July 2016 Favourites List

Visiting Liverpool on a Beatles pilgrimage was a lot of fun. I went on a surprise trip organised by Him Indoors, my long suffering partner and hubby. It was a treat for me, as he knows how much I love the Beatles. Whilst I knew some of the story of the Beatles, I did not realise how humble their beginnings truly were. Seeing their childhood homes, schools, and stomping ground was fascinating, eye opening and touching.

Also fascinating was, that despite conquering the world and having global superstardom of a kind which was rarely attained in the 1960s, they remained grounded by Liverpool. They continued to live in the city, maintaining their friendships and family relationships.

The Beatles were the first big band to obviously come from “The North”. Back in a time when the only accents heard on British television were generally upper/middle class southern accents, they were a breath of fresh air. They provided inspiration to young people all around the country that ordinary people with talent could make it. Their cheeky charm and ready wit made them likeable and accessible.

Many places in the Beatles’ Liverpool featured in their songs, as did characters from their local area, both real and imagined. Somehow, seeing the places brings the songs to life just a little bit more.

Last month, I reflected on the 400^th Anniversary of the passing of William Shakespeare, the father of English literate. So it seems appropriate this month to reflect on the greatest band of all time, England’s very own Beatles. Their songs are so well known, and they are so much a part of our culture, it is easy to overlook how important, influential and how damn good they actually were.

So I’m sharing my pictures of the Beatles’ homes in Liverpool. And I ask you to rediscover their greatness by revisiting their music.

On to this month’s favourite things…

Arnold Grove, George Harrison's childhood home

Recipes:

What's good for the goose, right? Some lovely ideas for using gooseberries this Summer. Sour, sharp, sweet, delicious! 

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jun/25/gooseberry-recipes-yotam-ottolenghi-slaw-dried-fool-salsa

Here's some fresh inspiration for your barbeque cooking - Beef picanha with lemon verbena herby chimmichurri.

http://eatlikeagirl.com/bbq-picanha-with-lemon-verbena-chimmichurri/

Marinaded beef steak in a soft taco... traditional Mexican cooking. https://food52.com/recipes/57201-skirt-steak-asada-tacos

Forthlin Road, Paul McCartney's childhood home

A fancy spicy lamb chops with gravy? Mr Todiwala, that sounds ace!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/…/recip…/parsee-style_lamb_cutlet_13755

Gently cooked sea bass in a coconut and chilli sauce, Brazilian style from the brilliant Diana Henry: 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/recipes/brazilian-style-fish-with-chilli-and-coconut/

New potatoes, especially Jersey Royals are a Summer treat! Here is a Spanish style pork chop recipe with garlic, paprika, fennel seeds and parsley with some anchovy stuffed olives: http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/spanish-style-pork-chops-with-new-potatoes-and-olives/

Mendips, John Lennon's childhood home (with Aunt Mimi)

Blue plaque for John at Mendips

Nepalese Cardamom chicken recipe from Karen Burns Booth:

http://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/gurkha-cardamom-chicken-curry-recipe

5 Summer recipes from Nigel Slater: Roast chicken, mango and ginger salad, Roast lamb with za’atar and broad bean freekeh, Roast courgette, herb labneh, Pistachio and lemon thyme biscuits (for serving with ripe soft cherries), Chilled rice, apricot compote and sesame: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jun/19/5-nigel-slater-recipes-for-early-summer

Wholegrain pearled farro in a salad with courgette ribbons and toasted hazlenuts: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/recipes/courgette-and-farro-salad-with-toasted-hazelnuts/

Admiral Street, Ringo Starr's 2nd childhood home

Articles/Know How:

What's in season for July? http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/collections/july-seasonal-food/

Review of Cyrus Todiwala's new cookbook. Be brave with spice, you won't regret it! http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/spice-up-your-cooking-a7131226.html

Film:

Trumbo

Spotlight

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.