So THE WORLD CUP is nearly here and whether you like or loathe football we’ve got a great treat for you. For the last few years here at Mummies Club HQ we decided to celebrate major world sports events through food (any excuse). The idea is simple take a look ahead at the game fixtures and plan your weekly menu around the countries playing that day.
Think bratwurst for Germany, fondue for Switzerland and so on.
To get you started here is a selection of games and a few ideas
Ideas: from Romania try making a Chiftele – a large meatball covered with breadcrumbs or a flour crust or Frigarui a Romanian style shish kebab. If you can find it serve with Tuica a traditional Romanian alcoholic drink. From France why not have a go at moules mariniere (mussels) or give into your sweet tooth and cook up some crepes. Serve with a good french wine or if your feeling luxurious champagne.
Also for Romania whip up some traditional potato Pancakes called Deruny and serve with lashings of sour cream or create an Olivier salad made out of cooked and chopped potatoes, dill pickles, boiled chopped eggs, cooked and chopped chicken or ham, chopped onions and canned peas all mixed with mayonnaise.
Ideas: for Albania why not create an Albanian style metze platter including some dried meats, salami cheese marinated olives and and stuffed peppers.
Switzerland
For Switzerland you could opt for a traditional fondue or a traditional Rosti (try adding Emmental and apple).
Ideas: traditional bratwurst sausages are readily available – cut into thick slices and season with spicy ketchup and generous amounts of curry powder, then serve usually served with french fries.
Ideas: Belgium is best known for chocolate, waffles, fries and beer. Choose them all or a meal/dessert based on one or two. If you go for the fries why not keep things simple and add a lovely piece of steak.
Italy
For Italy the choices are endless, pizza, calzone, pasta and of course prosecco.
Ideas: for Portuguese food think nandos, piri piri chicken is a must all washed down with a port based cocktail.
Iceland
For Iceland did you know hot docs are iconic, choose a sausage with lamb if you can and serve with mustard, ketchup, raw onions, crispy fried onions and remoulade.
Ideas: for Russia a traditional stroganoff always goes down well.
For Slovakia try Halušky, similar to Gnocchi or some traditional fried fish (usually served at Christmas) with a side of potato salad.
Ideas: England has to be pie, a traditional staple at football pitches across the country.
Wales
For Wales a perfect easy to eat good would be the Welsh rarebit (posh cheese on toast). http://www.visitwales.com/explore/traditions-history/recipes