Something to write about!

When I began to write this blog many years ago I decided that I would only write when I had something of value to write about. I also wanted my blog to be largely positive and for it to be about finding food solutions not food problems. I have only written once since March and the reason for this is not just that I had nothing to say but also the fact that I have been very busy at the chalk face and taken on some new responsibilities. In short, I am now teaching food to a group of Yr 10 and a groups of Yr 11 students thus fulfilling a long held wish to help young people develop their skills in a kitchen.
As we left 2016 behind, many of us breathed a heavy sigh of relief that a year in which societies and communities seemed to be moving further apart and splitting was over. We have seen countries torn apart in civil war, referendums make people feel their nieghbour despises them and elections bring out the worst in people This is how community cohesion falls apart even in areas which are not directly affected. This is all very sad indeed.
In their book "Jerusalem". Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi talk of how hummus is a universal food throughout this most fractious of cities. Hummus as a healing agent is a bit of a bizarre concept but the idea that food itself can heal rifts that politicians and diplomats cannot merits investigation. after all eating is one of the things that all humans must do. As Ottolenghi and Tamimi put it "Food is a basic, hedonistic pleasure, a sensual instinct we all share and revel in, it is a shame to spoil it."
There are lots of reasons why we don't all eat the same things, religion, wealth, location and culture all play their part in deciding what we have for dinner but there is always common ground. In my experience most people who restrict their diet for conscience, religion or health are rarely unpleasant to those of us who consider themselves omnivores. Many is the meal I have had with Jewish or Muslim friends where items which were not Kosher or Halal were simply avoided. Once even playing cricket against a side made up of Muslims during Ramadan we decided to take our tea swiftly in order not to make the other team feel at all awkward at the break between innings. A small adjustment for us which was recognised by the opposition and opened a conversation about how difficult Ramadan was in the height of summer and how great it was to break their fast when the sun went down!
When we eat together we break bread. Bread is central in one form or another, to nearly every culture on earth. Our friends are sometimes called our companions (with bread). It is a fanciful thought, but wouldn't a great deal of strife be avoided if we saw our neighbour, be they local, national or global, as somebody with whom to sit down a break bread? It is very hard not to empathise with a human when you are sharing their food, especially if it tastes great.
During the next 100 years availability of food and water may well be the cause of growing inequality, anger, and even war. Unless we are prepared sit down, break bread, talk, laugh, and listen, really listen to each other, then how can any of us claim to be truly civilised?

When no meat is needed.

Today I did a demonstration of a Dhal for my Year 10 (young people rising 15 years old) group today and it went down quite well with them. However, it went down much better in the Staff Room after School was finished.
This recipe is a simplification of the superb Coconut and Spinach Dhal from the guys at What's Cooking in Thame. In order to make it easier for myself I have replaced hard and fast ingredients with choices. I seldom have all the ingredients I want at the right moment in the little kitchen of Corner Cottage! The recipe may seem a little free and open to interpretation and for this, I make no apologies.

Ingredients
Spices whole - 1 tsp Mustard seeds, 1 tsp Cumin seeds, any others you fancy (Fennel might be nice nor maybe Clovers)
Spices ground - 1 tsp Turmeric, 1 tsp Chilli powder (hot as you like!), any others you fancy (maybe Coriander, or even a blend like Baharat)
Fresh Chilli - probably 1 medium
Garlic - a couple of cloves
Ginger - about an ich
1 onion
250 gms Split Red Lentils 
1 tin Coconut Milk
1 tin Plum Tomatoes
200 gms Baby Spinach (you could use Rocket, or even sliced Kale)
Oil (You could use Butter, but with oil it's vegan!)

Fry the whole spices in plenty of oil until the mustard seeds start to pop. Add the onions, chilli, garlic and ginger and fry for a 3 or 4 minutes. Add the ground spices and stir in cooking them for just two minutes. Add the lentils stirring so that they get a coating of the whole spicy mix then pour in the tins of tomatoes and coconut milk. Keep this on a high heat until it boils then add the spinach and wilt down into the dhal. It is important that you do not add salt until the lentils are cooked - none of the pulses really like it, it makes the tough and grainy. Hold the dahl at a gentle boil adding water if necessary. When the lentils are soft and smooth (after about 20 minutes) you might want to add some chopped coriander leaf or mint, you could also add a squeeze of citrus here. Season and serve. A pot of yoghurt on the side will help if you've gone a bit crazy with the heat.

It is really a very long time since I wrote, but I promise there will be more posts this year!