Spice Girl

"Caribbean Flavors with a Twist"

Cooking Holiday on Curacao

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Hello there!

It has been a while! So much has happened during the last year with my new cookbook coming out, the secret pop-up restaurants, my new Chef’s Table, a book tour through the Netherlands and my weekly Caribbean cooking classes. Oh my. It’s about time I give you guys a little update. Let me get started with exciting news about my upcoming cooking holiday.

From September 29th to October 5th I am hosting a special cooking week on Curaçao. I will share my passion for the Caribbean kitchen during a culinary week where cooking, eating and exploring are key. The program is filled with Caribbean cooking classes, culinary hotspots, plantation visits and experiencing island life off the beaten tourist track.

Apart from its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, the island offers a rich culinary experience. The Caribbean kitchen is a beautiful melting pot of different cultures. The island, with her rich historic past and different cultures, serves as an amazing platform to explore the Caribbean cuisine. Classic dishes transmit a part of history and keep traditions alive. Next to the authentic Caribbean cuisine, a culinary revolution is arising which gives a modern twist to traditional Caribbean dishes by using new techniques on centuries old recipes. Also, in line with the worldwide trend, there is an upcoming demand for local produce. This calls for young entrepreneurs entering the culinary market with sustainable local products. All in all, it’s a great time for any travel foodie to discover the Caribbean kitchen!

 

Caribbean cooking holiday

 

I have a few spots available for the upcoming one starting on September 29th. The next cooking holiday is scheduled for February 2020. Let me know in case you are interested and I’ll be happy to send you more info!

 

Salted Cod Croquettes

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Salted Cod Croquettes

Salted Cod Croquettes

With the long weekend ahead, these delicious salted cod croquettes might be just the thing to add to your culinary repertoire. Throw in a few mojito’s, some good friends and you’re all set for a perfect pre-summer cocktail party.

As for salted fish. We shouldn’t judge it by its looks. Nor its smell. Soak it, boil it and you’re left with a flavorful base for lots of tasty recipes. Trust me!

This recipe is adapted from the version of the famous Daniel Boulud and is pretty damn tasty.

Happy weekend! Will spend mine on a deserted island by the way. Hooray!

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Salted Cod Croquettes

  • Author: Helmi Smeulders
  • Yield: Makes 20-25 croquettes
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb (225 g) salt cod, soaked in water for 1 hour
  • 1 cup (250 ml) milk
  • 2 sprigs of thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 1 lb (450 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Scotch Bonnet chili, finely minced (or more to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro/culantro, finely chopped
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 (50 g) red onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-2 cup(s) panko (or fresh bread crumbs)
  • 3 eggs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Lime wedges, crispy parsley* and lime mayo, to serve

Instructions

In a saucepan, combine the cod, milk, thyme, bay leaf and garlic. Add enough water to cover the fish and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 20 minutes, or until flaky and tender. Transfer the fish to a plate. Reserve the milk in the saucepan!

Add the potatoes to the saucepan and simmer until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Flake the fish with a fork. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and mash to a coarse puree. Add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking liquid as needed. Flake the fish with a fork and add to the potatoes together with the chili, cilantro and egg yolk. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and fry the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir through the potato mixture and season to taste. Refrigerate the mixture until cool and set, at least 30 minutes.

Take 3 small bowls, 1 for the flour, 1 for the eggs and 1 for the panko. Beat the eggs with a fork. Form the salt cod mixture into tablespoon-size balls. One by one, dredge each ball in flour, dip them in the beaten eggs and coat with panko. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate until chilled, about 10 -15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oil to 375F/180C. Working in batches fry the balls until golden, about 4-5 minutes. Serve immediately with lime wedges, crispy parsley and lime mayo.

 

Notes

* To make the crispy parsley, fry the leaves of a bunch of curly parsley in the hot oil for 30 seconds. Drain on paper towel. Be careful when adding the leaves to the oil; it will spatter because of the moisture in the leaves.

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I am proud to be:

the Winner of the 2014 CITI Award for Most Impact on Sustainability!