Peruvian inspired Corn Pancake with Guacamole and Chili Chocolate

 

A Peruvian inspired Corn Pancake with Guacamole and Chili Chocolate - it's oh so yummy, so healthy and a lovely quick treat to spoil yourself with or to impress your friends when you have them over.

 

Instructions:
1. Mash one avocado, mix with lime, garlic, chopped chili and tomatoes. Add salt to taste.
2. Beat eggs, add corn, cheese and pancake mix. Mix well.
3. Heat a frying pan with oil and butter before cooking each pancake. The recipe makes 2 small pancakes.
4. Cook pancakes until they are brown and crisp. Sprinkle salt at the end..
5. Place the pancakes on a plate, add the guacamole and sprinkle with shaved chili chocolate.

Note - I used Betty Crocker pancake mix, frozen corn kernels and Green & Black chili chocolate.

The flavours of this pancake go really well. After coming back from Peru - see Amazing Peru - Go Back in Time to the Magic of the Incas, I really wanted a taste of good fresh healthy food. The corn pancake reminded me of a Thai corn cake which I used to love. In Peru, they seem to have alot of corn, chili and guacamole. You could also add potato to the pancake for some added texture and crunch. In Ecuador, I tried chili chocolate and loved it. Marrying chili chocolate with guacamole and a corn pancake seemed liked the perfect treat and I just had to record and share it. 

A special mention - Casa Peru in Amsterdam has cancha! They order it specially and it took me back to the amazing texture and taste that I fell in love with in Peru. I have struggled to find white corn in London and settle for corn nuts, but it just isn't the same. So a big big thank you to Casa Peru for making brilliant ceviche with cancha. The desert was awesome too.

For more information on Casa Peru in Amsterdam - visit their website here.

Well, it's back to my corn pancakes. Till next time, happy eating!

 

Winter in London

It's not all grey skies and miserable cold in London in the Winter. Throw on a gorgeous scarf and hat. Don't forget super warm socks. Stop and explore all the beauty and wonder that London has to offer

The squirrels and swans don't seem to mind the cold.

Watching animals is very relaxing and enjoyable. Take the time to admire them. The grace and elegance of swans - so very English, so very lovely. Dipping their beaks in the water, flapping their wings and soaring across the sky.

The squirrels are cheeky, quick and cute so long as they are not wreaking havoc in your backyard / garden / balcony.

It's not all dismal. Some of the leaves still hold on. Though many tress are bare, hunt out those which have yet to lose it all.

Flowers are planted about and some trees will surprise you if you stop and just take a look. You walk past it every day, but have you ever taken the time?





Even the seagulls take the time to enjoy London's Thames. London - she's one of the greatest cities in the world, be it Winter, Summer, Autumn or Spring.

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Amazing Peru - Go Back in Time to the Magic of the Incas

 

Peru is  one of the world's most amazing holiday destinations. Memorable, magical and an absolute must.

Explore the natural beauty and history of Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The journey itself will blow you away and the altitude, well that's another high that you will not be able to imagine! You'll walk, you'll climb, you'll sit and wonder why you are doing it, but at the end of each day, you'll be so glad that you have had the experience of a life time.



Cusco, Sacred Valley & Lake Titicaca

Nothing can prepare you for the experience-

the camaraderie of fellow travellers, the enthusiasm of the locals, the endurance, perseverance and character you will discover within yourself.

So much to see, so much unexpected pleasure and surprises. One traveller had gone for days crawling through blizzards to see Machu Picchu. Many endured hours of rain and fog whilst exploring the site and were rewarded by afternoon sunshine.

See the amazing crafts - alpaca and wood carvings inspired by the culture and history.

 

Check out the flowers - so many varieties and from all over the world. And there is corn galore and cooked so well. Cancha - omg! Lima was gastronomical, the beach and sunset simply stunning.

I love London - even in the winter (see Winter in London), but Peru was a wonderful adventure which I want to hold on to. I've even started trying to create the flavours of Peru (Peruvian inspired Corn Pancake with Guacamole and Chili Chocolate). Peru, it's a journey for young and old. Machu Picchu is truly one of the greatest wonders of the world, and Peru has so much to offer.

 

A Gourmet Christmas

 

Create your own Gourmet Christmas with fine fruit, flowers and chocolate. Mini trees, Christmas tree branches for vases with small baubles bring that atmosphere of Christmas spirit. Tinsel adds charm. Make your own hampers for friends and family with a few of your favourite things - all you need is cellophane, ribbon for curling, tape and a basket or piece of cardboard.

And we can't forget a cocktail to brighten things up - I made a simple one from oranges, passion fruit, cranberries and lemon. A dash of champagne, vodka or whatever you fancy if you want a little zip.

There's lots on offer, with plenty of 3 for 3 deals or savings from smart online shopping. Make this a special Christmas with just a few small touches. Wishing you a very Gourmet Christmas and New Year!

Relax and feed the ducks

Most of the swans have now left London and the waters are full of squabbling and waddling ducks.

I've read that watching animals is incredibly relaxing and have started wandering down to check out the ducks and swans, feeding them and taking a few minutes out in my day to wonder at nature's marvels.

London has a multitude of zoos, parks and wonderful animals. Even though it's dark early,  rainy and grey, there is still much to smile about, relaxing doesn't just have to be a pint of beer or a glass of wine or lying comatose in front of the tv, you just have to do a little searching and make the effort.