Years ago I decided to only have free range eggs,
this was way before free range became the norm, and it was when caged eggs were
more-or-less unquestioned. My son had
started eating real food and it began to matter to me where that food came
from, the quality. Very soon it was
unthinkable for me to buy caged eggs, free range or go without. A similar thing has evolved over this
supermarket lark, although I cannot completely break free. It is now the norm for me to place orders
with Abel & Cole, Planet Organic, Loch Fyne, and an assortment of other
little producers. It is now in my week
to search out upcoming farmers markets; I know where to get what I want. But for the days I am so busy, so broke or
just empty cupboard – these are supermarket days. On reflection I am ok with that. I spend so little at supermarkets that I am
happy the balance has swung full pelt into local, small, independent and
organic (where possible). I confess to
some small joy at the bakeries in the dreaded W**rose as I have yet to find a
really good small bakery.
On the subject of Farmers Markets – why oh why
work against us? What is wrong with
people? If the market is open 9-1, then
be open to sell between 9 and 1. Surely that’s
a no-brainer. Turned up at Ascot Farmers
Market last week at 12.25, lots of time to shop? Hah!
Most people had packed up; the juice man had to actually unpack his van
to sell to us. The pie lady was packing
up and could barely be bothered to wrap my goods. It is SO frustrating. As we left we saw more people coming in,
looking then leaving. Do not be lazy you
people. We are here trying to support
you, have you all become so complacent that you can skip off early with no
regard? In fact I am riled enough to
have a moan/query. I am off to email info@tvfm.org.uk After all I am trying to avoid supermarkets,
not have markets avoid me. Watch this
space.
Our local butcher retired, after 30 years, the
shop has closed. It’s a small blow as he
did great chicken from a local farm, yet all is not lost as I rediscovered
Windsor Farm Shop and bought some great chicken there. Windsor Farm shop was also the source of many
other purchases including the best bread I have found to date.
Two chef moments; I have ordered (and
cooked/tasted) from www.chefonboard.com
in order to test out a quick from the freezer but still healthy option. Not disappointed at all. Tried and tested the Vegetable Casserole
which was quite tomato-ey but lovely, served this with veg and potatoes. Also the Smoky Blue Cheese Chicken which is
every bit as nice as it sounds, again served this with pots but it would make
an excellent accompaniment to pasta.
Secondly – it was my son’s birthday and my
daughter and I had previously stumbled across a man selling the most amazing
bhaji and samosas in Maidenhead High Street (Saturdays) (http://www.thespicychef.co.uk/) . Did he do catering? He did!
So we ordered a heap load of curries and bhaji and samosas from
him. He delivered these to our home
during the day; we cooked and ate in the evening. Amazing, lovely and far far cheaper than
going out to an Indian restaurant.
Worked out at about £10 per head and we had food left over (happily sitting
in freezer now)
My, this is beginning to sound like an
advert!
I think we are still eating very well, and
different foods, often fresher foods than we ever did before. And I know I can do better still. The challenge is a joy and I am going to
throw myself into it more, if only I had a little money………
Jam plate pie – left over pastry rolled out to
coat a (tin) plate, spread on the jam, twist up bits of pastry to make a ribbon
and criss cross these over the top of the jam.
Cook. Eat (best with custard)
