7 Dec 2012

from this to that





 




Puy lentils - Chicken legs were seared in  olive oil then removed from the pan. A sliced leek and a handful of sliced pancetta were cooked until soft. One cup of cooked puy lentils were added along with a whisker of dried thyme, a punnet of grape tomatoes and a cup of chicken stock. Chicken was nestled in it's lentily bed and popped into a 180 degree oven for about half an hour. I dare you not to eat the leftover liquid with the serving spoon.

Potatoes - Scrubbed and pierced potatoes were baked in a 180 degree oven for about an hour (til cooked). Meanwhile a clove of garlic was cooked in a splash of oil til just fragrant. When cooled it was mixed with a good knob of butter. Spinach was finely sliced and cheddar was grated. Home made baked beans (garlic oil, bacon, tin of cannelini beans, tin of chopped tomatoes, paprika and maple syrup to taste) bubbled on the stove. A quartered potato was slathered with garlic butter, a large spoonful of beans, spinach, cheese and a generous dollop of sour cream.

Clams -  Angel hair spaghetti was put on to cook. A few shallots were fried in garlic oil til soft. A good splash of vermouth (could use white wine) was added and allowed to bubble and go syrupy. A small carton of cream followed. The clams were tumbled in and a lid popped on. After a few minutes and a good few shakes of the pan the spaghetti was added and tossed through all the heavenly smelling liquor. A giant platter, a sprinkling of parsley...bliss!

Nectarines - One cup of castor sugar joined two and a half cups of water in a pan over a low heat. When the sugar had dissolved the simmering liquid was left to dance for a further five-ish minutes. Halved nectarines were added and cooked on each side for a few minutes. These ruby delights were removed and their skins peeled away. Two teaspoons of rosewater was added to the liquid and left to plip and plop away merrily until it was syrupy. A few nectarine halves, a dollop of greek yoghurt, a generous trickle of turkish delight scented syrup and some crushed pistachios. Arabian Nights at its very best.

Steph x

21 comments:

  1. Oh this is all so delicious- you are a cooking genius!

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  2. what a great post! everything looks delicious!!

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  3. Looks great, love the look of them all,I might just try that chicken/lentil combo- yum.

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  4. oh dear god. we are so going to have that baked potato with beans this week....what a delicious flashback to childhood dinners and english (vegetarian) pub food :)
    happy, nourishing, weekend x

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  5. It all looks so good Steph! I miss living near this amazing fish market where for a treat we would buy vongole and cook up with pasta. Looks very like your clam pasta.

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  6. Oh my goodness, that nectarine dish just looks and sounds amazing. I'm adding it to my list, and I love your evening food images, I really struggle without natural light.

    xox Lilly

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  7. i love how simple you've made it. now i know exactly what i'm going to do with chicken legs i have in the freezer, thanks x

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  8. Beautiful post - your photos and words are always just so lovely. Have a wonderful weekend x

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  9. Oh Steph, this post was pure bliss to read and salivate over. Are you opening a restaurant? And I have to ask, are you pinching cutlery from the manly hotel for your set up? mel x

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  10. I love this post Steph. You are oh so clever! Have a lovely weekend. xo

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  11. Beautiful. All looks so nourishing and delicious. You have left me inspired:) xx

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  12. this all sounds so lovely!
    i thought you may want to know, i mentioned you over on my blog today ;)

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  13. Steph! How many talents can one women possibly have. You are a genious! Your pictures are incredible and I truly love the concept. Well done clever lady. Much love x

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  14. all so fresh and delicious ... you know i am loving that little wooden dish! xx

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  15. YUM! So simple but isn't that what good cooking is all about! :)
    Ellen xx

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  16. Steph, I love the way you have written this post...simple is always best in my books :)
    x

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  17. just beautiful steph!! oh your pictures make the food just come to life!!! i love your serving utensils too! sending you loads of love and hugs xx

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  18. Oh gosh - my mouth is watering.

    Nina x

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  19. These recipes and photos are all totally gorgeous Steph. I will include this post in my Friday links x

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Your words brighten my day! Thank-you so much for joining me on my adventure. x