After a few days of grey, sodden skies, the patches of blue and sunshine piercing through clouds today were enough to incite me to come out; and once I was out, I wouldn't leave the garden! I lit a barbie, and grilled myself an excellent Spek Braaibroodjie, the addition of bacon to the South African classic making it an even more-ish treat, which I ate, reading a good book, with the green budgies perching on the apple tree for company! I encourage you to partake in this simple pleasure, if the weather allows it! Happy Tuesday!
Ingredients (serves 2):
2 rashers smoked streaky bacon
2 large, thin slices Sourdough bread
1/2 tablespoon butter, softened
2 heaped tablespoons Peach Chutney
half a small red onion
half a small, not too ripe tomato, rinsed
30 grams/1 ounce good quality Gouda Cheese
Prepare barbecue: half an hour before grilling, arrange a small layer of coals in the barbecue. Top with a few small branches of dry wood (applewood gives a good taste), and light.
In a small frying pan over medium-high heat, cook bacon rashers, about 1 minute on each side, until just browned and sizzling. Remove from the heat. Set aside.
Spread butter on one side of both Sourdough slices. Flip them over and spread all sides generously with Peach Chutney.
Thinly slice red onion and cut tomato into slices. Arrange red onion slices onto the Peach Chutney on one of the Sourdough slices. Top with tomato slices, in an even layer.
Cut Gouda into thick enough slices. Remove the wax, cut slices into bits, and arrange Gouda bits in a rather even layer onto the Peach Chutney on the other Sourdough slice. Top with reserved sizzled bacon rashers.
Sandwich laden Sourdough slices together carefully, and place sandwich onto a gridiron, preferably one with two grates, to secure and hold it.
Once the flames have died down, and the embers are red, place gridiron over the embers, and grill the sandwich. It won’t take more than 2 minutes on each side, possibly less!
Carefully remove Spek Braaibroodjie from the gridiron and cut it in halves.
Enjoy Spek Braaibroodjie immediately, with dressed lettuce, and a glass of chilled South African Chenin Blanc or Chardonnay!
Ham and Cheese Charcuterie Board with Grapes and Chocolate
Ham and Cheese Charcuterie Board with Grapes and Chocolate. Brie Cheese, Prosciutto, Gouda Cheese, Dark Chocolate, Salami, Cheddar Cheese, Seedless Grapes, Milk Chocolate. This Ham and Cheese Charcuterie Board is ideal for any occasion. The combination of salty meats, creamy cheeses, sweet grapes, and chocolate creates a delectable and visually appealing presentation.
Gouda cheese is a sweet, creamy, yellow cow's milk cheese originating from the Netherlands. It is one of the most popular cheeses worldwide. The name is used today as a general term for numerous similar cheeses produced in the traditional Dutch manner.