Category: Cooking

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PEPPERMINT EXTRACT

Just found this recipe

Traditional Method:

  • Rinse mint leaves and add them to a canning jar. You may need to pack them in with a spoon to get everything to fit.m
  • Pour vodka over the leaves. Put a lid on the jar and shake a few times.
  • Store in a cool dark place, shaking once a day for the first few weeks. After that, shake it whenever you think of it.
  • The mint extract will be ready when the liquid smells strongly of peppermint and not alcohol.  
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BOOKS

Obviously I would like to plug my (our) books but occasionally I come across books which ‘I love’ for their format and lucidness. ‘The Story of Food‘ is a book I wish I could have contributed to!. Jekka’s complete Herb Book is well organised and informative. Butterflies and Moths – David Carter again lovely layout. I like most Jamie Oliver Cook Books, and Felicity Cloake for her simplicity. More to follow – although I do like romcom novels with happy endings!

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DRYING HERBS

I have started drying some of the mints, Japanes, Atlas Mountain, Moroccan, ginger, curly, Bowers, Spanish, pineapple, black peppermint and some basil. I should have enough tomatoes for chutney soon. I will make a mint chutney next time I have a curry.

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A FOODY QUIZ

  1. In which continent did almonds originate?
  2. Jupiter’s nut oil better known as high foodstuff?
  3. Which is the only nut tree native to N.America?
  4. Which countries occupants consume the highest amount of chocolate per capita?
  5. On which crop is the Colorado Beetle a major pest?
  6. What food stuff was originally called ‘Champignon de Paris’.?
  7. What date was Heinz Tomato Ketchup first sold?
  8. Which food plants were known as the three little sisters before the arrival of ~Europeans in N.America?
  9. What fruit is used to garnish the Columbian dish ajiaco and the Guatamalesn dish chapio?
  10. Which fruit was known as the Persian apple when first brought to Europe?
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WEATHER

Well it’s hot! 9am and 25C indoors. My Best Buy of the year has been a fan – amazing. Even if for just a few days a year, worth every penny of £46.99. With solar panels no running costs. yesterday it was on for 8 hours. I have not needed it at night yet as I opened the windows wide and only partially pulled the curtains – my plants preserve my privacy, and hopefully safety (big rose bush by bedroom window!). Looks like the same for next few days

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FOOD

Back in the news, especially with newspaper editors not knowing the difference between good and bad news! The Guardian/Felicity Cloake (and I absolutely love her book), printed what “Easy ways to cut down on sugar and salt”. Which is OK but a bit over the top in my opinion. There are treats like ice cream which should be encouraged “as a treat”, I love cheese, but have cut down massively on meat; ketchup can make a bean based stew delicious; smoked salmon is too expensive not to be a luxury – but is lovely; I have and will continue to see how low I can get the sugar recipe in cookies and cakes. And I love a packet of crisps once a week or so, no Felicity crackers (unless with a mature cheddar), rice- or oatcakes or unsalted nuts are just not the thing.

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NATIONAL FOOD STRATEGY

A grand title with ok ideas, but they are just that, ideas. up to now most initiatives have failed or been so watered down as to be useless. The food lobby is powerful and rich. But the cost to the NHS and government via other support payments, and to industry in days lost is also very high.

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