December is flying past as I sort gift lists, shopping and start to think about planning the meals for the Christmas table. How many guests will be joining us? What else do I need to get? Can I do something different this year or stick to usual favourites that the family would probably miss if we left them off the dinner table? I was thinking about these things when my daughter started a conversation about recipes and the different meals that 'Nan used to make.' She asked me if I knew how Nan made her pie as she would like to be able to make it some time for herself and her partner. We don't have anything written down for any of the many recipes that Nan used to whip up on a weekend: coq au vin, Thai green curry, pulled pork, and of course, the family sized chicken pie that my daughter wants to emulate.
I recall my own Nan making a lovely mince pie that filled the stairwell with an aroma of inviting yumminess as we climbed to her top floor flat in Chelsea. Though a distant memory now, it's still there and I wish I knew how she made it. It was only simple but I've not quite found the same taste anywhere. There are several 'family recipes' that I would like to have, if only we had asked these relatives to write them down at the time. We have a few handwritten notes tucked into old cookbooks and when I stumble across them, it brings a little joy. These include -
a peach and oat dessert that we named 'Peach-a-la-Pat' as my Aunty Pat made it,
my Nan's 'Bara brith tea loaf' notes
a friend's gingerbread recipe hastily scribbled down for future reference
my daughter's own lemon loaf cake that always gets devoured quickly
'sprouts Mexicane' - a jokey reference to the comedy series 'Bottom' but a tasty, spicier way to eat sprouts on Christmas Day
At this time of year there are so many cooking programmes on TV, all showing us the best ways to prepare festive treats. Who knew there were so many ways to roast potatoes? My husband has cracked that now and we all agree they are a highlight of our roast dinners. His method is mostly an homage to Jamie Oliver's tips, if you're looking for a recommendation.
Talking of recommendations, I'd like to do that with today's reveal by way of an author shout-out on a foody theme. I'll let Joanne speak for herself in a moment but anything that includes an easy chocolate cake gets my vote. Joanne Paulson lives in a rambling bungalow on a quiet street in Saskatoon, Canada and has written several books, including 'Cooking with Fire.' (Available as an e-book on Amazon)
“Cooking is connected to love. It is an act of love when we cook for our families, friends, and lovers. It is a sharing experience when we dine and talk and laugh around a happy table.
Food is nourishment for the body and the soul, but also for a relationship.
Adam Davis and Grace Rampling, the main characters in my mystery series, share their love everywhere, including the kitchen. Sometimes things get a little out of hand: see the scene in Griffin’s Cure. And once in a while, dinner gets a little . . . overdone.
Yes, well. Adam and Grace are always Cooking with Fire. And the recipes are pretty good too. Some have been provided by family members, local friends and social media friends.”
Has that added a little spice to your midweek blues? I hope you're interested enough to check it out along with Joanne's other books. Now, what shall I cook for dinner tonight?
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