Time For Reflection

It’s been a few weeks and I’m sure you’re wondering where the recipes have gone. I’ve been taking some time out to have a little reflection and spend some quality time with loved ones.

Growing up, the importance of family time was so valuable as it brought all the members together; both immediate and extended family united and connected with each other. For me, the vast majority of the time this was (and is) centred at the table sharing delicious food; food from all avenues of my cultural background. Lucky for me there are a fair few cuisines in there so, basically, I’m spoilt for choice!

During this time of reflection, not only does the food bring you together but it allows you to connect with people. Highlighting those family and friends who want to be around and those who have always been a constant; believe me, I am truly grateful and appreciative.

Getting creative in the kitchen and writing recipes are my absolute passion and just the thing I really adore doing; it keeps me positive, calm and motivated. I am this way mainly because of my upbringing and valuing the importance of good food. If you are having good food at home then you’re lucky to have those foundations and the understanding of the additional values that comes with that. Additionally, family recipes. l’ve always found that these, especially the ones passed from generation to generation, are made with nothing but genuine love, and in turn, feel that that’s why home food and cooking is always a winner and the best food that you can have. Treasure those recipes that have been given to you, or even ask for a few, especially your favourites, and cook and share them with others. Below, I have found some photographs of some homemade family food to share with you, this is a combination of Armenian, Iraqi, Sardinian and Italian food.

The recipes will be back soon, it may be next week or even the week after but just hold on a little longer and the food goodies will be arriving in your emails soon.

Carla x

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Sweet Potato Soup

Now that we have arrived in September I automatically get that overwhelming feeling that we getting closer and closer to the end of the year and forgive me for saying it… but Christmas! I associate this time and the next few months with the preparations for the end of the year and the slow change we make from summer into the autumn time. Before we know it the leaves on the trees will start to fall and the temperature will drop and soon we shall be referring back to those cosy jumpers and jackets that we are very well acquainted with.

To slowly ease ourselves back into those ‘winter warmer’ meals I have made this Sweet Potato Soup which is so flavourful, and currently brilliant to have as a light lunch with some sourdough bread. Fantastic for those who are still working from home but fancy that lunchtime heartiness instead of a cold dish.

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and roughly chopped
• 3 fresh tomatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 medium sized white onion, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 165ml coconut milk
• 400ml water
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 vegetable stock cube (I used Knorr)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a pan, fry the garlic, ginger and onion in the olive oil until lightly browned on medium-low heat.
2. Then add the cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, paprika and fry for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the sweet potato, tomato, coconut milk and stock cube and mix well for a further 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the water and give it a good mix.
5. Leave to boil on medium-low heat for 13-15 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Take the pan off the heat and put the contents into a food processor or blender and blitz until smooth.
7. Put the soup back in the pan and give it a taste. Season with salt and pepper if required.

Best served hot.

Giggling Squid. Kingston

Foodie Quote

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s the nourishment of the soul and body.”

Giada De Laurentiis