of a story behind the recipe too. I feel quite hungry after seeing all those delicious dishes!
    Sarah x

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sarah,
      I really am not a cookbook person.. but this book has really 'got me'.. as it tells a story as well. Reading it is a delight.

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  13. Hallo Val!You are so lucky having this fantastic book !!I would love to taste this chicken pie!Hope you and your friend have a good time!Wishing you a lovely week-December month!
    Dimi..

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Dimi,
      Wish you could be here to taste some of he pie. I will keep you a slice.
      best wishes to you

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  14. I love 'Avoca' any thing Val!! If you know what I mean, but this cook book looks amazing!!
    Your new header is perfect for the season Val!
    Sending you all the trimmings in best wishes ***
    Love Maria x

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    Replies
    1. I hope one day to visit Avoca Maria..
      I enjoyed reading all Christa's blog @ Emilies daughter.
      Thank you for your kind comments..

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  15. I love cookbooks Val! This one seems especially good : )

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  16. Hello Val, I've been away for a few days, so I am late to tune in. The puffy chicken pie looks yum, I am sure it turned out well for your friend. I sometimes make a WeightWatchers version, which we enjoy, though the real thing is always more delicious. Cheese and apple scones sound excellent with soup, and your Christmas Header is just perfect! xxx

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your kind comments Patricia..
      We have been sorting the main family menu out these last days.

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  17. Replies
    1. I have a few cook books, but always make up my own inventions.
      But this book is so exceptional.
      You have the chance to cook all those lovely Italian meals LindyLouMac.
      I love Italian.. but have to take it easy.
      thank you for your comment

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  18. You make me blush, Val! I am so pleased to hear that you are using the cookery book and you have just given me an idea (chicken pie) for the weekend! Have a very lovely day! I am off work today and I have planned many things to which I am looking forward to! Christa xxxxxxx

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    Replies
    1. Dear Christa.
      I am thrilled with the book.. I wish i had a big family again to try out all the fantastic recipies.
      Enjoy your weekend..
      Dont blush... you are a lovely giving person.. and thank you

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  19. Chicken pot pie is a perfect selection for a winter meal. I can smell it from here! I would love to smell it there…

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  20. Hi Vagabonde.. you can cook the chickent pot pie up there in the Highlands..):
    thanks for coming over and leaving your commnents.

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  21. Very perfect dish for winter.
    I'd love for a try;)..I am not so talented in cooking
    have a nice day Val

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