Ill En Route Who Takes Care of Whom? Content Colofon Editorial

EDITION OF THE ASSOCIATION DUTCH CABIN CREW NUMBER 08 / 2018

A WHITE LOOKING BACK CHRISTMAS ON 2018 magazine

ILL EN ROUTE WHO TAKES CARE OF WHOM? CONTENT COLOFON EDITORIAL

Chief Editor and Art Director Articles Arlette Bruser Sander van Dijk, deputy 17 Ill en route; who takes care of whom? Editors Nathalie Pruijs Michel Verbeek Columns Final editing Pia van Boven 1 Editorial Editor’s assistent 2 Outlook on the job Jannette Passchier 5 Lifestyle wellfound 29 Culinary wellfound Director communications Ingrid Brama

Address Feature Stationsplein 406 1117 CL Schiphol-Oost Phone (020) 5020480 Arlette Bruser 7 VNC Background P.O.Box VNC, Crew Centre, Schiphol www.vnconline.nl Chief Editor VNC Magazine 8 KLM Background [email protected] 12 Transavia Background Advertising sales 14 easyJet Background Bureau van Vliet B.V. Contact: Sharon van Vliet 21 Christmas story [email protected] 25 Christmas peaks Phone (020) 5714745 Sander Translaters Paul Millward Again the end of the year, time for reflec- his friendly, relaxed approach. I don’t think I Hannet Bilderbeek tion. I don’t know about you, but not one have ever seen him panic, not even when my year seems to be the same. Some years are laptop crashed with a complete magazine E-mail address editors [email protected] over before you know it and others seem on it and the fact that we had to start from to drag on forever. Sometimes one year is scratch, with only two days to go. We just Want to join the VNC more personal than another year. This year did it, with Sander on track. Secretly I am Surf to VNC vnconline.nl and press the button ‘Lid worden’. 2 The VNC Magazine is published under the authority of the VNC is a very personal year for me, but in parti- hoping for his return after his sabbatical, Board. cular for Sander van Dijk, our well esteemed because history tells us that it is very hard The VNC magazine can also be visited online. photo editor and my vice chief editor. The for Sander to quit with a way of living. And The contents of the magazine do not necessarily reflect the long cherished wish to become a parent it isn’t the first time. He left Martinair and he 25 point of view of the VNC. and solidify his relationship made him deci- left KLM three times or so. And he always Reproducing articles is only allowed after permission from the VNC board. The VNC can not be held responsible for the de to take a sabbatical. And he is right, be- returned... contents of the advertisements. cause what could be more important than But never before the reason was happiness personal happiness? Although the editors of and that is why things are different now. this magazine wish him all the best, we are Could be that he is not coming back this 17 going to miss him very much. His sharp eye time. on the lay-out of the Magazine, the way the All that is left is wish him all the best, health stories are placed on the pages and what is and love in his life and hope that 2019 is right or not, his funny, some times brilliant going to be the year that his ultimate dream ideas for selecting photos with the articles will come true. I wish that for all of you by and of course his huge Photo archive with the way. photos from all over the world...in this maga- Godspeed and may all your wishes come zine for the last time. We are going to miss true.

21 sparring with him during the meetings and

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Voor een elegante STEWARDESSEN OUTLOOK ON THE JOB

The interest of a good representation Looking back on 2018

The name of this column says it all. It implies Social debate a preview, a vision, on our work as cabin staff One of the starting points for VNC in the ‘Politics, the social debate and in all its aspects. Once I year it is my job to negotiations with our employers is that good the European regulation have look back on the last year. Without the hectic labour conditions are important, but that this of the moment it becomes visible that we means if you don’t have a job. In the negoti- a great impact on our labour have done so many things with some results ations this leads to a balancing act between conditions and job opportunities’ that took a lot of effort and stress. the interest of the employer and the employ- We have talked a lot about the CLA that KLM ees. The fact the VNC board members are and VNC reached. working for the airline they negotiate with is Two and a half years of hard work. The apo- very important. All they agree on are issues theosis was the final offer by KLM, which they experience themselves on board or en have a discussion with the stakeholders, but was thrown into the bin by cabin staff and route. They are also very much involved in then didn’t invite the VNC at first. the eventual final agreement between VNC the sanity of the company. That is why look The minister appreciated our vision that safe- and KLM that was embraced. With profit, a beyond the deal between employer and em- ty and security is work done by people who raise and the new M-class product with the ployees. Politics, the social debate and the are well trained, motivated and well equip- new cabin crew composition are the most European regulation have a great impact on ped and who contribute greatly to security. important deals of that agreement which was our labour conditions and job opportunities. She took our cause to Brussels immediately implemented. In 2018 we went full steam ahead to bring and brought up the subject of unfair compe- this to the attention to European and Dutch tition, which has a great impact on our labour A first ministers. Things that are important to cabin conditions. The negotiations for KLC and Transavia were staff. Flying taxes, a limitation of the growth It is clear that our job isn’t done here, becau- also exciting with many highs and lows. on Schiphol and the pressure on security and se we had to remind our own representatives For KLC there was even an ultimatum, with the labour conditions that threaten our jobs in the House that we wanted to be present eventually a good deal with happy members. and our profession. with the social debate about safety and secu- The board members of our easyJet section rity in the airline industry. We managed to be really did well. The first CLA for them! Where Security is work done by people on the table on November 28th. does one start? The most important issues Last year we noticed that cabin staff is insuf- were known at an early stage: salary, pension ficiently valued as responsible for the safety A good year and paid sick days, but we needed more. and security in the cabin. We noticed this 2018 was a good year with good labour We managed to do this with the easyJet ma- at an ECAC workshop in Dublin, where the deals, a substantial increase of members nagement, but it appeared to be tricky when airport authorities and organisations don’t and the appointment of a VNC member in the members voted against the raise of 5%. even consider the role of cabin staff for their the directorate of the AF/KLM holding. We We have a stipulation that says that in such protocols about the prevention or the sprea- are getting ready for the next year. With your a case the chairman decides. This was a first ding of contagious diseases such as Ebola continuous support in mind we are going with VNC because our easyJet chairman had and SARS. And after the security debate held to make a success of 2019. Together we are to decide on a new CLA. We decided wisely by the minister of environmental affairs and strong. to go back to the negotiation table and ma- infrastructure with airline representatives in I wish you happy holidays and a wonderful Annette Groeneveld nagement to get an 8% raise. the House, where the minister promised to New Year’s Eve wherever you are. VNC president

2 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 3 LIFESTYLE Well found Meanwhile with other airlines... The best selection on the internet how passengers, press and colleagues experience their air journeys.

Toptrolley For brand new members and the somewhat more experienced colleagues VNC made a deal with Travel bags: a voucher of 15% discount with Travel bags for all members. Choose your bag, trolley or extra bag and add the code upon payment: VNC18Q. Really nice, the discount is valid until December 31st 2019 and is for the entire

# After a nightsift # Sky life collection.

Walking on sunshine # Thai cabin crew # Brussels Airlines # pilot Patrick The VNC has a deal with the shoe brand Wolky and in view of the new heel height at the end of the year, we have a new super deal: Wolky@Work has presented of with six Sweet pairs of shoes which VNC may give away. Really sweet of Madelief, the babysit office. They have given Winners can choose the model themselves us five vouchers for free babysit mediation. Start the New from the collection. The only thing Wolky Year 2019 well and make time for each other in the New wants in return is a short review, so that they Year. Want to win; mail the code VNCKERST to can keep on developing their collection and www.oppasmadelief.nl. Check the VNC website under the adapt the to the group of people they make tab membership and find the attractive conditions for hiring them for. Want to join? Mail Wolky@Work to a babysitter at Madelief as VNC member. [email protected].

4 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 5 VNC / BACKGROUND

VNC keeps on growing Now that we have reached the end of 2018, we see that VNC has grown considerably. More members means more power. Our motto stays “together we are strong” and we will continue like that in 2019. 2019 is also expected to be a year of growth for the airlines and we hope that the new CA’s will join us en masse.

Personal: we love it I would like to bring your attention to the column “personally” in the magazine. We would like you to inform us about the major events in your life such as: weddings, child- ren or something else you wish to share with us. An advantage is that we will send you a small present!

DESTINATION VNC New Year’s Reception Tuesday January 8th our new year’s recep- Singapore tion will be held. All members are invited Photo Monika van Evelingen at the VNC office to raise our glasses to a Marion Leguijt great, healthy 2019. See you then! General Secretary

6 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 7 KLM / BACKGROUND

‘Right now we are well on our way with a simplification of the counters, that is fewer counters. We are also looking into the possibility of flexible leave days.’

Prior to the cabin talks of November 29th ment with KLM. Cockpit and cabin colle- he so-called CLA booklet was signed: A agues who live abroad, can travel from and memorable moment. The last version of to Schiphol in the cockpit. The most impor- the CLA is the one from 2010-2011 and the tant difference between both regulations deals made in that CLA had not been inclu- is that only cabin colleagues who don’t of- ded in the new CLA. This year we have writ- ficially live in Holland can use the arrange- ten a completely new CLA together with ment. This is not the case for the pilots. a delegation of KLM with all the decisions Not living officially in Holland can have and CLA protocols and now finally every- far-reaching legal consequences. We have thing is up-to-date. The CLA is online too. asked KLM to come to an identical arrangement for cabin staff. If not, we see no alter- Planning 2019 native then to take the next step. The first group of colleagues has been ap- proached to become Purser. We expect The CLA in a new form more promotions from P to SP, but the num- After the new CLA a number of project ber depends on how colleagues will use teams is busy shaping the new deals. the VVR. Investment programme KLM Difference XFA and XCM Twice a year the KLM Board informs us We have been discussing the inequality about KLM’s investment programme. The between the XFA and the XCM arrange- first meeting was in November. KLM sho- photo Sander van Dijk

8 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 9 KLM / BACKGROUND

photo Sander van Dijk

wed us that she does the investments in see many counters. Right now we are well 4% raise and the ground agreed upon a Holland and as such sticks to the deal we on our way to come to a simplification of sort of education budget that can be paid made. the counters, which means fewer counters. in wages (this can be read on the KLM We are also looking into the possibility Portal). We let KLM know that we have a Career orientation of flexible leave. This is a complex matter right to a 0.5% raise, but KLM thinks that The implementation of this deal is beco- because there are many days with different the volume of the bottom of 50E as of ming clear gradually. We are convinced abbreviations, which all have their own last January is enough. We think that we that we have created a fine product that origin such as RR, IR, CS, HV etc. We dis- made a clear and simple deal and we will gives you insight in where you are in your cussed this with the MC and we hope we discuss this with KLM. Maybe this meeting career. can come to concrete deals soon. has already taken place after you read this magazine. WBC- skills for one-stripers Salary deals Next year there will be a pilot for a small When we reached a new CLA in January, I wish you happy holidays and be careful group of one-stripers that will follow the our colleagues from the ground and the with the fireworks. WBC training. We shall see how well this cockpit had not finished yet. That is why goes and what this means to the other col- we included a so-called disclaimer, which leagues. means that if someone would get paid more structurally not as a result of pro- Simplification and having a say counters ductivity, we as cabin crew would also get and flexible leave more. In the meantime the pilots and the Chris van Elswijk When you take a look at your roster, you ground have new CLA’s. The pilots got a Chairman KLM-section VNC

10 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 11 TRANSAVIA / BACKGROUND

“Sometimes you are expected to deliver under pressure and we all have an opinion on the result we achieved.”

photo Sander van Dijk

End 2017 Sander Kok decided to look for colleagues. It should be possible to be able a new challenge, after he reached the last to work as a CA in the cabin, also at a higher CLA. He left the section board after seven age. years. And there we were, in February, just It was difficult, we had some tough discussi- the two of us. ons and we used different tactics to get what we MUST have a new CLA, before the last In total we visited 20 ini’s and many new we wanted. One step back, a break, contact one ends. We need deals on profit arrange- colleagues joined the VNC. At a certain mo- with the members, before we started our ments. We also need that for cabin crew. We ment we had 700 members. The number of last sprint. The company wanted an interme- had a right to that. members grew the entire year and right now diate break and we decided to agree to that. we have almost 800 members. Joining a uni- Okay let’s do that, maybe we can use this for New challenges on matters. Looking back, I can compare this a good final sprint. And after a good session Are we ready after this match?? O of course year with an important sports match, sports of 2.5 days, it appeared to be the last CLA not. Working for VNC means that you are lover as I am. Sometimes you are expected talks. There were still topics we had to tackle, never ready. There are plenty of new chal- to deliver under pressure and we all have an but the target was within reach. And there it lenges for the New Year. Early 2019 the crew opinion on the result that we achieved. That was at the end of the evening, the VNC pro- test for WRR/Tbids. Right now nothing is for is how we feel when we sign a CLA. You have posal to Transavia. Transavia asks for a break certain and we can implement the changes targets and you want to get that target at the and it seems we have a principle deal. after consulting our members. So we need end of the day. to vote again when? No idea, I whish I was a Three CLA’s fortune-teller, but it keeps the work exciting. Senior policy I have been in the section board for six years Just like flying, the work for VNC is never bo- In June we asked you about a top 3 CLA now, in different functions. In all those years ring. Each day is a different day, sometimes wish list. We got many reactions and based this is the third CLA I am part of. Two of them with major challenges. on that list we made a proposal that was sent we had to renegotiate. The CLA was fini- On behalf of Antonie and myself, I would like to the company. shed, but we still had some time left, as long to thank you for your support in the last year The senior policy appeared to be a tricky as there was no agreement. We needed a and we are looking forward to the new chal- thing. You enter the negotiations with a cer- new CLA but we were running behind so lenges in the next year. We hope that we can Angela Visser tain idea. This was one of the wishes of the it appeared. This time a different strategy, count on you and your input. Chairman Transavia Section Board

12 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 13 EASYJET / BACKGROUND

‘easyJet had a great year with a tremendous increase of passengers and a great turnover’

photo Oscar Lammers

During the last year there were a lot of im- approach in case of bad behaviour and of- nus for the corps, because although not all provements and changes for the EasyJet fers employees more protection. the targets were met (as in on time perfor- section with the new CLA on April 1st 2018. We are still looking for a more suitable mance), the bonus is fully paid. This equals The financial part of the new CLA is finished pension provider, where EasyJet is going approximately two weeks of salary (as of now and these are the most important to pay 5% of the annual amount. The VNC April 2019) and a gift voucher for Amazon. changes: a raise for the entire corps and section board has made it very clear where In January employees with a temporary con- payment in case of illness during the first the preferences lie and what is important for tract will hear if they can stay. Most of them month, then 75% and 70% average sector the members, and we trust that EasyJet will will get a permanent contract. pay and commission up to two years. In the make the right choice. It is expected to be All the positive changes resulted in a lower former CLA cabin crews didn’t make any finished in the first quarter of 2019 and the base turnover and that is a great prospect money the first two days of the illness. pension fund will be suppleted form April for the next year. 2018. Thanks for the enormous amount of support Complaints procedure and pensions given by you. Next year we will start working The section board has written a new disci- Bonus! really hard again! plinary and complaints [procedure which is easyJet had a great year with a tremendous in use since September 1st. This new pro- increase of passengers and a great turnover. easyJet section board cedure warrants a more honest and clearer The good figures are reflected in the bo- Ron Sneijder and Farah van Keeken

14 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 15 HEALTH

Ill en route Who takes care of whom?

For the last one of three articles about being ill abroad the editors had an interview with Nol Visser, vice chairman of the KLM-section. Nol is very clear about this: “ You simply need to be taken care of when you are ill en route. VNC has a very clear opinion about this: the employer should take care of you, because you are abroad for work and not for fun.”

text by Arlette Bruser and Michel Verbeek, photos Rawpixel

In the earlier days, when not all was better The bill as they say, this kind of thing was solved by VNC has been busy placing the responsi- KLM. In 2006 our health system changed, bility of sick colleagues back with KLM, but but apparently also KLM’s system for dea- this is a difficult process. “ We really think ling with sick colleagues abroad. that being ill aboard is not the employer’s Nowadays everybody has a private health problem. There are many other big profes- insurance, we have a high personal risk and sional organisations that organised this you need much additional insurance. There well and KLM could follow the example. is also a new arrangement for illness when Of course part of the responsibility is with you are aboard. the employee, but that is limited to working “ Now that things have changed, I cannot normally during working hours. emphasize enough that colleagues really Some colleagues are not realistic about the need a good insurance”, Nol says. “ If you boundaries between work and fun. If you insurance is alright, you don’t have to worry decided engage in risky sports en route about the financial consequences. All too (which should be well insured anyway), it is often I see colleagues who take their own only logical that KLM is not amused by the pills or ointments, just to avoid having to injuries you get. go to the company doctor. It is very im- So it is also your own responsibility to be portant that you have a professional check well insured, with additional insurances for your complaints. Not going to a medical aboard and preferably insurance with busi- doctor is playing with your health. Don’t ness coverage. KLM advises this, it is even ever let a colleague persuade you to not go mentioned during the initial course. to a medical doctor. A credit card is a great help when you are

16 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 17

‘Too often I see colleagues en route taking their own pills, ointment etc. Just to avoid having to go to the company doctor.’

abroad, in particular whenever you have company doctor will be fully clear whene- to pay for a bill in advance. Make sure you ver a colleague gets ill. The sick colleague have the right card. AMEX is not widely ac- also knows whom to contact. One number cepted and you still have a problem.’ as a sort of switchboard would be ideal, Nol would like to see KLM take the financial but let’s start at the beginning. The service consequences abroad. “Ideally it should hub could play a major role here, but they be like this: the KLM doctor sends you to are not available 24/7. Involving the Duty a specialist or a clinic and sends the bill Manager Flight could solve it, but they can to KLM. KLM pays the bill. When you have always be reached. recovered, you get an invitation from your It would also be a good idea to have a MCC who discusses with you how to handle protocol about how to deal with sick colle- the costs. In short, KLM settles the bill land agues abroad after the crew has left. Things upon return home; you make sure that your are bad enough as they are if you end up in insurance company handles the situation a hospital abroad, but being totally alone financially. abroad in a hospital does not really help you to recover fast. Right now the Crew Ser- Taking care of the sick vice Hub takes the initiative to inform crews “I think there should be a clear protocol in about a sick colleague. That could also be which everybody who is confronted with included on the quick reference card, so illness en route- crew, station manager that a station manager is also informed and company doctor- can see who takes about the situation. DESTINATION action, what, when and where. I would like Of course you are not obliged to visit a sick to develop a quick reference card with the colleague abroad, but we all agree that a Montreal necessary steps to be taken. The role of the friendly face at your bedside does help.” Photo Monika van Evelingen Senior Purser, captain, station manager and

18 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 19 CHRISTMAS STORY

A white Christmas Godfried Bomans

Once upon a time there was a man who done, they sat down happily and gazed at wanted to celebrate Christmas tho- each other with a warm smile. roughly. He got a ladder from the shed “ And now there isn’t just food, the man and decorated the ceiling with red paper said, “ but we also have be aware of what ribbons. He hung red bells to the lamp, happened.” which seems like nothing when they are And he read the story of Mary and Jo- folded, but appear to be okay in the end. seph who tried all the hostels, but there Then he laid the table. He had spent ages was no place for them. Still the child was in three stores, but it looked pretty well. born, be it in a stable. And then they Next to each plate he lit a candle, the started eating, because now they were ones of ten in a box and then he clapped allowed to eat, although there was a lot of his hands. This was the sign to enter the misery in the world. room. His wife and kids, who had been “Look”, the man said,” This is the way to looking at each other in the kitchen with a celebrate Christmas.” And he was right. shy smile, entered the room quietly. They were surprised about the harshness “Oh no”, they said, “You shouldn’t have of the hostel managers, but then again it done that”. was more than 2000 years ago. This sort But since the work had already been of thing doesn’t happen anymore, does

photo Jeffrey Blum 20 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 21

‘Look’, the man said, ’This is the way to celebrate Christmas.’

it? And then the doorbell rang. The man with a young woman beside him, preg- put the cake he was about to eat back on nant. He ran towards the corner and loo- the plate. ked into the street, but there was no one. “How annoying”, he said, “ why always The couple seemed to have vanished into bother me.” He took his napkin off, shook thin white air. It was a white Christmas, as off the crumbles of his knee and headed I said. towards the front door. When he came back into the room, he There was a man at the door with a beard looked pale and there were tears in his and clear, light eyes. He asked it he could eyes. “ Don’t say a word, he said, it is just come inside since it was snowing a lot. It a cold wind, it will pass.” was a white Chrismas, I forgot to mention He was right; people should sometimes that silly me. Both men gazed at each get over things. It was a good Christmas; other and then one of them turned into it hadn’t been so real in years. It kept on a rage. “ Why now on Christmas eve”, he snowing, all night long and even the child said, “are there no other nights you can was reborn in a shed. come?’ And he slammed the door. But back in the room a funny feeling crawled upon him and the cake was no longer tasteful. “Let me have a look”, he said, “Something has happened, but I don’t know what it is.” He went back to the pavement and loo- © 1970 Godfried Bomans en Meulenhoff Boekerij ked into the snow falling down. There he bv, Amsterdam - From: Verzamelde werken deel 2 / saw the man disappear round the corner, Sprookjes en verhalen 1966-1970

photo Andre Benz 22 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 23 CHRISTMAS Peaks!

JORIS VAN ROOIJ (P) ALBERTINA STAAS (P) Joris is off duty on December 25th and Albertine is off duty this year and is going he likes that. On December 26th he will to work hard to make a super dinner for be on standby so he doesn’t know where ten people, served at a nice Christmas he is going to be. Never mind, he will table. have fun anyway.

EVELIEN BLENCKERS (1B) Has been a CA for 8 months and wants to pass on all the new energy.

CARA COPPERS (P) She is going try to be more relaxed in 2019, go with the flow. If that works, she will have peaked.

photo Craig Whitehead 24 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 25

SANNE VERHEUL (SECURITY) SHOSANA SWETS-DE VRIES (HV) Will be ready for everybody in her capa- Will be working this Christmas, but has city of host in the departure hall. no final roster yet. She is looking forward to celebrate New Year’s Eve with her family and friends.

MAAIKE KOESTAL (P) Hopes that her new house is going to be built next year for her and her boy friend. Tired of commuting between her house and her boy friend, she is looking forward JANNEKE HUIJPST to having a new place to live together. Is becoming an orthomolecular Thera - SANDER VAN DIJK (One-striper) pist and likes the fact that she is going Will be flying high outside KLM next year. Something with management to get her diploma next year. and marketing at Holland Dance.

26 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 27 CULINARY

Onderrecepten redactie van de van redactie Arlette Bruser Recepten: Arlette Bruser, Michel Verbeek en Pia van Boven Well found Ingredients Crab cakes with

- 500g crabmeat wasabi - 4 spring onions Crab cakes for the lighter variety of the Classic Cuisine - 1 clove of garlic, peeled and Christmas food thought. chopped When it’s Christmas we cook, that is a classic habit. This year we are - 2 tsp. wasabi powder Prepare - 2tsp rice vinegar going classical all the way, with dishes that have been appreciated Remove the extra fluid from the crabmeat and - 3 tsp. Japanese soy sauce for many years already. The proof is in the eating. place it in a large bowl. Mix with spring onions, - 100g breadcrumbs - Oil to fry in wasabi, rice vinegar, soy sauce and breadcrumbs. - Parts of lime Take some of the mixture in your hand and make a cookie of it. Place them on a plate which fits SNACKS & STARTERS into the freezer and cover with foil, place into the freezer for a few hours. Preheat the oven to 120 These snacks are suitable as snacks with your drinks or as a starter. Two super easy ones and degrees and cover a plate with a double layer of two that demand a little more effort. kitchen paper. Heat up a frying pan with oil and bake the cookies until golden brown on both si- Edible garland des. Put them on the paper and place them into the oven for 20 minutes to make them fully warm. This looks simply beautiful on a large round scale or Place the crab cakes on a small plate with some serving plate, in the category fabulous effect, smart slices of lime and serve with some Chilli sauce. purchase. Place small branches of fresh herbs such as dill, rosemary, parsley, fresh laurel or sage and thyme into a round garland. Place groups of a variety of olives Chestnut soup between them, large green Italian ones, purple Taglias Ingredients and Spanish ones with pimiento or olives filled with A classic winter soup but a very special one; an ooh and aah soup at the table. tuna. Whatever you like. Add small cubes of feta and - 400g of chestnuts, some pecanuts. Finally add a few poppadum’s. Serve Prepare ready to use with salted crackers. Fry shallots and garlic in some olive oil in a thick - 1 garlic clove, finely chopped frying pan. Pour the warm stock on; add the chest- - 1 shallot, finely chopped Good and extreme nuts and leave to simmer for 15 minutes. Add the - 1 box of Philadelphia naturel Ingredients Philadelphia and mash the soup with a mixer or a - 1 ltr of vegetable stock Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Remove the plastic of blender. Bring to taste with the Worchester sauce - Worchester sauce, pepper and salt the Mont d’or box and wrap the down side of the box in - One box of Vacherin Mont d’Or and add some salt. Don’t forget the black pepper. The - Garnish with chestnuts in foil. Cut in the cheese in crosses, put the garlic in, fold - 2 cloves of garlic in pieces result should be a thick soup. - 2 small braches of rosemary slices, 125 g of pancetta in the cheese, place the rosemary on top and pour over a Fry in the meantime the pancetta in a frying pan slices small glass of wine. Place in the oven for about 25 mi- - 1 glass of wine without fat, add the mushrooms and cook until ready. - Nice bread - A handful of finely chopped nutes and dip with nice bread. Garnish each soup, pour the soup over it and sprinkle parsley with parsley.

28 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 29 CULINARY Well found MAIN DISH & SIDE DISH Stew of deer For the deer lover. The meat is very soft, because the animals have lived in complete freedom. Preserved trout with a mousseline sauce Less meat is a good idea, but then you want Ingredients good quality Slices of toast with salmon and a shrimp cocktail, - 1.5 kilos of deer succade, in pieces always an option. This more luxurious variety with - 2 onions, fried Ingredients Prepare trout is somewhat more exclusive. - 1 carrot, in slices Fry the vegetables in olive oil. Bake the pieces of - 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped - 6 large trouts, not peeled deer with salt and pepper on a high temperature, add - 100ml red wine Prepare - Sea salt some olive oil if needed. Heat up the stock and the - 300ml deer stock - 500ml olive oil Remove the fishbone from the trout and sprinkle with sea red wine in a small pan and add to the meat. Lower - 3 tranches of gingerbread in pieces - 3 ripe avocados salt. Leave to stand for 3 minutes. Rinse them in a bowl the temperature; add the laurel and the herbal cloves - 2 leaves of laurel - A handful of rocket with cold water. Leave into the water, remove the water and and leave to simmer at a low temperature for 2.5 - 3 herbal cloves dip dry. Pour the oil into a high frying pan and heat up to 50 hours (or in an oven at 130 degrees). Taste and add - Pepper and salt For the sauce degrees. Place the filets into the oil and stick to the tempera- some extra salt and pepper if necessary. - Olive oil - 125 ml cream ture of 50 degrees for 10 minutes. Take them out of the pan - 125-gr mayonaise and leave to cool off. - 3 tsp. lemon zest Whip the cream, add the mayonaise and the lemon zest - Salt and pepper through it and bring to taste with salt and pepper. Cut the avocados in halves and remove the pits. Cut them Three x vegetable mash and place them on the plates. Divide the trout into flakes, next to the avocado and pour some sauce over them. Of course the ordinary mash is also an option. But there are also many varieties possi- Garnish with the rocket and serve. ble with vegetables.

Parsnip mash Broccoli mash Mushroom mash Boil 400g cubes of parsnip Cook the cut broccoli with the Chop 500g mixed mushrooms ready in butter, cream and milk steel in water, salt and vege- into big pieces and boil them plus garlic and thyme. Remove table stock. Remove the moist at a low temperature in a the moist and keep it. Mash the and leave to leak out. Mash porcini stock tablet. Mix three mixture in the kitchen machine with the mixer and add some egg whites with salt. Grind and add moist if necessary. Mix fresh cream and raped Par- the mushrooms and sieve well and make sure it is well mesan to taste. them, bring to taste with salt mashed. Season to taste with and pepper and mix salt and pepper. with the egg white into a nice mash.

30 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 VNC MAGAZINE / 8 / 2018 31 CULINARY Well found Christmas sprouts DESSERT! Ingredients

Ingredients - 60g sugar Serves 8 - 1 lemon Lemon mousse - 1 tsp of Limoncello - 750 g sprouts Finish with a chocolate mousse or, as my late - 125ml cream - 125 chestnuts in vacuum father used to say; just another final blow, but - 2 eggs - 50g butter - 3 leaves of gelatine you can also opt for a lighter dessert. - Raped nutmeg - Mint to garnish - Sea salt and pepper Prepare Well the gelatine in cold water, rape the lemon, press it and heat up the zest with Limoncello of in a pan. Bring a pan of water to the boil and add some salt. Cut a thin slice from the bottom off the sp- Remove from the heat and add the gelatine. Leave to routs and remove the outer leaves. cool off. Split the eggs, mix the egg yolks with the Break or chop the chestnuts. Cook the sprouts no longer than five minutes and leave them to sugar and add the lemon zest. Whip the cream and leak out, keep them solid and nutty. Melt the butter and mix the chestnut through the butter by mix with the lemon mixture. Finally whisk the egg heating them. Add the boiled, leaked out sprouts. Season with the raped nutmeg and season tot white and mix through the creamy lemon mixture. taste with salt and pepper. Divide over 4 festive small bowls and leave into the fridge for two hours. Garnish with the lemon rape and some mint. Dauphinoise with chicory

This dish is not very hard to make but it does call for some preparation and practice. Ingredients Preheat the oven to 160 degrees; use an oven plate Ingredients Eton mess - 500g chicory, remove the core, and get the mixing bowl ready for use. Melt the cut in lengths Even a child can make this. You can use either fresh - 500g fruit (strawberries, sugar and the butter in the steel pan – beware, - 15g butter fruit or frozen fruit. raspberries, berries) before you know it things go too fast – without - 15g sugar - 500g cream stirring, shaking is okay. Blush with some balsamic - some of balsamic vinegar - 12 white meringues (just Prepare vinegar. Remove from the heat and add the slices - 150g fried Parma ham buy them to make life Wash the fruit. Mash half of the fruit. Add some sugar if neces- - 500g potatoes, sliced in thin of chicory though it. Cover the bottom of the oven easier) sary. Whip the cream with some sugar and mix with the fruit. pieces (with the cheese slicer dish with chicory and put the Parma ham on top. - Some sugar Crumble the meringues into very small pieces and mix them of mandolin) Heat up the milk with cream and garlic, some salt, with the whipped cream. - 150ml cream pepper and nutmeg. Place the potatoes in a bowl Divide the mess into four bowls and garnish with the rest of the - 150ml milk and pour the creamy mixture over them, leave for a - 1 garlic clove finely chopped fruit and some powder sugar. while. Place the potatoes in portions on the Parma - 30g butter A nice suggestion: pile up the whole meringues and cover ham, divide the rest of the creamy mixture over - Pepper, salt, nutmeg with the creamy fruit mixture. them and place into the oven for about 90 minutes.

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