The Botanical Kitchen
Recipes, travel and the occasional rant
I have been observing the wellness dialogue from afar. It’s really interesting to see how many instagram streams there are in this area. Vibrant, plant based food. Mainly vegan or vegetarian. It all looks delicious. It’s always pretty but it’s never enough is it? This is my biggest annoyance about ‘wellness’ foods. The portion sizes in all these […]
Once upon a time I lived in Aix-en-Provence. I was living in halls of residence. It was my third year at university. I was away from my parents and there was much hair to be letting down so I went to every party there was. Don’t get me wrong. I was still a complete and utter swot […]
I’ve been living in a work bubble over the last few weeks but today is a rare day off and I’ve been enjoying some cooking time alone in my kitchen. No children’s chitter chatter. No husband playing loud music. Just me and my pots and pans. Blissful. I have just made myself an enormous bowl […]
It has not been a good year for the allotment. It’s really strange how we’ve had no luck and no time. Usually one or the other motivates us to go but it’s been hard to get excited when everything we’ve planted gets eaten or dies. The slugs have just taken over this year with the […]
It’s the end of a weekend of midsummer celebrations in Sweden. I think they have the right idea. Decorating the village, house and of course dining table with lots of fresh flowers and grazing on festive food with friends and family is my idea of wonderfulness. And the food must of incorporate herring. It’s an […]
It’s mango season! Last week I bought a box of 12 Kesar mangoes for £10. So expensive! My mother will wait until boxes hit £5 but I’m too greedy and can barely contain myself walking from vendor to vendor on Ealing Road in Wembley. I bought two boxes because we ate one in the car. […]
Have you noticed that tulips are everywhere at the moment? I’ve been about and about today and noticed all sorts of different varieties. They are about the only plants that have come up at my allotment too. The first thought that has come to mind has been to wonder if they are an edible variety. Many […]
It’s nearly time for the London Marathon. My training has gone well in the main. I had a bit of a lapse this week as I’ve not been feeling well. Truth be told I’m struggling a little on the food side. I hit my fundraising target within a few months of signing up, my training […]
Are you fed up of chocolate yet? I’m not but I’m getting there. Even my girls couldn’t finish their stash yesterday. There is a bowl of odd bits of shell and Lindt Bunny bottoms. I know it will all get eaten but it’s nice to have the excess to do a bit of baking with. This […]
I am so lucky to have two beautiful girls. Currently out “spending their book tokens” AKA shopping in TK Maxx to buy Mummy some odd bowls and plates for food styling. They know me so well. Truth be told, I don’t need cards or any gifts from them. Seeing them change and grow is gift […]
It’s a freezing, wet, windy day in North London. I tried various things to get properly warm this morning and had countless cups of tea but nothing seemed to hit the spot. There was much paperwork to be done but I sought refuge in the kitchen instead of the office. It’s the warmest place in the house. […]
The sun has been on good form in my little corner of London recently. The parks seem greener, the blossoms seem to be out in bloom again and even the frost looks inviting. I hope it is a taste of the summer sunshine to come as I am most definitely a summer girl. I blame the fact that […]