News
Food bank use tops million mark over the past year
Food banks were used more than a million times in the past year. In 2008-2009 there were 29 food banks in the UK; there are now 445. The UK has the fifth largest economy in the world. How does this make any sense? It's a shocking statistic and one many politicians should be ashamed of. I'm not going to say anything else, read the article and judge for yourselves.
Election 2015: What are the parties really saying?
It's election fever time! If you're not sure who to vote for, have a look at these sites which focus on the policies, they have definitely helped me decide - - Who Should I Vote For (quick) and Vote For Policies (takes a bit longer but more substantial). If, like me, you're interested in what the parties are saying about GM crops, sugar labelling, animal welfare and environmental issues, this resume by the Sustainable Restaurant Association gives a good overview on the five parties' sustainability policies. Whether or not any of them will go through with their plans is another matter...
Aldi's budget spirits beat expensive rivals in drinks competition
Aldi and Lidl are flying very very high at the moment. The big supermarkets are worried, especially with Tesco announcing record losses this week. The recession has meant that many people have been forced to find more value for their pounds and the discount stores offer just that with not only a wide range of food products, but also household wares, clothing and electronics. Many of their food items have won praise for their quality and value and this drinks' accolade is just the latest award to add to their shiny belt. I'll definitely be trying their gin and limoncello!
What Is Freekeh? Health Benefits, Concerns And Cooking Instructions For The Latest Super Grain
Freekeh has been worming its grainy way into our magazines and recipe books over the past year with Ottolenghi, amongst others, championing it as a new super food. With more fibre and protein than brown rice and with a significantly shorter cooking time, you can see why the nutrition experts are excited. This article explains what freekeh is and what you do with it - think tasty filling salads and risottos.
Reviews
Shannon's Kitchen | healthy food. inappropriate language. zero f**ks given
If you are in anyway offended by crude language then do not click on this link. You have been warned! Can't remember how I came across this blog but so glad that I did - Shannon is freakin' hilarious and her recipes are pretty good too. The Aussie nurse's way with words is not everyone's taste but if you're up for discovering a whole new way of expressing your food love, read on. Beneath the innuendos and downright obscene language, there is a lot of valuable nutritional info - Shannon is studying for a Masters in Nutrition so knows what she's talking about. Think Deliciously Ella without the squeaky clean demeanor and a barrow load of filth thrown in. She says it how it is and speaks a lot of sense.
Local News
British Street Food Awards 2015: A cake doctor, an aroma DJ... and free beer
The British Street Food Awards have been put together to celebrate the brilliant traders who brave the outstanding British weather selling their lovingly crafted food, often in a fun innovative way with their styled vehicles. This year the awards are going on tour with four locations hosting a heat - Oxford, Leeds, Cornwall and Cardiff - followed by the London final in September. You'll be able to try small plates from each seller and then vote on your fave, the line ups are yet to be announced but you just know it'll be good. I'm heading to the Oxford heat next bank holiday weekend for a day of excellent food, beer, live music and street food crazy golf (?!). Oh and an aroma DJ (no idea). Tickets start at £7 with a free beer thrown in.
Recipes
Diana Henry - A Bird in the Hand
If you love chicken then you have to get this book. Beautifully written and photographed with a mountain of delicious sounding recipes - from bourbon and marmalade-glazed drumsticks to Vietnamese lemongrass and chilli chicken to crusted chicken and chorizo paella to gorgeous pies, laksas and curries. The range of recipes is huge with many quick meals for weekday evenings along with half day feasts to share with friends and family. I tried the pictured chicken saltimbocca last night which was lovely - moist chicken with a little saltiness from the Parma ham and a syrupy sweet tone from the Marsala. I know these pages will be very dirty before long - the sign of a well used and loved book.
Thai green curry
Sorry for including a link to this newspaper, I couldn't find the recipe on Jamie Oliver's site so had to look elsewhere. Avert your eyes from the sidebar of shame and concentrate on the brilliant recipe which you can also find in the Ministry of Food book. This is the best Thai green curry I've made and always get asked for the recipe. So full of flavour and very quick to put together. The kaffir lime leaves make it really zingy and can be found in Asian stores or bigger supers. I bought a big bag which I keep in the freezer, just take a few out when you need them. I usually crush the coriander seeds a little and get rid of the stringy outer lemongrass layers so the paste is smoother. I've never tried it with prawns, just chicken, but I'm sure it will work perfectly. Lastly, use whatever veg you fancy - mushrooms, carrots, courgettes, aubergine - don't be restricted by the recipe, it all tastes good.
Food for Thought
Live Below the Line
Could you feed yourself on £5 over five days? From 27 April to 1 May Live Below the Line is asking you to get involved in this challenge to raise awareness of the 1.2 billion people living below the poverty line, many of whom have less than £1 a day to live on for all their expenses - not just food. Food poverty isn't just an issue in the developing world but also here in the UK as the food bank story above shows. If you're up for the challenge and would like to fundraise some £s for charity, have a look at the site which gives lots of budget recipe ideas.
I was so pleased this week to see Warwick Rocks smash their Crowdfunder target, a great example of a town working together. Really looking forward to their foodie events later on this year. Unless you've been living on Mars for the last few months, you couldn't have helped but notice that there's a little election coming up. I've included a couple of topical links on subjects you might not have heard much about yet - food banks and sustainability. Have a good weekend.