12 May 2007
After a couple of days with temperatures in the 80s, what could be better than some roasting with a hot, hot oven? If that sounds like a stupid idea, it's because it is, and I'm paying for it now with a very warm house. But it was worth it. Sooo worth it. Do you ever make a dinner so enjoyable that, with every bite you take, you feel like calling somebody up and telling them about it? This was such a meal:
Roast tomato soup and zucchini cakes with feta. Both were recipes from Mr. Slater's The Kitchen Diaries. I've been so taken with his writing and philosophy, and have bought quite a few of his books -- but without really, properly trying out any of his recipes. He's inspired me to try many things, but this was the first time I set out to do things the 'right' way. Sort of.
Neither the soup nor the zucchini cakes were difficult to make, but they were quite time consuming. Even though I'm usually cooking for just myself, I don't tend to take shortcuts, but I also don't seek out very involved recipes. I was prepared to be disappointed after all my hard work this time, particularly because zucchini is such a hit-and-miss vegetable for me. Prepared the wrong way, it's boring and perhaps just a bit slimy.
Lucky for me, the effort was well, well worth it:
The only thing I changed from Nigel's recipes (besides halving the soup recipe and 'thirding' the zucchini cakes) was using cilantro instead of dill in the cakes. Just because I had one but not the other. It seemed to suit the overall flavour quite well, anyway. Yum.
I've still got two bowls of the soup left for the coming days, but I think I'm going to be dreaming about the zucchini cakes until I can make them again!
Hi Anna,
I just want to say how much I am enjoying your book, The Crafters Companion. Thank you for giving me more inspiration- have you thought about another?!!
Can't wait to read through your archives...
J x
posted by Jane at May 14, 2007 03:29 PM
OMG... that looks amazing!
posted by Gillian at May 15, 2007 08:47 AM
I gave a copy of Nigel Slater's Kitchen Diaries to my brother for Christmas. It took a long time to wrap as I was reading it as I did so. I must get it for myself.
Your meal looks and sounds perfect!
posted by Karen at May 15, 2007 12:53 PM
I love the photographs, the light is beautiful. And those cakes are fantastic.
posted by jenjen at May 16, 2007 01:36 AM
It's still a real pleasure to come here...
g.
posted by g. at May 16, 2007 08:33 AM