Chicken dishes and vegetarian options

Chicken is the kind of food you can eat all year round. But finding new ideas on how to cook it can be tricky. I think finding new types of cuisine is the key here. Many people don't really know much (apart from people from the area themselves) about Middle Eastern cuisine. This type of cuisine seems to have been made for chicken! Spices about as the flavours are fragrant, delighting the sense. And for the vegetarians, we have a few alternatives!

A nice, easy way to get into this flavourful type of cooking is by starting with something like Chicken tagine (can also be used with lamb).

Rather than write out the recipes myself, I'm simply sharing the links to some delicious recipes: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/chickentagine_74834

http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/648086

The following link is for a general chicken dish with Middle eastern flavours: http://www.womanandhome.com/recipes/292397/middle-eastern-chicken-recipe

The delectable http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/mussakhan_80246">Mussakhan

Middle eastern cooking includes spices such as saffron, cumin, harissa, raz al hanout and other rubs.

Of course, it doesn't have to be chicken! Many dishes from this area are vegetarian, from baba ganoush to hummus, and lets not forget falafel: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/homemade_falafels_with_30527

More vegetarian options include:

Potato and Walnut Kibbe

Fattoush

Whatever you have this summer, keep it lively!


On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scotland about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback: The Island of the Mist is book 2 The Stone in the Sword is book 1 The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats: The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

In Season in August and kohlrabi

We're fully into summer now and while the year has been sluggish so far, its starting to catch up now that we've had some proper sunshine!

Here's a list of all that's in season this month:

Apple, Apricot, Bilberries, Nectarine, Raspberry

Aubergine, Beetroot, Chicory, Cobnut, Courgette, Cucumber, Fennel, French beans, Globe artichoke, Greengages,
Kohlrabi, Marrow, Pepper, Radish, Rocket, Runner beans, Spring onion, Sweetcorn, Swiss chard, Tomato, Watercress

Crab, Grey mullet, Sardine, Scallop, Sea bass

Lamb, Venison

Stil in season but heading out:
Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Peaches, Redcurrants, Strawberries and also Mangetout!

An unsung hero at this time is the Kohlrabi. This 'cabbage/turnip' is a wonderful vegetable that is hugely versatile. Much like other veg, it is very different cooked than in its raw state. Raw, it is wonderful with apple and citrus flavours in a salad or slaw. Cooked, it is amazing roasted or in a soup. I've included a link here for a wonderful, light summer soup recipe: Kohlrabi soup.


On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scotland about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback: The Island of the Mist is book 2 The Stone in the Sword is book 1 The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats: The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin