August is synonymous with the school holidays. Everything quietens down.
The traffic, the courts, business... We find ourselves in the "Silly
Season" newswise, where stories about dogs which can recite the alphabet
or kooky animal pictures get whole page spreads.
I've been kept busy this month with various work tasks. One has been
updating three chapters of an employment law textbook written with some of my
colleagues. Employment law has a good side and a bad side. The good side is
that it is exciting and fast changing.... which also happens to be its bad
side! So I've been getting my small brain around various important judgements
and new legislation.
I hope you have been enjoying the Summer, and that you have either had,
or will have a nice break at some point.
This month's pictures are of me and some gorgeous looking birds.
Blogs Worth Following:
A cooking and baking blog written by Janice Pattie from her Scottish
farm home: http://farmersgirl.blogspot.co.uk/
Tara O'Brady's fantastic photos, recipes and storytelling: http://sevenspoons.net/
The My Life Runs On Food blog: http://blog.sanuraweathers.com/
Family friendly blog about how to get families to eat together: http://www.dinneralovestory.com/
Recipes:
Sour, tangy, spicy, refreshing.... Jal Jeera is great in the sunshine.
It's strange stuff, but overcome your initial impressions and you'll love it
too!
http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/jal-jeera-or-jaljeera-recipe/
http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/jal-jeera-or-jaljeera-recipe/
One for the school holidays - make your own popcorn: http://www.mrspkitchen.com/2011/12/popcorn-get-your-popcorn.html
Snack time! Roasted chick peas: http://ksolomon.com/roasted_garbanzos
Handvo (Gujerati Lentil Cake) made the simple way: http://lazygiraffeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/gujarati-recipe-series-handvo-savoury.html
Bengali Mutton (Mangsho) Curry... this is almost "like my mamma
used to make"! http://bengalicuisine.net/2013/sunday-mutton-curry/
Arancini take their name from their colour and shape - like oranges.
They are delightful fried balls of cooked risotto rice. You can make them with
leftover rice if you want, but here they are made from scratch.
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/aug/02/arancini-recipe-cauliflower-soup-yotam-ottolenghi
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/aug/02/arancini-recipe-cauliflower-soup-yotam-ottolenghi
Summery salads are great this time of year. Here's one with peaches,
mozzarella and quinoa. I reckon you could substitute the white balsamic vinegar
for sherry or cider vinegar if you can't get hold of it. http://jcocina.com/basil-peach-mozzarella-quinoa-salad/
Muffins suitable for vegans (eggless & can be milkless): http://fussfreeflavours.com/2008/04/zingy-maple-mango-muffins/
Summer in a glass! Mango Lassi! http://www.urbanrajah.com/how-to-make-Indian-curry/mango-lassi
Summer pasta with broad beans, mascarpone and thyme: http://bangermashchat.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/fusilli-with-broad-beans/
Indian flavours in this meringue dessert by The Meringue Girls
(cardamom, mango and sugared fennel seeds):
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/10242190/Cardamom-yogurt-mango-and-fennel-seed-meringues-recipe.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/10242190/Cardamom-yogurt-mango-and-fennel-seed-meringues-recipe.html
Herby Summer salad with raw beetroot, caraway, lemon balm and
mint: http://chipbuttiesandnoodlesoup.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/raw-beetroot-caraway-lemon-balm-and.html
Inspired by the lemons of Ischia, Linguine with prawns and lemon: http://tamarindandthyme.wordpress.com/2013/07/28/linguine-with-prawns-and-lemon/
Possible accompaniment to grilled meats or for a Sunday roast - spicy
(waxy) potatoes: http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/14/how-to-cook-rebecca-seals-turkish-spiced-potatoes-3922333/
Articles/Know How:
Do you have children who dislike veggies and healthy foods? The Sneaky
Chef has lots of ideas on dealing with these small problems: http://www.thesneakychef.com/
Recipes are like storytelling... and the best cook books, like those by
Lindsey Bareham or Elizabeth David are always readable. Here's an interesting
book review with thoughts on reading recipes through the ages. http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2013/07/the-pleasures-of-reading-recipes.html
Where do Indian/2nd generation Indian foodies go to get their fix of
Indian food? Find out here: http://culinaryadventuresofthespicescribe.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/where_indian_foodies_eat_restaurants_london_guide_pakistani_gujarati/
Funny or Silly Stuff:
Some food fun, the hilarious Rappers & Cereal. Fancy any Snoop
Loops? Or maybe some Luda Crisp? http://rappersandcereal.com/
Choosing a restaurant name is a tricky business. Tell me, would you eat
at BAD Sushi (Best and Delicious)? http://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/funny-restaurant-signs
Film:
Confessions (Japanese language film)
TV:
Luther, Series 3
Music:
Lucy Rose - Like I Used To
Johnny Marr - The Messenger
Atoms For Peace - AMOK
Thom Yorke - The Eraser
Thank you very much for the useful list. I find it very interesting.
ReplyDeleteDear Shop Vouchers,
DeleteMany thanks for reading my blog and for taking the time to comment.
I am delighted that you my August 2013 Favourites list. I compile a list each month of all the stuff that has tickled my fancy.
Come back next month for more!
Very best wishes
Snigdha