New flavors on toast!

Currently listening to: "Children of Sanchez" by Chuck Mangione

I recently got my hands on some new jams and curds from Cottage Delight (the parent company of my much raved about Spanks) and decided to do a taste test with my now self proclaimed "Jam and Curb Connoisseur" housemate (below).

Firstly, Blackcurrant Curd

I was most excited about this one being a big fan of lemon curd I was keen to try it, and believe me it didn't disappoint.

The texture is everything you'd expect from a curd, however this one is one has bits of blackcurrant in it. The initial taste is a hint of buttery lemon then a subtle taste of blackcurrant takes over your mouth. We tried this on both brown and white toast, but I have plans to put it as a filling for a cake... YUM!

Next, Red Gooseberry Jam

Now I do like jams but I find quite a few (especially strawberry jam) a bit too sweet and the acute bitterness of some marmalades too sharp. However this jam lies somewhere between the two. Although strictly not a marmalade as it doesn't contain citrus zest the Red Gooseberries give aslight bitter twist. I really enjoyed this jam much more then I thought I would and will definitelybe buying some more to put on my toast in the morning.

Whilst on the topic of cottage industry retail, I was informed about a website (Local Food Advisor) aimed at promoting local food suppliers.

Anyway, better get ready to go out. Going for a Chinese with the sailing team after a no wind training session :(

Post-pub food

Currently listening to: "Jeu du rapt" - Igor Stravinsky

I was walking back from the pub and much to my horror the local chippy had shut early, and because of the current extreme weather conditions I didn't want to walk the 400mtr round trip to the next fine takeaway establishment, so I briskly walked home praying I still had some food in the cupboard! Luckily I had some raw chicken left over after my previous "Spanks" dish, so I went about using some more presents from my eldest sister.

This time I used some of the "Thai Curry Paste" made by Cottage Delight (which is the parent company of Spanks) that my sister gave me for Christmas.

As per usual I didn't read the label or "recipe suggestion" and went about it my own way to make a curry sauce to accompany my poached diced chicken and rice. I simply, add a healthy dollop of paste into a hot pan followed by as much double cream as it takes to make a substantial sauce. Add more paste if needed…

Yet again this paste is full of great flavours and I can see an increasing amount of my loan being spent buying different products from both of these companies!