Category: Cooking

Has definitely crept upon us. Trees begining to turn their leaves brown as they recall nutrients from their outer limits. Even the tomatoes are on go slow. It was chilly this morning having a shower and for the first time in months I had to close the bathroom window.

I am waiting with bated breath to find out what the standards advisor reports later today. If guilty as charged it will be like finding out that Mother Teresa was a former Nazi guard, gary Lineker hates crisps and the world actually is flat!

I will get back to preparing pickled shallots – an excuse for crying!

For not calling Robert Jenrick an absolute prick? Nothing more to say!

Whilst calling out pricks – Trump, Putin and possibly Zelenskyy. Netanyahu and his cabinet colleagues must be included together with all involved in Sudan and wars elsewhere. Starmer and Lammy have applications for the pricks club pending!

Enough negativity – it rained last night (a little) and the sun is shining. So time for another list – todays are favorite kitchen condiments and I have tried an approximate order!

Sea salt – rainbow pepper corns – chillie flakes – coriander – cumin- mixed herbs (although I have fresh most of the year, rosemary, sage, marjoram, thyme, basil))- cinnamon- bay – za’atar – cloves – paprika. I seem to collect many others that are rarely used too! Actually the 3-10 positions change with the seasons and my taste buds!

First off Robert Jenprick – stating that ‘We MUST protect our children!’ warns Robert Jenrick as Britain’s women and girls ‘endangered by migrant crisis’. What a prick! There is a crisis in our society and it is caused by pricks like him. Domestic violence is rife in areas that support right wing aggressors. So RJ – my advice to you is to shut the fuck up until you have something positive and sensible to say. I guess we have a long wait … striped paint anyone??

Next up is Yvette Cooper – Minister for Israel and wasting police time. I am not a supporter of Palestine Action or some of their activities. But when did it become an offence to make and display a cardboard poster with I oppose genocide on it? The is an ass! I suspect that many of the more than 400 arrests will be challenged in the courts, thus screwing the judicial system even more, and for longer. We have more than enough laws in the UK that can be used against activities deemed to be against society. Even slow walking is an offense, but invoking the Terrorism Act with upto 14 years in jail – is beyond ridiculous. I suspect that most people were protesting, peacefully and quietly against the gross cowardise of our government against the genocide in Gaza, the continued supply of weapons and the continued non-recognition of the state of Palestine. Arresting people for having more compassion and bravery is bordering on fascism. And a Labour Government. The Police have better things to do than wheel and assist pensioners into the meat wagons!

TBH – I sometimes wonder why I was pleased to see the back of the nasty Party. There was something fulfilling about opposing the dreadful last government. But when hope and optimism disappear we are left with dispare. There are good people in the Labour Party – still. Angela Raynor is OK, Ed. Milliband too. and a few others of lower profile. But the cosying up to Israel and the USA of Trump and Vance is distasteful – like sicking up a mouthful of bile before propelling it into the toilet! The Labour Minister for the homeless having to resign due to exploiting tenants. Same old Westminster crap.

And Badencunt and Jenprick repeat the same old crap – what did they actually do whilst in power? Labour are enabling the immediate deportation of offenders – there may be civil rights issues here, but why did the tories not only do FA about it, but increaed immigration to record levels? Can we also see the voting records of those wet wipes going over to Reform?

Nice weather – although main water butt has run dry. Just oicked mulberries – but only a few; Pickled beetroot made and a fresh pineapple cookie. Next up is bbq spring onion wrapped in streaky bacon.

Inflation up due to fuel and food prices. On both counts the BBC fails to give the full picture. Fuel prices fluctuate with the international market. Until we have Net Zero or near we will continue to suffer from surges in price. Food prices are subject to the vagaries of climate change. Cocoa and coffee have been particularly affected. The impact of the war in Ukraine is also hitting many foods such as grains. In yesterdays Guardian Simon Jenkins was banging on about wind turbines on the Pennines – whilst I agree that the impact should be kept as low as possible there are consequences to our ever increasing demand for energy and consumer goods. the poor working for minimum wage do not have the luxury of the landscape of the Pennines – also the area was polluted during the industrial revolution and “the dark satanic mills”! Wind farms are not particularly ugly and may have a limited impact on wildlife – but are cleaner than the emissions from fossil fuel burning.

If we went to war tomorrow, whatever the reason, factories across the land would start producing weapons of destruction – the money to fund them would be found instantly. I suggest something similar for the climate emergency. Factories making solar panels should be started, wind turbines located in all coastal and upland regions where appropriate. Also – why the huge wind turbines – how about garden ones, and water turbines where appropriate. Insulation provided free or at low cost.

But more importantly is the mind set. Products should be made to last. begining to ramble now! Yesterday a European politician said that tariffs would mean the end to transAtlantic trade. I am sure he was refrring to the USA as Canada is a source of flour and maple syrup! But that would be a good thing generally? I doubt there is much produced in the USA that could not be made in Europe. Unhealthy breakfast cereals would be the first to go. Right I am going to make cheese straws – cheddar cheese, local flour, homegrown basil and dried tomatoes.