This month has been one where I have been busy with assessments, dissertation marking, course design and teaching. It has been busy, but ticking things off my “to-do” list has been good for the soul.
This means that I don’t have lots to tell you. The only big news is that I have had my second Covid jab, which makes me feel a sense of relief in these difficult times.
I won’t waste you time with my other, more rambling thoughts, so other than let you know that this month’s pictures are of my recent food creations, I’ll leave you to dig in to this month’s list of lovely stuff.
Food writing and articles:
What's in season in May? https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/features/whats-in-season-may
Like Nigella, I want people to enjoy food guilt free. I also hate the idea of “guilty pleasures”, whether food or music. Moderation is one thing. But otherwise, love what you love! https://lithub.com/nigella-lawson-wants-everyone-to-experience-the-thoroughly-guilt-free-pleasure-of-food/
A lovely, evocative memoir of lockdown, food, friendships and a garden wall, by Jay Rayner: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/apr/15/jay-rayner-lockdown-sharing-pork-belly-neighbours
Emily Garland is an amazing artist working with the medium of gingerbread to create architecturally accurate models of many of the world’s most iconic buildings: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/this-gingerbread-architect-creates-the-worlds-most-iconic-buildings-out-of-biscuit_uk_60770b70e4b001befb6f90da
In the UK we call them “fish fingers”, in the USA they are called “fish sticks”. They’ve had a boost in both sales and reputation in the pandemic. https://www.hakaimagazine.com/article-short/the-unlikely-prevailing-success-of-fish-sticks/
The complete guide to making Chinese dumplings at home: https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-complete-guide-to-mastering-chinese-dumplings-at-home
32 kitchen tips. Even an experienced home cook will pick something useful up from this list! https://www.buzzfeed.com/michelleno/cooking-tips-for-beginners
Free cookbook:
Ryan Riley and Kimberley Duke from Life Kitchen have written a cookbook for people suffering from loss of their sense of taste as a result of Covid. It’s available for free here: https://lifekitchen.co.uk/product/taste-flavour-digital-book/
Recipes:
Asma Khan, the innovative force behind Darjeeling Express restaurant in London, shares her recipe for Bengali style Chicken Chaap: https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/chicken-chaap-recipe
How to make the Japanese classic, Okonomiyake: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/may/12/how-to-make-the-perfect-okonomiyaki-recipe-felicity-cloake
Palestinian Upside-Down Rice, Lamb & Aubergine (Maklubeh Bajinjan), a recipe is from Ghillie Bassan’s The Lebanese Cookbook as featured at Kavey Eats: https://www.kaveyeats.com/palestinian-upside-down-rice-lamb-aubergine
Mushroom tostadas, lamb barbacoa and green salsa guacamole, a Mexican feast of loaded tortillas, green chilli oil and guacamole, and a centrepiece of marinated slow-roast lamb in adobo sauce with a punchy salad on the side, recipes by Nick Fitzgerald, chef/owner, Tacos Padre, London SE1: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/may/01/mushroom-tostadas-lamb-barbacoa-and-green-salsa-guacamole-tacos-padres-mexican-spread-recipes
Savoury muffin recipe by Jacquie Bellefontaine – cheesy walnut and rosemary muffins: https://onlycrumbsremain.com/cheesy-walnut-and-rosemary-mini-muffins/
Artistic bread can come in many forms. Focaccia is great. But why not try an asparagus, tomato and onion embedded Farinata? Gram flour (besan) is the key ingredient. https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/apr/10/meera-sodha-vegan-recipe-farinata-balsamic-onions-asparagus
How to make an easy pasta salad for lunchtime – recipe and suggested tweaks: https://www.thekitchn.com/easy-pasta-salad-recipe-258379
If you have been to the Canary Islands, crinkly skin-on potatoes in Mojo sauce is a must try dish. Here's how to make the zingy, herby green Mojo sauce at home: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/may/15/mojo-verde-recipe-turn-excess-soft-herbs-into-spicy-sauce
Great reads:
The Pit Magazine, Issue 09, “The MSG Issue”, guest edited by MiMi Aye
TV:
Baghdad Central
Angelique Kidjo- BBC Proms 2019 (tribute to Celia Cruz)
Line of Duty (Series 6)
Music:
Marvin Gaye – What’s Goin On
Joni Mitchell - Blue
Beth Gibbons and Rustin Man – Out of Season
Kraftwerk – Computer World
King Creosote & Jon Hopkins – Diamond Mine (Jubilee Edition)
Neil Young – On The Beach
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.
