What's in season January 2015.

What's in season - January 2015...

We are lucky enough to live in a fantastic country where we have a wide variety of fresh, seasonal produce.  

Here's what you can expect to find in season during the Month of January.

VEGETABLES:  Asparagus, baby corn, mange tout, lemon grass, green beans, carrots, 

baby marrows, brinjals, beans, brown mushrooms, onions, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, celery, cucumber, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, Brussel sprouts. 

FRUITS:  Cherries, raspberries, plums, bananas, litchis, mango, nectarines, peaches, pears, prickly pears, grapes, watermelon,  pineapple, figs, spanspek, granadilla, quinces.

HERBS:  Mint, parsley, sage, thyme, marjoram, oreganum, rosemary, fennel, dill, bay leaves, rocket, chives, coriander.

Why not try out this lovely summer recipe below which  incorporates some of this seasonal produce. 

Grilled nectarine salad with roasted chicken, feta, rocket, mint & almond.

Ingredients:

• 1 Packet rocket leaves 
• 1 Handful of mint leaves. finely chopped 
• 4 Cold roasted chicken breasts, sliced
• Danish feta cheese
• 3 Fresh nectarines, sliced 
• Drizzle of honey
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Roasted almond

For the Dressing:

• 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Teaspoon wholegrain mustard
• 1 Teaspoon honey 

Method:

1. Pre-heat your oven's grill.  Arrange the nectarine slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little honey and sprinkle with black pepper.  Roast for +- 5 minutes or until lightly coloured.  Allow to cool. 
2. Arrange the rocket, mint, chicken, feta, roasted peaches and almonds on a large flat salad platter.
3. Whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing and pour over the salad.   
4. Serve immediately or alternatively place into the fridge to keep cool and serve later.