February 2022 Favourites list

Life doesn't want to give us a break right now, does it? From the anxiety and tension of the pandemic, to the current world events, we don't seem to have the opportunity for calm regrouping and settling down our jangled collective nerves. 

For me, times like this have me doing two things; one negative and the other positive. Doomscrolling is the bad habit. Sure, I keep myself informed, but it doesn't do my blood pressure or beauty sleep any good. My thumb suffers scrolling fatigue and my tired brain finds it hard to switch off. Retreating into the kitchen to immerse myself in the craft of preparing and creating dishes is the good response. I admit it, it's a distraction. No, it doesn't not mean that what is happening in the world doesn't upset me, or that I consider them irrelevant. I would argue that sometimes distraction or diversion is necessary. I'm also not saying anyone else has to do the same. We all have our own coping mechanisms, and the chances are yours are more effective than mine.

I hope that the situation in Ukraine is resolved soon. The people of Ukraine deserve self determination and independence. We would want the same for ourselves, so we should want nothing less for others.  

Here is my monthly favourites list for February 2022, with pictures of some current cooking escapades. Posted with love, from my kitchen to your screen. 

Potato and cauliflower pakoras

Food articles and writing

Fab foodie bargains you can enjoy simply by ditching more expensive branded goods for supermarket own label offerings. As chosen by chefs and food writers. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/feb/17/i-cant-believe-its-not-nutella-chefs-and-food-writers-favourite-grocery-bargains

I was today years old when I learned there were some highly unsuitable and inauspicious gifts you should never give anyone for Lunar New Year. Really interesting! https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/things-not-give-chinese-new-year.htm

What is in season in the UK in February? Carrots, Brussel sprouts, Parsnips, Spring green cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale and Leeks. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/whats-in-season-february

Poha

Fuchsia Dunlop on "wishes and dishes", her reminiscences of Lunar New Year food and celebrations of the past and her early travels to China in the 1990s. https://www.ft.com/content/d84e3fb9-6a47-4cce-b0fe-b5507a57ea20

Three: Acid, Texture, Contrast – The Essential Foundations to Redefine Everyday Cooking by Selin Kiazim. Brand new cookbook review by Nicky Bramley at Kavey Eats foodblog: https://www.kaveyeats.com/three-by-selin-kiazim

Supermarkets employ trickery in product placement and fake special offers to try to make you spend more than you intend to - here are their tricks exposed. Be aware and take care! https://archive.md/c6691

Recipes

Nigella Lawson's recipe for pasta with anchovies, tomatoes and mascarpone cheese: https://www.nigella.com/recipes/gemelli-with-anchovies-tomatoes-and-mascarpone

Nigella's pasta with anchovies, tomato and mascarpone

20 of the best easy dinner recipes. This is a treasure trove of ideas: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2022/jan/24/20-best-easy-dinner-recipes-yotam-ottolenghi-nigella-lawson-spaghetti-marmite

Mario Carbone shares his 20 minute penne with prawns recipe. Mario is the chef behind the iconic Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Carbone in NYC: https://www.insider.com/i-made-michelin-star-chefs-easy-pasta-dish-2021-8

Chicken soup with Orzo and winter greens by Scandi cook Signe Johansen for Ocado: https://www.ocado.com/webshop/recipe/Chicken-Soup-with-Orzo-and-Winter-Greens/208171

Steamed fish with Sichuan sauce and greens, recipe by Thomasina Miers: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2022/jan/31/steamed-fish-sichuan-sauce-greens-thomasina-miers-recipe

Cheater's steak "pie" (lid only)

Rukmini Iyer's recipe for Crispy Artichoke, Pancetta and Butternut Squash one-tin Pasta bake: https://www.ocado.com/webshop/recipe/Crispy-Artichoke-Pancetta-and-Butternut-Squash-One-Tin-Pasta/205826

Three seafood recipes from Janet Wei: https://www.stylist.co.uk/food-drink/asian-food-noodle-hotpot-seafood-recipe/620971

Thai salads are healthy deliciousness. Here Pailin Chongchitnant runs through the four main types (Yam, Tam, Laab and Pla) and the main ingredients: https://www.seriouseats.com/guide-to-thai-salads-5209897

Thai beef and mango salad

  

What you might have missed at Snig’s Kitchen

My recipe for a warming, comforting but light seafood noodle soup: https://snigskitchen.blogspot.com/2022/02/seafood-noodle-soup.html

Akash Sachdeva's Mum's chicken curry recipe

 

TV:

Rick Stein – From Venice To Istanbul

The Tourist

Chloe

The Great Songwriters: Johnny Marr

Music:

Songhoy Blues – Music In Exile

Goat Girl – On All Fours

House of Love

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.