Note from the editor – Regular readers will notice we have added a new feature to The Some-day supplement, (which will one day be published on a Sunday) an author interview. First to be placed in the spotlight is local writer Penelope Anderton-Swann. As usual we begin this issue with our regular Canabal Cuisine.
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Canabal cuisine – Onion Bhajis
Ingredients
2 large eggs
3 onions sliced
120gm plain flour
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp cumin seeds
Vegetable oil to fry
Method
Beat the eggs in a large bowl.
Add the onions and mix well.
Add the flour, cumin seeds and coriander and stir well to combine.
Heat the oil. You can either fry in a deep fat fryer or in a high sided frying pan. When the oil is hot add a large spoonful of the bhaji mixture and fry until golden brown. Turn the bhaji over and fry until crisp and golden. Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper
Repeat with the remaining mixture, replenishing the oil if required and making sure it’s hot before adding the bhaji mixture.
Serve hot with raita.
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Travel
Toro – A town of good taste
This enchanting town sits on a plateau overlooking the river Duero in the province of Zamora in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. It’s located off the A-11 highway between Tordesillas and Zamora, approximately 220km north of Madrid.
It’s a charming town which seems to have changed little over the last four centuries. The Collegiate church of Santa Maria de Mayor is the town’s main architectural feature and worth a visit on its own. Started in the 12th century, it took 150 years to complete. I’d say it was worth the wait.
The area around Toro is famous for its wine production (Toro DO). The fertile plains of the Douro help produce fruity, full-bodied reds and refreshingly heady whites. It’s said that Christopher Columbus took Toro wines on his voyage to discover the Americas. One of the boats, The Pinta, was named by the benefactor of the wine.
Like many Spanish towns, at its heart is the Plaza Mayor. A charming square bordered by shops, restaurants, bars and a hotel, and on the southern edge by the town hall.
Melanie and I fell in love with Toro. With its beautiful architecture, narrow streets and leafy public spaces, it’s difficult not to. As for the wine, Toro produces some of the best reds in Spain a fact I’m happy to confirm.
The next time you decide to explore the municipality of Zamora and the province of Castile and Leon, make sure to add Toro to your itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.
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Author Interview
Penelope Anderton-Swann
Today’s author in the hot-seat is Penelope Anderton-Swann author of the highly acclaimed “Gardening Tips For The Soul”.
Tell us about your book Penelope - This is a book which takes the lessons that can be learned through gardening and applies them to our everyday lives. It looks, for example, at the seasons, weather, maintenance and methods of planting as well as our private and public gardens and examines how they may be able to help us view our lives from a different perspective.
Question Time - Our roving reporter asked ten challenging questions.
1. If a movie was made of your life, who would play you and why?
A. Sally Field. She is an underrated actress, and has a lot more depth than she is given credit for. I also think she laughs a lot and doesn´t take herself too seriously.
2. If you won a million pounds/dollar/euros etc, what would you buy?
A. Probably a new car with a lifetime insurance! Also. somethings (not necessarily stuff) that each member of the family would like.
3. What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
A. Arrogance, which manifests in all areas of life and in a million different ways.
4. If you were 80 years old and had children, what’s the most important experience you could pass on to them?
A. (Nearly there!) I wouldn´t say experiences can be passed on. One can only have one´s own experiences. Lessons maybe…So what have I learned? Well… To be open minded enough to know that what I know may not be true, and to know that I actually know nothing. If I am closed by “knowing it all”, then I am not open to the new.
5. You’re a new addition to my spice rack, what are you and why?
A. Juniper Berries. Complex and subtle.
6: In less than 50 words, how does the internet work?
A. You can´t be serious! I don´t know! Now I am open to learning how it works!
7. How can you tell if someone is a nerd?
A. We are all Nerdish in some respects.
8. If you could add one word to the dictionary, what would it be and what would it mean?
A. Fragish - A mixture of being under the weather and fed up and a bit grumpy!
9. What undiscovered technology will transform the future?
A. A very simple method for harnessing the energy that already exists everywhere, without pollution or huge infrastructure, and utilising it so that everyone can benefit free.
10. What is the one thing you own you wish you didn’t?
A. An electric programmable saucepan/cooker! It came free with a vibrating exercise machine (for which I also want to find a good home). That is two, but as they came together I count them as one!
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And finally - #normalwisdom
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This Canabal Chronicle Some-day supplement was brought to you by Craig Briggs (with a little help from wife Melanie) author of The Journey series of books.
To purchase copies of my books, click these titles:
Journey To A Dream - Beyond Imagination - Endless Possibilities
Find out more about Craig, and Galicia or look him up on Facebook
Craig and Melanie also own and operate a luxury farmhouse rental property called Campo Verde. To find out more about a stay at Campo Verde and Galicia in general, visit their website getaway-galicia