Welcome to this month’s favourites list. As the month has progressed, we’ve definitely seen a big drop in temperature; the coats and hats have been reluctantly dragged from where they languished at the back of the wardrobe. However, the earlier part of the month still gave a us few nice days, and the very last of the Autumn sun.
After many years of working at Gray’s Inn in the Holborn area of London, the law school moved to the shiny building at Sebastian Street, near Northampton Square. Everything is brand new and fresh. Given that the entirely of last academic year was taught online, it is great to see students studying, chatting, and actually using the space.
I have found a secret sanctuary in the new building. There is a fabulous little hidden garden. OK, it isn’t exactly “hidden”, anyone can use it. But so far it seems to be a well kept secret, given how few people are using it. Maybe I’m making a mistake by telling you about it, and an even bigger mistake by sharing photos of this quiet little oasis… But this month’s photos are the magnificent tree ferns from the City Law School courtyard garden. I love how sculptural they are, and how ancient they seem. The leafy fronds are so feathery and vivid. They have stayed green while the other trees nearby are golden brown and slowly falling to the ground.
I hope you enjoy these statuesque beauties as much as I do. Now, it’s time to present my monthly collection of wonderful stuff….
Food writing and articles:
What's in season in November? Cabbage, carrots and kale among other things! https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/whats-in-season-november
Some cool ingredient hacks for home cooks. Personally, I always add Dijon mustard to my Macaroni cheese. https://www.buzzfeed.com/hannahloewentheil/best-flavor-booster-ingredients
A very personal account from Eshani Surya on being an American of Indian heritage, food, growing up, identity and Saunf (Mukhwas/sweet fennel seeds): https://catapult.co/stories/how-saunf-or-mukhwas-or-fennel-candy-built-me-a-home-indian-american-identity-food-eshani-surya
Cooking tips - how you might be cooking pasta incorrectly: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-13/nine-ways-you-re-cooking-pasta-wrong
A very thought provoking blog post on food waste. This is a really important read from Dr Elly McCausland: https://www.nutmegsseven.co.uk/blog/2021/11/on-wasting-food-and-why-banana-bread-is-not-the-answer-nbsp
Students share their advice on how to eat well at university. Remember, you need to feed the body as well as the mind. Eating healthily and regularly will help you do well. https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/student_uni_plans
Recipes:
Two student recipes from Chef Romy Gill - tomato chicken curry and a sweet potato and pea sabzi: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/oct/19/romy-gill-easy-curry-recipes-tamatar-murg-chicken-coconut-sweet-potato-pea-sabzi
While there are still courgettes and sweetcorn around, here is a farro vegetable bake for the last of the summer veggies: https://smittenkitchen.com/2021/08/baked-farro-with-summer-vegetables/
This recipe for Patlican Eksileme Salatasi (roasted aubergine salad) shows how great Turkish salads are: https://ozlemsturkishtable.com/2010/06/smoked-eggplant-salad-withvegetables-and-olive-oil-patlicanli-eksileme/
Lo mein noodles with tenderstem broccoli and scallops. A luxury stir fry supper recipe from Chef Jeremy Pang: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/scallop_and_tenderstem_70577
Vietnamese Bánh Canh Thịt Heo, a pork udon noodle recipe from Uyen Luu: https://tastecooking.com/recipes/banh-canh-thit-heo-pork-udon/
Recipes and some wok cooking tips from Adam Liaw. Includes cashew nut chicken and prawn and corn fried rice: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/nov/08/flash-in-the-pan-adam-liaws-20-minute-wok-dishes
Smoky lentil stew using Beluga black lentils: https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/this-smoky-lentil-stew-is-one-pot-comfort-food-perfection-1.4704638
Turmeric and yoghurt marinaded chicken with garlicky toum dip: https://tastecooking.com/recipes/turmeric-chicken-with-toum/
My cooking adventures – from my mini blog:
Umenishiki brown rice salad: https://snigskitchen.tumblr.com/post/668760868205527040/salad-umenishiki-brown-rice-sliced-frankfurters
Gambas al ajillo (Spanish garlic prawns): https://snigskitchen.tumblr.com/post/667955191802462208/oven-preheated-raw-king-prawns-placed-in-small
Making Elpida’s moussaka, as made for Rick Stein and Patrick Leigh Fermor: https://snigskitchen.tumblr.com/post/667400646726647808/tonights-dinner-is-a-labour-of-love-this-is
Ravinder Bhogal’s Udon noodle carbonara: https://snigskitchen.tumblr.com/post/666582181560369152/udon-noodle-carbonara-an-italian-japanese-fusion
Sumac roast chicken: https://snigskitchen.tumblr.com/post/666498930278858752/rick-steins-turkish-style-sumac-roast-chicken
Allegra McEvedy’s Tuk Tuk salad: https://snigskitchen.tumblr.com/post/666222996613152769/tuk-tuk-salad-a-thai-influenced-rice-salad-recipe
Patlican salatasi (Turkish roast aubergine salad): https://snigskitchen.tumblr.com/post/666042594232598528/patlican-salatasi-aubergine-salad-with-roasted
Film:
Sardar Udham
TV:
What We Do In The Shadows – Series 3
Outlaws
Music:
Immigrants - Nitin Sawhney
There’s No Place Like America Today – Curtis Mayfield
Fur and Gold – Bat For Lashes
Pet Shop Boys - Introspective
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.