I love that you can access incredible artworks through galleries’ open access policies. I encourage you to follow the links in either the quote or the caption below and see van Gogh’s painting in zoom close up. There’s no way…
Cheats’ Caramelised Onion
Show me a home cook, and I’ll show you someone who has shortcuts up their sleeves. The “proper” way to make caramelised onion is to cook the onion very slowly for an hour or more with olive oil, maybe butter….
Still Life with Mustard Pot – A Poem
Mustard goes back thousands of years, with references in ancient Indian, Sumerian, Greek and Roman texts, and in the Bible. If you’re a mustard fan, here’s a brief history and a summary of different mustard types. I was struck by…
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day June 7
I’ve always been partial to vanilla ice cream. But, I thought, hey, why not step out of my comfort zone and celebrate National Chocolate Ice Cream Day? 😂
Contemplation – A Poem
Analysis has shown that originally this painting had a glowing orange sunset. That was part of the inspiration for this poem. Beyond that, I found the colours, the body language, even the weight of the pumpkin tranquil. I can smell…
Break The Cycle – A Poem
The Art Institute Chicago tells us that this painting is from a much larger portrait of a family that Manet decided to cut into sections, not all of which have survived. It was not the only time Manet decided to…
Good Old Corned Silverside
Words that come to mind when thinking of good old corned silverside: hearty, tender, filling, aromatic, nourishing, mouthfeel. Honestly, I eat cold silverside leftovers like I eat popcorn at the cinema. After the MANY years I’ve been cooking good old…
Apple Pie with Shortcrust Pastry Sheets
I’ve referred before to my belief that frozen puff pastry is the lazy cook’s best friend. Well, frozen shortcrust pastry has just joined the BFF party 🥂 . Hunting around for a simple and quick “apple pie with shortcrust pastry…
Woman and Child at the Well – A Poem
Part of what appealed to me about this painting was the Art Institute Chicago description: Woman and Child at the Well is one of a series of works depicting peasant girls taking a break from their chores, their poses and…
Still Life with Asparagus and Red Currants – A Poem
In the National Gallery of Art’s description of Still Life with Asparagus and Red Currants, it notes: “Whether depicting a bowl of cherries, an arrangement of exotic shells, or a bunch of asparagus, as in this small masterpiece, [Adriaen Coorte]…
Parmesan Crisps
This recipe for parmesan crisps has one ingredient and one instruction. However, its value is ten times that. Have you ever considered making your own parmesan? Perhaps you’ve gasped slightly, thinking I’m about to inform you how I stomp my…
Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding
There is never a time in my house when rice pudding is not greeted with cheers. With a little stewed fruit, it’s a creamy, healthy dessert. These days, we make it with lactose free milk. I’ve not yet not tried…
