Asparagus: In the Bag

The short but glorious British asparagus season is underway now, and we can enjoy this fabulous vegetable in its prime once again. Be sure to make the most of it while it lasts as it’s only here until the end of June.

The sooner you can eat asparagus after picking the better, as its sugars turn to starch very quickly, so try to buy it as fresh as possible and don’t leave it lying around for days in the fridge. It hardly needs any cooking at all - just 3 to 5 minutes depending on its thickness – and you can boil, steam, grill or roast it; you can even serve it raw.

Asparagus not only tastes fantastic but it’s really good for us, being full of vitamins. It’s particularly good for pregnant women, as it’s high in folic acid; 80g contains 60% of the recommended daily allowance*. It’s also said to be an aphrodisiac so perhaps a good pre-pregnancy vegetable too!



Over at Real Epicurean Scott is hosting May’s ‘In the Bag’ event and how could we not make asparagus the feature? The bag also contains eggs and parmesan cheese for you to whip up a dish with. You can make all kinds of dishes with that combination, whether classic or something more original. I’ve opted for classic for my entry with the indulgent, buttery hollandaise sauce poured over griddled asparagus; a fantastic combination. I made this into a salad with spinach, watercress and shaved parmesan.

*Source http://www.british-asparagus.co.uk/

Think English Summer, Think Pimm's

After the snow in April we now have a heat wave in early May. It’s all very bizarre but I’m not complaining. For a start I’m enjoying lunching in the garden, slathered in sun cream; wearing sandles and strappy tops; and having every window in the house flung wide open. I’ve also enjoyed my first Pimm's of the season; a bottle picked up on my way home from work yesterday and poured into a tall glass with lemonade, ice, fruit and mint.

Pimm’s is surely the quintessential English summer drink and it’s not difficult to see why. It’s wonderfully refreshing with a hint of spiciness and is absolutely delicious laced with summer fruits and mint. And here’s a random fact for you; it was the very first alcoholic drink I had as a married woman! We said our vows on a gloriously hot summer’s day in June on the terrace of a beautiful Kentish house in front of our friends and family. We signed the register and then descended the steps onto the green lawns and were offered the most welcoming glass of Pimm’s I’ve ever had. I’m smiling now just thinking about it.

For the perfect summer Pimm’s fill a glass with ice and pour in 1 part Pimm’s No 1 with 3 parts lemonade (which I forgot in my haste and excitement last night, so my cocktail was a rather large 1 part Pimm’s to 2 parts lemonade...cheers!). Mix well with a stirrer and add a sprig or two of mint, some cucumber if you like (although I don't usually), and pieces of fruit such as lemon; apple; strawberries; orange. Or better still mix up a large jug-full and take it into the garden to enjoy with friends.

Fresh Mussels for a Late Lunch

It’s been a beautiful weekend here in Kent, and it’s not often you can say that on a Bank Holiday! Yesterday Rob and I took a trip to my favourite fish monger at Whitstable Harbour (which I think I may have mentioned once or twice on this blog!) and I picked up some beautiful fresh mussels for a late lunch. They’re the quickest thing to cook and are so delicious, especially when served with a broth and lots of crusty bread to soak it all up. I tried this recipe from Antony Worrall Thompson which was very nice, although a little too buttery for my taste so I’d cut back on that if I made it again. Don’t forget the golden rule with mussels; discard those that are open (and don't close when you tap them) before you cook them and discard those that are closed after you’ve cooked them.



I hope you’ve all had a fabulous weekend too. It may be back to school tomorrow but it looks like the good weather’s here to stay so that’s something to smile about. Have a great week!

In the Bag: Cooking the Month of April - The Round up!

Sadly the seasonal Jersey Royal potatoes in April's bag have been somewhat hard to come by this year, and those that can be found have been very expensive. We've therefore only had a handful of entries, which is a shame, but nonetheless they've been fantastic entries; as always. If you are able to get hold of these potatoes and can splurge out I hope these recipes inspire you, but not to worry if not; we'll have May's bag stocked full of brand new seasonal ingredients for you very soon - so watch this space.

Ian of 'The Pie Times' was so inspired by the event this month that he entered not one, but two dishes! Take a look at his inspirational Watercress Soup with Feta, Potato and Thyme Bread and the Spring Salad he made with what he had left over. How frugal!





The lovely Helen from 'Food Stories' baked a beautiful sounding and looking Jersey Royal, Watercress and Feta Bread with Greek Basil.



Our 'In the Bag' co-host Scott presented us with a mouth-watering Poached Fillet of Beef on a Cauliflower Cheese Puree.



My own creation was Jersey Royal Potatoes with Feta and Watercress Sauce.



"In The Bag" is a monthly food event run by Julia from A Slice of Cherry Pie and Scott at Real Epicurean