Saturday, September 17, 2011

Fennel and Celery Salad - On the Road to Morocco



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...
The Silver Fox and I are airborne and heading to Germany on the first leg of our yearly adventure. Oktoberfest beckoned and we couldn't resist its lure, but once we've had our fill of beer and sausage and German gemütlichkeit, we'll head to North Africa for whirlwind tours of Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakesh. Our final destination is Turkey, and this fascinating country is where we'll be spending most of our time. We pieced together an antiquities tour that, in addition to the wonders of the Sophia and Topkapi, will involve some hiking on the Lycean way, and visiting places as disparate as Ephesus, Cappadocia, Gallipoli and, of course, Troy in memory of the fair Helen. Needless to say, excitement is running high and we're really looking forward to this adventure. We'll be gone for a month, but I wanted you to know that I've scheduled new posts and recipes for everyday we're away and that I plan to add travel updates whenever it is possible. Don't be a stranger. I sincerely hope you'll continue to stop by.



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I had intended to share another adult cookie with you today, but I came across a fennel and celery salad that was developed by Mark Bittman and changed my plans. Though fennel is a cool weather crop, and will be available for months to come, I wanted to share his recipe with you while locally grown fennel is still available in your farmers markets. I loved this salad and I think those of you who like fennel will love it, too. While they have similar textures, fennel and celery have completely different flavors. They meld beautifully, especially when tossed with a lemony vinaigrette. The only caution I have to share with you regarding today's dish is that both vegetables must be very thinly sliced and approximately the same size. This is the time to use a mandolin if you have one. I like this salad chilled but it can be served at room temperature if you prefer. The slicing will turn many of you off, but this is an exceptional salad and well-worth the effort required to get it to the table. I hope you will give it a try. Here's the recipe.


Fennel and Celery Salad...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Mark Bittman

Ingredients:
2 medium fennel bulbs, trimmed, some fronds reserved
3 celery ribs, trimmed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, more to taste
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, more to taste
Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1) Cut fennel bulbs in quarters lengthwise, discarding outer layer if it is exceedingly tough. Use a mandoline to slice quarters thinly; slice celery equally thin.
2) Put sliced fennel and celery into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine. Top with lots of freshly shaved Parmesan and chopped fennel fronds if you like. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.








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You might also enjoy these recipes:
Shaved Fennel Salad - 101 Cookbooks
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45 comments :

Lora said...

Enjoy Octoberfest. As a former Munich resident and a 10 year Wiesn' veteran, my tip is to go during the day. It's easier to get a seat outside then, unless of course you have reservations in a tent. The nicer, fancier tents are the Hippodrome and the Käfer tents. And don't forget to buy a dirndl! Prost.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I have actually never tried fennel! What a wonderful trip you have planned! I hope you have a marvelous time, I remember all the wonderful pictures from your trip last year!! You really are organized to have a whole month of posts done in advance! Bon Voyage!!!

Barbara F. said...

Mary - have a wonderful trip, safe travels! xo

AllThingsYummy said...

Sounds like an amazing trip. Have fun.

Anonymous said...

How fun on your vacation! Be safe!

Banana Wonder said...

what a great recipe Mary! I love the combination of fennel, celery and freshly shaved parm. I am excited for your trip and your adventures AND your recipes! Where are you going in Turkey? My grandfather is from Kappadoccia - I hope you can make it over there..it's truly stunning. Happy and safe travels.

Flavia Galasso said...

Oh MAry...you are going to be so near to me....why don't you visit Sicily????? Anyway have a wonderful month of emotions....wait for you back, blessings, Flavia

Anonymous said...

I envy I envy I envy:)) CVant wait for your repports especially from North Africa..how exiting:))Fenenl and Celery good mates and perfect match:)

Debs @ DKC said...

I love fennel, lovely recipe. I can't believe you are coming this far and not coming to Spain too, especially as you are visiting our neighbouring country! I could have had nicely chilled wine waiting for you on the terrace LOL

Rambling Tart said...

Oh! I'm so excited for you, Mary! :-) Hope you have a marvelous time and that your adventures aren't nearly as crazy as the Road to movies. :-)

mia maria said...

I am so happy for you! I hope you have an amazing trip!

My Little Space said...

Oh wow Mary, hope you & Bob are now enjoying the fresh air, beer, sausage and beautiful scenery in Germany! Can't wait till the end of your trip. Hopefully, this year everything will be going smooth and steady. No more lost luggage or knocking on forehead! :o( Have loads of fun!
Blessings, Kristy

Diane said...

Have a great time, love the Oktoberfest, how those girls carry so many mugs of beer at one time just beats me!!! Enjoy North Africa as well. Hope the weather is good. Take care and keep well. Diane

Priya Suresh said...

Enjoy ur trip, salad looks excellent and fabulous..

Becki's Whole Life said...

Your trip sounds great - enjoy Mary!

This salad looks really refreshing. I love the crunchiness and the taste of fennels is so different.

Lynn said...

Have a great trip Mary, raise a glass for me:@)

Tanna said...

My socks are still going up and down over the Roasted Fennel, Bell Pepper and Onion recipe (enjoyed SEVERAL times). Makes me sure I will want to give this one a try, too. I can't wait to hear of your adventures, Mary!! Have a wonderful trip. blessings ~ tanna

Tender B. said...

A nice out the door meal. Have a great trip.

Sue/the view from great island said...

Have a glorious trip, I'm so jealous! I've always wanted to go to Octoberfest. I can't wait for all the posts about it.
I'm so glad you posted this salad, I love fennel and can't get enough of it. I know what you mean about slicing it ultra thin, though. It can be tough and overwhelming in flavor when it's raw and cut too thickly.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Have a wonderful trup Mary. Can't wiat to hear about your adventures.

Maris (In Good Taste) said...

Have a safe trip and a wonderful time. Can't wait to see the pictures!

Nisrine said...

Your trip sounds fascinating, no beyond fascinating. Enjoy and say hello to Morocco for me!

June said...

Have a wonderful trip Mary. Can't wait to hear about your adventures.

Twyla and Lindsey said...

I am envious of your trip! Wishing you safe travels and much enjoyment! Twyla

lindalou said...

Wow what an amazing trip. Have fun. I can't believe you've scheduled posts for every day you are away. That is really impressive.

Foodiewife said...

What a glamorous life you lead! I'm so impressed with your dedication, that you've posted a blog for every day. How do you do it? I'm lucky to get one posted once or twice a week!
Prost!

Ashley said...

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for the comment :) I enjoyed your blog as well and look forward to trying out some recipes. I hope you have wonderful adventures on your trip!

Kalyn Denny said...

Sounds like a fabulous trip. I went to Morocco once (just a day trip from a cruise ship) and found it fascinating!

Jocie's Mom said...

What a trip! You're gonna have a fantastic time :) Did you know that more than 7 million 2-pint mugs of beer were consumed in Munich during last year's Oktoberfest? Prost!

A Bitchin' Kitchen said...

Enjoy your trip! That sounds like so much fun!

- Maggie

That Girl said...

Be safe! Munich is a madhouse this time of year!

Elisabeth said...

Mary-you're trip sounds absolutely amazing. Have fun at the Oktoberfest in Germany, and would love for you to share fabulous photos of your trip to Morocco, with all the great foods, as well!
Have a wonderful trip!

BTW-Love the refreshing celery, and fennel salad by Mark Bittman. I have his book and love each and every recipe he has:DDD

Buttercup said...

What a wonderful trip. Turkey is one of my favorite places and hope for a return trip soon. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Relucent Reader said...

Envious:to stand at windy Troy. Enjoy, and travel safely.
Excellent recipe, fennel is a popular item here, and we shall surely try it. I made a version of a Sicilian(?) white salad once with it and was hooked.
Regards,
Scott

Unknown said...

Hi mary!!

Thanks for your time visiting my isohungry foodblog!

I tried fennel (the seeds /powder) in soups (in asian broths) but i haven't actually tried the vegetable itself.

have a nice trip!!

Ann

Velva said...

This is a beautiful fennel and celery salad. I really learned to appreciate fennel late in life.

Hope your travels are awesome. Look forward to you sharing them with us.

Velva

teresa said...

what a FUN FUN trip! i'm so looking forward to hearing about it. and a gorgeous salad!

Ellen Whyte said...

Have a fantastic holiday, you two! I'm so jealous! Looking forward to the exciting new food you're bound to pick up for us and share.

Susan Lindquist said...

Have a wonderful time, Mary! Prost!

I have just discovered fennel and am finding it so versatile! Love the aroma and soft flavour when it's roasted! Now this post with fennel in a salad ... interesting!

sally said...

Have a great trip! I can't wait to hear all about it.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What an exciting trip you have planned. I know you will have the time of your lives. I can't get over how organized you are to have planned posts for the entire time you are gone.

Bon voyage Mary.
Sam

France@beyondthepeel said...

I love fennel and yes the chopping is tedious but the mandoline can get this on the table in a matter of minutes. I only just received one as a gift in May and I don't know how I lived without one for so long!

Elaine said...

Safe travels, Mary. Have wonderful adventures!

Right Travel said...

Great trip. Thanks for sharing your views. I just love it.

~~louise~~ said...

Have a blast Mary! Thanks for sharing...

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