Wow, the sun is actually peaking – and I do mean peaking – out from the clouds right now. It’s after 8 am for goodness sake – is this the best you can do?????? I’m sorry, I am desperate after the last 5 days. You wouldn’t believe how far toward the south this picture was shot just a few minutes ago. While the days since the solstice number near 30, why does it seem the progress comes more in the pm than the am? Are we really SO FAR from Spring? Am I crazy? (Don’t answer that.) To say that I am weather obsessed is such an understatement. So Sorry! I really, really wish I wasn’t.
Haven’t seen you, Mr. Sun, not once since Saturday on Grand Cayman! You know I am not a fan of Winter here in NJ, but I have to say the the shining sun definitely makes it a lot more palatable for me. Please stay out for awhile!!!!
Ok……..SO FAR I have listed out some new recipes to try in the subjects areas of: Lentils, Chicken, Mushrooms, Seafood, Fennel and Gremolata. Forty or so left to go – oh, no, the challenge was 90 – so I have 30 left to go ……. Hmmmm……. what might be good for today? This time of year is extra tough for me – I’d like to bite into just one fresh and juicy peach and transit myself straight to July. Wish we could do peach recipes, but, well, no…..
I am heading to London with Ryan on Sunday, to get him settled in for the semester (ha-ha – does he need me? no – (don’t tell anyone) but what better excuse to do something fun in mid-January!!!!!!) I know I should be extra excited about going and in a way I am. The weather in London is pretty icky – snow is forecast for Monday and Tuesday…… What best to do? Ignore the weather forecast and get invested in the food there!!!!! British gourmands have come a longgggg way in the last couple of decades. There is absolutely no loss for great chefs “over there”. It’s not just all about Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay any more – although I love them. I am especially intrigued by the Galvin Brothers’ restaurants – saw them on Cuisine Culture – a great show! I am making a list of restaurants to go to as we speak. I will report back on the list and the results as we go. Anyone who has recommendations for me, please send them along asap!
Well, anyway, let’s go there for a little now, shall we? Here are some goodies – mostly just the old fashioned classics here – I found from London – all jolly-good (I sat next to a group at breakfast last week who were from Britain and counted the number of times the gentleman said “jolly-good” ….. what’s our equivalent? “great!” Not nearly as, well, inspiring, we Americans…….
below: courtesy Stylist.co.uk:
1. HEALTHY YUMMIES – scallops – all courtesy Stylist.co.uk:
This would be one of my desert island dishes. Mainly doing set catering, owner Nicky does have a bit of a penchant for the streets and when she’s there with her old Bedford van, Elvira, she’s on the fire tip.
Into a pan of pancetta jewels and melted butter are thrown hand-dived scallops, a squeeze of lemon to flambee, a bit of Sea Asper and then these juicy little pucks are placed on top of celeriac puree. Over it is poured the lemony juices and then handed to you with a bit of wink.
Just so you know, I would be totally happy with this anytime – but I don’t know what Sea Asper is – going to find out now, but love the expressions, don’t you ?
Check out this column – it’s great…………. and list of 10 items
http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/recipes/londons-best-ever-street-food#image-rotator-1
5.Gordon Ramsay’s Yorkshire Pudding
6.Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding from BBC
7. Shepherd’s Pie with Leeks, Goat’s Cheese and Parsley
I have to say, looking around at British recipes is a hoot. They definitely have their own favorites and classics, a lingo all their own and a palate maybe a little off from the American? Ya, think so? Anyway, Ryan may have just a little trouble finding a lot of places to dine inexpensively and well – chuckle, chuckle….. It will be a great journey for him, though!
I found something called Cullen Skink……..it’s a traditional Scottish Smoked Haddock soup – I don’t think Ryan shall be trying this one!
Signing off now chaps…….., or is it mates?