News
Cheap and easy food? Think about the true cost
Another thought provoking piece by Joanna Blythman; she's discussing the opening of easyFoodstore, the latest venture from easyJet founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Iannou. The journalist uncovers the real costs of selling food this cheaply. This line says it all: "...government, big farming and “realist” commentators [...] would prefer that we all ate [...] factory-farmed chicken every day, rather than a better-raised bird once a month." So true. A must read.
Organic meat and milk could offer health benefits, study suggests
If you're swaying between spending a bit more on organic food and sticking with non-organic, then have a look at this for info on the health benefits. Organic meat and milk contain 50% more omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease but at the same time provide you with less iodine, a useful mineral for development, particularly for pregnant ladies. Swings and roundabouts.
Asda's £3.50 Wonky Veg Box Lets You 'Feed Your Family For A Week'
Asda's veg boxes have been getting a lot of headlines this week, and deservedly so, it's about time the supermarkets got on board with the misshaped veggies. Scroll to the bottom of the article to see if your local store has the boxes in stock.
'Shocking' sugar levels in High Street hot drinks, warns charity
The sugar brigade are out again; this time the victims are Starbucks, Costa and co, and their sweeeeeeet drinks. Quite scary stats here. If you're happy to never drink a large hot chocolate again then read on. Otherwise I'd avoid, you don't need this kind of information in your life.
Reviews
From amchoor to smoked eel: a cook's guide to unusual ingredients and where to get them
For the adventurous cook, Diana Henry has put together a comprehensive list of online shops for the more unusual ingredients you can't find in the supers or corner shop. You might recognise Brindisa from Borough Market, the home of beautiful Spanish produce; head there for the best of the best chorizo.
Local News
Night & Day Markets
Brainchild of the Seasonal Markets' curators, this event promises to be a biggie with the usual top notch street food (Buddha Belly, Low n Slow, Caribou Poutine, Baked in Brick and Bournville Waffle Co), a quality music lineup (Norman Jay, Don Letts...) and local craft stalls which are really fantastic for picking up unique gifts. The fun continues over two days and into the evening, creating a South East Asia market-esque atmosphere. My food pick would be Baked in Brick with their very tasty chicken tandoori wraps; also check out their customised Mini with a grill under the bonnet and a clay oven on the roof. Pretty cool.
Recipes
Sausage & Cider Stew
This recipe has 6 different vegetables AND herbs AND tomato purée which, I like to think, combine to helpfully negate the naughtiness of the sausages. Winter stews add such comfort to a chilly night, especially when you complement it with a pile of mustard mash. Don't worry about sticking too rigorously to the recipe, any root veg will work well if you don't fancy swede or carrots. Parsnips were a perfect, sweet partner to the meaty sausages.
Chicken noodle soup
This is such a great midweek meal - speedy to make, delicately flavoured, and you'll probably have most of the ingredients in your cupboard already. The healthy box also gets a big, fat tick with lean protein from the chicken, carbs from the noodles and a good smattering of veggies. No excuse to phone the Chinese takeaway now... Oh and excuse the crap picture, not the most appetising of foods but well worth making!
Food for Thought
How to pep up everyday food with flavour-packed finishing touches
Love this article: flourishes to make your meals a little bit more special. Gremolata (parsley, garlic and lemon zest) on a beef ragu or stew takes the dish to another level. Picada is definitely one to try - a pounded mix of toasted nuts, fried bread, raw garlic and herbs. Nice.
So this week I started a new project where I'm working in an actual office 9-5.30 with actual people, rather than chatting to my wooden spoon, baking at home. This means I need to get more organised with meals, specifically lunches. If you have any extra special sandwiches or salads that would fit the bill, please send them my way as I'll be trying a few out in the next three weeks to feature here. It's a whole new world :0 Read the cheap food article, it'll make you think differently about what you buy (if you don't already).