Tag Archives: Appetizers & Relishes

Gazpacho

Name: Vennie Muenzen
Class Year: 2010
Country of Residence: USA

Why is this recipe great? What’s its backstory? 

I grew up in Bulgaria where I spent the spring break and summers helping my grandma in her garden. I hold vivid memories of planting seeds in pots in the greenhouse we had constructed and waiting for the stems to show so we can plant next the tomatoes and cucumbers in the garden. We made traditional Bulgarian Shopska salads with fresh tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumbers, white brine cheese, and parsley.

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Shrimp Cocktails à la Claire

Name: Claire Burgoyne Brouwer
Class Year: 1957
Country of Residence: The Netherlands

Why is this recipe great? What’s its backstory? 

This recipe started its life in Argentina when I tried to find something to perk up the very large avocados from the tree in my back yard. My 2 Argentine babies received avocado as their first vegetable. Ideal baby food – without the sauce. This shrimp cocktail with sauce has now become a demand item on my family Christmas Menu since we began the custom of everyone contributing a course for the dinner. No matter what the rest of the dinner consists of, Shrimp Cocktails à la Claire must always be the appetizer.

This probably does not deserve a prize for originality, but this should win a prize for the easiest recipe. Typical of my cooking talents.

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Balsamic Vinegar, Thyme and Caramelised Onion Relish

Name: Elizabeth Taeed
Class Year: 2009
Country of Residence: Portugal

Why is this recipe great? What’s its backstory? 

After four years of travelling, my husband and I have now settled in Portugal. Which means, we have a fully kitted out kitchen and amazing local farms. To celebrate, we bought a large sack of onions with which to make pickles, chutneys and relishes. This is the first! The balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme pair beautifully with the sweetness of the onions, and is a tasty crowd-pleaser (stay away from crowds though).

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