Carpe diem

Only last week we were remembering those killed in the Manchester bombing. Today our minds are with those affected by the London terror attack. The world has gone crazy.

We stand together, united in the belief that the terrorists will not stop us from going about our daily lives and, what's more, enjoying our lives. Both these attacks have been targeted at innocent people out having fun.

A week ago the forecast was good and I invited lots of friends around for drinks and nibbles alfresco. They were from different friendship groups and did not all know one another. What a great group of people! Everyone mixed and mingled and made friends. Perhaps we all need to do that on a larger scale. It's a naive thought and isn't going to bring about world peace but it is a start. We could start by learning to love thy neighbour (or at least getting to know them). Seize the day! 

Our impromptu party was washed down with drinks and helped by friends taking round the plates of nibbles I had provided. The following day these crudités and dips were staring at me from the fridge as I had forgotten to put them out. 

I ended up having a very healthy snacking weekend. I wonder if these particular veggies are good for memory? Maybe next time I'll remember to share them.

A Piece of Peace

Spring Bank Holiday in the UK is a Bank Holiday and this year falls on May 29th. It may be celebrated with family and friends, holidays, carnivals and fetes. There are local customs and traditions around the country. In Gloucestershire people chase after a rolling cheese down a steep hill with the aim of winning an 8lb Double Gloucester cheese - madness!

Ramadan began yesterday, 27th May, and many Muslims in the UK fast during the daylight hours for the next month.

This week also sees the Jewish festival of Shavuot. During this period dairy foods are eaten including cheese pancakes known as blintzes. 

So, whilst some people are chasing cheese, some eating cheese and some fasting, we also have International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on May 29th, where people serving in UN peacekeeping operations and those who died in the name of peace are remembered and honoured. In this week of the Manchester bombing it's a time for people of all faiths to show support and solidarity. Love and peace will conquer evil and hatred. 

 

No matter what our Faith; may we all be Peacekeepers.

Healthy Options

The family are on a health kick; each of us wanting a strong, toned body for the summer months. I made chicken Caesar salad for the troops and a goat's cheese salad for me.

- Roast beetroot and carrots

- Cook goat's cheese in the oven

- Serve on a bed of watercress and rocket leaves

- Add dressing of your choice (I used balsamic with chilli) 

- Sprinkle with chopped, toasted almonds

- Can be served warm or cold

In the time it takes to dangle a carrot, go red as a beetroot, get dressed, say cheese and yes, act nuts, you've got yourself a tasty meal.

Pronto Pasta

So, post Italy I am still feeling the need (or possibly the desire) for some italian cuisine. No time to shop and stock up on goods from the deli counter so, what could I make?

Well luckily I always have some store-cupboard goodies to rustle up an impromptu meal. These include jars of sun dried tomatoes, olives and peppers but this time I resorted to the spice rack. Luckily all my herbs and spices were in date after the recent cull (Taste not waste 19/3/17) so I set to work.

5g dried parsley

5g garlic granules

10g dried chilli flakes

10g sea salt flakes

Add the above to a drop of hot olive oil in a pan and add the cooked pasta (linguine in my case). Toss the drained pasta in the oil and then pop back a little starchy cooking water from the pasta. You're aiming to coat the pasta rather than make a sauce.

Within ten minutes I had an Italian inspired meal in front of me. Probably not quite what mamma used to make but tasty nonetheless.

Italian Idyll

A few days in Northern Tuscany provided warmer temperatures, beautiful scenery, historic sights and a tummy full of delicious food. It would seem that the Italians get vegetarianism more than their French and Spanish neighbours.

I have enjoyed:- 

Tuscan Pappa al Pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), Minestrone soup, Tomato and Basil soup. 

Italian cheeses served with honey

Caprese Salad

Courgette Risotto

Potato Gnocchi with tomato sauce

Tiramisu and Gelato

Aperol Spritz was the aperitivo of choice followed by local rosato wine with dinner.

Aperol Spritz should be made in a highball or white wine glass.

Quarter fill with ice cubes adding a slice of orange

Add 3 parts Prosecco

+ 2 parts Aperol

+ 1 part Soda

Stir with a straw and sip blissfully

On your Bike

Today the Tour de Yorkshire whizzed past the end of my road in a blur of colour. Supporters cheered and waved at every stage. Yorkshire came out in force to embrace the event.

I was born and bred in Yorkshire and live here still. It is a wonderfully diverse county and worthy of a visit.

Over the Easter break I visited the Roman city of York. Its ancient city walls form a walkway lined with daffodils overlooking the River Ouse. Highlights include York Minster, Jorvik Viking museum, The National Railway, Yorkshire and Castle Museums. If shopping is your thing, the city boasts boutiques and chain stores as well as The Shambles; a historic cobbled street with timber framed buildings.

There is no shortage of pubs, cafes and restaurants to recharge your batteries. On this particular visit we found a wonderful Vegetarian Cafe and bike shop called Bicis Y Mas (Bikes and More) situated in Walmgate. It caters for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free diets.

We enjoyed a red kidney bean curry served with peshwari naan and a spring vegetable casserole with garlic bread. Everything was prepared from raw ingredients on site and was absolutely scrummy. 

The cakes looked absolutely amazing but, sadly, we just didn't have room for one. Next time ...

Feast of Saint George

Aka Saint George's Day it is celebrated, by various Christian Churches in several countries, on April 23rd, the date of the Saint's death in AD 303.

William Shakespeare was also born and died on 23rd April. In his play Henry V is the famous line:-

"Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry God for Harry, England and Saint George!"

Over the years St. George celebrations have changed but the Scouting fraternity can be seen marching to church where Jerusalem will be sung and flags and bunting bearing St. George's Cross can be seen fluttering along the High Street.

Today I have embraced St. George's Day by consuming traditional English food in the form of a Sunday Roast Dinner. Whilst not exactly roast beef, pork or lamb, I enjoyed a lentil and pistachio nut roast served with a giant Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, sweet potato mash, roast parsnip and spring greens in vegetarian gravy followed by apple crumble with vanilla custard. Scrumptious!

Meal courtesy of Wylam Brewery, the Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, Newcastle