November 2013 Favourites list

Hello everyone! How is November been treating you?

Personally, I've found the clocks going back and the sudden onset of cold weather a real shock to my system. Having, on the colder days, to try to cram feet with two pairs of socks into my boots has not been fun! 

Some people love this time of year. The yellows and russets of the falling leaves, the loss of oppressive heat, the cuddly feel of wool on skin, are all things many people find pleasure from in this season. I guess if that's you, we will just have to agree to disagree!

I do enjoy the flavours of this season, thankfully! Stews, curries, soups, casseroles, roasts/bakes and generally more comforting food always meet with my approval. Time to dig the slow cooker out, and plan some suppers! And the trusty cast-iron casserole dish is bound to see some action in the coming days and weeks.

I am thinking of making some stuff with some middle-eastern influence... perhaps some Turkish or Persian flavours. So dried oregano, saffron, pine nuts, raisins and chick peas... you get the kind of impression.... I think a buying trip to find stuff like Pomegranate molasses and Sumac is in order...

I'll get my coat!

This month's pictures are from Positano in Italy, from my trip there last year. It's a picture perfect little town perched on a hill, descending down to the sea.

Blogs Worth Following:

http://cookwitch.blogspot.co.uk/

http://chasingdelicious.com/

http://www.wiveswithknives.net/

Recipes:

Originally to use up stale bread, this is a middle eastern salad which is full of colour and joy, Lebanese Fattoush.
http://www.kitchennomad.co.uk/fattoush-salad/4578695746

Authentic Pad Thai from a street vendor. You have the lovely Anjali Hall to thank for finding this down the back of the internet!
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/360251-pad-thai-recipe-direct-from-a-street-vendor-in-thailand-photos/

Vegetarian & vegan - healthy lentils with sweet potato and spinach. http://www.girlmakesfood.com/slow-cooker-lentils-vegan/

Originally to use up stale bread, this is a middle eastern salad which is full of colour and joy, Lebanese Fattoush. http://www.kitchennomad.co.uk/fattoush-salad/4578695746

Ketcheree, (or Khichuri) is the origin of Kedgeree, here is a Persian spin on the classic Indian dish: http://foratasteofpersia.co.uk/2013/03/ketcheree-a-recipe-for-good-friday/

Osso buco, one pan brussels with bacon, laksa, seared beef, sorbet - a collection of great recipes from Nigel Slater.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/05/nigel-slater-recipes-kitchen-diaries

Baked squid, Mussels and bacon on toast, Grilled duck salad with lemon grass and ginger, Orecchiette with sardines and breadcrumbs. More best of recipes from Nigel Slater: 

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/oct/29/nigel-slater-recipes-meat-fish

Nigel Slater's best veg recipes - Grilled halloumi with beetroot, Artichoke and rosemary tortilla, Cheese and chive puddings, Red aubergine curry  http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/oct/30/nigel-slater-20-recipes-veg

Nigel Slater's best dessert recipes - Chocolate praline truffle cake, Blackcurrant ripple, Blackberry friands, Fig and walnut cake, Baked apples with dates, maple syrup and brandy butter, Pomegranate and prosecco jelly, Banana ice cream with warm cranberry sauce: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/oct/31/nigel-slater-best-recipes-desserts

Smoked haddock and spinach macaroni cheese, what a twist on a classic! http://www.rylandpeters.com/blog/recipe-for-the-weekend-2/

A very traditional Bengali recipe - prawns with cooked gourd (lau chingri), similar to my mum's: http://ilishbhapa.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/lau-chingriand-rainy-afternoon.html

Allegra McEvedy writes wonderful recipes which are simple and full of flavour. Here is her Pear, Lentil and Pork chop suppertime recipe as featured on Radio 4.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03hwbr3/features/pork-chops

How to make your own Za'atar and your own flatbreads: http://helengraves.co.uk/2013/11/zaatar-flatbreads/

Vietnamese Chicken Curry by Uyen Luu: http://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/menus/vietnamese/item/vietnamese-chicken-curry

Mushy pea houmous, from Veggiestan's Sally Butcher: http://foratasteofpersia.co.uk/2012/11/persepolis-party-food-343-mushy-pea-houmous/

Articles/Know How:

Cold remedies: http://www.masalaherb.com/2013/07/recipes-for-a-cold.html

Making your list for Santa? Here are some ideas for foodies: http://marmitelover.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/18-stylish-items-for-kitchen.html

TV:

The Ambassadors

Imagine: Jimi Hendrix

Music:

Club 8 - Above The City

The Joy Formidable - Wolf's Law

MS MR - Secondhand Rapture

The National - Trouble Will Find Me

Neil Young - After The Gold Rush