So, after two months or so, welcome back! It wasn’t a conscious decision to take a break from blogging or from posting on other social media platforms; it sort of just happened. Many of us spend quite a lot of time accessing these sites- my phone helpfully gives me weekly updates as to time spent, how I’ve spent it and whether my %s have increased or decreased since last time- and lockdown probably hasn’t meant less time, let’s be honest.
It is very easy to be drawn into following certain events online which can quickly become quite an obsession. The writer her indoors was glued to a variety of screens/platforms when waiting for the final confirmation of Biden’s victory, a ‘moment’ that was a long time coming post close of voting. I know of people who were effectively stalking some news reporters’ tweets over Brexit, following every minor development, comment and analysis with eager anticipation. It can all be very wearing, creeping up on you as a habit, a pattern of behaviour that, on refection, can feel unhealthy.
As ever for me, the kitchen provides a safe haven for me from concerns about the state of the world as well as Insta, FB, Twitter et al. In the last few weeks highlights from the cocoon of the kitchen have included eating home-grown sprouts on Christmas Day (simply sautéed with butter and a little water and seasoned with salt and pepper and then sprinkled with pomegranate seeds), preparing a tapas-style dinner for Child #2’s lockdown birthday and just trialling some different recipes in the Aga. At a time when we are not going out, what better than to eat tasty, wholesome and hearty food during these cold and damp winter lockdown months?
Eating: Mushrooms with roasted chickpea sauce – recipe from Nik Sharma in The Guardian. This is a great starter; simple and tasty, low FODMAP and can also easily be dairy free. With greater care, you could also use the recipe as hors d’ouevres at a party (remember them?).
Drinking: The above red is versatile, great with both lighter dishes and those with more ‘heft’. This came as part of the Naked Wines Christmas box and is surprisingly still going strong!
Listening to: The family can always tell when I am reading Murakami, as I suddenly become obsessed with (mainly jazz) music that I have never listened to before… Early evening, glass of wine, preparing dinner in the kitchen, warmth from the Aga meaning no jumper required and Lester Young blaring out from the sound system – fabulous! I can’t get started, Back home in Indiana and S.M. Blues are the current favourites.
Cook.Eat.Blog.Repeat. 