Creamy St. Marcellin Maize Amaranth Pineapple Salad

Christmas is a day away. The festivities are in full swing. You can just feel the mood in the air.  With all the scrumptious, heavy, deep, and rich meals circulating around the dining table, I thought it would be a good idea to share a salad less heavy but rich in nutrients and flavour. Also if you have been noticing our current weather, then you know that it has been raining for the longest time. Because of the rains, maize has been planted and some lucky plants have yielded good fresh cobs. And, because you can never go wrong with cheese, I created this salad with Paramount Dairies’ St. Marcellin cheese because of its creamy texture and full flavours. But first, let me explain the flavours and textures happening in this salad right here. If you’ve had roasted maize, you know of its sweet taste that, coupled with the raw snappy dodo (amaranth), creamy full flavoured St. Marcellin cheese plus avocadoes, brings the dish together. A surprising twist of diced pineapple adds a sweet tangy taste. A hint of pickled green olives add a savoury and tart taste. This salad is perfectly seasoned with green onions, coriander and finished with some salt. It’s the perfect balance of the sweet, salty and tangy flavours that will compliment your festive dishes. Not forgetting what a great way this would be to add healthy raw vegetables on the festive menu.

 What you will need:

3 C. Roasted tender maize

3 C. Pineapple, thinly diced

2 C. Avocado, diced

1 C. St. Marcellin Cheese

Two handfuls of fresh, tender amaranth leaves or Leafy tender vegetable of your choice

2 tomatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

¼ C. Green Onion, finely chopped

¼ C. Green olives, pitted and finely chopped

¼ C. Coriander, finely chopped

Salt

Observations

  1. Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and chill them for about 10 minutes before mixing them.
  2. For a spicy salad, add a pinch of black pepper.
  3. I used young dodo leaves (amaranth) for the salad but you can substitute it with any other leafy tender vegetable of your choice.
  4. For a more creamy cheesy taste, add more St. Marcellin

 

Method

In a large bowl, add the maize kernels, the amaranth, the pineapple tidbits, the avocado, and the tomato slices.  Crumble in the St. Marcellin .  Add the olives, the green onions and the coriander.  Toss the salad with wooden spoons till all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Sprinkle with salt.  Serve chilled

Wishing you all happy holidays and blessings throughout the remaining days of the year!

🙂

Sophie

 

You can find  St. Marcellin Cheese in major supermarkets in Kampala

 

The Ultimate Holiday Recipe Roundup

In the spirit of giving, gathering and celebrating, I  am sure you are all overwhelmed like I am. Aren’t you?  As I was checking the recipe index page, I was surprised to realize how much cooking has happened in this space. And now since it is the season to be jolly and merry, wouldn’t it be a good idea to have a recipe guide. I hope this round-up inspires you to create or make something for your family  and friends.  Also you can download the e-book in the sidebar if you would like to print some of these recipes. Above  all, I hope you have a wonderful joy-filled holiday. Remember to share your creations with the #AkitchenInUg.

Happy Holidays

🙂

Sophie

Herbed Cheddar Dipping Sauce

When it comes to making dishes with cheese, the possibilities are endless. A million plus one ideas pop into the head and I have to resist the urge to pair it with almost everything. December is a day away and this translates into holiday festivities filled with the gathering of friends and family. No gathering is ever complete without food. Good festive delicious food. I am excited already!

With that said, let us talk about this three-herb cheddar dipping sauce right here. It is the perfect combination of hearty, aromatic, scrumptious and healthy. When the right amount of coriander, thyme and parsley is added to this cheese dip, you get the most amazing sauce. With my friends over at Paramount Dairies, I bring you this herbed cheddar dipping sauce. This sauce not only is great to eat on its own but it can be used to accompany a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables which makes it a perfect starter.

With the right amount of cheddar, this dipping sauce is not only hearty but very creamy, buttery and cheesy. Are you ready to make some dipping sauce?

 

What you will need:

1 C. Wheat (Baking) flour

1 C. Grated Cheddar cheese

2 ½ C. Milk

1 C. Butter/Margarine

1 Tsp. Coriander, finely chopped

1 Tsp. Thyme, finely chopped

1 Tsp. Parsley, finely chopped

2 Tbsp. Green Onions, finely chopped

Salt

Chilli oil (optional)

 

Method

Put a sauce pan on medium heat and add the butter/margarine. Let the butter melt slowly. Once the butter has melted, drop in some chilli oil and then add the coriander, thyme, parsley and green onions. Stir well. When an aromatic flavour is released, add the flour a spoon at a time while stirring. After adding half the flour, Add half the grated cheddar. Stir well to avoid clumps. Pour in a cup of milk and keep stirring. Add the remaining half cup of flour a spoon at a time while stirring. Add the rest of the milk and cheddar cheese and let .the sauce simmer for about three minutes. Add salt to taste and remove from fire

cheddar dip 7

Serve with sliced carrots, avocadoes, cucumbers, salt crackers and or bread sticks. Aside from the versatility of this dipping sauce, it is easy to make. Are you ready to conquer the holiday festivities with this dipping sauce? Hope you get to make this and let  me know in the comments below when you do.

🙂

Sophie

 

You can find Paramount Cheddar Cheese in major supermarkets in Kampala