Author: Zdravka Kokalova
They say that people who grow gardens believe in tomorrow and I couldn’t agree more. But it doesn’t have to be a complete garden, … if you have one pot, if you are waiting for a flower to bloom you are already one leg in the future. You have faith and keep the flame, every day you nourish the idea of the beautiful bloom, the sweet fruit shielded inside a little bud, hidden underneath the dark soil. You are a creator, an accomplice of nature. You have the power to see fruit in a handful of soil. Summer is the season of dreamers, designers, engineers, and all kinds of visionaries, who see heaven in the winter mud. By winter I mean anything, from the weight in your heart to a political crisis.
So let summer in, be part of this new tomorrow, and sow a few seeds in a pot. Water them daily, make sure they don’t burn in the hot sun, be mindful and grateful, and let this be an act of awakening towards others and towards yourself.
Eating is also an awareness that gives us a choice about tomorrow. Questions about our health and self-worth like “how we feel” and “how we look” have a very simple answer – “what to eat”. Seasonal and local food is always our best option. Having such a favorable climate, it would be a shame not to take advantage of all of nature’s gifts. Oftentimes the simplest things have incredible power and I like to emphasize this.
Is there an easier and more impressive dessert than a panna cotta with fresh jam and nuts? You can make it for yourself, or for your family, and let your entire being feel absolutely delighted. Because, yes, you did it and you can do a lot more.
The season is perfect for growing flowers on your balconies, or green salads, fresh spices, and why not a root of chilli peppers or cherry tomatoes, if you’re feeling adventurous.
You can find a variety of ready-made seedlings at local markets around the city. Thursday Market is quite central, located next to Saedinenie (Union) Square. The area is packed with gardening shops selling soil, fertilizers and seeds.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you also find all the ingredients you need for today’s recipe, and for a fresh seasonal dinner. Don’t be too shy, talk to the vendors, most likely they are the producers themselves and are always up for a friendly chat.
Panna cotta with rose, strawberries and pistachios
Serves 6
Ingredients:
300 ml fresh milk Harmonica
200 ml sour cream Harmonica
70 ml rose syrup Harmonica
80 g sugar
5 g agar powder or
1 sachet gelatin soaked in ¼ tea cup cold water
1 tsp vanilla sugar
For Strawberry Jam:
400 g strawberries
70 g cup
1 tsp vanilla sugar
100 g ground pistachios
Pour the milk into а saucepan, add the agar powder or gelatin, vanilla, sugar and rose syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stir all the time, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to dissolve the agar powder. If you are using gelatin you can skip this.
Remove the mix from the stove and slowly add the sour cream while stirring constantly to temper properly.
Pour the mix into 6 cups and leave it cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Clean and slice the strawberries, add the sugar and vanilla and cook on medium heat until it gets thicker. About 10 minutes. Let it cool before serving.
Turn the panna cotta onto a plate, if it does not slide off easily dip the cups in warm water for 2 minutes. Spread the jam around the panna cotta and sprinkle with ground pistachios.
If you care about the quality of the ingredients, especially dairy ones, then you can find Harmonica’s organic products at www.kashon.bg or in any charming organic shop in town.