It's not often that I am away from the children but this last Sunday I was out for the whole day. I gave hubby a kiss goodbye and mentioned that I'd love him to have dinner ready for when I got home. He delivered and very nicely. I'm not sure what I'd been expecting. Maybe a chicken thrown in the oven, but he'd cut the chicken up and made the most wonderful chicken dish from his favourite book The River Cottage Meat Book (loosely based on HFW's Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives - pg 313). I say loosely as we didn't have any preserved lemons or fresh coriander. Hubby almost followed it, except the lemon and fresh coriander part which is probably rather crucial to Hugh's version but Hubby's version was delicious and we had leftovers for dinner last night. In the book HF-W says. If you find yourself hankering after the bitter/salty/spicy tastes of North African cooking, this simple recipe really hits the spot. He is so right. (I'm not sure what the rules are about re-producing the recipe, so I found a rough copy from the Guardian here, if you wanted to give it a try.He served it with mashed potatoes and carrots, both picked fresh from the garden. I can't remember what variety the carrots are but they're golden yellow. When I see the pictures of all that we've had from the veg patch I feel rather good about it and realise that we haven't done too badly, and we have learned such a lot.
We're going to surf in and out of a few countries (or continents) for the next week while we decide which country we're going to spend more time learning about... How lucky are we?! You could be too.
15 comments:
Oh wow!! Kudos to your hubby!!
He did a great job.North African food sounds interesting,I am learning a lot from your blog.I am planning to make Cuban rice and beans today!:))
Enjoy,loved reading about N.Africa.Thanks Amanda.
The chicken sounds divine Amanda especially when someone you loves cooks it for you.
Surfing in and out of a few countries sounds pretty divine also! Have a wonderful time.
The chicken dish sounds lovely. Well done Hubby!!! I can't get mine to cook other than bread and he enjoys doing that and rolls. Which if you saw my kitchen it really isn't big enough for the two of us in there anyway. Glad the gardening is going well. It is amazing what you can get from a little piece of dirt.
How nice to come home and find dinner made and waiting for you. I wish that would happen at my house! The chicken sounds wonderful, I love preserved lemons and olives.
You are indeed very lucky. Your meal has inspired me and so today I am going to make some baked chicken and a kicked-up mashed potatoes with hot chillies, red onions and green onions. Give my thanks to the hubby!
I've not managed a whole day away yet... it's fab that hubby made supper for when you came home, well done him! Mine doesn't cook atall, and I sometimes wonder what it would be like to be cooked for!
KJxx
Well done to your husband. Isn't it nice when they take the hint (or request) to prepare a meal. I am looking forward to your next country, wonder what it will be...?
Great hubby!!! My Todd's idea of producing good nosh is having a can opener in one hand whilst carrying a can in the other! I love Hugh Fernely Whittingsall! He's a great chef and I think he really knows his stuff! Shall have to try this recipe out myself! I am waiting with baited breath to see where you travel to next!
Asha, Thank you I'll pass that on. Cuban rice and beans - nice!
Tanna, Thank you, it was definitely divine.
Pat, Must be a man thing I always leave the bread making to hubby!
Sara, It was good without the lemons but I'd like to have it again with the lemons.
Cynthia, That sounds good!!!
Kelly-Jane, This weekend they're both going to my best friend's house overnight. It will be the first night since oldest was born that we've had on our own. I'll probably be a wreck! The first time I went off just for a day I cried and cried! Also being cooked for is wonderful and luckily he's a great cook.
Nora and Marie, I'm looking forward to making a decision. Don't know why I can't make up my mind! Might list two and let the boys choose this time.
what a great idea! We have done similar in the past but I think it is time to do it again! Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Marye, No, thank you - for the praise and the mention on your baking delights post.
Amanda
The chicken looks very delicious. What a great hubby! :)
Hi Cooking Ninja, I quite like him!
Amanda
That looks great, Amanda. I love North African food. How lucky to have a hubby who likes to cook and does it well.
I'm happy to have found your blog - I too have little foodies that can be so unpredictable in their eating habits, but they're learning.
I bought HFW's book recently, and I haven't gotten around to studying it yet - just drooling over the pictures of bloody meat.
Did I just say that?!
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