Persephone and Curious Incidents in London

A ghostly St Pauls

Hi all, thank you for your birthday wishes on my last post, you are all stars :)  My last post was all about birthday food,  this post is birthday book related.

 I had read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time several years ago and wondered how it would transfer to the stage.  We went along to see the play while in London at the intimate Guelgud Theatre and loved it, I laughed, I cried and was sad when it ended, I could have watched it all over again.  It was very cleverly done with an ingenious set that made you believe you were on a train, on the tube, on the streets of London with very few props.  The small company of actors were playing multiple parts, as well as being part of the scenery, a special mention has to go to Sion Daniel Young who played Christopher.  The whole play relied on the right person playing Christopher, a young autistic boy.  It was a very challenging part which he played to perfection.  If you get a chance to see it I would highly recommend it.

As we were sitting waiting for the play to start, the woman in front of me got out her knitting and was knitting socks as she chatted away to her friend.  I love that.  Yes we were there very early, I am always early, the theatre was full by the time it started.

After being too ill to make it over to Persephone Books on our last trip to London I was determined to  get there this time.  What a lovely book shop, what I would call a 'proper' book shop, books piled on tables and shelves in a tiny little shop tucked away on a lovely little street.  I made some purchases which will sit proudly on my bookshelf, each with their matching bookmarks.

I often ask for books for my birthday, in preparation for all the growing I hope to be doing when we find our new home I asked my son for this, Abundance by Alys Fowler.   I have already been dipping into it and dreaming of all of the lovely food I will be able to preserve.  A dehydrator is something that is mentioned, and would also be useful for my raw food experiments so will go on my Xmas list, any recommendation for which one to buy?

Celeriac puree with spiced cauliflower and quail's eggs

a little bit lumpy but tasted delicious

As I mentioned on my last post I received Yotam Ottolenghi's book Nopi as a birthday gift.  When we got home my veg box had been delivered and contained a large celeriac, it has a very distinct taste which I like in small doses.  I found this recipe in my new book, it was delicious and didn't actually taste like celariac, just very tasty. I will be making this again, as I know I will be getting regular deliveries of celeriac in my veg box and by the end of the season will be getting fed up with it's unusual taste so this will be the perfect way to use it for me.  Yotams recipes can be complicated, time consuming and involve lots of ingredients and in this book even more so as it is the recipes from the restaurant.  But you don't have to make the whole dish, you can make parts of it as I did with this recipe, I just made the celeriac puree which was easy and used ingredients I already had.  Instead of the cauliflower I had it with roasted carrots and sweet potato and salad.



Celeriac Puree

60ml olive oil
1 large onion roughly diced
2 garlic cloves roughly chopped 
2 bay leaves
1 large celeriac peeled and cut roughly into 2 cm pieces (600g)
500ml vegetable stock
2 tblsp tahini paste
2 tblsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
course sea salt and black pepper.

Place the oil in a medium saucepan on a med high heat.  
Add the onions and fry for 5-6 mins stirring often until soft and starting to caramelize
Add the garlic and bay leaves and cook for another minute before adding the celeriac.
Fry for 8 - 10 mins, stirring often so that all sides are golden brown.
Pour over the stock, bring to the boil, then simmer on a medium heat for about 15 mins until the celeriac is cooked through.
Remove from the heat, discard the bay leaves and transfer to a blender or food processor.
Blitz to form a smooth puree before adding the tahini, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, 1  1/2tsp salt and a good grind of black pepper.
Serve at room temperature or warm.

I found mine was a little runny so next time I will drain off some of the liquid and set aside before blitzing then adding as needed.  Mine was also a bit lumpy but tasted delicious.

This has been my first week off since last March and the last couple of days I have been feeling really under the weather.  I'm sure bugs wait until my annual leave to pounce on me, or is it that you slow down enough for them to catch up with you.  I'm sure a couple of days curled up on the sofa reading and crafting will see me right.  Anyway I will leave you with some photos I took as we walked along the southbank, the camera did something weird in some of the photos but I like how they turned out, other-worldly.

.

Chickpea xx

I Like to Knit and Shit

This did make me giggle!

I have started clearing out our attic, yes I know nothing is finalised yet but it needs to be done regardless of when we move.  I came across a bag full of little knitted cardigans that were made by my mum and me when I was pregnant with my eldest son nearly 32 years ago!  Where did the time go?  It really didn't seem that long ago when I had my whole life ahead of me, but now I have to face the realisation that most of my life is behind me.  Such a scary thought, it would be easy to be depressed about it when there are so many things I still want to do but it was not that long ago that I faced the prospect of having very few years ahead of me so I am grateful for everyday I have.  Anyway I don't want to depress all of you as well so I will just say my mum and I liked to knit and shit :)

I'm sure there are going to lots of lovely surprises in the attic, I could probably do loads of posts on 'What's in the Attic'........but I won't.  I will just share a few over the next few weeks.

I thought I would share these 'healthy flapjacks' that I have been making.   Don't ask me where the recipe is from, I saw it in a magazine at the hairdressers and took a photo of it.  Being gluten free means any snacks I buy would be a ridiculous price so these are really nice to take to work.   Diwali was being celebrated at work today so lots of cakes were brought in to share.  It wasn't quite the same eating healthy flapjacks but still very nice.  I take one out of the freezer each day.  I found I can't eat 'bought' flapjacks without them having an adverse effect, but I can make them using Sainsburys oats without any ill effects.

Banana and Peanut Oat Bars

1 tbsp coconut oil plus extra for greasing tray

3 very ripe bananas

1 tbsp honey

2 tbsp peanut butter (mine is made from sustainable palm oil)

280g porridge oats

2 tbsp flax seeds ( I used mixed seeds)

Heat the oven to 180C gas 4

Grease 20cm square baking tin (or whatever you have) with coconut oil

In a bowl, mash the bananas with a fork

Melt coconut oil, honey and peanut butter over a low heat in a large pan

Once melted remove from the heat and stir in the bananas

Then mix in the oats and seeds and mix really well

Transfer to the tin and bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Wait until it has cooled before you cut it into squares

I then freeze the individual portions to take out when needed.

Thank you for all your comments on my last post, I am very relieved to be a step closer to our new life.  

p.s. I can't bring myself to get rid of the little hand knits, they are too small for our grandson so they will be carefully wrapped and put away for another 32 years!  Have you been strong enough to give away your little baby clothes or are you a softy like me?

Chickpea xx

Five Books and a Ruby

I have a butterfly mind I can't do one thing at a time, start something and complete it.  Oh no, I start one thing, wander off and start something else, drift away and start something else.  It drives the bearded one mad, and I have to admit I find it pretty annoying sometimes.  This is why I have lots of unfinished craft project, rooms half sorted and half painted and lots of books on the go at once.

For my Five on Friday  I will show you five of the books I am reading at the moment,  I drift from one to the other taking ages to finish just one of them. This is not all of the books I am reading at the moment, and doesn't include the one on kindle and another audio book!

Thank you Amy for hosting this fun link, it is about the only posts I am managing to do at the moment, so thank you for the Friday reminder.  I really need a kick up the derriere sometimes to get a post completed. (I won't tell you about those I start and never finish)



Beloved - Toni Morrison

I read this books years ago, listened to it in the car on tape years ago on a long journey and am now listening to it on Audible read by the author.  Each time I read/listen I get more from it, that is the sign of a brilliantly written book for me.  It just gets better each time you read it.  This version is read by Toni Morrison, it is like listening to a poem, her lyrical voice is perfect.




Gut - Giulia Enders

Yes, I know it seems a bit weird to be reading a book about the gut, but is is fascinating.  We think of the brain as clever and the heart as important and we don't give our digestive system a second thought until something goes wrong.  It is sadly neglected, yet it really does affect everything including our mental health.  It is written in an approachable and witty way with wonderful illustrations.



The Self Sufficiency Manual  - Alison Candlin

I'm getting prepared for our new life in the country and reading up on growing veg, keeping chickens, storing food, making chutneys, jams and all things exciting.  I can't wait, if only we can find our future home.  I really need to do a post on the rubbish that Estate Agents talk one day.  They could describe a public toilet so poetically you would be tempted to buy.



Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Illustrated by Yayoi Kusama

I saw this on someones blog, sorry can't remember where now, please let me know if it is you as I would like to thank you for introducing me to this wonderful artist.  Her illustrations are just so gorgeous.  It is a book I will keep forever, leafing through the pages to drool over the drawings.



Easy Vegetarian One-Pot

'The Book People' have tempted me to buy yet another cookery book.  I try not to look when I see they have been to the surgeries where I work......but.

Anyway, what's done is done as they say.  This has some lovely recipes, including a section on Rubies (Ruby Murray - curry, for my overseas readers).  Well how could I resist, less calories than a takeaway and uses store cupboard ingredients.  This Dahl is cheap and cheerful, it would be lovely mopped up with naans or for those gluten free like me served with rice.

Here's the recipe

1 onion chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 inch piece of fresh ginger grated
4 tablespoons of butter (I used 2 tblsp olive oil)
12 oz. tomatoes chopped
1 tblsp curry powder
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
12 oz red split lentils
900 ml/4 cups vegetable stock
fresh squeezed juice of 1/2 lemon
salt and black pepper
2 - 3 sprigs fresh or frozen curry leaves fried for a few seconds in butter to serve.

*Spotted some mistakes in the ingredients list which I have put right now,  sorry to those who may have already copied it.

Put the onion garlic and ginger into a food processor and blend to form a fairly smooth puree.  Heat the butter in a saucepan, add the puree, tomatoes and spices and fry gently for about 5 minutes.

Add the lentils, stock, lemon juice, salt and pepper, bring to the boil, cover and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes until the lentils have thickened.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve topped with a few fried curry leaves, if using.

Have a good weekend everyone, and welcome to the new followers :)

Chickpea xx

Five on Friday - Simple Pleasures

I am stupidly busy with work and home at the moment and feeling like I'm swimming like mad and getting nowhere.   I wanted to share my Five on Friday along with Amy at Love made my home.   It's such a good way to look back on my week and get some perspective on what I have actually been up to, what I have achieved and what has brought me joy.  Looking back on them, perhaps I won't be so hard on myself and not feel like a week has gone by with nothing done.




Cook



I love creating simple food in my kitchen, feeding the soul and the body.

I saw this recipe posted by one of my friends on Facebook so gave it a go

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

1 cup of cauliflower florets
3 cups mozzarella grated
1 tsp dried oregano
1 crushed clove of garlic
1 tsp salt
1 Egg

Topping of your choice

Place the cauliflower in a food processor until chopped into tiny bits (like cauliflower rice)
Microwave the cauliflower for 8 minutes
Mix in the egg and seasoning and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella
Spray oil onto an oven tray, then tip mixture onto it and make into a pizza base shape
Brush top with oil
Place in oven 200 fan oven for 15 mins
Remove from the oven and cover with the rest of the cheese and the topping (I pre grilled mushrooms and peppers)
Place under the grill for 2 - 3 mins.


No carbs, but LOTS of cheese which I will cut back on the next time I cook it.  I don't eat a lot of dairy so will experiment with the recipe to suit me.  A good gluten free option.





Sew


Making something for my family brings me great joy.

I have been working on our new grandsons quilt over the last couple of days, I need to finish it before he grows up and leaves home!




Listen

A good book

Reading Christina's Blog A Colourful Life, a few weeks ago, she was discussing the books she had 'listened' to.  In the past I had bought a few books on tapes to listen to on long car journeys, but never thought about listening to books any other time even though I enjoy listening to them on the radio.  Having already dipped my foot into alternative ways to read 'books' on the iPad, I thought 'what the hell, be adventurous and downloaded one. It was so easy!  I could even listen to it on my phone as I moved around the house and garden. Of course it will never replace sitting down with a good book, but I will be getting through a lot more books I had been meaning to read.  Have you joined the book listening revolution or are you firmly a traditional book reading person?  This is the book I listened to, So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson. It is a very thought provoking and in places a shocking look at how your life can been ruined by making one stupid remark and photo.  Social media at its worst.  I've also just downloaded a book by David Sedaris, I needed something light and fun and David Sedaris always makes me laugh.   Now at least I can 'read' some books while still working.




Grow

Growing and eating my own produce.

It is lovely to see my little veg patch springing to life, I'm looking forward to the new potatoes, freshly picked spinach and kale, and tomatoes that actually smell and taste like tomatoes.  How does your garden grow?




Sleep

Shhhh I don't want to jinx it, but for the last couple of weeks my sleep patterns have improved.  Now I only wake up a couple of times a night.  I can live with that.  I'm sure my insomnia will return but I will enjoy the sleep while I can.

I hope your week has been kind to you,

Chickpea xx

Five on Friday

 Joining up with the lovely Amy for Five on Friday.


Rise

When I wake on beautiful sunny days I like to take a walk around the garden to say good morning to the plants and creatures.  They wake with me, seeking out the sun, I love how their petals open when the sun is out, and then close as the sun goes down.  Ziggy Stardust comes out with me for a stretch.

Eat

I love simple food I can just throw together.  What could be simpler than this.


Chickpeas Houmous

1 tin of chickpeas drained
3 tbsp tahini
juice of half a lemon
handful of fresh coriander 
flesh of 1 small cooked sweet potato 
1/2 tsp of smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil

Throw in a food processor and blend


Quilt

The beautiful colours that are used in aboriginal art reflect the colours of their homeland. The yellow for the sun,  brown for the earth,  red for the desert sand, white for the clouds, each piece of art telling a story.  This quilt will remind me of our visit to their beautiful land.

Read

I have just finished reading the Yorkshire Shepherdess by Amanda  Owen     It is about her life at Ravenseat raising her 'free range' children.  What a wonderful way of life.  I will not be moving so far away from civilisation but dream of having space around me and 'free range' grandchildren.

This is her beautiful home Ravenseat

Play

The first gig of the season will soon be upon us so lots and lots of practice is required. Bring on the Samba!!


Have a good weekend everyone,

Chickpea xx