Well I think it’s about time that I got this blog back up and running again. It seems as though I let work and well…life get in the way of what I really love to do, and for that I can only apologise. I forgot just how much I love to create my own images and make a big mess in my kitchen. So let’s get started!

A recent trend that I have picked up on is Halloumi Fries. I first tried them in Camden market (click here to see) with friends and I was blown away! Ever since then I have been wanting to make them at home so here it is.

Now I must mention that all the recipes I looked up had fancy spices like sumac and za’atar and pomegranate molasses in it, but unfortunately my kitchen cupboards are not that exotic, and I was too lazy to go out to the supermarket in the snow, so here is my version.

Ingredients:

1 pack x Halloumi

Spices: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp plain flour

Pomegranate seeds (to garnish)

Plain yoghurt (to garnish)

Chilli flakes (to garnish)

Mint leaves (to garnish)

Oil (to fry)

Method:

1. Slice the Halloumi into strips, making sure you don’t slice them too thin.
2. Mix the smoked paprika, oregano, cumin and thyme together and coat the fries. Then coat them in the plain flour. Any left over spices can be mixed together with the yoghurt (optional). Shake off any excess flour.
3. Deep fry the halloumi until golden brown and crisp. Place on a serving dish.
4. Drizzle the yoghurt over the fries and garnish with the pomegranate seeds, mint leaves and chilli flakes. Enjoy!

Tip: Dry the halloumi with a kitchen towel before you flavour them, otherwise the moisture from the cheese will spit when frying. I found this out the hard way…

I realise that deep fried cheese doesn’t really fit into the theme of healthy eating in January but life is too short not to indulge now and again. This is one of my favourite recipes and I will defend it with all my might. The salty and crispy cheese paired with sweet pomegranate seeds and mint just creates an explosion in your mouth. A must try! Oh go on…

It feels good to be back. I learnt that you can’t let life get in the way of doing what you really love. For me it’s food photography, but whatever it might be for you, keep it up!

Thanks for reading! Check out my website at www.jbimagery.co.uk