raspberries – Knidos Cookery Club

27 July 2023

As the July heat builds up here in Almaty, where daytime temperatures are heading for the high 30s, we’ve been looking around for some cold drinks to chill down a bit.

We’re not fans of overly sweet drinks here at KCC so this tart hibiscus and cinnamon cold brew really hits the spot. It’s a refreshing brew that will help you keep your cool in the heatwave.

It’s easy to make – put 15g of hibiscus flowers and a cinnamon stick in a 1 litre glass jar. Add cold water to the top of the jar and leave overnight in the fridge. Strain off the leaves and cinnamon stick and serve with ice. Add more water or some sugar or honey if you find it tastes too tart.

For a summertime cocktail, fill a tall glass with ice, add 10 raspberries, 100ml dry vermouth, 100ml hibiscus cold brew and top up with sparkling water. Add a shot of white rum or brandy to give your Heat Haze an extra bit of oomph.

30 June 2022

With Wimbledon in full swing and the British hopes fading fast, it’s time to seek some consolation in some seasonal soft fruits. Strawberries and cream, of course, is a dish associated with the tennis extravaganza in SW19.

This summer, KCC has noticed a glut of strawberry recipes in the mainstream UK press and on Instagram, using these berries in salads or in gazpacho, a cold, blended vegetable soup.

KCC’S Raspberry, rocket and walnut delight

We popped along to see Gulzhaina, our local greengrocer in Almaty, but alas she only had raspberries in stock. Not to worry, though, as these tart berries are also great when used in a salad.

We served our raspberries on a bed of rocket, radish and spring onion and topped with toasted walnuts, pomegranate sauce and olive oil – a great combination on a hot summer’s day.