Thursday, January 31, 2013

AFTER JANUARY





I was shown that my words should be few, savoury, and seasoned with grace.


George Fox, Journal, 1694





Images:

Odilon RedonStreet in Samois (upper) and Silence (lower)




Note:  Yes, I.  At least my words are few.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

NORTH SEA FISH SOUP FROM THE LYGON ARMS







½  pound each: turbot, cod, scallops and monkfish

4 oz. peeled prawns

2 pt. fish stock, made from white wine, fish bones, prawn shells and water

1 oz. chopped shallot

1 oz chopped parsley

1 large tomato, skinned and seeded

½ oz. potato flour

3 egg yolks

½ pt. cream

Salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste

Skin and fillet fish.  Cut into large chunks and turn briefly in lemon juice to keep from discolouring.  Poach fish in stock until just done.  Lift fish into a tureen, add shallot, parsley, and tomato.  Slightly thicken the cooking liquid with potato flour.  Mix egg yolks and cream together and add to cooking liquid. Reboil.   

Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and nutmeg.  Pass soup onto fish.

     Serving suggestion:  serve with croutons made from 2 slices of white bread. 
        
Serves 6

Wine:  Chilled Don Zoilo Fino Sherry

CHEF’S TIP:  TAKE CARE NOT TO TEST SOUP FOR SEASONING AND TEXTURE WITH A TEASPOON OR BY DIPPING IN YOUR FINGER.  WHAT TASTES FINE IN TINY AMOUNTS IS OFTEN OVERPOWERING WHEN YOU ARE TO TAKE A BOWLFUL.  USE A SOUPSPOON OR A CUP.





Note Sounds about right to me.

From:  The Master Chefs of Britain Recipe Book, London, David & Charles, 1981.


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

JUDGEMENT DAY





What You Gonna Do On Judgement Day?
Time runs out, baby, and you can't stay.
Screamin' and cryin', you got to go;
Hey, St.Peter, Won't you open the door?
Yes, I'm coming, Yes, I'm coming,
Yes, I'm coming – 
And it's like my time ain't long. 





Note:  I heard this song on the scary, icy drive back from New Hope yesterday, just before my unstable car was about to face our challenging, steep driveway.  I've always loved it and I think it's wonderful that Sirius XM plays The Pretty Things' music so often.  I prayed that I would make it up the driveway and I did. Now, about that other matter . . .



The Pretty Things -- Judgement Day (Link)