News
Processed meats do cause cancer - WHO
A sad, sad day. Bacon, sausages and chorizo are baddies say the World Health Organisation but how can this be when they taste so flipping good?!? Moderation is the thing we need to observe thankfully, not an all out ban.
My 50 favourite UK restaurants: critic Marina O'Loughlin's choice
Well respected food critic, Marina O'Loughlin, shines a light on her favourite restaurants; there are some familiar names - Moro, Bocca di Lupo - but also some secrets that look very exciting. I'll definitely be visiting the ones in Kent and Bristol next time I'm down that way. None in the Midlands though which is a shame.
Grub Kitchen: Welcome to Britain's first insect restaurant
I know we might have to start eating insects if we run out of food but I'm really not convinced they will be enjoyed. At a festival in the summer I tried cricket stirfry and meal worm flapjacks which did nothing further to persuade. But hopefully this new restaurant opening in Wales will change minds. Meal worm and cricket kofte kebab anyone?
Best UK fish and chip shops revealed in ‘Oscars’ of fish-frying industry
The list to consult if your favourite Friday takeaway is fish and chips; they've taken it all into consideration - sustainability, customer service, quality and the look and feel of the shop - to create a top ten.
Local News
Autumn Market
This is one of my favourite events of the year with the best of the best street food, four bars (including The Little Gin Company), a DJ and brass band, and beautiful arts, craft and food stalls. Highlights are Bake who make American inspired cakes (want to get my hands on their huge peanut butter chocolate cake this time before it sells out), Sparrow & Wolf with origami printed cushions and stationery, Marimo Adrift and their cute terrariums, Low 'N' Slow's slow cooked meats, Jabberwocky's Reuben toastie, Canoodle's Pan Asian feasts and more and more, so much more. Entry is £1.50 and it's only 10 mins walk from Birmingham train stations.
Recipes
Nigel Slater creates a goulash to brighten the chilliest night
As the autumnal nights draw in the need for comforting, warming food edges its way into our kitchens. This pork goulash with its tender meat, smoky mushrooms, sweet peppers and mildly spicy paprika satisfies this seasonal desire perfectly. Nigel suggests potatoes or noodles to accompany the dish but the amount of sauce pushed me towards rice to soak up all the juices which worked just fine.
Warm quinoa salad with grilled halloumi
Quinoa and its magical halo of goodness stand proud over this salad; soft, sweetened red onion and roasted peppers couple up with the zesty, herby dressing in the fluffy mess of quinoa. And then there's halloumi, the squeaky one, who brings a crispy outer crust and a salty touch to the whole proceedings. Excellent quick meal for a weekday evening plus leftovers for lunch. I'd maybe eat all the halloumi on the first night though and add a bit of feta (or have it naked) the next day as cold halloumi isn't all that.
Food for Thought
Food for Thought | Food for life
I love this video, it's the must-click link this week. Inspirational (not used lightly), educational and makes you feel all warm and hopeful inside that we can actually sort out the crazy food system. Support local food, do it do it do it!
So last Saturday was spent making a special cake for my aunt's surprise birthday party - a four tiered naked extravaganza with victoria sponge, lemon, chocolate orange and raspberry and white chocolate layers, decorated with fruit and flowers. Pretty pretty. And this weekend things will take a slightly different turn with latex, fake blood and weird contact lenses. I'm heading to the Autumn Market then going crazy with make-up to create a Day of the Dead look. Happy Halloween! PS. Watch the video at the bottom!