Can’t believe we’re over and done with the first half of 2018. Feels like a second ago that we were battling snow, and now we’re just battling the heat. What a year! So, what’s cooking for the second half? Here’s what I’m thinking about on the food and drink front.
I’ll be breaking out the slow cooker and cooking…
Dinner, possibly lunch too. I love my slow cooker, as I think I’ve mentioned before. Many people associate them with winter food. I love them at this time of year though for creating great meals without the heat of the oven going on. For when you’re done with the BBQ for a few nights, or just want to have a dinner without fuss, then your slow cooker is invaluable.
My favourite thing to do is just a chicken. Halve a whole head of garlic and put that in the base of your slow cooker. Pat your chicken dry, put lemon halves and herbs of your choice in the cavity, put it in the slow cooker on low, and leave it. Six hours should do it; it’ll probably be ok up to eight hours. If you want some more recipes, I’ve got a whole board full over on Pinterest. If you make nothing else, I recommend the balsamic beef.
I’ll be celebrating one of my favourite pairings with…
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies. Yes, July 23rd is Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day, and combining them in brownies is my favourite thing. Although at a push, a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup would be a reasonable stand-in. Or a spoonful each of peanut butter and Nutella.
Though I’m also quite partial to white chocolate and raspberry. Maybe time to make this recipe again.
I’ll have the housesitters in…
As I take a break in Dorset. Yes, housesitting Aunt and Uncle will be back in the house, in time for Aunties and Uncles Day on 26 July. I’ll be leaving them a pecan pie, to go along with some bourbon. Special request. They have such good taste.
I’ll be reading…
A whole heap, as there’s quite a backlog! I still have to finish Jay Rayner’s A Greedy Man in a Hungry World. And I thought I might read Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain. I’ve never read Kitchen Confidential, but I thought I might start with his later book, to see how he’d moved on. And maybe taking a moment on 24/7 to mark Samaritans Awareness Day. May you never need them, but know that they are there if you ever do.
I think I might also order a copy of Food: WTF Should I Eat? There’s so much rubbish written about food, and what is and isn’t good for you. I’m interested in Mark Hyman’s take on it.
I’ll be drinking…
Negronis. Straight up. Sbagliato. Sbagliato Spritz. Don’t mind, but they are definitely my cocktail of choice this summer. Bright and sunny though not quite as neon as an Aperol Spritz.
But when I need a break, then it’ll be back to the gin for me. Possibly a French 75 or two.
I’ll be refusing…
Any straw that isn’t paper. I love that there is some momentum behind this movement now. I always ask now if places have plans to move away from plastic. For my own birthday celebrations then there’ll only be paper straws on offer for cocktails and kids drinks. As long as I decide on which ones to buy from Pippi. I’m thinking possibly mixed blues, given we’ll be by the sea.
I’ll be standing back from…
The barbecue. Although I make a mean griddled nectarine and halloumi salad on it, there are more natural BBQ cooks in our tribe. But if this weather continues, then I foresee more BBQs ahead. Let’s hope the halloumi crisis is avoided though for those who don’t eat meat or are just a bit maxed out already on the meat front.
I’d be tempted to try out these two recipes from Anna Jones if you want a meat-free option. I always find her dishes sound thoroughly delicious and I defy anyone to miss the meat.
For food lovers on the go, then stash one of these Gentlemen’s Hardware Portable Suitcase BBQs in the car and be ready to take off and get cooking. Surely got to be better than a disposable one?
I’ll be drinking at…
Dark Bear in Lyme Regis. While I do have a negroni sbagliato on pre-order, I’d also be very tempted to try the Bridport Dagger. Combining many of my favourite things, it includes gin, lime, cassis, apple balsamic syrup (which I bet is Liberty Fields) and ginger beer.
If you ever see amazing photographs of the team’s cocktails, then they’ve more than likely been taken by local photographer Richard Budd. I talked to him about setting things on fire, and other great photography tricks over on my business blog recently, fascinating stuff.
I’ll be continuing to buy…
Tea from Bird & Blend. I’ve been a long-term supporter of theirs, all the way from small Bluebird Tea beginnings on a front lawn near here, right through to their expansion and rebrand. Many of you will know that I am massively in favour of transparency, and independence. I interviewed Krisi recently about the rebrand and got some insights into what’s been driving their growth, and their transformation.
In the meantime, we’ll be making iced tea with their Eton Mess tea. Delicious.
What about you? What are your food and drink plans this month? Whatever you’re cooking up, here’s hoping that you get to enjoy some long sunny evenings, with good food, good drinks and good friends.
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