Tasty Chefs, Chocolate Olive truffles and too much wine for a school night

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When I saw the invite for a cookery class and three course meal in Altrincham I jumped at the chance. Cooking with celebrity (and quite tasty) chef Omar Allibhoy we used the tasty Olives from Spain to create some fabulous dishes.

We heard how you shouldn’t buy marinated olives as they use the marinade to cover up imperfections and then we were taught how to make two different marinades, one of which would be perfect for Christmas with the inclusion of Cinnamon and cardamon.

We watched Omar create some amazing Chocolate truffles with blended black olives, we made sea bass,  chicken stew and a gorgeous Spanish tortilla using kettle chips. All the while my glass kept getting refilled with a lovely white wine.

I took along Jen from My Mummys pennies and a friend of mine who loves cooking and it was a brilliant evening that I would happily do again and again, especially for the food. I have since started cooking Spanish food in my kitchen again and I am trying to use some of the hints and tricks as well as the ingredients that Omar showed us. I have cooked the Spanish Tortilla again so Hubby can try it and once again it was a success and a quick and easy replacement for potato.

Just to make you jealous, here is some of our photos from the evening.


Olives from Spain have a great facebook competition running at the moment, all the details are below. I am off to go and munch some olives because looking at those pictures has made me hungry again.

OLIVES FROM SPAIN LAUNCHES MOUTH WATERING CULINARY COMPETITION

On the 5th November 2012, Olives from Spain will launch a fantastic competition on its Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/TasteofSpain) that’s sure to make any foodie’s eyes water.

The competition will run for one month, giving not one, but two lucky fans the chance to win a Spanish culinary experience. The prize itself will take place in London, during which each winner and a friend will be treated to the following:

v     A private cooking lesson and Spanish olive tutorial with the ‘Antonio Banderas’ of food, Spanish chef Omar Allibhoy

v     Dinner at famous Spanish restaurant El Pirata Detapas in Notting Hill

v     An overnight stay in a top London hotel (breakfast included)

v     £200 spending money

v     Train tickets to and from London

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply head over to the Olives from Spain Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/TasteofSpain) from the 5th November 2012, answer a simple question and keep your fingers crossed!

Olives are a key ingredient in traditional Spanish cuisine and make up a large part of the Mediterranean diet. From quick and simple olive marinades, to starters, main courses and desserts, olives are a traditional and popular food in Spain, due to their versatility and wonderful flavour.

To find out more about Spanish olives, visit the Olives from Spain website (http://www.olivesfromspain.co.uk) and follow on Twitter (@Taste_of_Spain).