Edited and re-posted from my old blog Where’s My Parade?!
Originally posted May 2012.
With the arrival of proper sunshine this week, my mind wandered to sun holidays of yore, and some great food that I had there. One place I often bore people about is Sardinia. It was supposed to be just a few days away, hit the beach, have some pizza and the like in the evening. I might’ve mentioned it once or twice…or thrice before that it was here that I discover my beloved Cannonau…
Even though Alghero is a pretty touristy place, they have avoided compromising the quality of food served up to pawn off on unsuspecting blow ins. You won’t be short on choice for the freshest fish and seafood, and gelato that would put hairs on your chest and melt them straight off again.
But it turned out to me a very fortuitous trip, food wise, such as the discovery of an incredible Agriturismo a twenty minute drive out of Alghero town.
An agriturismo is a working farm that you can holiday at, with accommodation and meals provided on site. Their appeal for holiday goers is that some will allow you to work in the farm during the day. The owners usually run restaurants open to the public for a set price meal. The one we went to, was an all-you-can-eat deal…but they would never have anyone ask for more. They’re nearly as big a feeder as The Mother, so you’re more likely to turn the large portions away!
The dinner we had in Agriturismo Isidoro, is to this day, the best meal I’ve had in my life. For €30 you are given dish after dish of vegetables, all sorts of pork, pasta, cheese and meat platters, breads, and of course, wine. It seemed never ending, and after each course you’d think that had to be it, how could you possibly manage any more, and yet another plate would arrive out and it would fit in juuuuust fine!
Everything that was put up in front of you had come from the farm, and the farmer would potter out at various stages throughout the evening to check on how we were.
Between my rubbish Italian and his wild hand gestures, we bonded over the cucumber that was so juicy, it tasted like melon.
I could go on about that meal, but the point of all of this is the other discovery from that trip in Sardinia-Figs!
On the way down to the beach in the morning, my friend grabbed a couple of figs off a tree, and handed me one. I’d never seen a fig outside of a pastry biscuit that was labelled ‘Jacob’s’ so wasn’t quite sure to make of it. It looked a little unripe and didn’t want to get done for eating stolen fruit. Of course, being the wild thing that I am, I gave it a go (totes living on the edge), and became figs number one fan.
From then on, it was me swiping the spoils in the morning…and doing a near sprint away in case we were reprimanded for being such hooligans. What a wuss.
So, with the fig memory flooding back, I got an almighty craving that had to be sorted. To The Google I went, looking for a quick fix.
I found this recipe, and heard a chorus of angels. OK, that might’ve been tinnitus from the Albanian entry from the Eurovision Semi-Final on Tuesday, but whatevs. I’d found the answer!
I wasn’t completely sold on figs with savoury food. I’m not a fan of raisins in curry..or anything else for that matter, and fruit in my dinner? Bleurch. Not for me thankyouverrymuch. But, feck it, why stick with the safe options all the time? Plus I really wanted to get some dariole moulds!
After pumping an Italian foodie for where to get the best Gorgonzola in Dublin, my plan of action was complete. A race across town to make it to Kitchen Compliments for the moulds before they closed, which they very kindly put aside for me. And then, thankfully just around the corner in Fallon & Byrne, the cheese wasn’t too far away in the 20 deg heat! They didn’t have the Gorgonzola Dolce, but there were two others to choose from..and sample..WOOHOO! The Piccante won out. It is just heaven on its own. They know their stuff at the counter, I tells ya.
Even though you have to make the panna cotta the day before, it’s redonkulously easy and quick to make, so it’s not as fussy and time consuming as it might appear.
I’d never used gelatin before either so was putting all trust in the recipe…and then basically ignored it (rebel without a bleedin’ clue). I put in roughly 20g more cheese and a bit more double cream, because I had it, and I wanted the cheese to really come through. It would have been such a waste if it turned out creamy..with a hint of cheese. Sinful, in fact, sinful!
So, I said my goodbyes to the beautiful cheese and dunked it into the creams to melt down. The gelatin was easy to work with, and not a bit fiddly as I’d expected.
I didn’t think the moulds would be big enough to take the mix, but it worked out on the button-no waste! From start to closing the fridge door, it took less than ten minutes. Totally easy peasy.
So, all that’s left to do the next day, is toss the rocket leaves with the figs, walnuts, season and drizzle with balsamic and extra virgin olive oil. Warm some bread, and pop out the panna cottas.
On the first attempt, they were a little wobbly for my liking, but held together and tasted FABULOUS (if I do say so myself, ahem).
The pic at the top is round two, after being left in for another night, and it set a lot more. The texture was still the same but it looked better, so no harm prepping it an extra night ahead if it suits you.
Here it is after one day in the fridge..
And another one of the second overnight, which I think works a lot better all round.
Perfect summer dish; easy, quick, tasty and refreshing. Now, to order a crate of Cannonau online.
Come to momma!
popandglug.com 