HEADLINES, SUBTITLES AND ARTICLES (PART II)

                                          THE CATALONIAN CRISIS

Estellada  Catalonia

The Catalonian crisis is the largest in Spain for the last 40 years and a major challenge for the European Union.

Carles Puigdemont, the Catalan leader and five of his Ministers have left for Belgium.   He said he chose Brussels for his self-imposed exile because he wanted to present to the European Union the requests and dreams of the people of Catalonia.

Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy dissolved the Catalan government. dismissed the Catalan leaders. accusing them of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds, and called snap elections for the 21st December.



                                             TERROR IN MANHATTAN

After the Attack

In Memorium

Eight people have been killed and at least a dozen injured after a man drove a pick-up truck, in lower Manhattan, striking pedestrians, cyclist and a school bus.  The perpetrator came out shouting "Allahu akbar", which is Arabic for God is great, before being injured by the police.  ISIS has claimed responsibility for this horrific, cowardly, terrorist attack.


                              UN CONDEMNATION OF AIRSTRIKES IN LYBIA

Derna Libya

At least 12 children and three women have been killed by airstrikes on the residential part of the city of Derna in Lybia, to the horror of the civilized world.



                                    UNHCR HELP  CAMEROONS IN NIGERIA

The UN Refugee Agency is helping many French-speaking residents of Cameroon, who are fleeing from violence in the Anglophone areas of West Africa.  They are offered food, medical assistance and housing.



                                     THE GOOD NEWS OF THE MONTH



The World Health Organisation reports progress in the fight against hepatitis.



                                  MYSTERY VOID IN THE GREAT PYRAMID

Scientists have discovered a huge secret space in the ancient walls Great Pyramid of Ghiza, which will be, later, explored by archaeologists.




                                                 DOGGY INSOMNIA

Fretful Problems

According to the Royal Society scientific journal, "dogs lay awake at night thinking about their problems".    Further evidence of the similarities between humans and their canine friends!!






Please find below, few recipes pertaining to the countries mentioned above.


                                            SOPA AL CUATRO DE HORA

Quarter of an Hour Soup

A delicious and substantial Catalan - Spanish soup


1500 ml (5 cups) water
12 small hard-shelled clams, scrubbed

Sofrito:
1 1//2 tbs[olive oil
60 g (2 oz) onions, peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and squashed
1 bay leaf
1 large tomato, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
60 g (2 oz) serrano ham or any other smoked ham, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped parsley leaves
1/2 cup short grain rice
1/2 tsp lemon juice
125 ml (1/2 cup) white wine
1/8 tsp saffron powder
12 medium-sized prawns, shelled, deveined each cut into three pieces
1 hard-boiled egg. shelled and finely chopped


 Boil the clams in the water for 5-10 minutes, until the shells open. Transfer the clams, with a slotted spoon to a plate, remove their shells, reserving a few for garnish, and set aside.  Reserve the clam stock and discard the shells and any clams that haven't opened.


Meanwhile, prepare the sofrito.  Over low heat, saute the onion, bay leaf and garlic in olive oil,  for 5 minutes, until the onions are soft  Add the tomato, ham and parsley, raise the temperature and cook briskly until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thick,   Remove from the heat and reserve.

Strain the clam stock through a fine sieve and return to the saucepan.   Add the sofrito, rice, lemon juice, wine and saffron, stir, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is cooked.  Fifteen minutes is this cooking period from which the soup gets its name.

Add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes until the prawns turn pink.  Taste the soup, season with salt and pepper if necessary and serve hot.



                                          NEW YORK STRIP STEAK

A New York Strip  Steak With Herbed Butter

This is a  lovely dish for special occasions.

Two 240 g (8 oz) New York strip  steaks

Marinade:
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped rosemary or sage
1 tbsp thyme leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
(Mix all the ingredients well  together)

Herbed Butter:
60 g (2 oz) softened, salted butter
1/2 tsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp snipped chives
1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
(Mix all the ingredients very well together and refrigerate)


Place the steaks in a container and pour the marinade evenly over.  Cover and place in the fridge for at least two hours.

Put a griddle pan over high heat.   Wipe the steaks dry, brush with olive oil and sprinkle sparingly with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.  Remove the herbed butter from the fridge.

Grill the steaks over very high heat for 3 minutes on each side.  Reduce the heat and cook the steaks for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes more. and then remove them from the pan, cover loosely with foil and allow them to rest for 10 minutes at least.

Spread the butter over the hot steak, slice thinly, against the grain. and serve with  creamed potatoes and a green salad,



   
                                  HERBED RICE WITH CORIANDER SEEDS

A  Distinctive  Libyan  Rice Dish

A lovely  North African side dish.


525 (3 cups) short grain rice
1500 ml (6 cups) chicken stock

2 tbsp corn oil
1/2 cup trimmed and finely chopped celery
1/2 cup trimmed and finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup peeled and finely chopped onions
1/2 cup peeled, deseeded and finely chopped tomatoes

1 finely chopped chilli pepper
1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger root
2 tbsp coriander seeds, roasted

1 tsp each of:
Ground cumin
Freshly ground black pepper
Paprika

Salt to taste


Saute the chopped ingredients in oil, stirring often until the onion is soft.   Add the rice and the remaining spices, stir well and pour the chicken stock over, it ought to be two fingers over the rice and stir thoroughly and simmer,  covered, for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Serve with meat, poultry or fish and a green or beetroot salad.


                                           CHICKPEA SALAD SPREAD

Egyptian Chickpea Salad Spread

This is lovely Egyptian chickpea spread.


500 g (1 lb) skinless chickpeas, cooked
1 1//2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 large tomato, peeled seeded and diced
1/4 cup  chopped parsley
1/4 cup lemon juice
Cayenne pepper to taste

Pita bread to serve

Mix everything together, place in a saucepan and simmer for 6-10 minutes.  Serve warm spread over pita bread.


                                                         CHIN CHIN

Frying the Chin Chin

Ready to Serve

This is an amazing Nigerian dessert.


390 g (3 cups) plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
125 ml (1//2 cup) water
1 pinch of salt

Vegetable oil for frying

Icing sugar for dusting over


Mix the first five ingredients together to form a dough and knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.  cover and refrigerate for at 30 minutes,

Roll out the dough and cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) squares.  Fry in vegetable oil until puffed and golden brown.  Served dusted with icing sugar.

A BRAND-NEW SISTER FOR JANNA AND SOPHIA!!

Early this morning, in Copenhagen, my third great-granddaughter was born, may she always be healthy, happy and lucky!!  Heaps of love and congratulations to my grandson Alex and my granddaughter Tina for their wonderful, miraculous third achievement, a beautiful baby girl!! Also, my fondest love and best wishes to the big sisters Janna and Sophia and to the jubilant grandparents!

A Gift of a Beautiful Baby Girl for Tina and Alex

HEADLINES, SUBTITLES AND ARTICLES

                                        THE SPANISH CATALAN CRISIS

King Filipe VI of  Spain speaking against the "Catalonian independence drive" said that all Spaniards should respect each other and the law.   He also referred to the declaration of the Spanish  Constitution Court, that the Catalonians recent referendum of succession was illegal.

By using article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, the Spanish government has renounced the Catalan government's endeavours to separate from Spain.  The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Junker, said to an audience while visiting Spain, that he saw Spanish flags everywhere, which "was a beautiful sight".  Needless to say, that he was loudly applauded.

According to a breaking news flashing crawl, "Spain plans to depose the leaders of Catalan and to dissolve the Catalan Parliament, Prime Minister Rajoy said".


                                 ISIS BARBARIANS KILL EGYPTIAN SOLDIERS

At least 23 Egyptian soldiers were killed and 26 injured, after Isis militants attacked an army outpost outside Rafar and Bir al-abd in the Sinai Peninsular.




                                          EU SUMMIT CONCERNING BREXIT

During a press conference, on the second day of the 2017 EU Summit concerning Brexit, the President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Junker, feared that it wouldn't be "Brexit Miracle" and that Britons did not quite realize what Brexit means.

The President of the European Commission, Donald Tusk, said that the UK might still stay in the European Union.   "You may say I am a dreamer ... and I'm not the only one,"

The French President, Emmanuel Macron, stated that he agreed with Prime Minister May when she had said, at a previous EU Meeting that "we have to make sure that no-one will have to pay more or receive less."  President Macron continued that the UK should also "comply with all its commitments" and obligations "made as a member of the European Union".

After long discussions about the issue, Prime Minister May acknowledged that insufficient progress has been made on issues "including the Brexit divorce bill and trade."  She is, apparently, under pressure to leave the talks with the European leaders, "if they deny discussing trade issues".

On the other hand, Chancellor Merkel told reporters that there has been "progress on negotiations and the trade talks could begin in December."  Quite confusing...

I do so hope that, as most Britons have changed their mind, since last year's referendum, that the UK will remain in Europe. (If you wish, have a look at my post PLEASE BREMAIN of the 22nd  June 2017)



                                               SHIFTING SANDS

According to Kenneth Pollack in Brookings, "shifting sands" in  Syria and Iraq refers to the regional balance of power.   Meanwhile, civil war is still raging in Syria.  The province of Deir/Ezzor is, lately, in focus and, fortunately, a few days ago, Raqqa has been liberated from ISIS.

It has been presumed, that a Russian-American agreement exists. on dividing the area along the Euphrates river, into two zones of influence.   However, recent events show that the strategies between these two global powers have changed.

The Euphrates valley connects Turkey, Syria and Iraq.   "Mounting local rivalry has been noticed over the oil-rich resources" during the last few years.



                                           SNAP ELECTIONS IN JAPAN

Add caption

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wins 2/3 majority in Parliament.




                                                   MURDER IN MALTA

Daphne Caruana Galizia

The famous Maltese journalist. Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered, by a bomb that was attached to her car and triggered remotely.

The 53-year-old journalist in her blog "Running Commentary" revealed and exposed government corruption.   She specifically specified Prime Minister Muscat, his wife and a few of his closest consultants for money laundering, in offshore accounts.  She also attacked the head of police and the judicial authorities.  "There are so many crooks everywhere you look.  The situation is desperate."  she wrote on her blog just before being killed.

Our sincere condolences to her three sons and our deepest admiration for this wonderful, brave woman who lifted journalism to such unique heights.

(The information for this post was acquired by Kathimerini, Estia, Brookings, the Guardian, ERT, SKAI TV, ALPHA TV, FRANCE 24, BBC and CNN, all of whom I sincerely thank)




Here are recipes from the countries mentioned above.




                                                  CHANGURRO

Crab-Meat Cooked with Sherry and Brandy

A delicious and interesting Spanish and Catalonian first dish.


120 g (4 oz) butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large garlic clove, peeled and halved lengthwise

120 g (4 oz) onions, peeled and chopped
90 g (3 oz)  leeks, trimmed and finely chopped
1 small tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 tbsp pale dry sherry
2 tbsp brandy

500 g (1 lb) crab-meat, any pieces of shells and cartilage removed
2 1/2  tasty chicken stock
2 heaped tbsp chopped parsley, leaves only
1 pinch of Cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

45 g (1 1/2 oz)  soft bread crumbs, prepared in  a blender
1 tbsp chopped parsley


Melt half the butter and olive oil, and saute the garlic for a minute or two until golden, then remove the garlic with a perforated spoon and discard.

In the garlic-scented butter saute the chopped onions and leeks and simmer, stirring frequently, until soft and transparent.  Then stir in the tomato, sherry and brandy, raise the heat and bring to the boil.   Cook briskly for about 5 minutes until thick and dry.

Reduce the temperature, stir in the crab-meat and sprinkle with chopped parsley, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, the Cayenne pepper and simmer for 3-4 minutes, uncovered.  Taste and season accordingly.

Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F).  Heat the remaining butter in a frying pan, over medium fire.  When the foam subsides, stir in the bread crumbs and chopped parsley and cook, stirring constantly,  until the butter has been absorbed and the crumbs separate and brown slightly.

To assemble, spoon the crab-meat equally into 6 crab or scallop shells.  Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb mixture and bake in the middle of the oven until the crumbs are crisp and golden brown, serve immediately.



                                                   FELAFEL

Chickpea Patties

One of my favourite Egyptian dishes.  Felafels are also  null popular in countries of the Middle East.


500g (1 lb) skinned chickpeas, soaked in water for 24 hours

2  onions, peeled, grated and mixed with:
6-8 spring onions trimmed and finely chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 cups, chopped parsley or fresh coriander
2 tbsp self-raising flour mixed with
1 tsp baking powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper or less


Vegetable oil for frying


Strain and process the chickpeas.  Add all the other ingredients and blend to a soft paste. If the mixture it does not hold together add a little more flour.  Cover the chickpea mixture with cling film and allow to rest for 30 minutes at least.

Take walnut-sized pieces of the mixture and form small balls or patties and allow to rest for 20 minutes more.  Deep fry in vegetable oil until golden brown.




                                     SPEECH HOUSE PUDDING

Speech House was a kind of parliament for the Verderers (officials) and  Free Miners, people who had the mining licences for the County of Gloucestershire, who managed the forest, game and mineral sources in the area.  There, Speech House Pudding was often served.


150 g (5  oz) butter, softened
60 g (2 oz) sugar
4 eggs, separated egg whites whipped stiff with a pinch of salt
120 g (4 oz) plain flour
270 g (7 oz) raspberry jam, separated

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda dissolved in
2 tbsp milk





Grease bottom and sides of a pudding basin with some of the butter and set aside.

Whip 120 g (4 oz) butter with the sugar until pale and fluffy, beat in the egg yolks, one at a time then add the flour in two portions, beating well after each addition.  Stir in 90 g (3 oz) of the raspberry jam.  Quickly stir the bicarbonate of soda and milk solution into the batter, and lightly but thoroughly fold in the whipped egg whites.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pudding basin.  Cover tightly with a double thickness of baking parchment and then with a sheet of foil. Brush the top with the remaining butter.

Place the pudding bowl on a folded piece of cloth, in a large deep pan and add boiling water to come up half the side of the basin.   Again bring water to the boil over high heat, cover the pan tightly and reduce the temperature to low.  Simmer for two hours adding more water to the pan when necessary.

Meanwhile, bring the rest of the raspberry jam to the boil and reserve.   Remove the pudding from the water, and wait for five minutes before reversing onto a pretty platter.   Pour the hot raspberry jam over and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.





                                               MIYABI SOUP

Onion and Mushroom Soup

A delectable Japanese soup, painfully easy to prepare.


1250 ml (5 cups) beef broth
1250 ml (5 cups) chicken broth

1 large carrot,scraped and cut into small cubes
1 onion, peeled and cut into small cubes
2 cloves garlic,  peeled and sliced lengthwise
(All  three vegetables tided together in  cheese-cloth)

Garnish:
1 spring onion, trimmed and very thinly sliced
2 mushroom cut into paper thin slices
3-4 chive stalks, snipped


Pour the thd two broths into a large saucepan, add the cheese cloth pouch with the vegetables and simmer for half an hour,  Discard the pouch.

Place a small amount of garnish into each individual soup bowl and sladle the hot soop over.   Serve immediately.


                   
                                 TURKEY ROLL WITH HERBS AND MUSHROOMS

I usually prepare this superb Maltese dish for Christmas Lunch,

1 kg turkey breast, butterflied
250 g (1/2 lb) panchetta, thinly sliced

Herb mixture:
1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 large clove garlic, chopped
(All mixed together with a little salt and pepper)

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

30 g (1 oz) dried porcini mushrooms soaked in water for about half an hour, dried and finely chopped
500 g (1 lb) mushrooms, trimmed and cut into quarters
1 clove garlic, peeled and finely sliced
250 ml (1 cup) dry white wine


 Preheat the oven to 180 C(350 F).

Place the turkey breast on a working surface, and pound it to 1 cm (0.39 of an inch) thickness.   Cover it with half of the pancetta slices, sprinkle evenly with the herb mixture and roll up the turkey breast into a cylindrical shape.   Wrap it up with the remaining pancetta and tie tightly with kitchen string.

Place the olive oil in a roasting tin and, over medium heat, brown the turkey roll all over.   Place the tin in the oven and cook for 45 minutes.

Remove all but 2 tbsp of olive oil from the pan, add the garlic, porcini, mushrooms and saute, stirring until soft, pour in the wine and cook for a few minutes until alcohol evaporates.

Snip the string off the turkey roll, slice it and arrange on a platter and pour the mushroom sauce over.  Serve with roast potatoes and a green salad.

SOPHIA'S BIRTHDAY!!

My beautiful great-granddaughter Sophia is three years old, today.    Happy Birthday, Sofaki!!!   Our warmest wishes and heaps of love from all of us to you, your adoring parents, your beloved elder sister Janna and your besotted grandparents!! 

Chronia Polla Sophaki!!

CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRES IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Map Depicting  Areas of Wildfires in Nothern California 

Tens of Thousands of Acres were Burnt  in Napa Valey  

The Deadliest Fires in California's History

Monstrous, deadly fires are raging in Napa Valey, Northern California, unfortunately, killing 33 people, 100 missing, destroying thousands of homes, burning tens of thousands of acres and compelling  25.000 residents to flee to safety.   Apparently, these are the worst fires in California, since 1933.

This infernal catastrophe was due to the fact that the fires started at 9 - 11 pm when people were going to bed.   Owing to the very strong winds and the parched land, the fires rapidly took enormous dimensions, got out of control and devasted and destroyed the area.   The reason for so many casualties is that the residents could not be promptly notified and were caught by surprise.

Our deepest condolences to the victims' families and friends and our heart goes out to all those who lost their properties.   We, also, wish to express our profound admiration for the firefighters who with great bravery saved and are still saving, as many lives as possible while risking their own.



(My sincere gratitude to ERT II, SKY TV, ALPHA TV,  CNN, BBC and France 24 for the information for this post as "a picture is worth a thousand words").





Here are a few recipes for American comfort food.




                                                   SHRIMP CHOWDER

Chowder is a soup that is really a full meal.


4 rashers lean bacon very finely chopped
180 g (6 oz) onions, peeled and finely chopped
1500 ml (6 cups) hot, slightly seasoned chicken stock
1 kg (2 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
1 bouquet garni (1 bay leaf + 1 thyme sprig + 2 sprigs parsley)

1/2  kg (1 lb) shrimps, shelled and deveined, washed, patted dry and sauteed on both sides until they just change colour

250 ml (1 cup) double cream mixed with
250 ml (1 cup) full milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Parika


Fry the bacon, in a large saucepan, stirring constantly, until a thin film of bacon fat covers the bottom of the pan.   Lower the heat, add the onions and saute. stirring occasionally, until soft.  Pour in the hot chicken stock, add the diced potatoes and the bouquet garni.  Reduce the heat to moderate and simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart.  Discard the herb bouquet.

Add the sauteed shrimps, pour in the cream/milk mixture and almost bring to the boil.  Taste and add salt if necessary and freshly ground black pepper.  Serve in large individual bowls sprinkled with paprika.



                                                 BARBEQUED SPARERIBS

Uncooked 

Cooked

Here is a  delicious baked version.


2 kg (4 lb) spare ribs, boned

Barbeque Sauce:
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 medium-sized onions, peeled and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and squashed
180 g (6 oz) tomato puree
4 tbsp vinegar
4 tbsp honey
2 sprigs rosemary; leaves only chopped
1 tbsp mustard powder
125 ml (1/2 cup)  beef stock
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt if necessary and freshly ground black pepper

First, prepare the barbeque sauce.   Saute the onion and garlic in oil, until soft, stirring frequently.   Add the tomato puree, vinegar, honey, chopped rosemary, mustard powder, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper and simmer for 10-15 minutes more.  Taste and sprinkle with salt to taste, if necessary and remove from the heat.

Preheat to 190 C (370 F).   Place the spareribs, in a roasting tin, slash the surface of the meat, on both sides, crosswise, with a sharp knife.  Sprinkle both sides with a little coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.   Brush the fat side, lavishly, with barbeque sauce and roast in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, brushing with barbeque sauce every 12 minutes or so.   When the spareribs are brown and crisp cut into portions and serve with a large Ceasar salad.


                                                      CAESER SALAD

 A lovely salad from California.

2 medium-sized heads Coss lettuce. trimmed, separated, washed and patted dry covered and iced

Croutons:
6 slices white bread, crusts removed and cubed, drizzled with
2 tbsp vegetable oil and sprinkled with
2 pinches of salt and baked until crisp.  Cool and reserve

Dressing;
125 ml (1/2 cup) home-made mayonnaise or use a well-known brand
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp mustard, use a well-known brand
1 tsp anchovy paste
(Mix everything well together and taste)

2-4 tbsp grated Parmesan or according to taste




Break the chilled lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a salad bowl.  Drizzle with the salad dressing and toss gently but thoroughly.  Sprinkle with the croutons as much grated Parmesan as you wish and serve immediately.



                                                    APPLE PIE

Ready to Enjoy

Apple Pie a la Mode

This lovely recipe for an aromatic apple-pie was given to me by my dear friend Mary Xenakis, so many years ago.



Pastry:
120 g (4 oz) butter
150 g (5 oz) brown sugar
1 egg
150 g (powdered almonds mixed with
150 g (5 oz) self-raising flour
1 liqueur glass brandy
1 liqueur glass water
A tsp of ground cinnamon
A pinch of grated nutmeg
1 pinch of salt


Filling:
1 1/2 kg (3 lb) apples, peeled, cored, sliced and drizzled with lemon juice

2 heaped tbsp cornflour
3 tbsp or more icing sugar
1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 a tsp grated nutmeg



Cream butter and sugar, then add all the other ingredients for the pastry, mix well together until a soft dough is obtained.  Shape into a ball,  flatten out, cover with cling film and refrigerate for about an hour.

Preheat the oven to180 C (350 F) and prepare the filling.   Mix the cornflour with the icing sugar and spices and sift over the apples and mix gently until all the apples are well coated with the cornflour mixture.

Roll out the dough into two rounds, 0.5 cm thick, one slightly larger than the other.   Drape the larger pastry round in a deep, buttered tart dish and spoon in the filling making a mound in the middle.  Cover with the second pastry round and join the two together crimping them into a pretty shape.  Make two or more slashes on the pastry sheet to allow the steam to escape, sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and bake for about 1 hour.

Serve cold, or, for apple pie a la mode, hot with vanilla ice cream.

CIVIL STRIFE AND VIOLENCE IN CATALONIA

Catalonia Spain

The Basilica Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Catalonia, Designed by Antoni Gaudi

Unfortunately, over 100 people were injured, when police clashed their way into polling stations, trying to stop an illegal independence referendum, in Catalonia, the wealthy Northeastern region of Spain.

The police used extreme measures by firing rubber bullets on the protesters, dragging women by the hair and verbally insulting them and hitting old people with batons until they bled.   Barbaric, violent scenes in a country of the European Union, in 2017.

Why do 50% of Catalonians wish to be separated from Spain?   Ever since 1714, when King Philip V captured Spain's small neighbour, the Principality of Catalonia, there have been "grievances, complaints and demands for freedom" by the local population.  Sometimes more emphatic, occasionally less.

Analysts believe that the credit crunch has rekindled nationalistic tendencies.  As Catalonia has a very robust economy, it produces a fifth of the country's wealth, locals feel it is unfair that they should be burdened with an inexcusably large percentage of Spain's liabilities.

Also, differences in language, memories and scars of the Spanish Civil War and Franco's junta, political ambitions, augmented by biassed news media on both sides, have brought on this very dangerous situation.

The Spanish Prime Minister, Mr Rajoy said that "holding the October 1st vote, in violation of the Spanish Constitution is a totalitarian act" and that "disobedience to the law, by part of the political power, is the opposite of democracy".

Also, King Felipe of Spain, in a forceful televised address, accused the Catalan government of fracturing "the unity of Spain" by their aspiration for independence, which could endanger the"country's social and economic stability".  He added that the Catalan population of 7.5 million, were equally divided into "seccionistas" and "unionistas".

The European Union stated that the country's constitution must be respected.  Later, the EU economic Commissioner Mr. Moscovici said that "An independent Catalonia cannot be a member of the EU" ...."Brussels recognises only one member state, and that is Spain."

As I am very much against fragmentation, on the 22nd June 2016, in a post called PLEASE BREMAIN, I had implored our British friends to remain in Europe, because UNITY IS STRENGTH.   Likewise today, I beseech our Catalan friends to remain united.   Let them not be misled that they will be better off if they leave Spain because, obviously, it'll be the just the contrary, as large construction companies and banks are threatening and planning to transfer their headquarters to other parts of the country.    Unfortunately, if partition occurs, there is no going back.  Britons have, already, deeply regretted their 2016 decision.

Thousands took to the streets of Barcelona, last Tuesday, protesting against "police brutality".   It was a large, peaceful procession, against Saturday's events.   But, as the Catalans are politically sophisticated citizens, I hope and believe that the differences between the two sides will soon be solved, through fruitful dialogue.

After writing this post, millions demonstrated, on Saturday the 7th October. in small towns and cities, all over Spain, including Barcelona.   People, dressed in impartial white, protested against partition under the slogan Hablemos/Parlem (let us talk).

On Tuesday night, the Catalonian leader Carles Puigdemont addressed Parliament with a "perplexing speech"  in which he seemed to declare independence, before "immediately suspending the decision to allow for more dialogue" with Spain, thus deepening the political confusion.

And something I must mention.  The Spanish newspaper El Pais compares Carls Puisdemon to Alexis Tsipras who in 2015 made a "KOLOTUMBA", a Greek "political expression indicating a 180-degree turn" against the will of the people.  The Greek Prime  Minister was, then, blamed for changing the referendum results by making a "kolotumba". which has, since, become an intentional expression, as Brussels is already referring to the Catalan Kolotumba.


(Most of the information for this post was from the press and the mass media such as The Guardian, Express app, Kathimerini, Estia, El Pais, BBC, CNN, France 24 and many Greek talk-shows, to all of which I am extremely grateful.)




Here is a recipe for Sangria to toast all Spaniards.




                                                    SANGRIA

Salud!

 Here is a classic recipe for Sangria.


1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
1/2 lime, thinly sliced
1 orange, thickly sliced
1 apple, cored. halved and thickly sliced
80 g (4 oz) caster sugar or more if preferred
1 bottle of Marques de Murrietta Gran Reserva or any other red wine of your choice
3 tbsp brandy
500-750 ml(2-3 cups)  chilled soda water
Mint sprigs for garnish


Place the sliced fruit in a large jug, add half the sugar, pour in the wine and brandy and stir with a long-handled spoon until the sugar melts.   Taste and add more or all the remaining sugar and stir vigorously.

Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.   Just before serving, add the chilled soda water, stir and serve, immediately. into iced wine-glasses, garnished with mint sprigs.

FEDERAL ELECTIONS IN GERMANY

The German Flag

These were the results of the 2017  German Federal Elections:

Thanking the BBC 

Let us try to analyse the above results.

1.  First came the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a centre-right political party, of Christian Democratic and liberal conservatism ideology, headed by Angela Merkel, with the Christian Social Union (CSU), a centre-right political party, Bavarian regionalism - Christian democratic conservatism, headed by Joachim Hermann (endorsed by Angela Merkle as chancellor-designate of their party alliance with CDU.

2.  Second came Social Democratic Party (SPD), a central-left party, of social democratic ideology, headed by Martin Schultz

3.   Third came the Alternative for Germany AfD, a right-wing to far-right party, of national conservatism, Euroscepticism ideology, headed by Alexander Garland and Alice Wendel.

4.   Fourth came the Free Democratic Party (FDP), a centre to centre-right party, of liberalism, social liberalism ideology, headed by Christian Linder.

5.   Fifth came The Left, a left wing to far left party, of monocratic socialism - left-wing populism ideology, headed by Dietmar Bartsen and Sahra Wagenknecht.

6.   Sixth came the Alliance of the Greens, a centre-left party, of  green politics ideology, headed by Cem Ordermir, Katrin Goring- Eckardt

7.   Seventh came the Christian Social Union (CSU) please see above No 1.




German Chancellor Angela Merkel has won a fourth term in office, because, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, of which she is the leader, came first in the recent federal elections, last Sunday.

The main opposition party in the future German Parliament are the centre-left Social Democrats (SDP), who have refused to be in the government in order to restore their party which has suffered a heavy loss, in the elections.

The greatest surprise, shock and change on the German political scene is the appearance of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, as the country's third largest political force with 12.6% of the vote.

"It is the first time" according to experts "that a far-right party has won so many votes" since the II World War, "and, therefore, gaining so many seats in parliament."  This ultra-right, Europhobic, anti-immigrant party was formed only four years ago.  They, apparently, threat, among others, to abolish mosques and to have women, wearing the Muslim veil, arrested.

It is worrying that a Eurosceptic and Muslimphobic party is represented so strongly, in a European government.   Citizens ought to be openminded, tolerant and fair in order to face and confront this, perpetually, changing world.



Most of the information for this post was from Wikipedia, the international press and TV shows, all of whom I sincerely thank.




I'm giving you, once more, a few recipes, typical of German home cooking.



                                              HEISSE BIERSUPPE

Hot Beer Soup with Croutons and Parsley

An interesting soup that we really enjoy.



1.155 ml (3 1/2 tins) larger beer
120 g (4 oz) sugar
4 egg yolks
4 tbsp sour cream
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish:
Croutons and
Parsley leaves only, thickly chopped



Place the beer and sugar in a large saucepan.   Bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar melts and remove from the stove.

Beat the egg yolks together until pale and add the sour cream, a little at a time.  Stir about 3 tbsp of hot beer into the mixture, then whisk it into the rest of the beer in the saucepan.

Place the saucepan over very low heat and barely simmer, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly.   Do not let it boil or it may split.  Season with salt and freshly ground pepper and cinnamon to taste.

Serve immediately, sprinkled  with croutons and chopped parsley




                                      ZANDER SCHNITTE MIT DILL CREME

Boiled Sliced Potatoes

Pike-Perch Fillet in Dill Sauce

A delectable fish dish.



1 kg (2 lb) pike-perch fillets, washed patted dry and sprinkled with
Salt and drizzled with
Lemon juice
Then let to rest for 15 minutes and pat dry

1  kg (2 lb) potatoes, boiled, peeled and  sliced

2 tbsp butter
120 g (4 oz) onions, peeled and chopped

500 ml (2 cups) single cream
2 tbsp Dusseldorf mustard, or any other hot mustard
1 cup chopped dill
A little salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste



Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F).   Dip the fish in melted butter and lay them in an ovenproof dish that will hold them snuggly, side by side. sprinkle. evenly with the chopped onion and bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is firm and opaque but, please, do not overcook.

Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.  Heat the cream, stir in the mustard and barely simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the chopped dill and remove from the heat.  Taste and add a little salt and freshly ground white pepper, if necessary

On a round dish, arrange the hot potato slices in concentric circles, slightly overlapping each other.   Place the fish fillets over, and drizzle with any cooking liquid and then lavishly with dill sauce.   Serve with a large green salad.




                                HEMMEL KOTOLETTEN MIT SEIBLESOSSE

Lamb Chops

Onion Sauce Before Adding  the Chopped Ham

Finely Chopped Smoked Ham

8 lamb chops
Salt and freshly ground white pepper

60 g (2 oz) lard or clarified butter
30 g (1 oz) butter
210 g (7 oz) onions, peeled and finely chopped
1 1/2 tbsp plain flour
A bouquet garni (1 bay leaf + 1 sprig rosemary + 1 sprig thyme)
750 ml (3 cups) hot cream
1/8 tsp nutmeg
150 g (5 oz) finely chopped smoked ham



Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F).

Pat the lamb chops dry, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper and saute in lard or clarified butter until brown.   Arrange them in a shallow casserole, that will hold them comfortably in a single layer.

Discard all the fat from the pan and add the butter and saute the onions, stirring frequently, until soft but not brown.  Then stir in the flour, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground white pepper.  Add the bouquet garni, mix thoroughly for 3-4 minutes and pour in the hot cream, stirring constantly.  Bring to the boil, and simmer gently, until the sauce thickens and bubbles.   Add the nutmeg, taste for seasoning, and adjust accordingly.    Discard the bouquet, blend and sieve the sauce. and stir in the chopped ham until well combined.

Spoon the sauce over the lamb chops and bring to a simmer, over moderate heat.  Cover the casserole tightly and bake the chops for about 15 minutes or until they are tender.

Serve from the casserole with smashed potatoes and vegetables of your choice.




                                                   APFELSTRUDEL

Delicious Apple Strudel  Ready to Serve

Traditionally, apple strudel is prepared with strudel dough.  To simplify matters, I often use phyllo pastry, which is widely available all over the world.


4 tbsp butter
1 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tbsp granulated sugar

Filling
4-5 apples, peeled, cored, halved and finely sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp grated lemon rind
1/2 cup seedless raisins
100 g (3 oz + 1 heaped tbsp) granulated sugar

6 sheets phyllo pastry
6 tbsp melted butter

Icing sugar for dusting over

Whipped cream for serving, optional.


Saute the breadcrumbs in butter, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown,  Remove from the heat and stir in the sliced almonds and set aside to cool.  Then add in the sugar and mix well to combine.

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Place the apples with the lemon juice and zest, raisins and sugar in a bowl and toss to coat,

Preheat the oven to 190  C (375 F). and line a baking tin with baking parchment.

Place a phyllo sheet on a working surface, brush with butter and sprinkle evenly with 2 1/2 tbsp of the breadcrumb mixture.

Layer the remaining phyllo sheets over the first, following the same procedure i,e. buttering and sprinkling each sheet with the breadcrumb mixture.

Place the apple filling, evenly, on the long side of the phyllo, leaving 5 cm (2 inches) from the bottom and 2.5 cm (1 inch) from both sides.   Fold the lower and left and right sides of the phyllo over the filling and, roll it up like a Swiss roll.   Put the strudel in the prepared baking tin, brush it lavishly with butter and bake for 30-35 minutes until crisp and golden,

Remove from the oven and let the strudel cool, for 10 minutes, on the tin.   Place on a long serving dish, sprinkle with icing sugar and serve, thickly sliced with whipped cream, and guten Appetit!