HERBS - Curry Plant

The curry plant is mainly grown for decoration.  It has mustard coloured flowers.  The name Helichrysum is Greek and comes from "helios" (sun) and "chrysos.  It is unrelated to curry leaves which are used in cooking.

However, a sprig of curry plant can be added to rice dishes to give a mild curry flavour.  Don't forget to remove the sprig just before serving.  The leaves are silvery grey and look rather like rosemary.

Curry plants look nice in a sunny spot, giving off a fragrance, especially after rain.  It doesn't like the cold and grows well in a warm climate.

The dried yellow flowers are a nice addition to pot pourri.

A branch can be hung in cupboards to deter moths.

HERBS - Basil

Basil is a culinary herb with aromatic leaves.  The leaves are best torn with the fingers.  It can be used to make pesto, sprinkled over pasta dishes and os useful in sauces.

Basil tea can be made by pouring hot water on a tablespoon of leaves.  It is meant to help with cold and flu symptoms as well as digestive upsets.  It is supposed to help nausea.  (not suitable for pregnant women).

A pot of basil in the kitchen will keep the flies away.  It is rich in Vitamins C and A as well as iron and calcium.  It contains zinc and potassium as well as magnesium and selenium.

There are many varieties of basil growing in different countries.  It probably orginated in India but is now popular in Europe, particularly in Italy.  What could be simpler than mozarella cheese, slices of tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a few basil leaves scattered on top?  Fresh leaves can be infused in oil.

Basil grows best in a warm, sunny but sheltered spot.

Look out for Greek basil with smaller leaves.  The flavour is less pungent.

CHILLIED PORK CASSEROLE

1 large onion, chopped
Few garlic cloves cleaned and crushed
Pork fillet cut into cubes
1 tin of tomatoes
Some tomato puree
Mixed herbs and oregano
White wine
Butter beans (tinned)
Quarter tsp of red hot chilli and a few chilli flakes according to taste
Salt and black pepper

Fry the onion and garlic cloves, then add the pork and fry until browned.  Add the herbs, seasoning and the tin of tomatoes, stir in some tomato puree and add a good glug of the wine to provide cooking liquid.  Add the chilli and leave to cook for 1 hour then add the butter beans.

Eileen's Potatoes
Here’s the recipe for almond potatoes. Slice some new pots, or other and boil for around 10 mins in salted water. Meanwhile fry a slice red onion with some garlic in a little oil for three to four mins. Add half a teaspoon or so of turmeric and a good handful of flaked almonds. . Drain and add the potatoes and some rocket, I used parsley. Pour in some double cream and reheat. Transfer to an ovenproof dish, check seasoning salt and black pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for around 30 to 40 mins  190-200.  Enjoy.

A nice London pub off the beaten track

They call it the hidden gem!  Worth a visit when you are in London.  I wish I discovered it earlier.  It's called the Mitre in Lancaster Gate, near Hyde Park.

http://www.mitrelancastergate.com/

I went there for lunch last week with our Hyde Park walking group. My friend brought her two young dogs who were made welcome. Most of us had the mulled gin to warm us up. I had the fish and chips which was better than any I have had at the seaside! The peas were really tasty. I couldn't finish it as the portion was mansized. My friends had a variety of things but the fishcakes looked yummy.

We stayed at the Corus Hotel over Christmas and were unaware of this pub a short stroll away. 

  

The photo is of the mulled gin.  Great after a wintery walk.