Thursday brought with it the grand opening of Waitrose - have I mentioned it yet?? - and the TV launch of Nigella's 'Kitchen'. I dashed into Waitrose at lunch time to see what all of the fuss was about and immediately realised when the first thing to greet me was a gorgeous Patisserie counter with adorable cupcakes on display. I had definitely found one of my new favourite hangout places - what has become of me?
Nigella's 'Kitchen' was everything I expected and more. The best bit of the show, as always, was the midnight-feast bit at the very end. This episode saw her sneak down to the fridge to devour some peanut butter cheesecake, piled high with whole peanuts - love her. Other notes on the programme: it reminded me of my wish to have a walk-in larder; every time I see her studio kitchens on screen, I want to hotfoot it to mine and sprinkle it with fairy lights. Best think of the electricity bill...
On Thursday evening we had Chicken Teriyaki which was lovely. I really do like the combination of the chicken with sake and mirin. Master M reckoned the chicken was a bit fatty but I don't know if this is just because it was poached so the textures were different. I am sure he said 4/5 though so can't be bad.
I don't think it stopped raining on Friday and Little M and I had a lot of errands to run. Post Office, gift-buying, quick shot at Gymboree and then visiting a friend and her baby in the afternoon. All the hopping to-and-from the car created havoc with my hair and I had a fetching Afro by the end of it, much to Little M's amusement. Friday was Master M's time to cook and he made a lovely baked cambembert concoction with apples and toasted ciabatta. I've got to let him near the kitchen at times, as he is a rather good cook and I like being waited on hand and foot.
On Saturday we had a lovely time at a friend's son's naming day. It was a very moving morning - lots of readings, and a Bob Dylan rendition on the guitar - followed by a 'do' at the Leeds Club afterwards. I wasn't sure if it was because I had yet to have my morning coffee fix, or if it was the two pre-noon gin-and-tonics that did it, but I had a horrendous headache that stuck for the rest of the day. A walk to good old Roundhay Park helped a little, as did watching Little M enjoy running around 'quacking' at the ducks. Fastforward to later on, a friend came over to sample the Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce prepared earlier, and to take part in the viewing of X Factor formalities - The Judges' Houses. I think the verdict on the meatballs was that the sauce was on the runny side which I agreed with. Couldn't really taste the flavours due to my head cold. Maybe I won't swill the tomato cans and add water as Nigella recommends.
Still felt wretched on Sunday, the headache hanging around and just feeling below-par in general. We went to church and then headed to IKEA to get Little M a little table and chair which he was made-up with for the rest of the day, he looks so grown up sitting at it. A heavily-pregnant friend popped over for a natter, tea and biccies in the afternoon which was just the ticket on another torrentially rainy day. Had the ultimate new comfort food in the evening, a contender for chicken soup would you believe it?, Marmite with Spaghetti. And this is coming from someone who is a 'hates it' girl. Not any more. Maybe it is because you use just a hint.
X Factor rant alert: Was not impressed by Cheryl's X Factor decision to put blondie through to the live shows. Is she insane?? Gamu is amazing and should be snapped up now by a record company regardless. I uttered the words 'I'm not watching this now' but know I can't resist.
I am one day behind on the Nigella challenge but think it is ok due to the man-flu or whatever it is I have. Off sick today from work and every time I move from my duvet I go all hot and dizzy. Back under I go... Until I resurface later to cook African Drumsticks which is just a throw in the roasting tin job.
My final note, which is just more of a shout-out for a blog that has been recommended to me is for The Happiness Project London, written by a friend of a friend. In my feeling-sorry-for-myself state, I looked it up this morning on my iphone and have been hooked on it all morning. More 'chicken soup for the soul' type stuff. I personally am going to take on the rules she advocates - please read more at http://thehappinessprojectlondon.wordpress.com/
Aaatchooo.
Goddess Mx
I'd love to see pictures of Waitrose! You're so lucky to have that around. It's very rare that we get to even see Nigella's show here, and I adore her. Hope you feel better soon :)
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