It’s sour tea, distinctively sour, but in a good way. A unique aromatic and pungent flavour that only a dried lime can produce. Known in Iraq as Noomi or Noomi Basra, dried limes are also used whole or ground in Iran and the gulf region for many savoury dishes. In Iraq it is also used as a warming tea or turned into a summary cordial (will post once weather is warmer), culturally believed to cure indigestion and sooth the stomach. Continue reading
As the weather cools I crave the comfort of roasted vegetables, the kind of vegetables that seem so bland and unappealing by just being steamed or boiled. Roasting does caramelise the natural sugars in any vegetable, and the addition of a few sour, salty and crunchy condiments completes the picturesque of a perfect meal. I’ve eaten enough Mr A’s salad over the summer to keep me happy without it for a while. Continue reading
I can’t believe the last post I wrote was so long ago, how time flies! Being away from the blogging world for so long has made me rusty round the edges! To be honest I miss being connected to the world – it can feel lonely being isolated.
Swans – peace
War, crimes, destruction, killings, hatred.. That's all you seem to hear in the news these days. It's just so sad and it has kept me puzzled as to why humans are capable of such terrible acts? If only we can go back to simplicity.. oh how I wish. I'm twisting and turning again I just cannot sleep My mind is going in all directions The thoughts getting deep Continue reading
Whenever we are driving along small A/B roads in the UK, going past the green hills and ancient stone walls, I picture myself sitting under a giant tree transformed back to one of my favourite childhood scenes from Peter Rabbit illustrated by Beatrix Potter. The curious side of me always wants to step over the fence and run into those hills to discover what its really like to be on the other side. Mr A and I had been on a holiday to North Yorkshire recently, admiring the breathtaking landscape the Yorkshire Dales had to offer. There, I got to experience this amazing feeling of climbing over the walls, scaring away a few wild sheep and finally descending into a hidden cave – the excitement I encountered that day was truly priceless! Continue reading
It was my daughter’s 6th birthday this weekend, and as with many birthdays, “comes the ‘birthday cake'”. As a chocolate cake lover, I was surprised she chose a sponge cake this year. Luckily, the weather was beautiful on the day and her friends loved the garden activities organised.
I have a weakness when it comes to patisserie, I always had. Even now that I’ve drastically reduced my consumption of cakes, pastries, biscuits and even chocolate, I still do like to eat them as a treat every now and then. I enjoy baking them just as much, and when I bake at home, I feel much more in control of the quality of the ingredients I use. It may not make the end baked-goods less calorific, but I’m sure it will be less processed than many super-market bought products, and dare I say more delicious. Continue reading
ihave2kitchens 