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#specifically hazelnut cracker
mamawasatesttube · 10 months
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i do hc that tim generally knows his way around c*ffee beans bc his parents were C*ffee People™. he can sit there and talk pretentious c*ffee opinions all day. he's not even that into c*ffee himself but he knows how to bitch about it. that said, he doesn't hate it either. it's a bevvy like any other.
i like to imagine when he does drink c*ffee, he's like my one friend who enjoys it best unsweetened, but with a decent amount of milk to cut the bitterness. and i like to imagine this Specifically bc i also like to imagine kon next to him going EWWW ITS TOO BITTER HOW DID I EVER DRINK IT LIKE THIS I KNOW I WAS DEPRESSED BUT CHRIST ON A CRACKER and adding cinnamon, vanilla, cream, hazelnut syrup, chocolate shavings, whipped cream,
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What is everyone's favorite snack
Lemmy: "JELLYBEANS!!!"
Jr: "I usually eat trail mix or something like that when I'm hungry..."
Larry: "I like granola! Especially granola bars! When I am STARVING, but dinner time is really far away, that's what I eat!"
Roy: "Beef jerky for me. I always carry a bag around with me at all times."
Ludwig: "I typically snack on apple slices, cherries, carrot sticks, and other stuff like that."
Wendy: "Barbecue flavored potato chips are the fuckin' best."
Morton: "I enjoy things that are sweet, but not TOO sweet. Like cookies or crackers!"
Iggy:
Morton: "Iggy mostly snacks on nuts! Specifically, macadamias, walnuts, and hazelnuts!"
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strega-nono · 1 year
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Bonus episode: Cordelia review
I promised some of my most dedicated and ravenous fans a review of Cordelia, the new hot spot in Cleveland that Patrick and I went to for my farewell dinner. I will admit now we committed the truly unforgivable sin of not photographing a single plate or drink, so this will *gasp* be only written descriptions of our experience!
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We had a 7:15 reservation and when we arrived (after valeting $25, love East 4th ST), we were promptly seated. Our server was attentive but kind of…disoriented? I think dude was probably having a night, and everything was taken care of but there was def something going on there. We got a bottle of Lambert petit royal seyssel (basically non champagne region champagne) and our server seemed pretty relieved that he didn’t have to go through the passion play of tasting and possible rejection because I’ve had it before. Are many people at Cordelia ordering bottles from their well-considered (but a bit narrow in scope and somewhat overpriced) wine list and then dramatically spitting out the samples directly into the faces of well-meaning staff? Curious minds want to know!
We decided to do chef’s prixe fixe, which on the menu promised 6-7 courses but which our server promised was actually like 9-10 courses and dessert. He was correct! Before I get into coursing, I need to tell you that the tasting menu was so much food despite Cordelia serving shareable small plates that I was audibly moaning in pain by dessert course.
First course: carrot muhammara with a toasted hazelnut dukkah (think a punchier hummus with texture) served with grilled bread. Pretty good although not a real reach in ambition. Our servers brought us extra crackers unsolicited when they saw we had finished the bread and still had spread left, which was a great move.
Second course: Salty cucumbers, which were much better than the description would imply. I would describe this as an elemental tzatziki without the yogurt masking the idiosyncratic tang of the cucumbers and the bite of the garlic and dill. It was served with a salsa matcha which added great texture to the dish and also surprised me with how spicy it was. Very simple but well executed; my only thought is this felt more like a gray area between a garnish or palate cleanser and a full course.
Third course: Lardo simmered melon. I need to admit here that not only am I not a real meat aficionado but I also detest meat-fat-fruit combos like prosciutto and melon, which this dish is a clear play on. So for this I will defer to Patrick who said it was delicious and loved it. I thought it tasted like the melon and lardo were mashed together in a dirty gym sock and left to sweat on the sun. Again, Patrick said it was great and he is assuredly a better arbiter here.
4th course: Bologna salad on toast. This easiest way to describe this dish is that this is a creative riff on ‘nduja, which is an incredible spreadable spicy salami. This dish worked in every regard; the toast provided the perfect vessel for the bologna spread, the pickled eggs softened the richness of the meat and provided needed acid, and the relish added a zippy finish that elevated the umami of the bologna. This was one of our faves and a good example of what Cordelia wants to do: telling a whimsical story using southern food.
Fifth course: Lam-burger Helper. Again, this is Cordelia nailing their specific lane with a unique angle on nostalgia. Another high point was this play on hamburger helper, the ubiquitous 90s pantry stable that promised all you needed was ground hamburger and the box would take care of the rest. This take with lamb married paparadelle as the vehicular noodle with an unctuous cheesy squash sauce, punctuated with bursts of bright green pistachio and olive. Defiantly rich and explosive, this may have been my favorite of the night (but I am just a hole for pasta).
Sixth AND seventh courses: these are going together because they were served together, which makes sense given that this course was basically a burger and fries. The fries were Jojos, and all I need to say about them is that jojos are…fine. Like, it’s a giant potato wedge fry. Unless something goes horribly wrong they are generally serviceable. I was disappointed with these just because they are so anodyne and so little was done to make them unique or dynamic, but they were fine. The burger-served in 4 pull-apart sliders-was great, one of the better burgers I’ve had in a while. The kool aid pickles were perfect, a little pop of contrast and respite in an almost overwhelming savory pile. The burgers worked but like with the Jojos, unless your goal is to serve the BEST burger and fries that has ever collapsed American arteries OR unless your goal is to radically reinterpret the two into something memorable and unique, there’s not much to be done and here not much was. Good, safe choice.
8th and 9th courses: Sarsaparilla pork belly and burnt carrots. Similar vibes here to the last course but better executed. Pork belly had a MOMENT like 5, 6 years ago, in the way that burgers had a MOMENT 10 or so years ago. This is not me calling the menu dated or boring, just commenting on the fact that the two most traditional entree courses feature proteins and sides that are neither as creatively rich nor as classically exceptional as some of the earlier courses. In Cordelia’s defense, we were visibly bloated and struggling at this point so that could def impact my interest in the last couple of courses but both the carrots- served with a pistachio sauce and onion/tangerine- and the pork belly-which had a lovely caramelization- are well executed and tasty, but less exciting to me than some of the previous dishes.
Dessert course: Honeycomb hazelnut ice cream and a chocolate ganache brownie. I’m recreating this dessert best I can as I was basically catatonic at this point in the progression, but I remember thinking that I really enjoyed the honeycomb ice cream (real honeycomb adds amazing texture!) and the brownie was rich without being overpowering. However, I didn’t really see a REASON why they would be placed together save needed to stretch out a dessert course with incongruent choices. Both elements were good but the ice cream begged for something with a little acid or spice and the brownie needed some fruit or something similar to cut the richness.
Cordelia: 4 out of 5 forks. The space is gorgeous; the wallpaper looks like painted silk, which it probably is. There are inviting and warm elements throughout the space, and they pride themselves of their accessibility. They also validate valet parking for east 4th street, which was a cute lil surprise at the end of the meal.
Service was attentive and consistent, if a bit forced at times. Cordelia utilizes an all-hands model which ensures that all staff is able to present courses and offer support and recommendations throughout the meal.
The food is the only space where I have anything to quibble with. Like many new restaurants-particularly buzzy ones- Cordelia is still wrestling with what it wants to be. Does it want to serve nostalgia-tinged whimsy through creative applications? Does it want to fall into the New Southern wave that’s proven successful in the last decade? Does it just want to do ingredient-focused farm to table, locavore stuff really well? I will concede that there were several dishes on the standard menu that looked much more appealing and genuinely interesting than what we had on the chefs tasting, but thems the breaks. On a chefs tasting, you get what the chef wants you to try, especially at 8 pm on a winter Tuesday. The high points for me were the small moments of wonder and delight in viewing food through a lens of meandering interpretation, not rote execution. Cordelia is definitely worth trying (and please try more of the breads and veggies, they look luscious!) but what’s holding this new hometown favorite back is a dedication to loosening the reins and letting go of the railing.
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lost-fool-wandering · 2 years
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louskáček na ořechy
nutcracker
-L.F.
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thiswasinevitableid · 4 years
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47 for OT4, SFW or NSFW I love your writing! :))
Thank you! I went SFW for this one.
47: you overhear me complaining to my coworker about your ridiculous daily coffee order, whoops
“Oh christ, here he comes.” Duck mutters to Indrid as he pumps hazelnut syrup into a cup, “the one I was tellin you about.”
Indrid, stationed at the counter, tilts his head as he watches the windows, “would he be the one that looks like a lumberjack or the one who looks like a secret agent?”
“The second one. I dunno what it is, but his order drives me fuckin nuts. It’s super specific; dark roast, single origin only, heavy cream until it turns about that color” he points to the wall, “with a half pump of caramel and a half pump of vanilla. You’re gonna be that specific, just make it at home.” He’s busy putting a lid on  the drink and therefore misses Indrid’s hand waving. 
“I do, and it’s not that hard.” A deep voice makes him turn; the lumberjack, looking more amused than annoyed.
“And since you know my order so well already” the other man, smile, tight lipped, at him before turning to Indrid, “one of those and one large, black coffee.”
Duck starts the drink, making it as fast as he can so he can slink off into the back room. Shit, if the guy rats on him he could get in trouble, he’s already on thin ice after throwing out some rich kid for harassing the staff. 
Indrid takes the drinks, mouths, “go” and heads around the counter while Duck makes a bee-line for the supply closet. 
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Indrid sets the cups down in front of the two men, then slides a plate with a large, hot monster cookie on it between them. 
“On the house, as they say.”
“This an apology cookie or a ‘don’t give us a bad review’ cookie?” The lumberjack smirks.
“Both.” Indrid says mildly, smiling and returning to his post.
 As he walks away he hears the deep voice whisper, “wouldn’t kick that one outta bed for eating crackers.”
A soft laugh, “Agreed. Pity his friend is an ass.”
When Jake and Hollis arrive a few minutes later to take over for him and Duck, he finds his boyfriend clonking his head into the wall by the break room. 
“Don’t worry, love, I smoothed things over.”
“Thanks. Just feel like a dipshit. Both for gettin overheard and complainin in the first place.”
“I assumed it was stress from waiting on interview results.”
“Yeah.” Duck pulls on his jacket, “still feel shitty though.”
“Come, let’s go home. I have some ideas for relaxation.” He purrs, kissing Duck’s cheek. 
“How may of ‘em are fuckin’-based?”
“Half.”
“Good, gives us some variety just in case.”
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“We’ve paired you with another duo, if that’s okay?”
“Sure” Duck smiles at the Escape Room employee, takes Indrid’s hand as they follow him down the hall, “Aubrey says these are more fun in a group.”
“I look forward to--oh dear.” 
Duck turns to see the pair from the coffee shop last week. The lumberjack looks about the same, but the secret agent is dressed more casually than usual. His black hair is loose rather than slicked back, and he’s in jeans and shirt that reads, “Champ” with a dark outline of sea monster on the front. He almost looks cute.
“You’ve been  trapped in the lair of hostile, highly intelligent space aliens. You have an hour to escape. Good luck” The employee shuts the door, leaving the pairs to stare at each other. 
“Uh, hi. Again.” Duck waves awkwardly
“Hey.” The lumberjack waves back, “so, uh, this is hella awkward, right?”
“Yes.” The other three respond.
“Cool. Look, I dunno about you but I don’t wanna get dissected by aliens. So, bygones?”
The others nods and he smiles, “I’m Barclay, this is Joseph. My, uh, my boyfriend.” It’s distinctly odd watching such a large man blush like a schoolgirl. Joseph smiles, kisses his cheek, then looks around the room.
“Alright, we need to find the four symbol code to enter onto that pad. Spread out and look for places symbols might be hidden.”
They find the first one easily. Indrid’s eye for color and patterns helps them locate the second, and when a clue points to the third being high up, instead of having to construct a makeshift ladder or step-stool, Barclay simply reaches up and grabs it. It does not escape Duck’s notice that both Indrid and Joseph get appreciative looks on their faces when Barclay then moves a “cloning pod” out of the way all by himself. 
“I suspect the last symbol is hidden one something that is in...that hole.” Joseph points to the newly revealed wall lined with several cubbies, one of which has danger signs written all around it.
“Not it. Too close to a garbage disposal, and I have nightmares about putting my hand down that at the wrong time.” Barclay shudders.
“I would also prefer not to be the one to reach in; such elements often have a loud noise gimmick and I do not enjoy that.”
Joseph glances at Duck, blue eyes glinting with a not-entirely-friendly challenge.
“Fuck it, I’ll do it.” Duck steps forward and cautiously slides his hand in. Indrid’s instinct was right, as the whole starts vibrating with a loud, grinding sound. Indrid yelps, grabbing the other two men, who in turn jump and scream  in surprise. Duck grits his teeth, fights the urge to pull back, and finds a smooth tile waiting for him. When he removes his hand the noise stops, and he grins, triumphant, as he shows off the last symbol. 
“WHOO!” Barclay cheers and high-fives Duck  as Joseph punches in the symbols, stopping the timer on the wall, “shit, that was wild man, scared the living hell outta me and I wasn’t even  the one doing it.”
“Mmmm, my brave hero.” Indrid drapes his arms over his shoulder, kissing him.
“Sap.” Duck teases, kissing him back.
“You know, we make a pretty good team.” Joseph brushes stray hair off his face.
“Yeah. Would, um, would you guys like to go grab coffee or something?” Barclay looks genuinely hopeful, which is why, ten minutes later, Duck is sitting across from Joseph in a dark-wood coffee shop. Indrid has excused himself to wash his hands and Barclay is outside taking a phone call from someone named Mama.
Duck sips his coffee (black) as he watches Joseph measure cream into his mug.
“That explains it; guys who drink black coffee are always weird about guys who don’t.”
“Don’t Barclay drink his black?”
“Only when we’re out, when we’re at home he’s always making fancy coffee. Trying out new recipes. It works well. Or, um, mostly well. There was a green tea cherry espresso that was not his finest.”
“Eech. Heh, that reminds me of the time ‘Drid was so groggy he poured strawberry syrup into his coffee instead of caramel. Didn’t phase him one bit, but I felt like I was kissin a berry patch the whole day. Swear the man’s half moth or some shit from how much sugar he drinks.”
Joseph snickers, “sorry, imagining Indrid as a mothman is a funny image.”
Duck pictures it and giggles, which makes Joseph laugh harder. When they recover, he scratches the back of his neck, “Look, I’m sorry I was a dick about your coffee order. Just havin one of those weeks where everythin got on my nerves.”
“It’s alright. I’m not all that bothered by it. Not intellectually, anyway. Being particular or precise is something people have been, um, less than kind to me about in the past.”
“Nothin wrong with knowin what you like.”
Joseph glances out the window at Barclay, “No, no there’s not.”
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It becomes a weekly arrangement; the four of them meet for some kind of activity, then go to lunch or dinner. Duck learns many things over those weeks; that Barclay can figure out how to reverse engineer Indrid’s favorite cupcakes from a local bakery, that Joseph has a worryingly deep yet very endearing knowledge of bad horror movies. That while Joseph is terrifying during a trivia match, Duck can still wipe the floor with everyone when it comes to the science categories. He learns that Joseph is trans, like him, and that Barclay and Indrid actually went to the same high school but were two years apart and thus didn’t know each other. 
Right now, he’s learning that he’s not as good at laser tag as he thought he was. 
They went during the cheaper hours, mid-afternoon on a Sunday, and while all four of them are on the same team they’ve gotten separated in the neon-tinted darkness. 
He can tell the enemy team has spotted him, and is moving as fast as he can out of range, when a hand reaches out of a darkened turret and pulls him in.
“GAHoh, phew, scared the hell outta me Joe.”
“Sorry, it was safer than calling out.” The space is small, built for kids rather than two twenty-six year olds, and so Joe is pressed right up against him as he watches the door. He might be the only guy Duck knows who wears honest to god cologne, clean and minty smelling, and the scent wraps around him when Joe pulls him back against his chest to hide them from passing opponents. 
“Fuck, that was close.” He whispers.
“Don’t worry” Joe murmurs in his ear, voice huskier than normal, “you’ve got me to look out for you.” He breaks away as if nothing happened, pulls Duck’s body out into the glowing chaos, while his mind stays in the little room, wondering what the fuck that was.
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 “Can’t believe we got our asses handed to us by a bunch of eleven year olds.” Duck groans as they sit, licking their wounds along with soft-serve from a tiny shack that Barclay swears by.
“That one blonde girl is gonna grow up to be a sniper.” Barclay offers his cone (chocolate and sour cherry) to Joseph, who takes a prim bite.
“It may run in the family; I think her dad was the one with the ‘Go Army’ shirt.” 
“Oh, were we not supposed to be going easy on them?” Indrid cocks his head. The others stare at him in mute shock. 
“I’m kidding; I was utterly outmatched in there.” He grins before dragging his tongue up his cone (pineapple and marshmallow). When he reaches the tip he opens his mouth wider, taking it all in with a satisfied moan. He pulls off, stray ice cream dribbling down his chin until Joe hands him a napkin. Indrid thanks him, then proceeds to do the exact same thing, over and over, and Duck realizes neither of the other men have looked away from his boyfriend. Barclay’s legs are now crossed, and Joe’s cheeks are pink. Duck can’t really blame them--he knows exactly what Indrid can do with that mouth--but what’s stranger is he doesn’t feel jealous or annoyed. He knows Indrid sometimes struggles with looking, in his own words, “offputting.” It’s nice to see two other people catch on to just how hot he is. 
Then again, he kind of wishes Joe would stop staring and eat his own cone; he wants to see what his tongue can do, too.
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“Watcha drawin’?” Duck slides onto the couch next to Indrid.
“Just random images.”
“That us with Joe and Barclay?”
“I, ah, yes it is.”
“Like it a lot. Christ you’re talented, it’s like how much you like us is comin’ right off the page.”
“Is, ah, is that so? I hadn’t noticed, ah, oh dear, I just remembered I need to go call Jake about covering my shift.”
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Duck: That new barcade is finally open, wanna come with us on Saturday?
Barclay: Wish we could, but we got a friends birthday that night.
Duck: No big, let us know if you want to catch a flick on Sunday
Barclay sets the phone down, not remembering it’s a group text until Joe pokes his head out of the bedroom.
“Shit, whose birthday is on Saturday? We need to get a gift.”
“Oh, uh, no, no one. Just, uh, didn’t feel like going out but didn’t want them to think I was, like, angry or something. Sorry, shoulda asked if you wanted to go without me, shit, that was rude.”
“It’s alright, I don’t mind time that’s just for us.” He crosses the living room, fiddles with Barclays hair, “but let me know if you want to see a movie Sunday, I’m happy either way.”
“Uhuh, will do.” Barclay nods, not really paying attention, as he imagines silvery hair in the dark theater and holding slender, cool fingers in his own.
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“Why do I get the feeling you don’t actually have that DVD to loan me?”
“I do” Duck shuts the apartment door behind Joe, “but we got some things to discuss first.” He waits until Joe is sitting next to Barclay (lured here by the promise of cookies) and across from Indrid (lives here, not that hard to lure).
“Look, I don’t think I really gotta point out how weird it is that we went from hangin out every week to not seein’ each other for near a month. But what I do gotta point out is why it’s happenin’.”
“We’ve all been busy?” Joe hazards.
“Yeah, but we all were busy before and we made time for each other. Now we, myself included, are cancelin shit.” He takes a deep breath, “Barclay, Joe, you both got a thing for ‘Drid, don’t you?”
Joe nods while Barclay blushes and mutters, “yeah.”
“And ‘Drid, you got a thing for both of them?”
His boyfriend shifts nervously in his seat, but nods all the same. Barclay looks genuinely surprised. 
“Well, you three ain’t the only ones realizin’ you want more than you got. Joe, I, uh, I really like you. As in wanna date you. So, uh, that’s where we’re at.” He sits down next to Indrid, who instantly takes his hand. 
“That’s...wait, don’t we all want the same thing?” Joe looks between them, puzzled. 
“You’d really be okay with me dating Indrid?” Barclay asks softly. 
“We’d both be dating him. And I’d be dating Duck as well as you two. Assuming that was alright with Indrid?”
“....You know, I think it is.” Indrid squeezes Duck’s hand, “I was afraid to admit how I felt; I didn’t want to come between you and Barclay, because you clearly love each other, and I couldn’t bear the thought of losing Duck. But I’ve also seen how happy he is around you, Joseph; there is no reason we could not all work things out to be happy as a, ah, polycule? Is that the term?”
“Think so.” Barclay relaxes, “fuck, I felt so bad thinking that wanting Indrid would fuck everything up, don’t know what to do with my self now that I’m not stressing about it.”
“I propose we order dinner and just...talk.” Indrid rests his head on Duck’s shoulder, “I think that will help us sort out where to go from here.”
Duck orders takeout from the Chinese place down the block as Indrid and Joe arrange the living room into a place where they can all sit together comfortably and Barclay grab drinks. Soon they’re gathered on the floor, working out logistics and boundaries and hopes and fears between bites of fried rice and chow mein. Joe keeps notes, curling closer to Duck as the evening goes on. 
There’s a part of him that wants to jump straight to sex, to pin Joe to floor and fuck him while his other boyfriends do what they want to him, to Duck, to each other. But this thing between them is a new leaf in spring, vulnerable and just beginning to grow. 
So, after dinner, they cuddle up on the couch and floor to watch the midnight movie on local T.V, hands tentatively finding each other and bodies gradually resting closer together in new configurations. 
He falls asleep on the floor, Indrid spooning him and Joe resting his head on his belly. Wakes up with Joe curled around him and Barclay cuddled up to Indrid, snoring softly. 
Duck slips out of the configuration, pads into the kitchen to start coffee. When Joe sneaks up behind him he gasps, snickers as the taller man kisses him good morning. Then he grabs two mugs, smiling to himself at his luck as he opens the fridge. After all, he already knows just how his new boyfriend likes his coffee. 
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notcaycepollard · 6 years
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hey, for the soft asks: lollipop, october, ivory, golden, buttery, shampoo and plush? :)
Lollipop - favourite makeup products?
NARS sheer glow foundation is just really nice. Fenty highlighter is beautiful and makes me feel like a radiant golden goddess.
October - what month were you born in?
October!
Ivory - describe your pajamas?
men’s black cotton-jersey pajama pants from kmart, plus an ivy park sweater. Not so much for sleeping in as for changing into as soon as I get home from work.
Golden - favourite stationery product?
I have these black ink pens I got from daiso and they’re so great to write with because they’re very fine nibbed but the ink flows really well, plus they have sparkles and cats on the cap
Buttery - favourite snack?
sourdough bread and butter. or tamari almonds. or a soft cheese and these specific hazelnut oat crackers.
Shampoo - favourite scent?
cedar. God, I love it - a lot of comme perfumes have cedar notes, and I want to roll in them all.
Plush - how many stuffed animals do you still own?
none. I don’t know what happened to my stuffed elephant Simone but I think my dad might have given her to an op shop 😭
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easyfoodnetwork · 4 years
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The Ultimate Guide to Turkish Snacks
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Photos by Esra Erol
Eighteen snacks from Turkey (MANY with chocolate) that will hit the sweet or the salty spot
The United States would like to think it dominates the global snack game, what with its Dunkaroos, Oreos, and Doritos, but that’s just an overly inflated ego or, more kindly, a lack of experience with snacks from around the world talking. Earlier this week, we sang the praises of snacks from Mexico and China. Now, I’m here to open your eyes to the vast and delicious world of Turkish snacks.
Consider Çokonat. A simple chocolate-covered wafer filled with hazelnut cream, this sweet and crunchy Turkish snack is a reminder of all the summers I spent with my family in Ankara and Istanbul. Luckily, I don’t have to go all the way to Turkey to enjoy the snacks made by the likes of Ülker and Eti. Whenever I visit my mom in Long Island, we stop by the local Turkish mart on our way home from the train station (basically a tradition at this point). While she does actual shopping, I hurry to the snacks because I’m almost 30 and still useless. Standing there, I’m greeted by the most glorious array of chocolates, cookies, cakes, and more. Here are 20 Turkish snacks I think are worth trying.
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A variety of Turkish chocolate bars
Ülker Çikolatalı Gofret
This chocolate wafer is my childhood favorite. My grandmother used to slip me extra money whenever she sent me to run errands at the grocery store so I could get the 10-pack. One is never enough.
Çokonat
If Ülker’s chocolate wafer leveled up, it would transform into Çokonat. Filled with crisp wafers, hazelnut cream (and bonus: hazelnuts), and covered in semi-sweet chocolate, this candy bar is truly unique to Turkey. I have yet to find a dupe.
Albeni and Dido
These two are the Twix and Kit Kat of Turkey, respectively. And like most countries with their own version of American candy, these are better.
Coco Star
Do you find yourself eating an Almond Joy and think, “I wish there wasn’t a whole fucking almond in the middle of my Joy”? Enter: Coco Star.
Metro
Maybe this is a bit of an over exaggeration but for me, eating a Milky Way is like chewing on leather. I blame the chocolate shell and caramel, which are both too thick. That’s why I prefer Metro. The caramel on top of the nougat is not so dense — it’s also not Cadbury runny. No, Metro is simply two layers of perfection covered in a thin and delightful chocolate shell.
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Ülker Çikolatalı
Ülker Chocolate
Ülker’s milk chocolate bars are classic. But if you want to indulge in something even more Turkish, spring for the milk chocolate bars with pistachios or hazelnuts. In my opinion, these two nuts pair better with chocolate than almonds.
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Halley
Halley
The perfect harmony of marshmallow sandwiched between two biscuits and covered in chocolate, Halley is to Turkey as Lotte Choco Pie is to South Korea.
Pretzel Sticks
This is a Turkish gas station staple. I bought three packs on our drive from Akçakoca to Ankara. The perfect crispy, salty snack for any road trip.
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Tea biscuits
Tea Biscuits
Ülker’s tea biscuits are a must-have pantry item in any Turkish household. They’re great with çay (tea) obviously, but I also enjoy eating a few with milk or soda, specifically Uludağ Gazoz, the Turkish fruit-flavored soft drink. They’re not particularly sweet, with a light vanilla aroma, and go well with Uludağ.
Çokoprens
Think two tea biscuits with a layer of cocoa cream inside. Çokoprens is a decadent yet simple treat ideal best paired with coffee or enjoyed simply on its own.
Haylayf and Çizi
If you’re looking for a tea biscuit with more variety, consider Haylayf or Çizi. Haylayf is a sweet cookie sprinkled with sugar and Çizi is a crispy cheese-flavored cracker. Both are welcome at tea time.
Hanımeller
This one’s my favorite of Ülker’s line of cookies: a chocolate-filled hazelnut cookie. I buy a whole pack before I board my flight from Istanbul to New York.
Cin Orange Jelly Biscuits
Eti’s iconic cookie is basically a distant cousin of the British jaffa cake. Instead of a soft sponge topped with orange jam and finished with chocolate you have a cookie, orange jelly, and chocolate sprinkles.
Puf Biscuits
If there’s one thing Eti’s good at, it’s putting things on cookies and finishing them off with sprinkles. In this case, that thing is a marshmallow ball. I’m more partial to a Puf with rainbow sprinkles, but the one with chocolate sprinkles is pretty popular.
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Pop Kek
Pop Kek
A sweet and moist fun-sized cake filled with chocolate cream (or my favorite: banana cream) and topped with another layer of chocolate. What more could you want?
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Crax
These cracker sticks come in a variety of flavors, from “extra cheese” to “extra herbs,” and, in my opinion, pair best with çay. In fact, whenever I take the ferry in Istanbul, I get a bag of extra herbs Crax and çay from the cafe on board and have myself a small feast on the upper deck. If I’m feeling generous, I’ll chuck a few at the seagulls circling nearby.
Sesame Sticks
Eti’s toasted wheat sticks are the superior sticks. Layered with roasted sesame seeds for an added savory flavor, these crunchy crackers on the go remind me of a simit.
Tadım Sunflower Seeds
Turkish people love — and I cannot stress this enough — sunflower seeds. They eat them with çay, wash ‘em down with Rakı, or, like my mom, snack on a whole bowl while watching their soaps. Let me put it this way: If you don’t have a bag of Tadım sunflower seeds, are you even Turkish?
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Photos by Esra Erol
Eighteen snacks from Turkey (MANY with chocolate) that will hit the sweet or the salty spot
The United States would like to think it dominates the global snack game, what with its Dunkaroos, Oreos, and Doritos, but that’s just an overly inflated ego or, more kindly, a lack of experience with snacks from around the world talking. Earlier this week, we sang the praises of snacks from Mexico and China. Now, I’m here to open your eyes to the vast and delicious world of Turkish snacks.
Consider Çokonat. A simple chocolate-covered wafer filled with hazelnut cream, this sweet and crunchy Turkish snack is a reminder of all the summers I spent with my family in Ankara and Istanbul. Luckily, I don’t have to go all the way to Turkey to enjoy the snacks made by the likes of Ülker and Eti. Whenever I visit my mom in Long Island, we stop by the local Turkish mart on our way home from the train station (basically a tradition at this point). While she does actual shopping, I hurry to the snacks because I’m almost 30 and still useless. Standing there, I’m greeted by the most glorious array of chocolates, cookies, cakes, and more. Here are 20 Turkish snacks I think are worth trying.
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A variety of Turkish chocolate bars
Ülker Çikolatalı Gofret
This chocolate wafer is my childhood favorite. My grandmother used to slip me extra money whenever she sent me to run errands at the grocery store so I could get the 10-pack. One is never enough.
Çokonat
If Ülker’s chocolate wafer leveled up, it would transform into Çokonat. Filled with crisp wafers, hazelnut cream (and bonus: hazelnuts), and covered in semi-sweet chocolate, this candy bar is truly unique to Turkey. I have yet to find a dupe.
Albeni and Dido
These two are the Twix and Kit Kat of Turkey, respectively. And like most countries with their own version of American candy, these are better.
Coco Star
Do you find yourself eating an Almond Joy and think, “I wish there wasn’t a whole fucking almond in the middle of my Joy”? Enter: Coco Star.
Metro
Maybe this is a bit of an over exaggeration but for me, eating a Milky Way is like chewing on leather. I blame the chocolate shell and caramel, which are both too thick. That’s why I prefer Metro. The caramel on top of the nougat is not so dense — it’s also not Cadbury runny. No, Metro is simply two layers of perfection covered in a thin and delightful chocolate shell.
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Ülker Çikolatalı
Ülker Chocolate
Ülker’s milk chocolate bars are classic. But if you want to indulge in something even more Turkish, spring for the milk chocolate bars with pistachios or hazelnuts. In my opinion, these two nuts pair better with chocolate than almonds.
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Halley
Halley
The perfect harmony of marshmallow sandwiched between two biscuits and covered in chocolate, Halley is to Turkey as Lotte Choco Pie is to South Korea.
Pretzel Sticks
This is a Turkish gas station staple. I bought three packs on our drive from Akçakoca to Ankara. The perfect crispy, salty snack for any road trip.
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Tea biscuits
Tea Biscuits
Ülker’s tea biscuits are a must-have pantry item in any Turkish household. They’re great with çay (tea) obviously, but I also enjoy eating a few with milk or soda, specifically Uludağ Gazoz, the Turkish fruit-flavored soft drink. They’re not particularly sweet, with a light vanilla aroma, and go well with Uludağ.
Çokoprens
Think two tea biscuits with a layer of cocoa cream inside. Çokoprens is a decadent yet simple treat ideal best paired with coffee or enjoyed simply on its own.
Haylayf and Çizi
If you’re looking for a tea biscuit with more variety, consider Haylayf or Çizi. Haylayf is a sweet cookie sprinkled with sugar and Çizi is a crispy cheese-flavored cracker. Both are welcome at tea time.
Hanımeller
This one’s my favorite of Ülker’s line of cookies: a chocolate-filled hazelnut cookie. I buy a whole pack before I board my flight from Istanbul to New York.
Cin Orange Jelly Biscuits
Eti’s iconic cookie is basically a distant cousin of the British jaffa cake. Instead of a soft sponge topped with orange jam and finished with chocolate you have a cookie, orange jelly, and chocolate sprinkles.
Puf Biscuits
If there’s one thing Eti’s good at, it’s putting things on cookies and finishing them off with sprinkles. In this case, that thing is a marshmallow ball. I’m more partial to a Puf with rainbow sprinkles, but the one with chocolate sprinkles is pretty popular.
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Pop Kek
Pop Kek
A sweet and moist fun-sized cake filled with chocolate cream (or my favorite: banana cream) and topped with another layer of chocolate. What more could you want?
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Crax
These cracker sticks come in a variety of flavors, from “extra cheese” to “extra herbs,” and, in my opinion, pair best with çay. In fact, whenever I take the ferry in Istanbul, I get a bag of extra herbs Crax and çay from the cafe on board and have myself a small feast on the upper deck. If I’m feeling generous, I’ll chuck a few at the seagulls circling nearby.
Sesame Sticks
Eti’s toasted wheat sticks are the superior sticks. Layered with roasted sesame seeds for an added savory flavor, these crunchy crackers on the go remind me of a simit.
Tadım Sunflower Seeds
Turkish people love — and I cannot stress this enough — sunflower seeds. They eat them with çay, wash ‘em down with Rakı, or, like my mom, snack on a whole bowl while watching their soaps. Let me put it this way: If you don’t have a bag of Tadım sunflower seeds, are you even Turkish?
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kinfoodie · 6 years
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Hey!! Firts of all I love your blog and i think its really helpfull. If you can, would you please suggest some foods for a white cat?? For food i mostly like vegetarian dishes, but some meat is good! I also like pastas and cheeses, for drinks i mostly like milks and cofees, some chocolate is good too, for snacks i usually don like things that are extremley sweet and prefer things that have fruit in them!!, thank you in advance! and sorry if im being really specific.
Heya! Thanks for the compliment
Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce 
Pasta With Butternut Squash and Sage Brown Butter
Ricotta Gnocchi With Asparagus and Prosciutto
Cacio e Pepe
Spaghetti Puttanesca
Penne With Melted-Vegetable Sauce
Lighter Fettuccine Alfredo
Classic Cheddar Corn
Cheese Lovers’ Mac & Cheese
Heritage French Onion Soup
Mocha Coffee Coolers
Condensed Milk Iced Coffee
Orange Delicious
Chicory Vanilla Latte
Cold Brew Soda Float
Snickerdoodle Latte
Sweet Potato Hummus
Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Dip
Hazelnut and Turkey-Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Almond-Poppy Crackers with Cottage Cheese and Honey
Hearty White Bean Soup
Stir Fried Tofu
Spinach w/ Fresh Indian Cheese
Orange Granita
Basil-Berry Lemonade Sorbet
Frozen Tropical Fruit Kebabs
Key Lime Ice Pops
Oof x_o this one ended up being very long haha. Sorry! 8′D I hope you don’t mind the length! Anyway I hope you like what I listed remember you can always omit meats from any of the recipes that have some meat in them
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maoklemm · 4 years
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Garcinia Vita : How to Diet Low Carb?
Garcinia Vita The Low Carb food plan  is described by using the UK Diabetes organization as a food plan in which carbohydrate consumption is decreased and less than a hundred thirty g of this macronutrient ought to be ingested according to day. since this amount of carbohydrate represents simplest 26% of the electricity wished for the body, the rest have to be supplied by way of the intake of top fat and protein.
further to this food plan, there may be every other, called ketogenic weight-reduction plan, in which the amount of carbohydrates ingested is even decrease, being among 20 and 50 grams in keeping with day, which reasons the body to go into a state called "ketosis", where you operate fats as your primary strength source in place of carbohydrate. however, this food plan may be very restrictive and is simplest indicated in some cases. understand better what the ketogenic food plan is and whilst it can be indicated .
The Low Carb weight loss program is quite effective for weight loss due to the fact metabolism works better with growing protein and desirable fats inside the food regimen, supporting to lessen infection within the frame and fight fluid retention. test out the realistic hints within the following video: fitness blessings
Following a  low carb food plan  can deliver several fitness blessings consisting of:
deliver greater satiety , due to the fact the increased consumption of protein and fats continues starvation longer.
regularly control cholesterol and triglyceride levels , as well as increase appropriate HDL cholesterol, lowering the threat of cardiovascular sickness; assist manage diabetes by means of regulating the blood sugar degree; improve bowel characteristic by way of containing extra fiber rich foods; inspire weight loss due to decreased calories, extended fiber content material and glycemic manipulate.
Garcinia Vita combat fluid retention through stimulating urine production by doing away with excess fluid accrued within the body.
but, to try this sort of weight loss plan appropriately, it is very vital to have the steerage of a nutritionist, because the calculation of carbohydrates varies in keeping with the wishes of every body and their records. in addition, the dietitian also can help to recognize the quantity of carbohydrate found in each meals so as no longer to exceed the daily limit set.
The way to weight loss program Low Carb.
For low carb weight-reduction plan , one ought to specifically dispose of simple carbohydrates from the food regimen which includes sugar, refined flour, soda and sweet. in addition, and relying on how a good deal carbohydrate you are trying to attain, you may also want to restrict your intake of complex carbohydrates which includes bread, oats, rice or pasta, as an example.
Garcinia Vita the quantity of carbohydrate that must be removed from the weight loss program varies with one's metabolism. A "regular" weight loss program is generally excessive in carbohydrates, which includes about 250 g daily, so the Low Carb food regimen must be taken step by step so that the frame receives used to it and no facet results inclusive of complications, dizziness or mood swings.
Garcinia Vita it's miles critical that when eating this eating regimen you have got 3 main meals and 2 snacks, to allow you to consume small portions of meals throughout the day, decreasing the sensation of hunger. these snacks ought to consist of eggs, cheese, nuts, avocado and coconut, Garcinia Vita as an example. Lunch and dinner ought to be wealthy in salad, protein and olive oil, and can have only a touch carbohydrate. See Low Carb Snack Recipes.
The foods allowed within the Low Carb eating regimen  are:
culmination and vegetables in small portions, preferably uncooked, in shell and bagasse, to growth the amount of fiber and improve the feeling of satiety; Lean meats, specially chook or turkey, with out skin.
Fish, preferably the fatty ones along with salmon, tuna, trout or sardines;
Eggs and cheese.
Olive oil, coconut oil and butter.
Nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts and peanuts.
Seeds in wellknown, consisting of chia, flaxseed, sunflower and sesame;
espresso and teas with out sugar.
within the case of cheese, milk and yogurt it's far critical to manipulate the quantities efficaciously. Milk may be substituted for coconut or almond milk, whose carbohydrate content is a great deal decrease. it is also important to comply with the Low Carb food plan with 2 to a few liters of water a day.
Foods Allowed Moderately
A few meals have a mild carbohydrate element which, relying on the each day carbohydrate goal, may also or won't be blanketed within the food plan. some examples consist of lentils, potatoes, rice, sweet potatoes, yams, brown bread and pumpkin.
In trendy, people who exercise often tend to tolerate extra carbohydrates inside the weight-reduction plan with out gaining weight so without problems.
Quantity of Carbohydrates in food
within the following desk are a few ingredients and their quantity of carbohydrates in line with one hundred g:
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Forbidden Meals
on this weight loss program it's miles important to avoid all ingredients that have a high amount of carbohydrates. for that reason, a good alternative is to seek advice from the meals label earlier than consuming. however, some examples of the kinds of meals to avoid are:
Garcinia Vita Sugar : consisting of meals including sodas, processed fruit juices, sweeteners, chocolates, ice cream, desserts and cookies.
Flours: wheat, barley or rye, and meals inclusive of bread, crackers, salted foods, toast.
Trans fat : Packaged potato chips, frozen prepared food and margarines; Processed meat : ham, turkey breast, sausage, sausage, salami, bologna, Beaverbrook;
Others: white rice, white pasta, farofa, tapioca and couscous.
therefore, an crucial tip is to attempt to keep away from all sorts of processed merchandise as they generally contain a excessive concentration of carbohydrates, giving choice to natural merchandise and fresh greens.
Low Carb Weight-Reduction Plan Menu
the following table affords a three-day instance of the Low Carb weight-reduction plan  : The quantities included in the menu need to range in keeping with age, gender, degree of bodily activity and disease history. therefore, the correct is to continually consult a nutritionist to make a whole evaluation and nutrition plan appropriate to the desires of all of us.
See examples of Low Carb breakfast to consist of within the weight-reduction plan.
Low Carb Recipe options 
some recipes that may be covered inside the Low Carb diet  are:
1. Zucchini Noodles
A a hundred gram serving of this pasta has approximately fifty nine calories, 1.1 g protein, five g fat and three g carbs.
components
• 1 small zucchini cut into skinny strips
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly floor black pepper to flavor
Approach of Coaching
Garcinia Vita Slice the zucchini into its period inside the form of spaghetti noodles. There are also special slicers that cut the vegetables within the shape of spaghetti. In a skillet, heat the coconut oil or olive oil and region the zucchini strips. Saute for about 5 mins or till the zucchini starts offevolved to melt. Season with salt, garlic and black pepper. turn off the warmth and add the favored meat and tomato sauce or pesto.
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Spinach Tortilla
A serving of 80 grams (¼ tortilla) offers about 107 energy, 4 g protein, nine g fats and 2.5 g carbs. ingredients
550 g of spinach or swiss chard leaves;
4 gently crushed egg whites;
½ chopped onion;
1 tablespoon chopped chives;
Pinch of salt and pepper;
Olive oil.
technique of guidance
Garcinia Vita Area the spinach leaves in a frying pan, cowl and maintain on clinical fire till they wither, uncovering and stirring on occasion. Then get rid of from warmness and let stand for a couple of minutes on a plate.
Garcinia Vita within the identical skillet, positioned a drizzle of olive oil, onion, chives, salt and pepper, and permit the onion cook dinner until slightly golden. Then add the egg whites and spinach, letting it prepare dinner for every other five minutes, till the tortilla is golden brown underneath. return the tortilla and cook dinner for any other five mins on the opposite side.
Filled Cherry Tomatoes
A serving of four cherry tomatoes (65 g) has approximately 106 calories, 5 g protein, 6 g fats and five g carbs Garcinia Vita . ingredients
four hundred g cherry tomatoes (24 tomatoes approx.);
eight spoons (150 g) of goat cheese;
2 tablespoons of olive oil;
1 clove of mashed garlic;
Salt and white pepper to flavor;
6 basil leaves (to borrow)
technique of coaching
Wash the tomatoes and Garcinia Vita reduce a small lid on pinnacle, put off the pulp from the inner the usage of a small spoon and being cautious not to pierce the tomato. Stuff the tomatoes with the goat cheese.
Garcinia Vita In a separate field, combine olive oil with garlic, salt and pepper and vicinity on tomatoes. make use of sliced ​​basil leaves.
Strawberry and fruit gelatin
A part of this jelly of approximately 90 g (1/3 cup) contains approximately sixteen energy, 1.4 g protein, zero g fats and four g carbs. substances (for 7 servings)
½ cup of sliced ​​strawberries;
¼ chopped apple;
¼ chopped pear;
1 cup of hot water;
1 strawberry gelatin powder sachet (unsweetened)
½ cup of cold water.
approach of training
Garcinia Vita placed the gelatin powder in a box and flip the cup of warm water over it. Stir until the powder has completely dissolved after which upload the bloodless water. sooner or later, location the culmination within the bottom of a tumbler container and add the jelly on the fruit. Garcinia Vita Refrigerate until solid.
Who need to not try this diet?
If you Are Interested And went To Read More Visit Our Website This diet should not be taken by means of women who're pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as kids or teens, as they are growing. Garcinia Vita in addition, the elderly and those with kidney or liver issues should additionally keep away from doing this sort of diet, usually following a weight loss program designed by using a nutritionist.
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allergybears · 4 years
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Top 14 Allergy Types Infographic In 2014 The Food Information Regulation started to require food businesses to give information concerning the allergenic ingredients in any food they produce or sell. Food labeling on foods has changed in regards to the process allergens are labeled on prepacked foods. The fact is that the major 14 allergens need to be labeled either on the menus or labeling information. The most common major 14 allergens consist of: Gluten Wheat is another major allergen. Such as Kamut, spelt, Khorasam, rye, barley, and oats is often found in foods containing flour. Some examples of a product that contain wheat are types of bread, pasta, baking powder, breadcrumbs, batter, couscous, pastry, soups, fried foods, sauces, and cakes. Crustaceans Crustaceans such as shrimp, prawns crabs, and lobsters. One product that is common to contain crustaceans is shrimp Eggs An egg is a prevalent ingredient found in mayonnaise, some meat products, cakes, pastries, sauces, quiche, mousses, and bread. Milk Milk is an ingredient that is very common in cheese, sauces, soups, yogurt, cream, butter, and milk powders. Fish Fish is found in Worcester sauce, shrimp paste, fish sauces, specific pizza, relishes, stock cubes, and salad dressing. Peanuts Peanuts grow underground and are legumes. They are also referred to as groundnut. Peanuts are often an ingredient in cakes, peanut flour, groundnut oil, curries, sauces such as satay, desserts, and biscuits. Soy Soy is a widespread ingredient in oriental food, sauces, vegetarian products, meat products, miso paste, desserts, bean curd, soy products, soy flour, tofu, ice cream, meat products, edamame beans. Nuts Nuts grow on trees, and peanuts, on the other hand, are legumes and grow underground. Be cautious not to mistake nuts like peanuts. Nuts refer to nuts that grow on trees, like hazelnuts, almonds, and cashews. Nuts are an ingredient often found in sauces, nut oil, marzipan, ice cream, stir-fried dishes, curries bread, biscuits, desserts, crackers, and nut powders commonly used in Asian food. Celery Celery includes leaves, seeds, celery stalks, and roots that are called celeriac. You can fin https://www.instagram.com/p/B5BGqtdpvyH/?igshid=88cfy5y217p4
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choclette8 · 5 years
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An easy summer rustic tart that makes the most of ripe and juicy seasonal tomatoes. This tomato galette has a beautifully crisp and flaky pastry. It’s topped with a layer of basil pesto which is then covered in colourful cherry tomatoes. Delicious served either warm from the oven or cold next day.
Galettes are now my favourite form of tart to bake, be they savoury or sweet. They’re just so much easier to make than a classic tart or pie. There’s no need for any pre-cooking before the tart is assembled and goes into the oven. No tin is required either, which means less faffing about and less washing up – hooray!
What’s a Galette Anyway?
The word galette is a French noun derived from galet, which means pebble. It’s usually used to describe a form of flat round dough. This could be a cake, biscuit, crèpe, bread or pastry. These days, the term mostly refers to a rustic tart, as in this tomato galette, which you free-form into a round rather than shape in a tin. You may or may not fold the pastry up over the edges. In fact, I’ve sometimes made this particular galette as a completely open tart, as in the photo below.
As you can see, this tomato galette is easily adaptable. For this one, I didn’t use a rolling pin at all, just my hands. I also used a few less less tomatoes but added some spring onions. The Italians refer to this type of free-form tart as crostata.
Tomato Galette with Basil Pesto
In the summer months, I often make this rustic French inspired tomato tart. As tarts go, it’s a pretty easy one to make. It can be on the table from start to finish in less than an hour. It’s a good one to make for friends as, despite its rustic appearance, it has a wonderful aroma, looks really appealing and is absolutely delicious. We tend to enjoy it with a large serving of zingy green salad.
Tomatoes and basil are a classic pairing and there’s a good reason for it. They seem to both compliment and bring out the flavours of the other at the same time. They are paired all over the Mediterranean, but particularly so in France and Italy it seems. One of Italy’s most famous salads features tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese. Here’s my version of it, Caprese salad bowl for one.
I’ve used wholemeal spelt pastry in this recipe. It’s delicious and always produces a gorgeous flaky result. But if you’re in a real rush or just can’t be bothered, use shop-bought pastry. Likewise homemade pesto is generally much nicer than the commercial stuff and it’s really easy to make. But again, sometimes life just gets in the way, so you can easily substitute bought pesto for homemade if you need to.
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Roll out pastry.
Spread with a layer of pesto, leaving a centimetre or so clear around the border.
Top with halved cherry tomatoes.
Fold the edges up and over the tomatoes.
You’ll probably find it hard to resist finishing this tomato galette immediately; it’s especially good warm from the oven. However, any leftovers will perk up the morrow’s lunch box no end, so if you can muster up some restraint, it’ll be worth it.
Wholemeal Spelt Pastry
This pastry recipe is my absolute favourite homemade pastry. It’s easy to make, rolls well and produces a beautiful flaky crust. The secret to its success, is wholemeal spelt flour and yoghurt. The yoghurt binds the dough together, but keeps it light and the spelt gives a nutty and slightly sweet flavour. I’ve added some ground cayenne pepper to the pastry to give it a little additional oomph, but this is entirely optional.
Homemade Basil Pesto
The amount of pesto given in this recipe is more than you’ll need for the tomato galette. But it will keep in the fridge for a few days and you can use it in any number of ways. It’s perfect for pasta, of course, but it’s also delicious in sandwiches, forked through rice or quinoa, mixed into cooked vegetables or simply spread on crackers.
All you need to do, is add the pesto ingredients into a blender and whizz it into a paste. I used my power blender, the Optimum Vac2* for this pesto, but you can easily use a food processor instead.
Homegrown Tomatoes
We’ve managed to grow quite a few tomatoes this year and all of them outdoors. They’re the most delicious tomatoes I’ve had in a long time and we’ve saved them specifically for eating just as they are or in a salad. CT grew the cherry tomatoes, pictured below, at work. They’re also very good and are perfect for making this tomato galette.
Cherry tomatoes work particularly well in this type of tart. They’re small enough so that you can just cut them in half. And if you place them skin-side down, they’ll mostly contain their juice. On the other hand, you’d have to slice large tomatoes which would allow the juice to leek out all over the dough and the edges of the tin. This not only creates an awful mess, but it produces a wet and soggy dough.
For me, chilli and tomatoes are a match made in heaven, so I sprinkle a few chilli flakes over the top of this tomato galette. The same goes for this though as it does for the pastry, any chilli is entirely optional. Reduce or increase the amounts depending on how ‘hot’ you like your food.
More Galette Recipes You Might Like
Double blackberry chocolate galette
Gooseberry galette
Green vegetable galette
Rhubarb galette with orange flaky pastry
Roasted beetroot galette (with puff pastry)
More Pesto Recipes You Might Like
Carrot top pistou with lemon (vegan)
Fat hen & chickweed pesto
Hedgerow pesto with hazelnuts
Parsley & almond pesto
Walnut basil pesto (vegan)
Wild garlic pesto
Show Me
Thanks for visiting Tin and Thyme. If you make this tomato galette, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below or via social media. Do share photos on social media too and use the hashtag #tinandthyme, so I can spot them. For more delicious and nutritious recipes, follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Tomato Galette. PIN IT.
Tomato Galette with Homemade Pesto – The Recipe
Tomato Galette with Homemade Pesto
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This easy summer rustic tart has a beautifully crisp and flaky pastry topped with a layer of basil pesto which is then covered in cherry tomatoes.
Pastry
250 g wholemeal spelt flour
150 g unsalted butter
pinch of sea salt
3 tbsp yoghurt
½ tsp ground cayenne pepper or chilli powder of choice ((optional))
Basil, Almond & Cheddar Pesto
50 g basil
50 g almonds
50 g mature cheddar cheese
1 clove garlic
1 pinch sea salt
50 ml extra virgin olive oil + a little for drizzling
35 cherry tomatoes – halved ((multi-coloured ones are fun))
½ tsp chilli flakes ((optional))
Pastry
Cut the cold butter into the flour, chilli and salt with a knife, then either rub between finger tips or pulse in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Stir in the yoghurt with a knife until the mixture comes together into a ball.
If the dough is too soft to roll immediately, cover and leave to rest in the fridge or a cool place for ½ hr. I generally have a cool kitchen, so I tend to roll mine out straight away.
Roll out on a floured surface into a rough circle, about 4mm in thickness.
Place on a baking tray lined with baking parchment.
Basil, Almond & Cheddar Pesto
Blitz the basil, almonds, cheese, garlic and salt in a blender or food processor until roughly ground. I've been using my Optimum Vac2 blender* for this recently.
Add the olive oil and blitz again until you have a rough paste.
Spread a thin layer of pesto over the pastry leaving a border of about 1 cm.
Cover the pesto with the tomato halves cut side up, but leaving a border of about 1 cm from the pesto edge. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and scatter the chilli flakes on top if using.
Fold the 2 cm edges inward over the filling, tucking the pastry in as you go. You should have a large (ish) open centre with the tomatoes shining out..
Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200℃ (400℉, Gas 6) for about 25 minutes when the tomatoes should be cooked and the pastry crisp and golden.
Serves 6 – 8 people depending on how hungry they are and what you serve with the tart.
You will make more pesto than you need for this recipe. Place the unused pesto in a jar, pour over a thin layer of olive oil and seal. Will keep in the fridge for a week or so. But once opened, eat within three days.
Excellent served with a zingy green salad.
Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per serving. They’re approximate and will depend on serving size and exact ingredients used.
Sharing
I’m sharing my tomato galette with Jo’s Kitchen Larder and Apply to Face Blog for #BakingCrumbs. I’m also sending them to #CookBlogShare, which is hosted this week by Chipa by the Dozen.
This post contains affiliate links to Froothie Optimum products*. Links are marked with an *. If you buy through a link it won’t cost you any more, but I’ll get a small commission. Thanks to my readers for supporting the brands and organisations that help to keep Tin and Thyme blithe and blogging.
Tomato Galette with Homemade Basil Pesto An easy summer rustic tart that makes the most of ripe and juicy seasonal tomatoes. This tomato galette has a beautifully crisp and flaky pastry.
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Benefits, Risks, Food Lists, and More
New Post has been published on https://bestrawfoodrecipes.com/benefits-risks-food-lists-and-more/
Benefits, Risks, Food Lists, and More
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Vegetarian and ketogenic diets have been studied extensively for their health benefits (1, 2).
The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that has become especially popular in recent years. Although it usually contains animal products like meat, fish, and poultry, it’s possible to adapt it to fit a vegetarian diet.
This article tells you everything you need to know about the vegetarian keto diet.
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The vegetarian keto diet is an eating plan that combines aspects of vegetarianism and keto dieting.
Most vegetarians eat animal products like eggs and dairy but avoid meat and fish.
Meanwhile, the ketogenic diet is a high-fat diet that limits carb intake to 20–50 grams per day. This ultra-low-carb intake prompts ketosis, a metabolic state in which your body starts burning fat for fuel instead of glucose (1, 3).
On a traditional ketogenic diet, around 70% of your total daily calories should come from fat, including sources like oils, meat, fish, and full-fat dairy (4).
However, the vegetarian keto diet eliminates meat and fish, relying instead on other healthy fats, such as coconut oil, eggs, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
summary
The vegetarian keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb eating pattern that eliminates meat and fish.
Although no studies examine the specific benefits of the vegetarian keto diet, plenty of research exists on the two parent diets.
Promotes weight loss
Both vegetarian and ketogenic diets are associated with weight loss.
One large review of 12 studies showed that those following a vegetarian diet lost an average of 4.5 pounds (2 kg) more than non-vegetarians over 18 weeks (5).
Also, in a 6-month study in 74 people with type 2 diabetes, vegetarian diets promoted both fat and weight loss more effectively than traditional low-calorie diets (6).
Similarly, a 6-month study in 83 people with obesity found that a keto diet resulted in significant reductions in weight and body mass index (BMI), with an average weight loss of 31 pounds (14 kg) (7).
This diet’s high amount of healthy fats may also keep you feeling fuller for longer to reduce hunger and appetite (8).
Protects against chronic diseases
Vegetarian diets have been linked to a reduced risk of several chronic conditions.
In fact, studies tie them to a lower risk of cancer and improved levels of several heart disease risk factors, including BMI, cholesterol, and blood pressure (9, 10).
The keto diet has also been studied for its effects on disease prevention.
In a 56-week study in 66 people, the keto diet led to significant reductions in body weight, total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar, all of which are risk factors for heart disease (11).
Other studies suggest that this diet may safeguard brain health and help treat Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases (12, 13).
Animal and test-tube studies likewise note that the keto diet may reduce the growth of cancerous tumors. However, more research is needed (14, 15, 16).
Supports blood sugar control
Vegetarian and keto diets each support blood sugar control.
A review of six studies linked vegetarian diets to a significant reduction in levels of HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control (17).
What’s more, a 5-year study in 2,918 people determined that switching to a vegetarian diet reduced diabetes risk by 53% (18).
Meanwhile, the keto diet may improve your body’s blood sugar regulation and increase its sensitivity to insulin, a hormone involved in blood sugar control (19).
In a 4-month study in 21 people, following a keto diet lowered levels of HbA1c by 16%. Impressively, 81% of participants were able to reduce or discontinue their diabetes medications by the end of the study (20).
summary
Both vegetarian and keto diets have been shown to increase weight loss, support blood sugar control, and protect against several chronic illnesses. Keep in mind that no studies examine the vegetarian keto diet specifically.
The vegetarian keto diet has a few drawbacks to consider as well.
May increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies
Vegetarian diets require proper planning to ensure that you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
Studies show that these eating patterns tend to be low in important nutrients, including vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and protein (21).
The vegetarian keto diet is even more restrictive because it limits several nutrient-dense food groups, such as fruits, legumes, and whole grains — further increasing your risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Monitoring nutrient intake carefully and eating a variety of healthy, whole foods can help ensure that you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Taking supplements may also help — especially for nutrients often lacking in a vegetarian diet, such as vitamin B12.
Can cause flu-like symptoms
Transitioning into ketosis can cause numerous side effects, sometimes referred to as the keto flu (22).
Some of the most common symptoms include (23):
constipation
headaches
fatigue
difficulty sleeping
muscle cramps
mood changes
nausea
dizziness
Notably, these side effects typically clear up within a few days. Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly can help ease your symptoms.
Not suitable for certain populations
Because the vegetarian keto diet is highly restrictive, it may not be a good option for everyone.
In particular, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it, as it can limit several nutrients vital for proper growth and development.
It may also not be appropriate for athletes, those with a history of eating disorders, or people with type 1 diabetes.
If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications, talk to your healthcare practitioner before starting this diet.
summary
The vegetarian keto diet may cause short-term side effects, lack important nutrients, and be unsuitable for kids and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
A healthy vegetarian keto diet should include a variety of non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats, and protein sources, such as:
Non-starchy vegetables: spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, kale, cauliflower, zucchini, and bell peppers
Healthy fats: olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, MCT oil, and avocado oil
Nuts: almonds, walnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, pistachios, and Brazil nuts
Seeds: chia, hemp, flax, and pumpkin seeds
Nut butters: almond, peanut, pecan, and hazelnut butter
Full-fat dairy products: milk, yogurt, and cheese
Protein: eggs, tofu, tempeh, spirulina, natto, and nutritional yeast
Low-carb fruits (in moderation): berries, lemons, and limes
Herbs and seasonings: basil, paprika, pepper, turmeric, salt, oregano, rosemary, and thyme
summary
A vegetarian keto diet should include plenty of healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, and plant protein.
On a vegetarian keto diet, you should avoid all meat and seafood.
High-carb foods like grains, legumes, fruits, and starchy vegetables are permitted only in small amounts, as long as they fit into your daily carb allotment.
You should eliminate the following foods:
Meat: beef, pork, lamb, goat, and veal
Poultry: chicken, turkey, duck, and goose
Fish and shellfish: salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies, and lobster
Here are some foods that you should limit:
Starchy vegetables: potatoes, yams, beets, parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes
Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, sweet tea, sports drinks, juice, and energy drinks
Grains: bread, rice, quinoa, oats, millet, rye, barley, buckwheat, and pasta
Legumes: beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas
Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, berries, melon, apricots, plums, and peaches
Condiments: barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, marinades, and sweetened salad dressings
Processed foods: breakfast cereals, granola, chips, cookies, crackers, and baked goods
Sweeteners: brown sugar, white sugar, honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar
Alcoholic beverages: beer, wine, and sweetened cocktails
summary
A vegetarian keto diet eliminates all meat while limiting high-carb foods like starchy vegetables, sugary drinks, grains, and fruits.
This five-day sample meal plan can help kickstart a vegetarian keto diet.
Monday
Breakfast: smoothie with full-fat milk, spinach, peanut butter, MCT oil, and chocolate whey protein powder
Lunch: zucchini noodles with tempeh meatballs and creamy avocado sauce
Dinner: coconut curry made with olive oil, mixed veggies, and tofu
Tuesday
Breakfast: omelet made with coconut oil, cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and onions
Lunch: cauliflower-crust pizza with cheese, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, olive oil, and spinach
Dinner: salad with mixed greens, tofu, avocados, tomatoes, and bell peppers
Wednesday
Breakfast: tofu scramble with olive oil, mixed veggies, and cheese
Lunch: cauliflower mac and cheese with avocado oil, broccoli, and tempeh bacon
Dinner: frittata with coconut oil, spinach, asparagus, tomatoes, and feta
Thursday
Breakfast: Greek yogurt topped with walnuts and chia seeds
Lunch: taco lettuce wraps with walnut-mushroom meat, avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, and cheese
Dinner: zucchini pizza boats with olive oil, marinara, cheese, spinach, and garlic
Friday
Breakfast: keto oatmeal with hemp seeds, flax seeds, heavy cream, cinnamon, and peanut butter
Lunch: baked egg-avocado boats topped with chives, coconut bacon, and paprika
Dinner: cauliflower fried rice made with coconut oil, veggies, and tofu
Vegetarian keto snacks
Here are a few simple snacks that you can enjoy between meals:
zucchini chips
celery with peanut butter
roasted pumpkin seeds
flax crackers with sliced cheese
mixed nuts
chia seed pudding topped with unsweetened coconut
carrots with guacamole
whipped cream with blackberries
full-fat cottage cheese with black pepper
full-fat Greek yogurt with walnuts
summary
The sample menu above provides several ideas for simple meals and snacks that you can enjoy on the vegetarian keto diet.
The vegetarian keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb eating pattern that eliminates meat and seafood.
Independently, vegetarian and keto diets may promote blood sugar control, weight loss, and several other benefits.
Nonetheless, this diet may increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies and hasn’t been studied on its own.
Still, if you are vegetarian and interested in trying keto — or already following keto and curious about going meat-free — it’s definitely possible to combine both.
Source link Keto Diet Dinner Ideas
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tmtht · 5 years
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I love red squirrels, they are so much fun to watch as they dart, bounce and jump through tree canopies and undergrowth.  Such inquisitive little creatures that make me smile.  I can spend hours watching and photographing them, and seek the squirrels out whenever possible.  In this blog I will share some of my favourite locations for photographing them (as well as a few others with potential) and include a handful of images from each to show what the location is like for photography.  I’ll write about free, wildlife membership and pay to hire hides.  Obviously this is just the tip of the red squirrel iceberg, and if you have any places you go to in Scotland to photograph them please do add in the comments below.
A few photography tips based on my experiences.
Unless it’s specifically stated that you shouldn’t feed them, or if you’re going to a paid photo hide, always take nuts, preferably hazelnuts with you.  A nut cracker is useful too as the squirrels will often take whole nuts and stash for later so unshelled nuts are more likely to be eaten in situ, (although they are more often than not stolen by birds!) so you have more time for photographs.
Red squirrels are speedy wee creatures, and the majority of places you’re likely to find them are quite shady due to the trees.  This makes it difficult to use a high enough shutter speed for moving squirrels, unless you push the ISO up very high and/or have a fast lens (although then you have the challenge of a shallow depth of field).  It’s therefore best in these conditions to concentrate on photographs of them when relatively static – this is true for photographing any bird/animal in low light, a very useful tip I was given a couple of years back.  Being curious animals, they will often pause to check you out, and of course stop to munch on nuts so have the camera ready.
Try and photograph them away from feeders (same for birds) and if possible attempt at least a few images where they don’t have a nut in their mouth or front paws – not the easiest thing to do at times!
If you’d like jumping squirrels then you’re best to go to a professional photography hide which has a set-up for this.  Neil MacIntyre‘s hide (see below) is great.  For a face on jump you  need to use manual focus and set halfway across the jump, and high speed continuous and then press the shutter as soon as the squirrels about to jump. Hopefully then one at least is in focus. Best to use a cable release or wireless remote.  High shutter speed essential, so pump up the ISO and try for an aperture at around 7.1 or 8 to increase depth of field.
  FREE LOCATIONS/RESERVES
I’ll start with the free (or voluntary contribution) locations I enjoy visiting, beginning with the wonderful Eskrigg Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Lockerbie.  Not the easiest reserve to find, you won’t stumble upon it by accident, but google can help!  There’s a red squirrel hide and nut feeders as well as a large number of bird feeders here, aside from the reds you will be unlucky not to spot a nuthatch or great spotted woodpecker as well as all the regular little birds.  Sparrowhawks (I haven’t seen one here) are often sighted as are treecreepers and goldcrest (I’ve seen both) and there’s a pond with ducks, swans and apparently, on occasion kingfisher. There are a lot of red squirrels here, but I’ve found on some occasions they don’t come down regularly – I’ve had 4 or 5 at one time or, rare visits from a single animal.  Early morning is good.  Light isn’t bad as it’s at the edge of woodland, although it’s not bright by any means.  I tend not to use the hide, but sit on the boarding next to it so I can get down to eye-level with the squirrels.  Many are very tame, and will come within touching distance, often far too close to focus on.  My camera/lens choices here are Nikon D500 + Tamron 150-600mm for more distant squirrels and the birds, and my Nikon D610 with Tokina 100mm macro, for those much closer animals – you really need a short lens here and a fast one with large aperture very helpful too!  A mobile phone camera/video is great too.  The volunteers who run the reserve prefer that folk don’t feed the squirrels but do allow photographers to place some nuts in photogenic spots, but the hazelnuts should be shelled first.  I’ve written a blog about Eskrigg, so do check that out if interested.  Also, in the same part of the world, and discussed below, is the Scottish Photography Hides sparrowhawk hide which also has visits from red squirrels.
  A site I visited for the first time in December 2018 is Carnie Woods on the outskirts of Aberdeen.  It’s a small area of woodland, but because the red squirrels have been fed here there are far more than could live without human assistance, therefore there’s a very high chance of spotting a few especially if you go to the feeding station within the wood.  I loved this place, only downside really was the huge number of dogs walked there – an endless stream of them running around and frightening off the squirrels.   The squirrels were even tamer than at Eskrigg and I often looked down and found one attempting to steal nuts from the bag at my feet – so don’t leave your belongings unguarded especially if there’s anything they might like to eat/steal inside!  There are a couple of fallen logs and I was placing nuts midway along one of them, and photographing them running along towards me.  Only problem was there’s a plank attached to this log which isn’t great for photographs.  I never managed to get them to run along the other, more photogenic log. Fab place though and definitely worth a visit if you’re in or near Aberdeen. I wish it was closer to Glasgow!  Any short to mid-length lens will do here.  I mostly used the Tokina 100mm macro with both my cameras, but did have a longer lens on the other body.  I spotted treecreepers and goldcrest in the woods en route to the feeders.
Aberfoyle – there are red squirrels throughout Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, but a good place to stand a chance of seeing them is at the David Marshall Lodge wildlife hide.  Not brilliant for photographs as the undergrowth is quite high and the squirrels tend to go to the feeders, plus it’s a bit on the dark side and the squirrels aren’t too close so the best compromise between long lens and large aperture is best.  Also visited by lots of families with loud excited children and dogs and there’s a zip wire close by so lots of screaming and not the most peaceful of locations.  If you wander around near the hide though you might find a more photogenic spot and can maybe attract some with nuts.  I had success with this on one occasion.
Taken from the wildlife hide
Photographed in the woods behind the hide
Buchanty Spout, Perthshire – I visited this area to try and photograph the jumping salmon on the River Almond, but they chose not to travel upstream that day.  Very pretty spot though especially in the autumn.  If you cross over the river to the side furthest from the carpark, there’s a walk along the riverbank.  I saw 4 red squirrels here.  A bit of patience, fieldcraft, long lens and nuts might be required to get close to them though.  I had the wrong lens, as I’d come for the salmon, so struggled to photograph one sitting at the top of a tree, which is a shame as they’d have been quite interesting pictures.
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Morton Lochs – I confess I  haven’t actually seen any red squirrels here, but I’ve only been once and it was a bitterly cold November day and the whole place was frozen.  I have however seen many photographs of the squirrels which frequent a hide next to the carpark.  Nice location, possible to get good photographs and you don’t need a long lens – all I saw was this little vole.  Also known for kingfisher sightings if you go to the hide by the loch (it was frozen solid on my visit so not a lot to see there either).
Loch an Eilein on the Rothiemurchus Estate near Aviemore is one of many places in that area you can spot red squirrels.  The Loch is gorgeous and is surrounded by the remnants of the old Caledonian pine forest.  Read on to find out about a fantastic, pay to rent, hide here, but you can spot squirrels at the feeders in the carpark opposite the hut where you pay to park (you do have to pay to park), and also down towards the loch itself.  Early morning is best to see them and it’s not that easy to get close, but worth trying for the stunning location.
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photographed at the feeders by the pay booth – torrential rain, so lovely to see one!
Other places I haven’t checked out but am aware of are Cluny House in Fife and the feeding station at the outskirts of Boat of Garten. In fact there are quite a lot of places near Aviemore.  Note – the excellent Inshriach Nursery in the highlands has now shut, so no more gorgeous cake whilst watching the squirrels…
PAY TO ENTER (FREE FOR MEMBERS) WILDLIFE RESERVES
Many of the wildlife organisations have red squirrels visiting their sites. The best I’ve found of these is RSPB Loch Leven.  Entry is £5 for non-members, free if a member.  Squirrels are located behind the visitor centre, by a small hide designed to encourage children to watch wildlife.  This whole bit of the reserve is full of bird feeders and therefore squirrels can be sighted anywhere but this area by the wee hide has the most light and a nice photogenic log which has good dips for hazelnuts. I had to wait awhile, maybe because the feeders were pretty empty as it was 2nd Jan so the centre had been closed for a couple of days, but eventually  I was visited by at least three individuals who returned again and again once they discovered my hazelnuts.  I wasn’t able to put out unshelled nuts though because the birds instantly stole them!  Whenever the nuts ran out, the squirrels would approach me and let it be known they’d like some more.  Although the reserve was busy very few people came near this bit, so I mostly had the squirrels to myself.  Any lens will do here.  I used the D500/Tamron combination, but mostly at the short focal length (200-300mm).  Sit opposite the fallen log and you’ll get some nice shots, but look behind and to the sides as well as the squirrels will sneak up on you!
Loch of the Lowes (Scottish Wildlife Trust – members get in free) by Dunkeld is best known for its ospreys, but there are red squirrels visiting the feeders outside the visitor centre.  They do apparently have a small pop-up hide that can be rented too.  Not the best for photography as you’re sitting behind (clean) class, but lovely to sit in the warmth of the centre watching them and the many varieties of birds that come for a snack.  I don’t have any red squirrel photographs from here though as they were always sat at a feeder…
PAID PHOTOGRAPHY HIDES
These are obviously by far and away the most expensive option, but they have been set up with photography in mind so can be a good choice.
My favourite by far of these is Neil MacIntyre‘s hide situated deep within the Caledonian pine forest on the Rothiemurchus Estate.  As I mentioned above you can see squirrels around the estate, but here you’re pretty much guaranteed some wonderful sightings in the most picturesque setting I’ve ever been to.  Almost every keen photographer has visited this hide so you’ll see photographs from it all over social media.  I’ve been twice, once in August when the heather was in full bloom which was stunning, and again in March when there was a light dusting of snow.  Being in the middle of a forest the light can be challenging and it’s good to take a long, fast lens.  But because the setting is gorgeous, it’s a great place for wide-angle photographs too. I used 3 different lenses here with my 2 cameras (Nikon D500 and Nikon D610) – Tamron 150-600mm, Nikkor 300mm F4 (with 1.4 t/c) and Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 for the wide angle photographs. Neil has a couple of jumps set up as well.  Large hide and Neil provides hot drinks and a few extra hazelnuts. This hide is bookable for morning or afternoon. Shared with others.  Neil also has a great book on red squirrels with some fabulous photographs.  I have two blogs about this hide – August 2017, March 2018.
Alan McFadyen’s (Scottish Photography Hides) sparrowhawk hide in Dumfries & Galloway is visited by red squirrels.  This site is mostly man-made and in a clearing so the light is good, but only works for close-ups of the perches.  You’ll hopefully also see the aforementioned sparrowhawks and lots of little birds, so it makes for a good day out.  I used my Nikon D500 with Nikkor 300mm F4 here but had the Tamron 150-600 on my other camera body for the more distant photos.  This is a day rate hide, you may have to share with a few others.  This is my blog about my day here.
Bob Smith’s Nature Nuts hide in Perthshire, near(ish) to Blairgowrie sees regular visits from a number of red squirrels.  The light can be poor but they come close to the hide and there’s plenty of other action here too including almost daily visits from pine martens.  I’ve enjoyed both my days here.  Medium length lens best, again, fast if possible.  You park right next to it though, so bring everything with you.  No space for tripods, bring a beanbag. Day rate hide, stay as late as you can to see the pine martens. Bob also does beaver tours.   Blog featuring the red squirrels (and pine martens)
Argaty Farm, best known as a red kite feeding station now has a wildlife hide on the edge of a piece of woodland.  I was there the week after it opened and I think it was still a bit of a work-in-progress but I’ve seen some great photos from there since.  This hide is unique to all the others I’ve visited in that it has viewing windows at ground level so you can (if not too tall, or if on your own) lie on the floor and take eye-level images.  Again, light was challenging, and it was a sunny day in June, so take medium length lenses with large aperture.  I used my Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8 until it broke…   Featured in this blog.
  That’s the hides I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.  There are a few others I know I can recommend, even without having been there myself – Andy Howard‘s hide near Inverness – he has some fantastic flying squirrel and backlit squirrels (sometimes both of those in one image!).   Loch Visions have a hilltop hide in Argyll, South of Oban that I intend to visit this year as it looks quite unique.  If you’re thinking of a week at the wonderful Aigas Field Centre near Beauly, then they now have red squirrels and a hide (plus a pine marten hide, and beavers).  Fab place, but the squirrels have returned since I was last there.
So, I hope this is of some assistance if you’re in or visiting Scotland and hoping to see red squirrels.  I know there are tonnes of other places, so please do add your recommendations in the comments section below.
Also, it’s worth looking at the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels website where people can report sightings (and please report any of your own sightings) and you can see them all on a map.
        New blog - places I love to visit to photograph #redsquirrels in Scotland @RedSquirrelsUtd @brsquirrel @BBCSpringwatch @ScotWildlife @ScotsMagazine @RSPBScotland @ScotSquirrels @NeilMcIntyre3 @RSPBLochLeven @WoodlandTrust I love red squirrels, they are so much fun to watch as they dart, bounce and jump through tree canopies and undergrowth. 
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