Produce and recipes that keep you in step with the seasons
At Christmas time last year (2008) Margaret Fulton released her new cook book simply titled Christmas. I went to a lunch where she spoke about the book, and many other things beside, but Womensnook was not quite up and running at the time so I couldn’t tell you about it. But we all know it’s never too late so here is what I wrote at the time …
The heat is on and your cooking is probably reflecting the vegetables that are now at their peak and a more casual way of presenting them. Do you know anyone who isn’t tempted by a dip and some fantastic bread to play with? The eggplant puree recipe I’ve given you is a disarmingly simple one that lends itself to all sorts of occasions - a BBQ, a picnic, a nibble on the veranda before dinner …
We all want Christmas to be happy and peaceful. Every woman knows that to achieve this you have to be organised. Read Rachel Grisewood’s little booklet - How To Do Christmas - and you’ll feel ready for all those meals at least. It’s a real gem … and I have some to give away!
I’m sure you’re noticing the gradual change toward summer fruit at the greengrocer’s. It hard not to get carried away with excitement but early season fruit, like mangoes, can still be a disappointing so I tend to herald summer by making lemon ice-cream - in fact, ices of any kind are a good way of enjoying fruit that’s not yet fully ripened by the sun …
Spinach is great in Spring, before the harsh summer heat gets to it. I love it and find that since it appears in so many recipes I’m never short of a way to serve it. Try the recipe for Wilted Spinach Salad for a delicious change from the lettuce combinations we all know so well and often resort to …
Not everything we do has to be difficult. Making a strawberry sauce and some lemon curd are good examples. The difficulty comes in saying ‘No’ to that extra helping of a delicious dessert.
Set yourself a little challenge. During September try to eat as many of the vegetables available as you can. Not only will you realise what great variety there is but you may just discover some new, and soon to be favourite recipes, like the Leek and Goat’s Cheese Galette provided.
