Gosh, it has been a while, and can I just say that I have the believable excuse that I am too busy cooking to blog??
On Thursday I cooked Speedy Scalloppini, which is basically pork pan-fried with lemon, and the most genius foodie idea yet this year for me - gnocchi, also pan-fried in olive oil. So, like teeny roast tatties but taking only 4 minutes to cook. We will be cooking this time-and-time again methinks. This meal is a lovely variation on another Nigella (Express I think) recipe of pork fried in a cider sauce, with mustard-doused gnocchi, only it is fresher. This dinner was a brill end to a hectic week that I doubted I would ever get through (I don't work Fridays).
Friday wasn't the fun-filled day that it always usually is with Little M as I had that feeling of having a dark cloud over me for the day. I am putting it down to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or feeling grouchy due to the summer being long-gone. To cheer things up I made Linguine with Truffle Oil which was scrumptious (my verdict), or 'eurgh, overpowering' (Master M summises). The recipe stipulates making it as a solo meal and I will do so on those evenings when it is just me as it is such a treat. I love the simplicity of the dish, and the creaminess of the sauce. You will note that the photo I have uploaded looks suspiciously like the Spaghetti and Marmite concoction. What can I say? It was a bit more special. Note to self: need to think of ways to spice up my photos. Must buy nice kitchen gadgets!
Saturday I woke up like a bear with a sore head. Not helped by the fact that Little M has reverted back to his 5am wake-up call. I really did have a chip on my shoulder. You know when everywhere you look you are reminded by that to-do list that never seems to be ticked off, including things like buy new capsule wardrobe (yes, I was having one of those 'I have nothing to wear' days). So, out Little M and I went into the crispness of the morning for a spin on his smart-trike, and then I whipped up some Chocolate and Banana Muffins, and can I just say, there is nothing like the fuggy smell of cocoa and warmed banana filling your house to clear away the cobwebs. They were very good and more bready than normal muffin fare.
That was far from 'it' as far as cooking was concerned on Saturday as later in the day I made Irish Oaten Rolls, and then Korean Keema for tea.
The Keema was lovely. It was a journey to get to the finished result though. Master M hunted down the gochuang sauce eventually after searching in Hull, and then Leeds. I then had to hot-trot to the supermarket to change my turkey mince which had started to turn despite the best before date being Saturday - dontcha just hate it when that happens? I also had to pick up last minute coriander which I am glad I did as it was the icing on the cake.
The rolls were really moist and well, homely tasting, helped by the Guinness, yoghurt and honey. Still have some left for during the week and there is something about homemade bread that makes you feel like you are a domestic goddess.Today I am feeling much more like myself. I always feel a bit low at this time of year. I think it is the cycle of leaves falling off trees that makes me reflective and well, a bit glum about the prospect of six months of winter. But then I sort myself out, start to look forward to Halloween, Bonfire night, my birthday and Christmas, and get a bit giddy again. Cosy, cosy...
We had two walks today, one first thing looking for the Gruffalo in Roundhay Park, and the other late afternoon at Temple Newsam where we said hello to the goats and sheep. I love our family life. We also went for a carvery at lunch time and met some friends that we see a couple of years ago which we always enjoy.
Just made Coconut and Cherry Banana Bread which is heavenly-tasting. I told my mum I was making it and she reminded me that our old Afro-Carribean neighbour, Charlie, used to make this and it filled his house with a really nice rich scent. I did take it out of the oven a little prematurely to avoid the cheesecake debacle, and ended up having to pile it back into the tin for extra time in the oven. The house smells good though so, result.
Signing off until tomorrow. Have got all of next week's ingredients but shall keep the next dish a surprise (don't get too excited)..
Goddess Mx
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