Who knew that getting such an iconic piece of kitchen equipment to work was going to be so difficult? I knew that it needed a service and, having moved in, was hoping to have it all up and running and ready to use quickly. Perhaps I was naive? The ‘recommended’ servicer was booked up for months, but we managed (eventually) to find someone who would look at it, service it and get it going. However, after the first visit from the engineer, we were still waiting for the pilot light to stay on properly and we were left with a very lukewarm AGA and a kitchen now smelling rather of oil – no amount of vinegar (result of a quick google search) or burning of a variety of scented candles managed to diminish the lingering odour… a re-visit of the engineer was booked.
As a counterpoint to this kitchen-based angst, we have managed to find some fantastic local walks for both us and the ‘wussy city pooch’ that we own – more cute teddy bear than country dog, though clearly very sweet, cute but thinks that she isn’t really a dog at all, more a much wanted child #4. Old pairs of walking boots were found, so that we wouldn’t look completely ridiculous on the muddy footpaths and soon we were experiencing the joys of walking in the beautiful rolling countryside around the new house. Throw in the odd, and I mean odd, country pub along the way and you get the picture – a stroll, a pint of something local and then back to the warmth of our new home…. bliss.
In a desperate attempt both to warm up (duh – sitting outside the pub, full of people enjoying Sunday lunch inside, having booked a table) and to overpower the oil issue, decided to throw together a warming curry, to be eaten in front of Killing Eve, which we have saved up to watch.
Eating: Vegetable curry, base of which is taken from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s spinach and egg curry – I add extra coconut milk and tend to roast veg whilst I prepare the base. It is a great dish to cook, as timings mean that it just works!
Drinking: Perez Cruz Carmenere Malbec (from Virgin wines) – very quaffable and robust enough for the curry.
Listening to: Staying at Tamara’s by George Ezra – child #3 added it to one of my playlists, so getting to know it and enjoy it!
Cook.Eat.Blog.Repeat. 