Please do dig into this month’s list. Like me, it is short and sweet.
I had hoped to share and say much more, but life has taken over. My to-do list is reproaching me as I type. I have a blended learning module which goes live online tomorrow. But there are still resources to update.
But I hope these selections will keep you going for now.
Look after yourselves, and stay awesome.
Recipes
What’s the
secret to an authentic Thai salad? There are some great ideas in this article.
I love Thai salads. No wonder so many of them are called "yum"!
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2024/apr/09/whats-the-secret-to-an-authentic-thai-salad-kitchen-aide-anna-berrill
Three 30 minute Italian recipes from the Big Mamma group of restaurants (which includes Shoreditch’s Gloria Trattoria and Covent Garden’s Ave Mario) Risotto zafferano alla Milanese, Tagliatelle ai funghi porcini and Tiramisù al pistachio:
https://www.stylist.co.uk/food-drink/italian-recipes-big-mamma-group/876919
Homemade Vietnamese fish cakes in a noodle soup – recipe by cookbook author Uyen Luu: https://www.nigella.com/recipes/guests/uyen-luus-fish-cake-noodle-soup
Mexican tacos with their varied fillings are fun, delicious, informal food which seems to taste all the better because you eat with your hands. Pork carnitas which are both slow cooked and fried is a favourite topping. Here’s how to make it: https://www.kitchensanctuary.com/pork-carnitas/
Kitchen know how and cooking tips
Yotam Ottolenghi gives his advice on how to get a smoky, chargrilled flavour in your vegetables without using a barbeque: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2024/apr/20/ask-ottolenghi-how-do-i-get-smoky-chargrilled-flavour-no-barbecue
Marcella Hazan was a cooking writer who didn’t just deliver recipes, but tried to change the way we cook. This article collects together some of her cooking tips. I’ve been trying cooking my onions and garlic from a cold pan to ensure they don’t burn or brown. It’s been useful for dishes which need a sauteed base. https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/best-marcella-hazan-cooking-tips-article
TV
Imagine: Pet Shop Boys – Then and Now
This new BBC documentary about Pet Shop Boys featuring new interviews with Neil and Chris shedding light on their overall career, new work, but most tantalising their early unheard demos and early days is a wonderful bit of TV.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001yblg/imagine-202324-pet-shop-boys-then-and-now
Boarders
St Gilbert’s boarding school has an image crisis after their pampered and privileged pupils are found to have been immortalised on video bullying a homeless man and spraying him with champagne. Sounds familiar? To create good press, the school decides to show it cares by creating scholarships for disadvantaged kids from the inner city. Five Lewisham teenagers, Jaheim, Leah, Femi, Omar and Toby arrive as the recipients of the scholarships, and what unfolds is a comedy drama with excellent performances from the five lead characters, and comedy which is contemporary, warm, yet knowing and satirical.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001wjyk/boarders
Later… Presents: Amy Winehouse
I won’t be watching the Amy Winehouse biopic. Not that I am suggesting you should not. But I’d rather remember her through her music and her performances. I bought her debut album, Frank, made at the tender age of 19 but with so much more maturity of songwriting, and I saw her play live the week that Back To Black came out. The BBC have collected together her live performances from Later… With Jools Holland if you would like to join me in remembering her unique talent as a singer and songwriter.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001qgj7/later-with-jools-holland-amy-winehouse
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