Meal 62 - July 28th - Avo and Egg on Toast
As a bit of a perfectionist I was quite disappointed by last night's Crab Brik debacle. I needed to rediscover my form and fast. Rather fortunately, on yesterday's shopping trip, we had also bought ingredients for breakfast - thus presenting a perfect opportunity to erase the memory of Crab-Brik-Gate and have a delicious breakfast in one fell swoop. Unfortunately, though, poached eggs is not exactly my forte. I'd tried various techniques before, from the Delia method (shallow water, simmer for one minute, then rest for 10 minutes) to "Poachets" (another Lakeland invention) and never quite got it right. Jamie's own instructions are scarily vague but he does advise swirling the water as you crack in the egg. This proves extremely difficult for someone like myself who has not yet mastered the one handed crack technique.
28 Jul 2013
27 Jul 2013
Crackin' Crab Briks, Couscous Salad and Salsa
Meal 61 - July 27th - Crackin' Crab Briks, Couscous Salad and Salsa
I'm not going to beat around the bush here - this was a f*cking disaster. Allow me to set the scene...
22 Jul 2013
Superb Box Grater Fruit Salad
Meal 60 - July 21st - Superb Box Grater Salad
The 15 minute meals book contains a whole chapter of breakfasts which aren't included on the TV show. They're not supposed to take 15 minutes but on the whole they have been clever, tasty and straightforward recipes that I would do again. I can't help but feel a little dubious of this fruit salad though. Aside from the fact that a fruit salad is not a breakfast I don't understand why the fruit needs to be grated. It's as if Jamie decided that the bog standard fruit salad was not exciting enough to be 15 minute meal worthy so he rummaged around in his kitchen cupboard until he found a suitable utensil to funk it up. I said funk it up.
The 15 minute meals book contains a whole chapter of breakfasts which aren't included on the TV show. They're not supposed to take 15 minutes but on the whole they have been clever, tasty and straightforward recipes that I would do again. I can't help but feel a little dubious of this fruit salad though. Aside from the fact that a fruit salad is not a breakfast I don't understand why the fruit needs to be grated. It's as if Jamie decided that the bog standard fruit salad was not exciting enough to be 15 minute meal worthy so he rummaged around in his kitchen cupboard until he found a suitable utensil to funk it up. I said funk it up.
20 Jul 2013
Smoked Salmon, Potato and Asparagus Salad
Meal 59 - July 20th - Smoked Salmon, Potato and Asparagus Salad
Jamie seems to be quite big on fish. A few years ago I remember he did a TV show called "Jamie's Fish Supper", where basically he was bigging up a variety of underused fish, like coley, pouting and dab. Here in 15 minute meals, not only is the fish section by far the biggest in the book, but it features some 17 different species. I've been ticking off the dishes as I go but it just feels like this fish section is never ending.
Jamie seems to be quite big on fish. A few years ago I remember he did a TV show called "Jamie's Fish Supper", where basically he was bigging up a variety of underused fish, like coley, pouting and dab. Here in 15 minute meals, not only is the fish section by far the biggest in the book, but it features some 17 different species. I've been ticking off the dishes as I go but it just feels like this fish section is never ending.
17 Jul 2013
Quick Lamb Tagine, Pan-Fried Aubergine and Cumin Crunch
Meal 58 - July 17th - Quick Lamb Tagine, Pan-Fried Aubergine and Cumin Crunch
Being the busy city dwellers that we are, it's been hard to find time lately to cook many 15 minute meals, let alone write about them. The summer has finally arrived in London and with it has come a variety of social events and al fresco temptations. I guess it's lucky I'm not doing 30 minute meals!
Being the busy city dwellers that we are, it's been hard to find time lately to cook many 15 minute meals, let alone write about them. The summer has finally arrived in London and with it has come a variety of social events and al fresco temptations. I guess it's lucky I'm not doing 30 minute meals!
14 Jul 2013
Mexican BLT, Chillies, Guacamole and Salad
Meal 57 - July 14th - Mexican BLT, Chillies, Guacamole and Salad
Although not an academic superstar, I did gain some renown at university, amongst my flat mates at least, for my sandwich making ability. My repertoire was not huge - in fact it only contained one sandwich: a double decker featuring three slices of toasted bread smothered in (probably full fat) mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, bacon and chunks of chicken. There may have been some cheese in there on occasion. It was neither healthy nor refined but was great for a hangover and at one point I decided once I graduate I would show off my cooking skills by opening an establishment called Big G's Pie Shack. Unfortunately though, probably due to my limited sandwich repertoire, not to mention my lack of pie making ability, the venture never got off the ground.
Although not an academic superstar, I did gain some renown at university, amongst my flat mates at least, for my sandwich making ability. My repertoire was not huge - in fact it only contained one sandwich: a double decker featuring three slices of toasted bread smothered in (probably full fat) mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, bacon and chunks of chicken. There may have been some cheese in there on occasion. It was neither healthy nor refined but was great for a hangover and at one point I decided once I graduate I would show off my cooking skills by opening an establishment called Big G's Pie Shack. Unfortunately though, probably due to my limited sandwich repertoire, not to mention my lack of pie making ability, the venture never got off the ground.
12 Jul 2013
Griddled Tuna Kinda Nicoise Salad
Meal 56 - July 12th - Griddled Tuna Kinda Nicoise Salad
I don't want to really be turning this into a travel blog (maybe that'll be next years project) but I couldn't write this post without saying anything about our recent trip to the Loire Valley. Despite the rustic, laid back (not to mention foodie-friendly) surroundings it was a surprisingly active holiday as I successfully persuaded Lolz to explore the area on bike, canoe and foot. There was certainly no calorie deficit however - the excellent breakfast provided by our B&B set the tone for the day. This would be followed by lots of bread and cheese, and the occasional crepe, galette or ice cream and a two or three course meal in the evening. That's not to mention the wine - local producers seem desperate to get you in their doors and are only too happy to let you quaff away at all their different varieties to help you choose what to buy.
I don't want to really be turning this into a travel blog (maybe that'll be next years project) but I couldn't write this post without saying anything about our recent trip to the Loire Valley. Despite the rustic, laid back (not to mention foodie-friendly) surroundings it was a surprisingly active holiday as I successfully persuaded Lolz to explore the area on bike, canoe and foot. There was certainly no calorie deficit however - the excellent breakfast provided by our B&B set the tone for the day. This would be followed by lots of bread and cheese, and the occasional crepe, galette or ice cream and a two or three course meal in the evening. That's not to mention the wine - local producers seem desperate to get you in their doors and are only too happy to let you quaff away at all their different varieties to help you choose what to buy.
9 Jul 2013
Where am I?
Bonjour mes amis! As you may have gathered, I am taking a short hiatus from my 15 minute meal challenge as I enjoy a summer holiday in sunny Loire Valley, France. In between all the crepes, croissants and Chenin blanc, we have visited some shops where I found a veritable treasure trove of tomatoes. Just take a look at this...
I'll be buying some of those before I head home.
Au revoir et a bientot!
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