August 2013 Favourites List

August is synonymous with the school holidays. Everything quietens down. The traffic, the courts, business... We find ourselves in the "Silly Season" newswise, where stories about dogs which can recite the alphabet or kooky animal pictures get whole page spreads. 

It's a lovely month, and I hope that one day we will become more like the French and "allez en vacances"; the cities, particularly Paris, almost close down for the month and everybody goes away to enjoy themselves before "la rentrée" in September.

I've been kept busy this month with various work tasks. One has been updating three chapters of an employment law textbook written with some of my colleagues. Employment law has a good side and a bad side. The good side is that it is exciting and fast changing.... which also happens to be its bad side! So I've been getting my small brain around various important judgements and new legislation.

I hope you have been enjoying the Summer, and that you have either had, or will have a nice break at some point. 

This month's pictures are of me and some gorgeous looking birds.

 

Blogs Worth Following:

A cooking and baking blog written by Janice Pattie from her Scottish farm home: http://farmersgirl.blogspot.co.uk/

Tara O'Brady's fantastic photos, recipes and storytelling: http://sevenspoons.net/

The My Life Runs On Food blog: http://blog.sanuraweathers.com/

Family friendly blog about how to get families to eat together: http://www.dinneralovestory.com/

Recipes:

Sour, tangy, spicy, refreshing.... Jal Jeera is great in the sunshine. It's strange stuff, but overcome your initial impressions and you'll love it too!
http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/jal-jeera-or-jaljeera-recipe/

One for the school holidays - make your own popcorn: http://www.mrspkitchen.com/2011/12/popcorn-get-your-popcorn.html

Snack time! Roasted chick peas: http://ksolomon.com/roasted_garbanzos

Handvo (Gujerati Lentil Cake) made the simple way: http://lazygiraffeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/gujarati-recipe-series-handvo-savoury.html

Bengali Mutton (Mangsho) Curry... this is almost "like my mamma used to make"! http://bengalicuisine.net/2013/sunday-mutton-curry/

Arancini take their name from their colour and shape - like oranges. They are delightful fried balls of cooked risotto rice. You can make them with leftover rice if you want, but here they are made from scratch.
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/aug/02/arancini-recipe-cauliflower-soup-yotam-ottolenghi

Summery salads are great this time of year. Here's one with peaches, mozzarella and quinoa. I reckon you could substitute the white balsamic vinegar for sherry or cider vinegar if you can't get hold of it. http://jcocina.com/basil-peach-mozzarella-quinoa-salad/

Muffins suitable for vegans (eggless & can be milkless): http://fussfreeflavours.com/2008/04/zingy-maple-mango-muffins/

Summer in a glass! Mango Lassi! http://www.urbanrajah.com/how-to-make-Indian-curry/mango-lassi

Summer pasta with broad beans, mascarpone and thyme: http://bangermashchat.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/fusilli-with-broad-beans/

Indian flavours in this meringue dessert by The Meringue Girls (cardamom, mango and sugared fennel seeds):
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/10242190/Cardamom-yogurt-mango-and-fennel-seed-meringues-recipe.html

Herby Summer salad with raw beetroot, caraway, lemon balm and mint: http://chipbuttiesandnoodlesoup.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/raw-beetroot-caraway-lemon-balm-and.html

Inspired by the lemons of Ischia, Linguine with prawns and lemon: http://tamarindandthyme.wordpress.com/2013/07/28/linguine-with-prawns-and-lemon/

Possible accompaniment to grilled meats or for a Sunday roast - spicy (waxy) potatoes: http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/14/how-to-cook-rebecca-seals-turkish-spiced-potatoes-3922333/

Articles/Know How:

Do you have children who dislike veggies and healthy foods? The Sneaky Chef has lots of ideas on dealing with these small problems: http://www.thesneakychef.com/

Recipes are like storytelling... and the best cook books, like those by Lindsey Bareham or Elizabeth David are always readable. Here's an interesting book review with thoughts on reading recipes through the ages. http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2013/07/the-pleasures-of-reading-recipes.html

Where do Indian/2nd generation Indian foodies go to get their fix of Indian food? Find out here: http://culinaryadventuresofthespicescribe.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/where_indian_foodies_eat_restaurants_london_guide_pakistani_gujarati/

Funny or Silly Stuff:

Some food fun, the hilarious Rappers & Cereal. Fancy any Snoop Loops? Or maybe some Luda Crisp? http://rappersandcereal.com/

Choosing a restaurant name is a tricky business. Tell me, would you eat at BAD Sushi (Best and Delicious)? http://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/funny-restaurant-signs

Film:

Confessions (Japanese language film)

TV:

Luther, Series 3

Music:

Lucy Rose - Like I Used To

Johnny Marr  - The Messenger

Atoms For Peace - AMOK

Thom Yorke - The Eraser