Zucchini, Potato and Red Pepper Cake; Being Good in Dubai
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Dubai attracts a more rich and famous crowd than rural France.
But, unlike some countries, (which will remain nameless) Dubai expects the rich and famous to behave.
And I mean Behave!
There was an interesting interview on the telly the other day... If you choose to live in Dubai:
No living with someone that is not a family member.
No rude gestures in public. (The Fickle Finger of Fate does not Fly!)
No displays of drunk and disorderly behavior.
No drinking at all, for that matter (outside your own house or hotel room).
No drugs. None. That may include prescription drugs allowed elsewhere.
No swearing in public.
And don't stare at any woman for too long, or harass one in any way.
Penalties for the above infractions, as well as many others, is swift and certain; ranging from corporal punishment to imprisonment to execution.
Ignorance of the law doesn't count and money doesn't help.
As the Sheik said: People can read about our laws before moving here... And I have more money than any of them do.
It's his country; best behave!
Kind of redefines "Know before you go" doesn't
Not a good choice of second home for Paris Hilton.
On to the food: Zucchini's taking over your life yet? Here's one more for the summer:
Zucchini (Courgette), Potato and Red Pepper Cake
2 medium potatoes, (8oz, 250gr total)
1 small - medium zucchini (8oz, 250gr)
1 onion (5oz, 150gr)
1/2 red pepper
1 tbs olive oil
Chop the onion and red pepper. Wash the potatoes and zucchini, but do not peel. Shred the zucchini and the potatoes using the large whole on a box grater or use a food processor. Put all of the vegetables into a bowl and stir well to combine. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetables and flatten as best you can with a spatula, reduce heat to medium and let fry. After 10 minutes lift up an edge to see how it looks. Keep checking until it's a nice, golden brown. (Mine took about 15 minutes - increase the heat if it takes longer than that) Then you can do one of two things:
Put a plate (or tray) on top of the skillet. Grabbing the plate and skillet together (with hot pads) flip them over so that the cake is on the plate. Slide the cake back into the pan to cook the other side, another 10 - 12 minutes. When done, slide onto a plate cut into wedges and serve.
Or, carefully turn large sections with a spatula. Pat back together and fry until brown on that side, another 10 - 15 minutes. Slice onto a platter and serve.
In addition to the above, for the week of August 8 we have Salmon Salad with Spanish Rice, Grilled Cornish Hens with Molasses Glaze, Chicken Satay, Vitello Tonnato, Pasta with Fresh Tomato and Green Olive Sauce and more...
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Bon Weekend!
Zucchini is not yet taking over my life. And I am always glad to get a recipe that uses them, so thanks for this cake, which looks very nice.
Posted by: Simona | August 08, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Interesting! The Paris Hilton line really cracked me up because LB and I were just talking about her this morning because one of our esteemed presidential candidates compared the other to her in a commercial (oh, the shame) and then she made her own commercial about how she might as well be a candidate for presidency then.
Posted by: michelle | August 08, 2008 at 01:23 AM
PS. I wish I was up to my ears in zucchinis!
Posted by: michelle | August 08, 2008 at 01:24 AM
Actually, those rules in Dubai don't sound that onerous - it's the punishments that are exaggerated. The rest (except the prescription drugs and perhaps the drinking) seem just like civility. Oh, and living with someone who is not a family member... that might challenge a bunch of Americans!
Posted by: Zoomie | August 08, 2008 at 04:02 PM
I like the sound of the cake--flavor-wise and just how its prepared. It looks delicious! As for the Dubai rules...yikes, lol!
Posted by: Mike | August 08, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Simona, it seems strange to havt to rely on others for my courgette this year... but I still seem to have an ample supply!
Michelle, I just watched that add - it's wonderful!
Zoomie, you're right, the rules are normal. It's just the seriousness with which they enforce them that is surprising some people...
Mike, best move to Dubai with your eyes open!
Posted by: katie | August 09, 2008 at 09:54 PM
I hope you can prepare whatever food you care to in Dubai
Posted by: Bellini Valli | August 12, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Val, the laws are fine...it's the consequences. Although there may be some bizarre dietary laws.... I'd worry...
Posted by: katie | August 12, 2008 at 09:28 PM