Sunday 22 December 2013

December 2013 Favourites List



HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!


December is always dominated by thoughts of Christmas and planning for the big day. I have to say, I love it! The big push for my students and I to the end of term was hectic and a little stressful, but we have all made it. My glittery Santa hat and Christmas earrings all got their annual outing in the final classes of 2013.

Now I’m enjoying indulgent mince pie breakfasts and planning out the food for what will be a day of hopeless food and drink hedonism.

Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

This month's pictures are from XFm’s charity Winter Wonderland concert at the Brixton Academy. We saw so many talented people, who all gave their time to raise money for War Child.

Temples




Blogs Worth Following:












Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry


Recipes:



A British classic updated, ham hock, mint and peas used to make Pea and Ham soup. http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/26/how-to-make-the-ultimate-pea-and-ham-soup-4201457/



Roasted aubergine with feta dressing, as served at Yotam Ottolenghi's Nopi: http://editer.com/food-drink/ottolenghi/ 



Authentically Vietnamese grilled Salmon salad by Luke Nguyen (NB - need to start 3 days ahead to pickle veggies and overnight marinading required!!): http://www.selectormagazine.com.au/Food/Recipes/Spring/Char-grilled-salmon-salad



Dakos (or a bread and tomato salad you can make with Krisprolls): http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/oct/04/dakos-onepot-chicken-recipes-ottolenghi






Venison sausage and quinoa one pot supper: http://www.getmecooking.com/recipe/sausage-and-quinoa



Minced beef casserole for chilly Winter days by Lavender & Lovage's Karen Burns Booth: http://www.getmecooking.com/recipe/harvest-festival-minced-beef-and-vegetable-casserole



For those of you suffering a cold, Leon's Coldbuster: http://emmamakesitup.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/who-you-gonna-call.html



Miles Kane
Lamb shank and herb stew, an Iranian recipe for cold Winter nights:  http://www.tasteofbeirut.com/2013/04/herbs-stew-khoresh-e-qormeh-sabzi/



Spatzle/Spaetzle is a kind of German pasta. Here is a cheesy bake made with it, from Su-Lin of Tamarind and Thyme.




It isn't really Christmas without the Great British Mince Pie! http://metro.co.uk/2013/12/10/how-to-bake-the-ultimate-mince-pie-4224002/






I really don't like Brussels sprouts. Apparently this is a recipe to change my mind: Brussels sprouts, toasted hazelnuts and American-style candied bacon. (Video recipe)
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/video/2013/dec/12/christmas-brussels-sprouts-recipe-video









Articles/Know How:



We're Jamming! Jam making explained from start to finish: http://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2013/oct/03/science-magic-jam-making



For anyone who wants something "medicinal" for Christmas, but doesn't like beer or wine.



White Lies


A very interesting selection of the best food books of the year - covers baking, cooking, international flavours, veggie, vegan, food ethics, food & travel, food history. 




Red wines for Christmas/Holiday season: http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/a201312111.html




Justin Hayward-Young of The Vaccines




Film:



Only God Forgives



Tyrannosaur



TV:



Educating Yorkshire At Christmas



Music:



Tori Amos - Midwinter Graces



Arcade Fire - Reflektor



Arctic Monkeys - AM






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