Capsicum pastry rolls and sailing in Waiheke on board of Timetama

This is one of those creations that happened while using up leftover puff pastry and a bit of peperonata I had in the pot. The resulting dish was so pretty and delicious that I decided to share it, (Scroll down for the recipe) together with some colourful pictures of our recent trip to Waiheke on Board of Timetama.

Arantxa, Max and Milo in 2016

The same kids back in 2010!

The Hauraki Gulf is a beautiful place for sailing, and to me Waiheke is best seen from the water. I know that there are lots of Wineries and such, but I prefer the tranquillity of being on a boat and looking at the land, rather than the other way round. Also seeing the kids on the water, so confident (more that I could possibly be) and playful is just fantastic.

Playing and .... relaxing! We sailed to Rocky Bay for two nights of shelter, I am now getting more familiar with the coast, and I like walking on semi-deserted beaches and reserves. Yes, very few people around, but as soon as we went to a winery for lunch it all changed, it was packed with people and noise. The ferry to the island is always full at this time of the year, and although the island is quite big most people really seem to concentrate around the wineries/restaurants, or Oneroa village.
Not me, so here are a few pictures of peace and tranquillity!

Capsicum pastry rolls

You must use some cooked capsicums (bell peppers) for this recipes, and I had some peperonata ready:

Peperonata

2 yellow capsicums

2 red capsicums

1 green capsicum

1 garlic clove

half carrot

1 small celery stalk

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more to drizzle at the end)

A little water

salt to taste (if the capers are not too salty)

chopped Italian parsley and fresh basil leaves, plus a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to finish

Wash and cut the capsicums into thin strips. Peel the garlic and cut into two. Wash and chop the carrot and celery into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the vegetables, then add the a little water and salt. Cover and simmer on the lowest setting for 45 minutes to one hour, stirring from time to time, and adding more water if necessary. Adjust with salt at the end, if necessary, and finish with some freshly chopped parsley, fresh basil and another drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

I then used some of the capsicum strips for my pastry rolls: I cut the puff pastry sheets in long strips and place a thin strip of capsicum on the border of each pastry strip (see photo) and then rolled it up.

To keep the rolls nice and round I place them in a mini-muffin pan, and used some mini-cupcake cases. I sprinkle the top with salt and dried herbs and baked everything at medium heat until the pastry was golden and puffy. Serve hot or cold.

Photos and Recipes by Alessandra Zecchini ©