News
If you go into the woods, look out for shoots of wild garlic
If you go down in the woods today you're sure of a big surprise - the gorgeous smell of wild garlic! One of my favourite scents at this time of year, and a perfect ingredient in risottos, salads, pesto... Go for a forage this weekend and look out for the green leaves topped with white flowers in moist, semi-shaded woodland.
Oat cuisine: UK's first pop-up porridge cafe opens for business
What will the bearded hipsters think of next? (Actually quite like the idea of this, *says quietly*)
Peanut allergy 'cut by early exposure'
This news on peanut allergy might be a real step forward in reducing the incidence of potentially deadly allergic reactions. No one had a nut allergy when I was at school, or any other allergy for that matter (apart from my bro who had dairy issues, poor boy, no chocolate) - something has gone wrong somewhere. Hopefully the medics are on the right path to figuring it out.
The Real Junk Food Project
I went to TEDx Warwick on Saturday and saw a great talk by The Real Junk Food Project's founder Adam Smith. Inspirational project that uses food waste from local food banks, restaurants etc and turns it into meals for the local community, using a 'pay as you feel' concept. Top guy.
Reviews
Sous Chef
If you often find yourself scouring the shelves of your local deli or supermarket in search of an unusual ingredient, then this online shop is for you. They sell everything from liquid smoke to kimchi to Korean chilli paste to all those things Ottolenghi talks about...bookmark this one for laters.
Local News
New street food event in Stratford
The street food group, Scoff, have set up a new event in Stratford upon Avon that promises to be a brilliant way to spend your Friday nights as spring approaches. Tasty street food + ale bus + friends + riverside = good times
Recipes
Sausage crumble
I cut out this recipe from The Guardian's Cook supplement a couple of years ago and came across it again last week. It might sound a little odd but it works so well - extreme savoury goodness with sausages, cheese, cider, apples, caramelised onions, mushrooms and mustard. Phwoaaar!
Chard, sweet potato & peanut stew
Great winter veggie stew. If you can't find chard, sub in kale, spinach or spring greens. Check the seasoning as even though the peanuts are salted, it sometimes needs a little extra. Or add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter, mmm love the stuff!
Food for Thought
Graham Hill: Why I'm a weekday vegetarian
Do you have a spare five minutes? Take a look at this video about eating less meat, it's a few years old but still a thought provoking watch. This talk by Mark Bittman is also worth a listen. The stats on greenhouse gas emissions - animal production vs transport - are shocking.
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