Queens Day

The 30th of April 2013 officially marked Koninginnedag 'Queens day' a national holiday in the Netherlands used to celebrate the Dutch Queen Beatrix's birthday and this year her abdication of the throne to her son Prince Willem- Alexander. 

The streets were full of people dressed in orange, which is the official colour of the Dutch royal family and hails the house of orange. The canals were packed with people as they traveled along in their boats and the pavements covered as the Dutch sold second hand items. There were several stalls selling food and there were sounds of loud music as you walked down the street, being my first Koninginnedag I definitely enjoyed the experience.

Here are a few pictures of the day ! 

My 'attempt' at wearing orange

Plantain

Recently, I've been indulging in quite of bit of plantain so I thought I'd share

Plantain is a versatile fruit and is sometimes mistaken for banana. However, unlike banana it can't be eaten raw. What I love most about plantain is its versatility. It can be fried, boiled or roasted and can be eaten as a main dish, appetizer or accompany a main dish.When ripe and the skin of the plantain blackens its very sweet unlike its green counterpart.

Plantain makes a perfect breakfast or lunch

Boiled Plantain (Healthier option) with fried egg

I cut 1 plantain into 3 pieces and boil for about 20-30mins in the skin until thoroughly cooked, the cooking time will depend on how ripe the plantain is.

. fried plantain, 1 slice of bread, fried egg with baked beans and red onions 

(Adding baked beans to my meal is actually a new thing for me which I was introduced to by my housemate, but I must say it accompanies the dish well !)

I slice the plantain into small slices sprinkle on a bit of salt and shallow fry in some oil on both sides.

Plantain used to accompany main dish

Check here for my Jollof rice recipe 

Enjoy

Breakfast

Although breakfast is said to be the 'most important meal of the day' it tends to be the meal that I always miss or just don't have enough time for in the mornings.

Recently however I've had more than enough time for breakfast and in an 'attempt' to try and eat healthy and include a variety of food in my diet I thought I'd share my breaky with you .


Ingredients:

• Greek yogurt 
• 1 banana 
• Crunchy Muesli 

I literally just layer the ingredients, a spoon of muesli,banana and then some yogurt and repeat again. Its quick easy and a light breakfast for the morning

 

Enjoy