News
Free school meals will not be cut, says Cameron
Hurray! Some good news to come out of the political world after the week of ridiculous #piggate Anyone else bored of that now? Research shows that over 85% of children in the first three years of school have taken up the free meals, a brilliant stat. Long may they continue.
North Sea cod back on the menu, marine body says
You might notice cod back on your fish and chip menus soon with the announcement that North Sea cod numbers have increased enough in the past 10 years for the Marine Conservation Society to put it on their 'fish to eat' list (in moderation).
Industrial farming is one of the worst crimes in history
A strong headline for an important issue - the large scale farming of chickens, pigs, cows and sheep is creating huge environmental issues but that is not the only debate. Yuval Noah Harari looks back at the relationship between humans and animals and considers why the rearing of animals in extreme, inhumane conditions is determined to be socially acceptable.
René Redzepi Plans to Close Noma and Reopen It as an Urban Farm
Regularly touted as the best restaurant in the world, owner and head chef, René Redzepi has decided that Noma needs a change. This article looks at his plans to create an urban farm in Copenhagen as well as his innovative ideas for the future of Noma - each season the menu will change to reflect the abundance of seafood, mushrooms, vegetables and game. Turning a restaurant completely vegetarian for a season is a bold move but one that Noma will surely follow through with great success.
Reviews
The best beers to welcome in autumn
I'm not a beer drinker so can't profess to trying any of these; I'll pass you on to someone much more qualified.
Recipes
How to cook the perfect pizza
I've followed a few pizza recipes before which called for a range of flours and proving times with varying success. This is a winner from Felicity Cloake; the dough is made from a mix of 00 flour and strong bread which makes for a beautifully crisp crust. Two of the keys to cooking an authentic pizza are heating the oven as hot as it will go and using a pizza stone or similar to achieve that snappy base. You can pick one up for under £9 and they should last forever. Don't go too crazy with the tomato sauce and mozza or you'll have a soggy b. A perfect cheap meal for a crowd, I'll echo Felicity's words - have you ever met anyone who doesn't like pizza?
Grilled bass with sauce vierge
Sounds super fancy but actually is a very simple sauce of tomatoes, capers, lemon juice, oil, shallots and herbs warmed through for a matter of minutes. It is one of those brilliant dishes that look like you've been slaving away for hours but actually you threw it together in less time than it takes to nuke that ready meal.
Food for Thought
How to use up separated eggs
This is a small bible of ideas for using up leftover whole eggs, yolks and whites - you have everything from fishcakes to custard to granola (helps create clusters!) to frittatas to egg confit. No more half eggs poured down the kitchen sink.
Bournville in Birmingham hosted a fantastic ale and street food festival yesterday in the sparkling September sunshine. So much good food - pulled pork bun, Persian chicken wrap, the most beautifully presented smoked pork belly taco you've ever seen, a cracking duffin (muffin/doughnut hybrid) and sweet chocolate brownie. The organiser's next event is coming up on Halloween, details heading to a newsletter near you very soon.