London|Morito|Tapas!

Morito, a mini-restaurant in Islington, London is the little sister to Moro. I've never been to Moro, but I have heard about it and everything that's been said has been good. My Dad and I once tried to make a reservation when he was in town, but there was nothing available for two until 10:45! So, we ended up at Quo Vadis (SoHo), eating calf brain and "bitter chocolate crunch" instead... no to shabby. 

Anyways, my Mum and cousin were both in town two weeks ago, and we made plans for a lunch at Moro. Got there 12:15, it opened at 12:30... we were fine to wait, but as we embarked on a time-killing stroll we came across Morito right next door. It was already starting to bustle with eaters, maybe three of 8 tables full already? We looked at the menu, thought about it, considered it an option and continued our walk. Finally, we did go for the slightly cheaper, more casual and fun Morito. 

We started with hard-boiled quails eggs with cumin and salt to sprinkle on top. It was on this day that I learned that quail eggs are in no way easy to peel, but once you get it done it's totally worth it. 

Soon pureed beetroot with walnuts, refried chickpeas, aubergine, cauliflower, patatas all made their way to our little table. 

The three of us came to the conclusion that we never knew that chickpeas could be so good. 

My Dad has two of the Moro cookbooks at home, and I think I'll invest in one myself... I may or may not be on a personal mission to get my new flatmate in right food order - I seem to be doing alright, so far.

Oh yeah, and we got dessert and coffee too.

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Steak & Chips

I'm really not a steak person. As a wee carnivorous toddler, I used to eat all sorts of meat ranging from Swiss Chalet ribs to cow tongue. But, now? No thanks.

I'll eat what's given to me though, and in the quite recent past that's been steak, steak and more steak. I've eaten probably more steak in the past 3 weeks then I have in the past 13 years.

Tonight I had to cook for a 15 year old boy, and steak 'n chips was the menu.

This was the first time I've ever cooked steak (beef even), but I must say it turned out quite alright!

- Steak cut in "half", fried in olive oil, onions, garlic and chilli oil.
- Chips straight form the freezer, to the oven, to the plate. Some sea salt.
- Watercress/Red Chard, Rocket, Spinach mix with cherry tomatoes, olive oil and vinegar.

Mine.

15 year-old boys'.

December 23rd (And a smidgen of 22nd)

DECEMBER 22 

My family and I arrived at Heathrow on the 22nd, and when we finally got to Monxton is was time to start cooking. Fish pie was the chosen dish, and boy was I happy about that. Fish pie is quite the English meal, and I bet a few of you are questioning the idea of fish pie, but fear not, it is delicious!


Traditionally, fish pie consists of a white fish (cod), red fish (trout, salmon), smoked fish (haddock), hard boiled egg, cream sauce (Lea & Perrins, English mustard, cream, dill) with mashed potatoes on top. My family also likes to add baby shrimp. Fish pie is one of the only things I like with ketchup. 


Check out Jamie Oliver's website and see how he thinks fish pie should be made.

This little chef was determined to organize the fish in the most beautiful fashion.

DECEMBER 23

ON THE MENU 

PHEASANT Usually shot, hung, and plucked by a combination of my grandfather and my Dad... But not this time, they were purchased from a game butcher. 

STUFFED RED PEPPERS Filled with rice, onions, toasted pine nuts, garlic, tomatoes and green   peppers. Smothered in cream sauce.

BROCCOLI Boiled... that's about it...

ROASTED POTATOES From my grandparent's garden, With rosemary.

RED CABBAGE From a jar, but we added apples and onion.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH Roasted with maple syrup and nutmeg.

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Cooking In the English Countryside

When I think of English country cooking, I think of an Aga. To a N. American, it looks like a medieval and evil machine. However, once you get used to it, it's rather brilliant. It's always on, you never have to wait for it to heat! If you're curious, then you can read more here.

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Let The Feast Begin!

I have been completely crap at posting these past 11 days, I apologize to all zero of you who read my blog with real passion.

As I'm sure all of you know, it's holiday time, and holiday time - my friends - is a time of eating, drinking and yelling at your relatives. My personal favourite part of the holiday season is the food, of course.

Every year since I was born - minus 1999 and 2009 - I've come to England for a massive family Christmas. The food is always fantastic, the bickering is always entertaining, the gossip is most certainly juicy, and once again... the food is goddamn beautiful.

Anyways, here I am sitting in the dining room of Field House, patiently awaiting tonight's dinner of fish pie, drinking a Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer, next to my Lil Bro drinking a Master Brew, and dreaming of cheese...

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JELLY BABIES

I'M such a dedicated fan of these candies that I thought a post just had to be made in their honour... Jelly Babies are literally the ultimate candy, Bassetts has perfected the jelly, tasty, baby shaped, naturally flavoured treat. Sour Patch Kids? Who needs em'!