Food - Barbecue it Right - Barbecued Asparagus with Mint and Lemon Oil

While today may actually be a little overcast, the general spring/summer weather here in the UK has been quite simply wonderful thus far.   As is the norm, picnics and barbecues are rife.  The first sign of a clear sky and us Brits take our cue to rush out and stock up on the raw ingredients in preparation for a summery, sizzling supper.

We wanted to share with you a simple, yet sensational, recipe for barbecued Asparagus with Mint and Lemon oil.  Right now, British Asparagus is in season, making it an ideal little side dish to run alongside the meaty principals.  Not only is asparagus rich in antioxidants but it is also rich in fibre, folic acid and potassium.

Ingredients
2 x bundles of fresh British asparagus (most nutritious straight after picking)
4 x tbsp Kuati's extra virgin olive oil w/lemon
2 x tbsp finely chopped mint leaves
50g parmesan shavings
A sprinkling of sesame seeds to serve
Sea salt to season

Method
1. Break the woody ends off the asparagus (the best way to do this is to hold the stalk at the bottom and bend until it breaks naturally separating the tough woody section from the tasty bit)
2. Place on a baking tray and coat with half of the oil and a sprinkling of sea salt
3. Grill the asparagus over the barbecue for approximately 2 minutes on either side (you may wish to skewer a few stalks together as above to keep the portions even)
4.Mix the remaining oil and freshly chopped mint
5.Place the cooked asparagus on the serving dish, drizzle with remaining oil/mint mixture and douse delicately with sesame seeds and parmesan shavings.

Could this recipe be any easier?  Why not mix it up and use our suggested dressing to make your own Halloumi and mixed vegetables skewers and serve with softly sunblush tomoatoes for a mediterannean feel.  Wash all of these delectable delights down with some of our delicious Fentimans Rose Lemonade, Dandelion & Burdock drink or Ginger Beer?

Culture - Musical Bliss Courtesy of Clock Opera, Fleet Foxes, Findlay Brown and Ed Sheran

Summer is encroaching slowly but surely.  We, here at Kuati, very much enjoy, promoting the new, the fresh and ideas that have not yet been over exposed.  Kuati has compiled a sampler, amuse bouche if you will,of four wonderful songs to relax to while enjoying a few our of favourite products.

Summer means festivals! This weekend's Great Escape is Brighton is well underway and paving the path for a season full of japes and jaunts.  This we have selected a band (that I personally have been raving about for well over a year) that have FINALLY started receiving some UK radio airplay and a sprinkle of the credit they deserve.  So that is our first recommendation, Clock Opera - Belongings, (released on Moshi Moshi) as seen above.

Our second sensationally soothing sample comes from Fleet Foxes.  Currently promoting their eagerly awaited second album, Montezuma, Fleet foxes are touring all across the globe, so do try and catch them if you get chance.  If you are not one of the privileged few to have tickets, we recommend you allow yourself to drift away to greener pastures while taking a steamy bath with our Abahna foam blending bath set.

Findlay Brown and Ed Sheran two more artists that has been both been about for quite some time but have only just really made the break through into a slightly more mainstream arena.  Sheran has made several well respected radio DJ's record of the week with his song 'The A Team', which he recently performed on BBC2's Later With Jools Holland.  While Brown has been the subject of much praise across popular Internet blogs.

So, there you have a couple of Kuati's suggestions for helping you unwind.  Delectably scented candles, beautiful bath oils, indulgent lounge wear and, crucially, the perfect soundtrack.  Enjoy!

Lifestyle - Enjoy Your Own Oil

While philanthropy is ALWAYS in fashion, in these times of austerity, it is kind of nice to get something in return.  Of equal importance, is the knowledge surronding the origins of the food that we put into our bodies.  There are, globally, a steadily growing trend that we, here at Kuati, believe to be pure genius.  Adopt-your-own schemes are such innovative ideas that benefit the environment and (of course) make wonderful gifts!

 

http://www.nudo-italia.com/groves

 As is frequently the case, as demand increases for a product, so does the mechanized method utilized when obtaining core ingredients.  For example, when harvesting the olives used to make the extra virgin oil we so happily drizzle all over our fresh, summery salads, the environment is often neglected as the soil erodes leading to a poorer harvest of poorly flavoured oil.  Adopting a tree also encourages traditional methods to be upheld, as generations of olive growers can afford to continue to keep their businesses family run, and pass on the tricks of the trade obtained throughout the years.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil makes the perfect, healthy and delicious staple to have to hand in your kitchen. Not only does the oil embody the spirit of the Mediterranean, but, Nudo oils are also very low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated fats, making the oil extremely good for your entire body, especially your heart.   The oils are simply ideal for drizzling over fresh salads, dipping your piping hot, fresh ciabatta in, or roasting seasonal vegetables.  You could even reap the benefits externally by making your own nutrient-rich and gentle face or hair masks if you are feeling particularly creative!

With Nudo, the 'adotp and olive tree' scheme costs £67 and includes a plethora of goodies; the most exciting of which is 2 litres of your own, delectable, extra virgin olive oil!  And for those who do not have the spare £67 required by one of our favorite suppliers, you can still encourage the practices preached by Nudo by purchasing one of their delicious oils directly from Kuati along with the perfect accompaniment, tagliatelle!!!