A Suggestion

Pretty much every week I get advertising fliers and letters from various food companies that promise better prices, better products and of of course the current most favoured buzz word of the ad-man, solutions, solutions, solutions.  Well here is a solution I would actually like.

Next week we have a double bank holiday.  Bank holidays are times when many catering businesses and quite busy, Christmas, New Year, May Day, and of course this bank holiday for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.  All of the food companies, who spend so much time and effort trying to persuade the catering industry how wonderful they are, will be closed for the bank holidays.  This means that we have to take our deliveries for fresh food for Monday and Tuesday (and perhaps Wednesday if it is food for breakfast/lunch service) on Saturday, or even Friday if it is one of those 'solution' based companies whose solution is not to work on a weekend.

My solution then is for the food supply industry to be more flexible, get their arses into gear and deliver food when we actually need it.  It isn't just a question of freshness, although I gather some butchers are warning customers not to order fresh chicken products as they would fall outside the 5 day safety margin. It is often a question of refrigerated storage, many catering businesses simply do not have enough cold space to carry goods for a busy 4-5 day period.

I'm going to give Lishman's of Ilkley a plug here.  Lishman's will be open on Tuesday, which is vital to me as I have a large order placed with them, which I could not possibly carry in my cold storage over the weekend. So thanks to David for opening, and thanks to Stuart and the team who will be making hundreds of burgers and sausages for me on Tuesday morning, I appreciate the effort, thank you.

Units Of Alcohol

Units of alcohol

Bottle (75cl) of wine - 10 units
Small (125ml) glass of wine - 1.5 units
Standard (175ml) glass of wine - 2.1 units
Large (250ml) glass of wine - 3 units
Pint of weaker (3.6%) beer - 2 units
Pint of stronger (5.2%) beer - 3 units
Bottle (330ml) of beer - 1.7 units
Can (440ml) of beer - 2 units
Alcopop bottle (275ml) - 1.5 units
Small (25ml) shot of spirits - 1 unit
Large (35ml) shot of spirits - 1.4 units
Source: NHS

Does this make sense ? Although the NHS have noted differences in beer strengths, they have not flagged up any difference in the abv of wine.

Cooking for the Small Kitchen: Fresh Tomato Cream Penne

I'm sure many of you are in my exact situation: you have little to no space to cook in your small kitchen and do not own much material either. Maybe you are unlucky enough not to have an oven, just like me. In fact, most kitchen in South East Asia do not include them. Heck, I don't even have an actual stove! But this does not stop us from cooking most days of the week. I love my home-cooked meals, be them mine or (especially) the bf's. I've done some research online to see what other people are doing to make the most out of their tiny kitchens. And I found interesting ideas, which inspired me to share some of my recipes or tricks with you. 

1. These pictures are not my best work, but bear with me as this is a learning process! :)

2. I do realize that the plates that came with the apartment are not the prettiest to photograph, but they will do for now. 

INGREDIENTS (for TWO): 

- 200 g of pasta 

- 3 big tomatoes

- Olive oil

- 2 garlic cloves

- 4 tablespoons of fresh cooking cream (or 15%)

- Ground nutmeg

- Salt

- Black peppercorns

- Parmiggiano Reggiano

This first recipe is very, very simple. And only requires a stove, a pot and a pan. I own an individual electric stove, as well as an induction cooker I use mostly to boil water or make stir-fries. I am a definite pasta lover, and this recipe adds just a little touch of special to your basic weekday penne dishes. 

Take a few fresh ripe tomatoes. Bring water to a boil, and put them in. Let them soak in the boiling water for a few minutes and carefully remove. Rinse them under cool water and peel off the skin. You'll see: it will come off like a charm! Them chop them into cubes. Let them simmer in a pan with olive oil and 2 cloves of garlic cut in half. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Taste. If your tomatoes are too acidic, put in a few pinches of sugar and mix. I often have this problem here is Asia, the tomatoes always seem to be way too acid to make a sauce. This little trick will cancel out the acid taste and make everything smoother. Add a few tablespoons of fresh cream (or 15%).  Or don't. I did, just to make something different from the usual.

Bring water to a boil, put in copious amounts of salt (sea salt is always better) and throw the pasta in. Follow the package instructions for the pasta. When ready, drain the pasta well and put it in the pan. Mix it in the sauce until everything is coated evenly. Distribute in the plates. Sprinkle ground nutmeg, more fresh black pepper and fine scales of Parmiggiano Reggiano. That's it! 

Photos by Dee & Duke (unfortunately). 

Brunch in Copenhagen

Today is my lovely bf's birthday! Auguri :) A few years back, I made him the following present: a 3-day city break in beautiful Copenhagen. We both loved it.

In all this humid Bangkok heat, sometimes I daydream about cold. I know it sounds so wrong, and most people will think I'm crazy, but sometimes I would like it to be cold enough outside to snuggle up to a nice cup of hot coffee. I never thought I would say this, but blame it on the Canadian blood, I guess. And well, this all leads to me thinking about the following... 

A couple of years ago, after having been living in Italy for a year (yes, try to keep track! I have a hard time remembering where I am myself), I was yearning for a bit of winter, some snow and a hearty brunch, like us Northern people enjoy. Well, I grabbed the bf, decided his birthday-present-city-break would take place in a Northern destination and we headed to beautiful Copenhagen. In February. Needless to say I was happy to be back in the snow (only because it was for a limited amount of time) and the Mediterranean-blooded bf was not as giddy as I was. At first. But the brunch at lovely restaurant Bastionen and Loven was well worth the climate. It's cozily located by the river, in the Christianhavn district. 

I had WAY TOO MUCH filter coffee and had to make an excuse to the waiter, explaining that, you know, in Italy, it's not the same and well... Uh, nevermind. And then I dove into the all-you-can-eat buffet, full of salmon, bread and Danish butter (duh) and the classic smoked herring, a Dane's favorite. Bliss. 

Photos by Dee & Duke. 

Thai Cooking Class

While in Chiang Mai, I took a cooking class in a local school to get better acquainted with local techniques and ingredients. I learned to make a few traditional dishes and will make sure to try and re-create them. I wanted to share my favorite recipes here, starting with the famous Green Papaya Salad - typical dish from the Isaan region of Thailand.

If you plan on visiting Chiang Mai and would like to do the same, I attended the class at Asia Scenic Cooking School. 

Photo by MP Charette for Dee & Duke. 

PAPAYA SALAD (SOM TAM or SOM TUM)

adapted from the Asia Scenic cookbook

INGREDIENTS

1-3 small chillies

A few green beans, cut into 1-inch long pieces

2-3 cloves of garlic

¼ tomato, sliced

1 tsp roasted peanuts

1 green papaya (unripe papaya), shredded

1 tsp palm sugar (can be replaced by brown sugar or a mixture of white sugar and maple syrup)

2 tsp fish sauce (can be replaced by soy sauce)

1 tbsp lime juice

MATERIAL

Mortar and pestle (can be replaced by a bowl and a meat pounder)

PREPARATION

Pound chillies, beans and garlic together in the mortar until they start to break.

Add tomato, palm sugar, fish sauce and lime juice. Mix.

Add shredded papaya. Mix.

Sprinkle roasted peanuts on top.

Eat and be merry.

Brekkie

Good morning! Don't we all love breakfast? (Except me during an angst-filled teen period where my Mom shoved shakes down my throat. Was over in no time.) It probably sounds corny, but breakfast starts off your day on the right note, right? Right. Bear with me please. Here you'll find five delicious breakfast recipes from some of my current favorites in the food blog world. 

BAKED EGG BOAT (via Spoon Fork Bacon)  (Genius idea, may I add)

BACON, BLUE CHEESE, AND FIG OMELET (via My Lucky Undies are Red)

CACAO, COFFEE, AND BANANA SMOOTHIE (via A Cozy Kitchen)
Even though I would replace the bananas with something else, since I don't like them. Yeah, I know. 

COFFEE PANCAKES (via A Cozy Kitchen)   (Other genius idea)

ZUCCHINI, HAM AND RICOTTA FRITTERS (via Smitten Kitchen)

Photos via each blog. 

It's around the corner

Since I just realized there are only 10 days left before Christmas and my holiday spirit is at an all-time low (no snow, hot weather, much less Christmas lighting than at home, and people barely mentioning it), I decided I should start finding ways to make this time of year a little more festive. So I thought about a classic Christmas staple from my family: Butternut Squash Soup. There ain't no Holiday without it. And so this would be my starting point. Now if I could only figure out a main dish that doesn't require an oven...

 

Photo by Real Simple, via Pinterest.

A Plague on Evangelical Vegetarians

Image by robpurdie via Flickr

I appreciate that almost all of us have things we believe in, or traditions we have carried on for years, or political or social goals that we believe, deep down, if the rest of the world thought and did the same the same as us then the rest of the world would be a far better place. Personally, I would like to see a much broader appreciation of hard rock music, the introduction of Neal Gaiman's Sandman as a compulsory part of all English literature courses and the police to be allowed to arrest any adult caught wearing a tracksuit in public when the wearing of said clothing is not immediately related to a sporting event. But that's just me.

I know a lot of people get upset at people who have faith, they hate proselytizing. The very worst single belief people though are the ardent vegetarians and associated animal rights folk. Theirs is the one and only true path, they have achieved perfection and nirvana in their views and all others, meat eaters and leather weathers in particular, are unthinking souls lost in the limbo of uncaring and harmful ways. Yet, they can be saved, especially if you bang on about it for long enough.

My views on vegetarianism and its ultra orthodox relative veganism are the same as my views on religion. I am quite happy for you to hold whatever view you want, but once you have stated your view and someone else has stated they are not in agreement you should not persevere with explaining your viewpoint until the cows come home – of their own accord, only if they wish to spend the night in a barn, and not to be cruelly exploited for the purposes of extracting the precious gift that is mother’s milk.

Militant vegetarians always try to claim a moral high ground by continually pointing out the various cruelties involved in meat production. They do so though by always taking the most extreme examples they can find. Whilst engaged in a rather one sided ‘discussion’ recently I was repeatedly informed that if I would only watch a particular YouTube video showing chicken factory workers being cruel to their flock then I would never want to eat chicken again. This is false and fuzzy logic, I have in fact seen the footage in question and what I desire after seeing it is for nasty people to stop being unnecessarily cruel to chickens and using them as footballs. Not for a moment does this sort of thing turn me off from being a meat eater; a ‘lovely roast hen with Yorkshires and gravy’ is still on the menu for me.

If you wanted to show the health and farming benefits of being wholly or partly vegetarianism I would be much more willing to listen. I think the Meat Free Monday movement is quite a decent idea, there are lots of us who should perhaps eat less meat and less extensive and intensive animal rearing would be beneficial in parts of the world. Perhaps the idea could be extended into Fish Only Friday and Tofu Thursday, but only if people want to join in.

I dislike the way some vegetarians try to demonise meat eating, the whole Meat Is Murder moral high ground thinking is rubbish. People are not evil because they enjoy a bacon butty or Big Mac. They might not be particularly well educated about the meat they eat though, so there is always room for education.

People should be allowed to eat meat, meat is wonderful. Last night chef Rob and myself made some slow honey and chilli slow braised belly pork with crackling and it was truly wonderful. As some fundamentalist vegans would have it though, this was the act of two evil men; an innocent animal lost its life just to provide a family with a meal.

I will be quite honest here, and this is the bit that might upset some people. I hold that animals and people are two different things. Animals are not people, they do not have to be accorded the same rights and respect that I would grant to any human. However, I see no reason at all why any food animal should be put to any unnecessary suffering. Beasts farmed for food should live decent lives free from pain and suffering and the killing should be accomplished in the most humane manner possible.

Many of us should perhaps eat less meat, bought from less intensive farming styles. Yorkshire Dales lamb would be an example of a good choice due to its non-intensive farming methods, while artificially fattened beef is less good. Neither of these, nor hardly any other meat choice is evil. The moral high ground claimed by the militant vegetarians is not a high ground at all; they have taken a value judgement and made a decision based on their own moral standards, as I have done. Neither of us stands above the other in moral terms, it only looks that way from your narrow point of view.

Ham Bikini Bouncing Explosions Mayhem!

Milan Guide – Aperitivo

The most famous Milanese tradition is definitely the happy hour, or aperitivo. Milanese young and old meet in the bars of the city to have a drink, a snack and a laugh with friends, any day of the week. Be it low-key casual university students, or sharply-dressed business men and women, everybody can find a spot suitable to their mood. Here are my favorites:

1.      Noon

Noon gives you a good idea of how Milanese of all ages take part in daily aperitivo after class or after work. Located close to the Cadorna commuting train station, businessmen and students alike make a pit stop to savour a delicious Negroni, Campari con vino bianco, or even a Bloody Mary (which is my usual pick). The buffet includes some finger food and the decor gives a fashionable, yet relax touch to your day. Located on Via Boccacio, close to the Cadorna train station.

2.    Da Giacomo

This has become a household name in Milano, especially with the fashion crowd. But the famous restaurant opened a sister wine bar/bistro next door which is very pleasant in late afternoon.  Classic Italian-bar decor and subtly chic crowd. Love! Located on Via Pasquale Sottocorno, a short walk from Piazza Cinque Giornate.

Da Giacomo   /   Noon           

3.      Spritz

Located right on the Naviglio Grande canal, in the Navigli district, this little bar is a prime spot to witness the young aperitivo culture amongst Milanese. The interior is decorated in warm shades of orange, complete with leopard-print couches. The concept remains traditional: pay €8 for a drink and have access to the extensive buffet, which includes cheese, salumi, pizzas, pasta, and pomodorino and mozzarella salad.

4.       La Vineria

Located on Via Casale, a few steps away from Porta Genova metro station, la Vineria offers wine and olive oil on tap, as well as accessories for wine-making. You pay a very minimal price to fill up a bottle of your favourite white or red amongst their delicious selection, and you get a discount if you come back with your bottle for a refill. But la Vineria is also a great aperitivo spot, obviously wine-centered. A few taglieri of salumi and cheese can be brought to the outdoors sidewalk tables to complete the experience.

Spritz   /   La Vineria 

5.       Blanco

This bar was built with the idea of a chiringuito (Spanish-style kiosk) in mind. It draws its inspiration from the beautiful Balearic island of Ibiza, where having a drink at sunset to the sounds of top-quality minimal electro music is a way of life. The bar offers the traditional formula on Thursdays, where a 7€ cocktail grants you access to the finger-food buffet. Specializing in mojitos, they also offer fresh-squeezed juices, as well as traditional Milanese cocktails. Located in Piazzale Lavater, in the Porta Venezia neighbourhood. 

Blanco

Photos from ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE. Edited by Dee & Duke. 

The evolution of my Macaroons :)

So i came back to Borneo with a goal, which is to learn how to make Macaroons:) I remember my first attempt. When I screwed up the whole batch (pictured above). I remember looking at it and thought that it was so ugly. All this while I thought that making Macaroons was easy. But damn it was quite hard.
The second batch got mixed up so in ended up looking like some form of cookies instead of macaroons. It still tasted like macaroons, but in terms of looks. It was quite off.
I made these third batch of pink macaroons with Ness and they turned out pretty good. We flavoured it with red bean filling and honestly, they looked suuper cute!
I made this light blue macaroons on my own, and they're quite nice, i didn't have time to make the filling so I filled them up with Peanut butter!
These are my recent ones. I tried the whole Christmas theme by adding green and red. The softness of the macaroon cookie was perfect as it just melts in your mouth but I screwed up the strawberry filling. Oh well, better luck next time :)

xoxo

Jeffrey James

Other Countries' Food Intake in a Week. If you are reading this you are Rich.

The rich Europeans, the clever packaging in Japan, the instant Americans, the healthy Sicilians, the grateful poor; the Breidjing Camp . Families around the world have differing amounts and types of food. Food expenditures around the world can be viewed Here  http://www.rustylime.com/show_article.php?id=1497

 Pouty Girl is Put Upon.

 Better Packing, less waste?

 Happy Grace

MMMM Good! Thank ful for tastebuds.

according to the link above, These photos are
from the book "Hungry Planet: What the World Eats" by
Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio

Makgeolli

Being in Asia and having access to all these Asian TV channels opened up a whole world I knew little about. In Bangkok, I have had the chance to taste the local rum, Sangsom, which was not the finest spirit I have ever tasted, let's say. Well, I'm not a big fan of rum. Period.

But I saw a service on Korean TV about "makgeolli", a Korean wheat-and-rice "wine". They said its popularity was spreading throughout Asia, Europe and that the sales in the US had increased by 500% since 2009. I was intrigued. This is something I could try. Surely I'll be able to find some here?

Photo cred: yujinishuge.wordpress.com

It is traditionally served in a ceramic bowl and has a milky texture. But the big brands have focused their efforts in marketing the product and make it attractive to Western customers, with bottles resembling more liquor bottles, and less plastic milk pints.

Photo cred: lovebaeyongjoon.com

Would you try it?

Peck

I consider Milan to be my second home. And calling Milan your second home means you've picked up one thing or two about the wonderful world of food. I love Italian food - real Italian food - for one simple reason: the focus is made on the freshness of the ingredients. Period. And it makes a world of difference! Just think about a plate of fresh mozzarella di bufala, pomodoro and olio d'oliva extra vergine. Loooove in my mouth.

In the historical center of Milan, there is a gem of a gourmet store called Peck. It is very famous, and probably one of the most expensive food stores around. But well-worth it. It's divided in various sections - Meat, Fish and seafood, cheese, oil, spices, coffee, etc.

Photo cred: casshouse.typepad.com

Photo cred: lthforum.com

Any place where you can browse cheese for a half hour is perfect in my book. And if you get the chance to go, don't overlook the basement: it's a treasure of a wine cellar!

Photo cred: intravino.com

Browniessss

So I had a bad day today, started off with a parking fine, followed by parking, followed by some financial problems. Well, you can say that I hate my life right now, i don't deal with stress well.

Which is why i started to think about cooking, well, baking, on how I am going to make my first rainbow cake, macaroons, cupcakes to name a few when I get back to Borneo in November. So the picture above is a Chocolate Brownie that I made myself, plated it myself, and ate it as well, I didn't make the ice cream though but I will consider making the ice cream on my own in the near future :)

Thinking of cooking and sex just makes life better:)

xoxo

Jeffrey James

Colonial Penang!

So I decided to take the bus down to Penang for the weekend since I was craving fried Kuey Teow and Prawn noodles for the last two weeks. Would have taken a plane but the hassle of going all the way to the airport proved to much for a guy like me. So i decided to hop on a bus which is just five minutes away from my campus.
I ate fried kuey teow all three days I was there, every day I ate, and ate and ate. I would order various dishes to sample them all because I was just trying to take everything in. Penang is so different from my hometown, It reminds me of an old singapore. I like how many of the buildings are so colonial, I like the fact that the place is surrounded by so many trees.
I stayed in Berjaya Hotel, decent, didn't like the fact that my ceiling had a hole, but the room was cheap in general. I went partying there as well, and generally i enjoyed the city. You should try visiting the place one day, it's a breath of fresh air as compared to the cramped up and stressful Kuala Lumpur!

xoxo

Jeffrey James