July 2015 Favourites List

This month's pictures are from the lavender fields of Provence. There is something unique about the light in that part of the world, which has attracted some of the world's greatest artists to draw and paint there. The colours, countryside and flowers are colourful and vibrant. Nothing says Summer to me like the vivid purple and heady scent of thousands of lavender flowers.

I hope you will enjoy this month's collection of recipes, food articles, video, know how and other stuff I have collected together as my favourites for the month. I have been watching a lot of live music this month, mainly because I am not suited to going to festivals. As a tremendously light sleeper who is only really 5 foot (5 foot and half an inch doesn't count) with a penchant for hot showers and comfortable beds, a weekend away at Glastonbury and the like was never really on the cards!

Recipes:

Summer succotash with edemame beans, served with grilled chicken: http://camillestyles.com/summer/tuesday-tastings-summer-succotash/

In the UK we are very unaccustomed to the heat and the sunshine. It makes us panic a little. So I bring you: what to eat in a heatwave: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jul/01/cool-cuisine-heatwave-what-to-eat

Cyrus Todiwala's onion and chilli bhaji recipe for "Kaanda Bhajia". http://www.curryforchange.org.uk/recipes/kaanda-bhajias

Recipe for Bombay Badboy Cheesecake. An innovative spin on a classic chocolate cheesecake by Zoe Perrett. A Curry For Change recipe: http://www.curryforchange.org.uk/recipes/bombay-chocolate-cheesecake

Summer cocktails requiring minimal equipment which are easy to whip up. Cheers! http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jul/04/summer-cocktails-mocktails-ethicurean-bristol-drinks

Quick, colourful and full of Summer flavours; prawn, tomato and chilli spaghetti. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/10112847/Speedy-weeknight-suppers-prawn-tomato-and-chilli-spaghetti.html

Chicken thighs, rocket, pomegranate, and giant (Lebanese) couscous combine in a light salady-meal for hot days. http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/pomegranate-chicken-with-giant-couscous-salad/

1 Cauliflower, 4 different uses: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jul/04/cauliflower-recipes-nasi-goreng-rosie-reynolds-get-ahead

Vegetarian Mexican-Indo corn chaat by Deena Kakaya. I recommend her innovative recipes to any vegetarians out there. http://www.deenakakaya.com/2015/07/12/mexican-indian-corn-chaat/

The highly controversial New York Times pea guacamole which gained the criticism of President Obama: http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015047-green-pea-guacamole

Lamb leg steaks, feta, peas and puy lentils in a substantial but Summery meal-in-a-salad: http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/warm-lentil-and-lamb-salad/

Articles/Know How:

Indian themed events in London in July, from Zoe, AKA The Spice Scribe: https://culinaryadventuresofthespicescribe.wordpress.com/2015/06/28/indian-events-july-summer-whats-on-london-uk-arts-food-culture-pop-ups-news/

Ladies - put the kettle on! Time for some Rosie Lee! (Particular health benefits found in tea for women.) http://i100.independent.co.uk/article/as-if-you-needed-one-a-great-scientific-excuse-for-drinking-more-tea--bySoyPluMx

Guilty on two counts; cramming a pan and underseasoning. I consider myself schooled. http://www.shebudgets.com/food-drink/10-common-cooking-mistakes-youre-definitely-making

Having visited Penang, Malaysia, I can honestly say it has some of the finest food on the planet. Great to see that Ainsley Harriott agrees! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf2RVq6NjIU&feature=youtu.be

Time Out's list of the best Vietnamese Restaurants in London. I can vouch for Cay Tre and Banh Mi Bay. Keen to try the rest! http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/londons-best-vietnamese-restaurants

What you might have missed at Snig's Kitchen:

Find Your Feet are back with Curry For Change. Eat Indian food at a partner restaurant or throw a curry night for your friends. It's easy and fun to raise money to help empowerment rather than aid in rural areas of India and Nepal. http://snigskitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/curry-for-change-2015.html

Bordeaux is more famous for its red wines than its white. But are we missing out on something? How well can the wide variety of Bordeaux whites complement food? I found out at Imbibe Live 2015 with Saturday Kitchen's Jane Parkinson. http://snigskitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/bordeaux-does-streetfood-at-imbibe.html

My picture post on the Foodies Festival, Alexandra Palace Park http://snigskitchen.tumblr.com/post/123194687744/foodies-festival-alexandra-palace-park-2015

Arles in Provence is a beautiful, atmospheric town... typically southern French in food, feel and soul. This is my selection of places to eat. http://snigskitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/places-to-eat-in-arles.html

My latest restaurant review is of Ekachai's relaunch of their Wandsworth restaurant. Written for Flush Magazine:
http://www.flushthefashion.com/food/food-ekachai-wandsworth-relaunched-with-a-roar/

TV:

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

Amy Winehouse In Her Own Words

Glastonbury 2015 Sets by: Belle & Sebastian, The Mothership, Jamie xx, Alt-J, The Who, Paul Weller

Please note: as with every monthly Favourites List, all of these items have been selected by me simply because I love them. I do not receive any money, benefits in kind or other incentive for posting these links or recommendations.