This week I have been sorting out the bookshelves and have actually put some cookery books aside to take to the charity shop. I had to be really strict with myself as I am a terrible hoarder and always keep things 'just in case I need them' which of course I never do. So far I have three carrier bags of old books and c.d.s, pretty good for me. I will have to take them soon before I change my mind. The cookery books I have left will now have to prove their worth. It's funny how some of us are hoarders while others get rid of things without a moments thought.
This weeks cooking the books challenge had me looking for a recipe to use up 3 huge onions from the veg box. I decided on a Jamie Oliver recipe, it is really easy and cheap.
The Ultimate Onion Soup
Serves 4
1.1kg/2 1/2lb onion peeled and sliced
a handful of fresh thyme, leaves picked (I used dried)
6 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced
1 bay leaf
olive oil
a good knob of butter
1.3 litres/ 2 1/2 pints stock
salt and pepper
1 baguette or ciabatta
115g/4 oz Gruyere, or other melting cheese.
In a thick bottomed non-stick pan, slowly fry all the onions with the thyme, garlic and bay leaf in a good drizzle of olive oil and the butter. Place a lid on the pan and slowly cook them for about 15 mins, without colouring, stirring occasionally so the onions don't catch on the bottom. The slower you can cook them the better. Then remove the lid, turn up the heat and colour the onions until they are light golden. Add the stock, turn down and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with the cheese on toast, my gluten free bread is a sad replacement for ciabatta, but it still tasted good, warming and filling. Perfect winter food.
I also picked up some seed potatoes, usually I buy them when they are ready to plant but this year I thought I would have a go at chitting my own. I didn't have enough egg boxes so I used seed trays. I'm hoping this is suitable. I'm trying to be a 'proper' gardener, but don't really have much of an idea of what to do, so any tips would be appreciated. They are 1st earlies Annabelle and Foremost.
Chickpea xx
