Suburban Lush

One Pot Chicken With Tomatoes and Olives

In an attempt to combat weight gained trhough bordom snacking I've started out on a healthy eating mission. If it's just me eating I eat lots of simple vegetarian meals and fruit. The real trick is dinner - coming up with a meal that is good for me and still enjoyable for John after a long day at work. I don't believe in eating separate meals either, so I've had to put my thinking cap on to find diet-friendly meals with flavour and substance although I'm very lucky that John enjoys most veges.

Today I was inspired by a recipe for fish with tomatoes and olives. Our local shop didn't have any white fish, so I picked up a couple of chicken breasts and made this meal. It certainly fit the bill and I'm keen to try it again with fish. I'm sure you could chop and change the veges used (capsicums would be great).

One Pot Chicken With Tomatoes and Olives (makes 2 generous portions)

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 bacon rasher with fat removed, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 150 grams mushrooms, chopped (I used baby button mushrooms and simply halved them)
• 5 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 large courgette
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp dried chili flakes
• Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges to serve

Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed oven proof dish. Add bacon, onion and mushrooms and cook on the stove until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from pan. Sear chicken breasts on both sides. Add back in the bacon, onion and mushrooms. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. While this is happening, pre-heat the oven to 180c. Once hot, place a lid on the pan and transfer to the oven. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes.

We had our spooned over wild rice and with a side salad. And don't forget to garnish with the parsley and a good squeeze of lemon.

(Sorry for the bad pick - I snapped it with my phone as I was too hungry to go upstairs and get the proper camera).

Too Much Spare Time

One of the benefits of unemployment is the leisure to read. I have been devouring books, helped in no small part by unexpected (and much appreciated) Amazon parcels from loved ones. I won't review all the books here (some won't be reviewed at all, and some will turn up over here) but I'm enjoying the escapism. I've always read a fair amount, but recently finished 5 books in 4 days - a feat even for me.

While I find I miss the structure and the feeling of self-worth I get from working, I am usually able to fill my days. I catch up with friends who work weekends and so are free mid-week, I intern one day a week, go to the gym, and of course I'm writing again. The gym has been a god-send, which is surprising for me. I go most afternoons and spend a couple of hours there - an hour or so working out and then the rest of the time pampering myself in the hot tub and sauna. It has had a few pleasant side effects, too. No real weight-loss (entirely my fault as my diet has gone to hell) but I'm probably fitter than I've been in years, can do proper push-ups, and am even considering entering a 10km race.

Weekends are spent hiking and hanging out with John, although not at the same time. Leisurely coffees at Starbucks, strolls around town or Botanic gardens, pints with friends; both John and I are enjoying chore-free weekends, all the housework and laundry done during the week.

All this being said, unemployment most definitely does not become me and I'm chomping at the bit to find a suitable job. There are a few out there, but unfortunately the economy in Belfast is suffering as much as anywhere else.

Book Review - The Woman In Black

Author: Susan Hill

Blurb: Arthur Kipps, a junior solicitor, is summoned to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow, the sole inhabitant of Eel Marsh House, unaware of the tragic secrets which lie hidden behind the shuttered windows. The house stands at the end of a causeway, wreathed in fog and mystery, but it is not until Arthur glimpses a wasted young woman, dressed all in black, at the funeral, that a creeping sense of unease begins to take hold, a feeling deepened by the reluctance of the locals to speak of the woman in black - and her terrible purpose.

My two cents: Sound familiar? Yes, they have just made this book into a movie starring Daniel Radcliffe. I saw the preview and it looked far too terrifying for me and then just last week was given the book as a gift.

Fortunately for me I enjoy scary books in a way that doesn't translate to movies and I read this one in a single sitting, captivated by the writing. This is a fairly typical ghost story: spooky, atmospheric, but not particularly terrifying. Susan Hill is generally celebrated  for her short-stories and The Woman In Black, though longer than a short story, benefits from her expertise; haunting scenes evoked with a few well chosen words rather than long descriptive passages, and a plot that is interesting but not overly complex. As a result you come away from the book with a sense of atmosphere which lingers in the back of your mind for days. 

Book Review - Night Train to Lisbon

Author: Pascal Mercier

Blurb: One day mild-mannered, middle aged teacher Raimund Gregorius suddenly quits his ordinary life and, for no reason apparent to his colleagues or his students, sets off on a journey across Europe. Haunted by a mysterious old book that seems, somehow, to speak to him personally, he embarks in search of clues to the life of its enigmatic Portuguese author, Amadeu de Prado. Gradually he uncovers the life of an extraordinary man: a child prodigy, a doctor, a philosopher and a rebel. And as Gregorius learns about Prado, he also begins a process of self-discovery, looking back at his own life and the choices he has made, wondering about the man he might have been. Hurtling through the dark, Night Train to Lisbon is a profound tale, wonderfully told, propelled by the mystery at its heart.

My two cents: I picked up this book on a whim from our local Oxfam shop, intrigued by the title. I enjoyed it, but it is not a light read. Mercier is a professor of philosophy, and it shows. Really two books within one, Gregorius' story is easy to relate to: a man looking back on his life, travelling, experiencing new things and considering whether choices made in the past were the correct ones. Prado's story on the other hand, is the philosophical foil to Gregorius' self-enlightenment. It poses deep philosophical questions about the self, religion , friendship and happiness. The stories merge to form a cohesive whole, a book about two different, yet similar, men.

4 Steps To Happiness

1. Google cookie recipes.

2. Go to the store and pick up necessary ingredients.

3. Follow recipe.

4. Share oven-warm cookies and a pot of tea with a friend/boyfriend.

 

Ginger Cookies (makes approx 20 cookies)

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 3 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. ground allspice
• 1 3/4 cups plain flour
• White sugar for rolling the cookies

Preheat the oven to 190.

In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted butter (we don't have a microwave so I just mixed everything up in the saucepan I melted the butter in) and stir until thoroughly combined and smooth. Add the molasses and stir to mix well. Do the same with the egg. Next, add the baking soda, spices and 1 cup of the flour and mix until no flour can be seen in the mixture.  Add the remaining flour and stir until incorporated.

Pour white sugar onto a plate or bowl. Form the dough into balls about 2 centimeters in diameter. Flatten slightly. Dip each ball in the sugar, coating the top, then place on a greased baking sheet sugar-coated side up. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on tray for 2 minutes. Using a wide spatula, transfer to a wire rack. Best served within a few hours of baking. Recipe liberally adapted from here.

I wish

I wish I could tell you I'm not depressed, but I can't.

I wish I could tell you that I regret my decisions, but I don't.

I wish I could tell you you're right, but you aren't.

But I can tell you that I'll be ok, I just wish I was ok now.

 

 

Today is not a good day. But I know it will pass.

Glencoe

You may have noticed over there on the left that I've been reading "Glencoe" by John Prebble. This was not just for fun - it was research. You see, I had a trip to Glencoe planned, and being the immense nerd that I am I was finding out about the famous massacre at Glencoe before visiting the place itself.

This was yet another hiking weekend - the Scottish Highlands are a beautiful place to walk, full of gorgeous valleys and high hills. And the leader of the weekend had chosen Glencoe, the most famous of the Highland valleys. Not only stunning gorgeous but with an interesting (and bloody) history.

The story of the massacre is one of politics and betrayal and well worth reading but instead of telling you about it I am simply going to rabbit on about the gorgeous hiking we did, with gorgeous sunny (very un-Scottish) weather and pints at the pub.

We started off early on Friday morning, catching the ferry from Larne to Troon and driving up to Arrochar. We stopped there for our first walk - up Ben Arthur, also known as The Cobbler. The walk starts with steep switchbacks, a shock to the legs after a morning of travelling. The path eventually flattens out somewhat, giving you a chance to catch your breath and enjoy the view back down Loch Long and up towards the three summits of The Cobbler. The final ascent is steep and long, and we had amazing views from the summit. Some were even brave enough to tackle the famous Eye and reach the true summit.

Then it was back down to the cars for the final leg of the journey to our hostel Kinlochlevin. 

We arrived for a quick unpack and shower before heading out for a pint. Most had dinner at the hostel, but a few of us headed to the local Tailrace inn for our meal. A delicious steak and ale pie and a pint of local beer hit the spot before meeting up with the others for a few pints at the hostel bar. 

The plan for Saturday was to climb Bidean Nam Bian, the highest mountain in Argyll and Glencoe at 3773ft. This was a hard walk, but immensely rewarding. Steep uphill climbs, almost vertical scree slopes, over 9 hours long, completely and utterly breathtaking views, and an incredible sense of satisfaction. Again starting with immediate uphill, the track eventually flattened out in The Lost Valley - unseen from below, this was the place where the clansmen of Glencoe hid rustled cattle from their rightful owners. After the respite of The Lost Valley, it was a steep climb and scramble to the top. No point rushing - take plenty of time to turn around and enjoy the views spreading out below as you ascend. The day was hot and we took our lunch at the saddle before tackling the final climb along a ridge to the summit of Bidean Nam Bian. Then down and around, scrambling desperately down an almost vertical scree slope, some on their feet and some on their bottoms before rejoining the well-defined path. Constant descent, most of it excruciatingly steep, reminded us how far we'd climbed.

We didn't get back to the hostel until quite late. Once showered we ordered dinner. I couldn't resist - haggis, neeps and tatties with whisky cream sauce. Surprisingly delicious!

Then, after a few pints, we headed to a pub to check out a local band and have a few more drinks.

We'd booked the ferry back to Belfast for late on Sunday, which meant we had all day to amuse ourselves. Rather than go for another walk we decided on a leisurely day out: visiting the Scottish National Trust information centre at Glencoe where they have an excellent exhibition on the history of the area, and popping in to little towns to check out the local sights.

It was a fantastic weekend, and I'm already itching to return.

Monday Morning Roundup

Food, walking and laziness. It's been hectic over here!

Over a week ago I cooked dinner for John and completed the second of 4 installments of the Weekly Food Challenge. But I have finally found my camera cord, so this time you get pics, as well! I'd gone to the markets and picked up some lovely plump and juicy steaks. So, what to accompany them. Well, I went for a simple rocket salad, and The Pioneer Woman's caprese salad. Simple and elegant, this salad goes with anything. Ripe market tomatoes, creamy mozzarella (the good kind - don't skimp on this!), aromatic basil leaves, and the simplest of dressing. As well as being dead easy to assemble, it also looks amazing. Check it out:

Caprese salad (makes 2 generous side portions)

• 3 ripe tomatoes
• 12 oz fresh mozzarella
• fresh basil leaves
• balsamic reduction
• olive oil
• sale & pepper to taste

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella. Layer artistically in a nice dish. Tuck in basil leaves. Drizzle over the olive oil and balsamic reduction. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you are lucky (and lazy) it is usually possible to buy balsamic reduction pre-made. But if not, it is easy peasy to make. Simply place balsamic vinegar in a pot and bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes, or until balsamic has reduced to a thick glaze. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Balsamic reduction is one of those awesome things to have around, so go ahead and make a whole heap - it keeps for quite some time in the fridge. I drizzle mine over salads and pizzas, or to marinade meat.

Next up was desert. Strawberries are luscious and plump at the moment, so I figured I'd give this strawberry cake a go. Sometimes dishes take my fancy despite the fact that I haven't read the description through. This was one of those dishes. And it was delicious, according to John. I wasn't quite such a fan, mostly because I had failed to read that "those strawberries turn into puddles of jam". Which is all well and good if you like jam, but I don't. Or, well, more specifically I like jam only when it comes served with clotted cream and scones. But if you like jam, as John does, then this cake is for you. I didn't fiddle with the recipe at all, so go on over to Smitten Kitchen and check it out.

You might wonder what else have I been up to, other than cooking and eating. First off, I am currently jobless, my temping position having ended. This isn't a terrible thing, as the job was pretty dire. So I've had a week off, which has meant catching up with friends and family. No complaints there.

I've been out hiking as well. Because we are insane, my hiking group decided to do a challenge. It was in two parts. The first part started at midnight and took in 3 peaks before breakfast. I don't know much about the second part because I was too lazy to do it. Friday night saw a group of us congregating in Donard Park, where we had a BBQ before driving around to Bloody Bridge carpark where we donned backpacks, head torches and glowsticks before starting up Bloody Bridge river and over Slieve Donard. Then down Slieve Donard and over Slieve Commedagh, Corrag and Bernagh as the sun came up. The plan was to see the sunrise at the top of Bernagh, but we were a little late and it was foggy. Still, we carried on down to Meelmore where our support crew and cooks extraordinaire had set up shop and were cooking up a storm - blueberry muffins, bacon and sausage baps, tea, coffee, and fruit for the health-conscious (I did not have any fruit, and I maintain that there were plenty of healthy blueberries in the muffins). Most of us had previously decided that the overnight walk was enough for us, but a handful carried on to complete the second half of the challenge.

French Onion Soup + Gooseberry Crumble

You may be wondering what happened on Sunday night, and why you haven't heard about the result of my Weekly Food Challenge. Then again you may not, as regular readers know that I have a habit of not fulfilling promises made here. The truth is, I made a delicious meal with two new dishes, and I took photos. I even had left-overs and they were delicious too. But I'm currently house-sitting, and have misplaced my cable for downloading the photos to my laptop and I was waiting to see if I could find it so that I could show you pretty pictures of food but so far I have not. However, this morning I was thinking about what to make this weekend, and figured I should probably share last weekend's results, even if there are no photos as yet.

So . . . . first up was French Onion Soup served with a green salad. I've been wanting to make French Onion soup for years, but John isn't a fan so I've always put it off. But now, with a house to myself, I figured it was time to give it a go.

I used a combination of ChristopherCina's recipe, and this recipe from Smitten Kitchen. Because the recipe is simple, with very few ingredients, I decided that it would pay to use good-quality ingredients. I picked up a bottle of decent sherry (although honestly I wouldn't know if it was decent sherry or not, but it wasn't the cheapest bottle on the shelf), quality beef stock (no veal stock in Belfast!), fresh thyme and onions from the organic grocer at the markets, and some aged gruyere, again from the markets. I spent ages caramelising my onions and the house smelt heavenly. Once the soup was done I sliced a french loaf, floated slices on top of a large bowl of soup, mounded on the grated cheese and popped it under the grill until it was bubbly and golden. Perfect!

Next, desert. The house that I am looking after has a lovely garden, overflowing with raspberries, red and black currants, and gooseberries. While the raspberries are eaten straight off the bush while I'm standing in the sunshine, I figured I'd better find a recipe for the currants and gooseberries before the laden branches broke. So, to Google I went. And found this Gooseberry Crumble. I love crumble. Apple crumble. Rhubarb Crumble. Any sort of crumble at all. So I figured gooseberry crumble would be just the ticket. I picked a bowl of the gooseberries, and then couldn't resist throwing in a few handfuls of the red currants. In to the house I went to top and tail the gooseberries, and whip them up into a delicious desert. The crumble was excellent and extremely tart - the perfect antidote to the richness of the French Onion soup. It would no doubt be fantastic with whipped cream or (better yet!) vanilla ice cream, but I am still trying to behave myself a little bit so I refrained. Don't be as disciplined as me.

French Onion Soup (serves 4)

• 2 ltrs good quality beef stock
• 3 yellow onions, sliced
• 1tbs olive oil
• 1 cup sherry
• 2 tbs fresh thyme leaves
• freshly ground black pepper
• french bread
• gruyere cheese (about 1/4 cup grated per serving)

Place the butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan and heat on medium high heat. Once melted, add the onions. Caramelise the onions, stirring them about every 5 minutes, making sure each slice gets some time at the bottom of the pan. When all the onions are a lovely milk chocolate brown you are done (this takes about 30 to 40 minutes - patience is a virtue). Poor in the sherry and deglase the pan. Simmer until the sherry is reduced by half. Add the stock and thyme leaves and simmer for around 45 minutes.

Thickly slice the french bread and pre-heat the grill. Spoon a generous portion of soup into an oven proof bowl. Float the bread on top. Cover with grated gruyere cheese. Place under the grill until the cheese becomes bubbly and golden brown. Swoon with the delicious smell. Pour yourself a glass of wine. Enjoy.

Gooseberry and Red Currant Crumble (I haven't put any measurements here, because crumble is one of those dishes where amounts don't really matter, and you can make enough for 1, or enough for 8, and adjust the amount of topping to your personal preference - personally I usually go for lots of fruit, little topping, but I have friends who prefer the opposite.)

• Gooseberries, topped and tailed
• Red currants (I used a ratio of approx 1:8 of red currants and gooseberries)
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Plain flour
• Rolled oats
• Butter
• Sugar

Preheat the oven to 200C. Spread the fruit evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice. Place in the warm oven. In a separate bowl, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the oats and sugar and stirr. Spoon this mixture onto the top of the now slightly softened fruit mixture. Sprinkle with a little more sugar. Place in the oven, uncovered, and bake for around 50 minutes until the berries are soft and the topping is golden. Serve on its own, or with vanilla ice cream or cream.

And there you have a perfect Sunday night dinner.

Avenue Q

I went to see Avenue Q last night. And all I can really say is - go see it. My friend Stuart had a spare ticket and invited me to go along with him. I didn't know what to expect as we arrived at the Grand Opera House. I'd been told that the show was "like Sesame Street for adults" which, ok sure, but that doesn't really help.

As a synopsis on the website says: "Avenue Q is not the most upmarket of New York streets, and is about as far away from Park Avenue as you can get, but it is home to some lively and off the wall characters performed by an unholy comedic alliance of humans and puppets! Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate, has just moved to this neighbourhood as he desperately tries to follow his dreams and discover his ever-elusive purpose in life. A tiny bank balance, the distraction of a busty blonde and a variety of weird and wonderful friends and neighbours lead Princeton on a hilarious story of self-discovery.

Life may suck on Avenue Q but being jobless, homeless, politically incorrect, having sex (whether hetero, homo or porno... and that’s just the puppets) are just some of the topics featured in the terrific songs of this show."

And that pretty much sums it up. A grown-up show with sex jokes and puppets. It was fantastically produced, with amazing acting, singing and puppeteering (is that a word?). Hilarious and irreverent throughout, I can't recommend it enough. Because seriously you guys, what could be more awesome than this?