Comfort Food

Thanks everyone for all Bob's birthday greetings yesterday! Before retirement, Bob said he was looking forward to doing more of the cooking. Since the diet began, he has been really involved in meal planning and preparation. On Monday we visited a Butchers/Fishmongers*** a few miles north of Norwich called Farm to Fork And Fish. We came away with a pack of kippers, a bag of oxtail, and a tray of "Char Sui Pork Mix".

The fish cost a little more than I usually pay, but the flavour was spectacular, and the fillets were generously sized, firm and meaty. 

A good breakfast even without my usual brown-bread-and-butter

The pork came with mushrooms and onions, in a dry spice mix. Bob added lots of veg [cauliflower, mange tout, red peppers] and some stock to make the sauce [with a little soy, and fish sauce] There was no added sugar, and the extra veg meant we did not need noodles or rice. It was lovely. 

The locally sourced pork had such a good taste and texture.

For years Bob has reminisced about his Mum's oxtail stew, and talked of making one. This is Jamie's Insanely Good Oxtail Stew.[recipe here] and Bob followed this recipe [mostly!] J says "serve with creamy mash and greens" I slow roasted some squash alongside the stew to mash, and harvested more of my spinach to steam.

On cold, autumn days, when it gets dark early, these meals have been delicious. With such lovely flavours, you forget that you haven't got any of the usual carbs on your plate.

***We are looking for somewhere to replace the lovely Perfick Pork of Great Ryburgh. David and Julie, the owners have retired and shut up shop. Such a shame...