My mind is taking a break from Christmas preparations and has turned to another vernal delight, the picnic. Every year I promise myself a summer of wonderful picnics.
Food, Wine & Beverages
Santa’s Kitchen Helper
For well over a month now in shops and on television, in newspapers, magazines and junk mail I have been exhorted to get my act together for Christmas. Here we are less than a month away and I am still not ready for it.
A Cracker For Christmas
I still like the idea of carving at the Christmas table; I think it adds to the sense of occasion with everybody there and waiting to enjoy the meal together.
Have the Thyme of Your Life
Sometimes when I see those little jars and packets of dull and dusty dried herbs, like parsley flakes and basil, dill and chives, rubbed sage and mint or the little plastic packs of fresh herbs in the shops, I wonder why more people don't grow their own.
La Vera Pizza
"If Naples had managed to patent pizza it would now be among the world's wealthiest cities…" wrote Burton Anderson in "Treasures of the Italian Table".
I Say Xitomatl and You Say Pomodoro
As I write this, Labour Weekend looms large and that means but one thing in this house…
Spring At Last
We've reached that time of year when I find that the wonderful comfort food of winter is no longer as wonderful or comforting as it was.
Avocado – The Fruit of Paradise
In 1672 William Hughes, a physician to King Charles II, described it as "one of the most rare and pleasant fruits... It nourisheth and strengtheneth the body, corroborating the spirits and procuring lust exceedingly."
Breaking the Fast
"All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast." John Gunther, American journalist
Keen As Mustard
The seeds I had found were brown mustard seeds or Brassica juncea, more potent than the white, that is sometimes called yellow, Sinapis alba; these two between them providing nearly all commercial mustard.