Just when you think you've come up with a good idea!

In my last post, I suggested that 2016 should be the Year of Cooking from Scratch. Today I found out that some "tin-pot" organisation called the United Nations (whatever that means) has decided that 2016 is the International year of the Pulse! My idea has been trumped!
On a serious note, the humble pulse in all its forms is a great food stuff and may well be the most ethical source of protein on earth. The dowdy image of the pulse probably stems from the rather grim lentil soups may of us faced in our youth, the truth is the range of pulses and the range of cooking methods mean that pulses can really stand, on their own as a central item on the menu.
Who could not be moved by the smooth and spicy draw of a dhal, or the sweet joy of peas popped from the pod into the mouth five seconds after picking. For me, the king of the pulses is the Broad Bean, I look forward to this seasonal treat with the same excitement that I look forward to asparagus, strawberries and plums.
I am still going to continue with my mini campaign for Cooking from Scratch but I will claim extra points, this year, when I cook from scratch using pulses. In some strange ironic twist, I discovered the fact that this was The International Year of the Pulse this morning having served Duck legs on a bed of Puy lentils with a redcurrant gravy last night!
Please take a visit to http://iyp2016.org 

Roast duck leg on a bed of Puy lentils with redcurrant gravy