News
Obesity is an incurable disease. So why is the government intent on punishing sufferers?
George Monbiot hits the nail on the head again with his insightful article into obesity and argues that the government has got it wrong in trying to financially punish those who struggle to lose weight. George reports on a piece in the Lancet which shows how the body reacts to excessive weight gain and that losing weight (and keeping it off) is not an easy and simple task as your body has biologically changed. If you only read one link this week, let it be this.
Butter unlikely to harm health, but margarine could be deadly
I really dislike this sensationalist headline but the study it quotes is of interest so let's ignore that for a second. Recent research published in the British Medical Journal states that the mysterious substance that is margarine is in fact not as good for our bodies as the much feared butter. There have been many articles recently about saturated fat and how it's not the enemy we had previously thought. Makes you wonder what other health claims we follow and believe in are in fact a big pile of crap #cynical
Q&A: Milk prices row and how the system works
You must have had your head in the clouds this week to have avoided the milk chat going on in the mediascape. This article gives you the facts and figures on milk costs and explains what factors are causing this ongoing problem. If you want to do your bit and buy direct from farmers so you know they are getting a fair price, take a look at this map to find your local dairy farm.
We have two options. Tip properly – or protest for better pay for waiters
Pizza Express have caused controversy this week by admitting they take 8p from every £1 credit card tip their staff receive and they aren't alone in this practice with other national chains also chalking this off as an essential admin charge. Tipping in restaurants is a tricky one - do you usually leave cash or put a tip on a card? 10% or more? Will you still tip if the service is poor? Do you think the waiters should be paid a better hourly rate so they don't have to rely on tips so much?
Morrisons has partnered with national food charity FoodCycle to tackle UK poverty and food waste
FoodCycle is a fantastic volunteer driven community project which collects surplus food then cooks up some great meals for people who are having hard times. So it's brilliant to hear that Morrisons have signed up to work with the charity and donate their extra food. FoodCycle are growing their numbers all the time and now have hubs all over the country from London to Birmingham to Leeds to Bristol so any shops or restaurants who want to get involved are much appreciated.
Local News
Warwick Real Beer Tour
If you are into your beer and have a free bank holiday Sunday, then have a look at this Warwick walkabout. The real beer tour will take in several popular pubs in the town, with surprises, talks and competitions along the way. The not-for-profit event will be raising money for Myton Hospice.
Recipes
Sticky onion & cheddar quiche
I might have mentioned that I'm not a big egg fan; the smell and icky texture really don't do it for me. But quiches I can normally handle as a good one should be silky and smooth with a dominant flavour that isn't egg - this recipe happily ticks both of those boxes. Cheesy with a sweet note from the caramelised onions, encased in buttery, crisp pastry. I did mini ones for a party but the big style original is equally as excellent. Great picnic and buffet food.
Sticky citrus chicken with carrots & cashews
I love dishes like this - throw everything into the oven, check it a couple of times and add some sauce and nuts and ka-pow, a delicious meal is born. Ditch the Chinese takeaway this weekend and make some sweet and sour chicken instead. The sauce is gorgeously sticky with a bit of spice plus there are sweetened, roasted carrots and crunchy cashews. Good stuff.
Food for Thought
Why I went from working in a top restaurant to making school meals
Massive high five to this lady - she's chosen to leave Ottolenghi's kitchen to go into a school to create meals for kids. If only more chefs would take this path...feeding our children is a pretty important job, much more value should be placed on it.
If you have the chance to go to Wilderness Festival next year go go go! Chilled, loads of fun activities going on, amazing food, interesting talks, happy atmosphere - it's basically a more civilised Glastonbury, only once did the loos have no toilet paper or antibac wash! If you're a regular festival-goer you'll know this is most unusual; I must be getting old to appreciate this fact. It really was a very good festival.