Drillem, Fillem, Billem

Both me and H have had a spate of dentist appointments lately that resulted in three wisdom tooth extractions, between us, in the past couple of weeks. Its magical how something like that can send your life (and kitchen!) into a tizzy, specially when sitting in a dentist's chair in London has the potential to suck your life's savings right out of your open mouth  ! As a result, more due to the prescribed post extraction care however , as opposed to tightened purse strings, quite a few of our meals these past weeks have been dominated by chewy, mushy, cold foods of all sorts and diff kinds of soups, of which, this chilled Spinach and Watercress soup made a well and truly healthy and comforting meal this glorious, sunny weekend.

Due to the recently broadcast reality series 'Gordon's Great Escape' on his culinary adventures in India and his resulting on-TV admission that vegetarian cuisine isn't always - well..."bland"(contrary to his innumerable earlier mouthings!) - I was beginning to warm to him a little, despite the controversy the program stirred up. This was a tough vegetarian conquest no doubt (played out in my mind as Gordon procrastinated at the veggie God's sacred altar), and my kitchen was now ready to adopt a vegetarian recipe from Gordon :) Find the recipe for the Chilled Spinach and Watercress Soup here.

I however, used the optional chicken stock instead of vegetable stock for added flavour and felt that worked better to lift the peppery spinach and watercress undertones without overpowering this chilled soup in any way (oh...and to appease chicken crazy H as well ). I surely overdid the olive oil 'drizzle' on there, but honestly could have added more!! It's no dinner party fare but definitely one I'll make again and well, it does make my kitchen ready for future dental emergencies more than ever now :) As they say, Drillem, Fillem, Billem - and may I add....Chillem !

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Egg Muffins versus Breakfast Blues

Let's face it ! For those of us who even bother to have breakfast, it really is a chore - cereal, porridge,oats yada yada does get boring and even so the innards scream out for elevenses! Of course,an Eggs Benedict served up in bed is just the dream,but these scrummy Egg Muffins are a 'real world' doable and filling weekday option that are just as easy-peasy as they are grab and go ( freeze individually, thaw and reheat in a microwave the next morning!)

Liz's discussion (rather SOS!) on the UKFBA page  prompted me to dig this one out! So this is specially for you Liz :)

Kalyn's blog gives the detailed recipe ( thanks Kalyn!)- as is evident , my muffins seem to have the air sucked out of them a bit, versus Kalyn's which look firm - and that's because I was a bit squirmish about adding the recommended amount of cheese ;) Lesson learnt -> the lesser the cheese and veg in the egg mixture, the more air will be incorporated and (contrary to most bakes!) we don't want that in this case ! I used finely chopped spring onions and a mix of cheddar and gruyere (yumm!) but no meat - and substituted the spike seasoning for a mix of italian dry herbs blend , a pinch of bolognese seasoning (!!), some tarragon butter, salt and pepper , which if I may say so myself, worked really well :) Also, I used a very lightly greased non-stick metal muffin pan and didn't even need any paper liners - they came off beautifully once rested for 2-3 mnts , but that must be due to the wee tarragon butter in there.
This is surely a recipe to ward off those breakfast blues, and one of those things that can taste different and equally enjoyable each time you make them, depending on the current bounty your larder has to offer :)

On Strawberry Martinis and Rigor Mortis and Things

My H has upped the stakes in the 'surpises-at-midnight-on-birthday-eve' department at our place. He's turned mixologist ! Less effort than cooking/baking (and less cleaning up!), more wow factor - and gorgeous cocktails ! And if you're considering getting stocked up on the tools, here's the lowdown!

The intention to go the 'strawberry way' could be have been born after a fun evening out with friends and family that basically went like - frozen strawberry margaritas, tequila shots with lime and salt, more tequila shots and  resulting peals of laughter that continued well into the night!

So while I deal with wondering if the blog looks right , tackle to-dos higher up on the totem pole of importance than food posts right now and generally, get fired up for the next cook-off - here's a post acknowledging his 'ka-chunk ka-chunk shakes' on my birthday eve (back in Oct actually, so timely post - not!) and awesome martinis :) And of course to hoping the good work continues :)

For those who're rushing to chill their glasses and shaker, find the recipe here! You can add the 'sugar coated rim touch' if you like, but the H used the deepest red strawberries and it was just as great without.  "Shaken, not stirred" !

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