July 2023 Favourites list

Welcome this month's list of stuff which has kept me occupied, inspired, entertained and enthralled.

I hope you enjoy my selections, along with some beautiful summer flowers.

Food writing

What's in season in July? Fennel, rocket, cucumber, radishes, courgettes, blackberries and strawberries. With recipe ideas. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/g42799372/july-recipes/

Nissin's Cup Noodle tubs are a food icon. A supermarket in Shenzen found giant size packs were such a hit, they sold out in half a day. Each giant pack has 24 regular size pots. The perfect stash of noodles! https://mustsharenews.com/giant-cup-noodles-china/  

Recipes

Ten salads to help you boost your plant/veggie intake: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jun/15/eat-the-rainbow-10-spectacular-salads-to-help-you-eat-30-plants-a-week

I’ve started experimenting with Korean ingredients like Gochujaru and Gochujang, so this spin on a US classic has captured my interest: https://www.saveur.com/recipes-by-course/gochujang-sloppy-joes-with-kimchi/

If you have seen any of my food pictures, you’ll know I am firm believer that toasted sesame seeds make everything look and taste great. This chicken salad recipe is going to be another excuse for me to get my fix: https://cravingsbychrissyteigen.com/recipes/sesame-chicken-salad

Three pasta salads to keep us going through the rest of the summer: https://www.stylist.co.uk/food-drink/3-quick-and-easy-pasta-salad-recipes-to-enjoy-all-summer-long/794156

Quinoa gets a bad rap from people wanting to dunk on “middle class” food. But it’s easy to cook, healthy and versatile. I’m always looking for new salads to add some quinoa to, so I’m sharing this: https://www.wellplated.com/sweet-potato-quinoa-black-bean-salad/

A cauliflower, pomegranate and pistachio salad from Yotam Ottolenghi: https://www.purewow.com/recipes/yotam-ottolenghi-cauliflower-pomegranate-pistachio-salad

“Cowboy butter” mixes up all the things which go well with steak. Great for a summer barbeque: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/cowboy-butter/

Wagamama restaurant chain’s recipe for miso cod ramen : https://www.lovefood.com/recipes/89840/wagamama-miso-cod-ramen-recipe

 

Kitchen know-how

Barbeque cooking experts share the perfect temperature for cooking meat. It’s important to avoid food poisoning. https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/26/bbq-experts-share-perfect-temperatures-to-cook-meats-from-chicken-to-steak-18834908/  

Has a bowl of soup or porridge exploded all over the inside of your microwave? Here’s how to clean your microwave, and what not to use: https://www.hungryhuy.com/how-to-clean-a-microwave/

 

Cost of living

The Big Issue have put together a summer survival list, to help families over the school summer holiday with the cost of living. You’ll find it here: https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/summer-survival-guide-summer-holidays-cost-of-living-crisis/

 

TV

The Change

Stand up comedian Bridget Christie (A Bic for Her) writes and stars as Linda, a woman who realises how dismally she is put upon on her 50^th birthday which her useless husband Steve (Omid Djalili) tries to make all about him. Taking off for a few days, much to the chagrin of her judgmental sister Siobhan (Liza Tarbuck, channelling more internal misogyny than I would normally care to see, in a great performance), she meets culture wars radio hosts Joy and Verderer, two sisters devoted to eels, and seeking a time capsule left by the younger Linda aged 10, during her journey of self discovery. I’m not going to give any giveaways from this quirky comedy drama. Available on Channel 4’s free streaming service: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-change

Je Tue Mon Mari (I Killed My Husband)

French thriller about lawyer Anna Viera who, on a dark and stormy night, initially believes she has killed her husband. Her doubts grow, and she realises she must prove her innocence. Without giving anything away, Anna realises that many things in her life have been a lie, including her happy marriage. Great performances, and effective slow burn storytelling make this uniquely watchable. (TW: rape, murder, violence and coercive control). Available on Channel 4’s free streaming service: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/i-killed-my-husband

Black Mirror – Loch Henry

The first episode of this new series, Joan Is Awful, got plenty of attention for it’s warped internet spying meta AI narrative. But Loch Henry, the second episode is more old fashioned but even darker. Travelling back home to a small lochside village, Davis wants to make a folksy documentary about an egg collector. His girlfriend Pia, upon discovering the village harboured a serial killer, convinces him that the murders should be the subject of the documentary. What then happens is something I won’t spoil for you. (TW: murder, serial killing). Available on Netflix streaming service.

Music

Olivia Dean – Messy

Prince – Purple Rain

Burning Spear – Marcus Garvey

Miriam Makeba and Harry Belafonte - An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba

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.

June 2023 favourites list

Welcome to this month's favourites list. 

This month's photos are from my recent visit to Darjeeling Express, Asma Khan's acclaimed and boundary pushing restaurant. With its emphasis on home style Indian food cooked by a team of women who would not usually be working in the commercial catering sector, it is great to visit upon its return to Kingly Court in Soho, London.  

Food writing

What's in season in June? Artichokes, asparagus, blackcurrants, cherries, courgettes and elderflowers. With recipe ideas. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/g42752918/june-recipes/

Three London restaurants make it to the list of 50 best restaurants in the world. They are British-Mexican fusion restaurant Kol, Ikoyi restaurant specialising in sub-Saharan African cuisine, and modern British restaurant The Clove Club. https://metro.co.uk/2023/06/22/worlds-best-restaurants-london-nabs-three-spots-in-top-list-18995104

An examination of sexism in wine culture: https://lithub.com/do-wines-make-women-giggly-on-sexism-in-wine-culture/

I've been Twitter chatting about instant noodles today, the lifesaver of workplace lunch when you are in a rush or didn't pack lunch in advance. Food bloggers Gingeybites reviews instant noodles, a helpful resource for noodle enthusiasts. https://gingeybites.com/guide-to-instant-noodles

If you love food and travel, then Kavey’s guide to Vietnam, complete with itinerary and top tips, is well worth reading. https://www.kaveyeats.com/3-week-vietnam-itinerary-food-culture-history-cities-nature

Can you increase your chilli heat tolerance, and what causes differences in tolerance in the first place – a fascinating look into capsaicin: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/spice_tolerance

 

Recipes

South East London’s Babur restaurant is a must visit for fans of Indian food. They have been lovely enough to share their recipe for Dal Makhani: https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/dal-makhani/  

From Su Scott’s book : https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/meat-and-poultry/korean-bossam-poached-pork-belly-wrap/

How to make Saag Paneer from scratch, including how to make your own Paneer: https://getpocket.com/explore/item/saag-paneer-is-the-luscious-indian-comfort-food-you-need

Algamja jorim are Korean soy sauce braised baby potatoes. A slightly time consuming dish to make, but one which is well worth the trouble. https://mykoreankitchen.com/gamja-jorim-korean-braised-potatoes/

 

Kitchen know-how

Many Instagram food posts include flowers. Please only use edible flowers. This article identifies them and how to use them. [NB Sweet pea flowers are not edible, but pea flowers are. Don’t get confused!] https://www.marthastewart.com/edible-flower-varieties-guide-7510570

How to make super smooth hummus with either dried chickpeas or tinned: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/super_smooth_hummus

A major study has found the Mediterranean diet could cut the risk of dementia in later lift by 25%. Here’s a summary of the findings, and what to eat and how to incorporate the Med diet foods in your diet. https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/diet_reduce_dementia_risk

13 alternative to wheat flour, from grain flours to bean flours and more: https://lifehacker.com/your-guide-to-13-alternative-flours-1850414480

If you love garlic as much as I do, you’ll love this. Kaitlyn from the Woks of Life food blog gives her guide on how to cook with garlic: https://thewoksoflife.com/cooking-with-garlic/ 

 

TV

Colin From Accounts

Offbeat Australian comedy in which an impulsive spur-of-the-moment piece of cheekiness leads to an accident which brings two unlikely people together as they struggle to do the right thing behind the innocent pooch they call “Colin from accounts”. TW – dog injury in a car accident. On iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0f255x9/colin-from-accounts

Glastonbury 2023

Gabriels: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft12mg/glastonbury-gabriels

Los Bitchos: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft1qtj/glastonbury-los-bitchos

Rick Astley & Blossoms play The Smiths: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft6w7z/glastonbury-rick-astley-blossoms-perform-the-smiths

Chvrches: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0fsyy41/glastonbury-chvrches

Hozier : https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft12v9/glastonbury-hozier

Caroline Polachek: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ftbbbs/glastonbury-caroline-polachek

Kelis: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft0pdc/glastonbury-kelis

Music

Charlotte Gainsbourg – 5:55

Film

She Said

In the mould of investigative journalism films like Spotlight and All The President’s Men, I found this film documenting the investigation which exposed Harvey Weinstein and birthed the “Me Too” movement highly engaging. The performances are stand out. Good to see so many women in starring roles in a journalistic drama, although obviously the circumstances are horrible. [Available on streaming services].

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.

 

May 2023 Favourites List

Welcome to this month’s list of the wonderful stuff I have been enjoying this month. Enjoy them with some of the spring flowers I spotted in my neighbourhood.

Food writing

What's in season in May? Asparagus, peas, strawberries, spinach, watercress and spring onions. Here is the list, and what you might want to do with them.

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/g42934808/may-recipes/

How to eat sushi, from conveyor belt sushi restaurants to the specialist restaurants of the sushi masters: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230420-the-right-way-to-eat-sushi

"The British Chinese takeaway deserves respect, not sneering by ignorant Americans". A powerful defence of how food evolves and the experience of the sheer hard work running a successful take away involves, from Kate Ng: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/chinese-takeaway-tiktok-british-american-b2334781.html

Tai Ibitoye, a registered dietitian and a university lecturer in nutrition and dietetics, busts some of most persistent and misleading diet myths circulating on social media: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/dietitian_diet_myths

Recipes

Omar Allibhoy (AKA The Spanish Chef) shares his recipe for creamy Spanish (Bomba) rice with mushrooms: https://archive.md/20fGf

Koreans call it “mu”, but you might know it better as daikon or mooli radish. Here’s a spicy salad recipe from Su Scott from Kavey’s blog. Don’t forget to season the dishes in the right order: sweet, salty, sour and jang. https://www.kaveyeats.com/korean-spicy-radish-salad-musaengchae

Three Indonesian vegetarian recipes from Petty Pandean-Elliott’s book The Indonesian Table: https://www.stylist.co.uk/food-drink/traditional-indonesian-vegetarian-recipes/778673

My mum used to make a prawn and cabbage dish when I was a child, and wanted to know how to re-create it. Here’s a recipe which is pretty close: https://www.diasporaco.com/blogs/recipes/shaz-kik-s-bandhakopi-chingri-bengali-spicy-cabbage-with-shrimp

The Indian snacks known as “chaat” are one of my favourite light meals. Here’s a novel spin, using shop bought Bombay mix: https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/quick-and-easy/bombay-mix-lettuce-salad/

Jersey Royal potatoes are back in season. Here’s a reinvention of potato salad, with a lighter dressing than the traditional mayonnaise with chives: https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/new-potato-salad/

Got a packet of instant ramen and want a change? How about… wait for it… Ramen salad. Toasted dry ramen mixed into a salad slaw. https://www.wellplated.com/asian-ramen-salad/

https://www.wellplated.com/sweet-potato-quinoa-black-bean-salad/

Three vegan Jamaican salad recipes from Denai Moore’s new cookbook: https://www.stylist.co.uk/food-drink/plentiful-denai-moore-vegan-salad-recipes/782373

Kitchen know-how

I love kitchen and cooking tips. But what about the absolutely worst tips in the history of cooking? Here they are… [They are very, very bad!] https://www.lovefood.com/gallerylist/82340/the-worst-cooking-advice-in-history

How to cook beans from dried, and bean-cooking myths busted: https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/soaking-salting-dried-bean-myths-article

I recently started cooking with either white or red miso paste. But I’m looking to expand my horizons beyond simple marinaded fish and salad dressings. This beginner’s guide from Niki Segnit (author of the Flavour Thesaurus books) is going to inform my new adventures. https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/may/13/niki-segnit-beginners-guide-to-cooking-with-miso

TV/Music

Fanny: The Right To Rock

In the 70s, there was an all woman band who truly rocked. With members who were mixed race, and lesbian/bisexual, they were trailblazers in every way. David Bowie and Bonnie Raitt were fans. Geoff Emerick engineered their records. Todd Rundgren produced them. They were the first all woman band to be signed to a major record label. This documentary tells their story. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001ln6p/fanny-the-right-to-rock

Pet Shop Boys at the BBC

A retrospective of the duo’s many appearances on the BBC in a career which has been anything but boring. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001m85r/pet-shop-boys-at-the-bbc

Reel Stories: Pet Shop Boys

Dermot O’Leary interviews Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. The David Bowie ham baguette story told is definitely a highlight! There’s also a number of amusing moments when the boys laugh at their younger selves. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001m85t/reel-stories-pet-shop-boys

Film

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

The cast of voices supporting Antonio Banderas in this multi-layered film which is not-just-for-kids include Florence Pugh, Ray Winstone and Olivia Colman. There are laughs, fights, rooftop chases… and a cat who has to face up to the fact that life is finite as he realises he’s on his last l

(Available in cinemas and on streaming services)

A Simple Plan

It has taken me years to get around to seeing this thriller which is set in rural Minnesota where despite the sense of space, the tone is decidedly claustrophobic. Two brothers and their friend find $4m in cash. All they have to do is keep shtum about it and not act suspiciously, right? If only it were that simple… https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0078cwc/a-simple-plan

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.