Number 1.
This:
What’s worse, this is only one of four cookbooks that I picked up on a recent trip to Bangkok. My move to vegetarianism has automatically eliminated many of the restaurants that I previously favoured with my custom. As a result, I am reduced to a much smaller selection of outlets, and a more limited selection of suitable dishes at those outlets. The alternative is to prepare something at home. Juicing and salads are all very well for a while; but I felt the need for some variety; hence the cookbooks.
Problem is, I can’t cook; so the directions in some of these books are a complete mystery to me. “Toasted pine nuts”. What does a pine nut look like and how do you toast it? Thankfully there is Google to answer these awkward questions (and the answers are A: Bloody expensive and B: Stick them in the oven till they have turned black then throw them away. Repeat).
Which is why I particularly like the Busy Mum’s book. She describes the steps in a way that even a fool like me can understand (with some supporting Google enquiries), and her recipes are reasonably simple. Successes include: Braised aubergine in red Thai curry. Roasted pepper risotto. Pasta with roasted aubergine, red onions and goat’s cheese (I like aubergine). Spinach, tomato and chickpea curry.
No real failures as yet, although she who must be obeyed was not enamoured with one concoction. I am still harbouring a sense of wonder that any of my creations are edible, so tend to consume everything with a sense of awe and gratitude.
The books do tend to clash with my basic mantra of consuming raw veggies and fruit. Not only because the recipes, by definition, tend to involve cooking; but also because the books are awash with tempting cakes, cookies and desserts which contain more sugar than is probably sensible. Banana and strawberry kebabs with Mars bar sauce, for example. Note to self: Buy Mars bars.
I felt I had really arrived on the cooking scene today when we pondered what to do for lunch. Let me check the fridge, says I, and then proceeded to knock up a potato/carrot rösti with caramelised tomatoes; thereby using up my spare carrots, potatoes and tomatoes in a single dish. Bunged a fried egg on top and very tasty it was too; although it did take me nearly an hour to put it all together and confirmed that I really need to buy a decent grater.
Which brings me on to number 2, this:
This is a promotional catalogue for an upcoming sale at Central and I have consumed the contents with as much anticipation and enthusiasm as I would have directed at a Harrods lingerie catalogue in my youth (although with substantially less attendant masturbation). I have a wishlist of items (to which I have just added a grater), and would have been there when the doors opened yesterday had I not just noticed that it has already started. That’s tomorrow sorted then.
Number 3 After many failed attempts, I have finally discovered an efficient method for cleaning windows. I was so elated by this breakthrough that I had to call my wife at work to tell her, and lined up the cats to give them a demonstration. They were not impressed. On reflection, neither was I. What the hell has happened to me….?
Comments 🔗
2013-08-15| Kevin Moore saysMe thinks you need to get out more mate. I’ll try and sort you out in a couple of months time when I’m out.
Not sure how exactly we’ll fill the day but if you’re in need of a laugh, I’ll do some macro shots. If it’s anything like todays efforts then I’m sure you’ll have sore sides with laughing at my results over a beer or three. Spent a few hours today doing some macro shots indoors only to prove that i really have piss poor eyesight and shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near manual focus. Lighting and composition were fine and if they’d have been in focus then there would have been a couple of decent shots.
Think I’ll have a few beers tonight and then have another look at the images which I suspect, will look better following a few Stellas.
2013-08-16| Andrew saysYou will realize that you have become a cook when you attempt masturbation over a recipe for Garlic and Parmesan risotto with fresh basil….
2013-08-16| Pete saysAre you saving the earth-shattering new way to clean windows for a separate post? Guaranteed to be a Bloggies winner!
2013-08-16| Spike saysI do indeed need a break. Get your arse over here and rescue me.
2013-08-16| Spike saysI assume that was your personal measure of achievement?
2013-08-16| Spike saysI’m assuming the rest of the world already knows.