Jam Plate Pie

Years ago I decided to only have free range eggs, this was way before free range became the norm, and it was when caged eggs were more-or-less unquestioned.  My son had started eating real food and it began to matter to me where that food came from, the quality.  Very soon it was unthinkable for me to buy caged eggs, free range or go without.  A similar thing has evolved over this supermarket lark, although I cannot completely break free.  It is now the norm for me to place orders with Abel & Cole, Planet Organic, Loch Fyne, and an assortment of other little producers.  It is now in my week to search out upcoming farmers markets; I know where to get what I want.  But for the days I am so busy, so broke or just empty cupboard – these are supermarket days.  On reflection I am ok with that.  I spend so little at supermarkets that I am happy the balance has swung full pelt into local, small, independent and organic (where possible).  I confess to some small joy at the bakeries in the dreaded W**rose as I have yet to find a really good small bakery.

On the subject of Farmers Markets – why oh why work against us?  What is wrong with people?  If the market is open 9-1, then be open to sell between 9 and 1.  Surely that’s a no-brainer.  Turned up at Ascot Farmers Market last week at 12.25, lots of time to shop?  Hah!  Most people had packed up; the juice man had to actually unpack his van to sell to us.  The pie lady was packing up and could barely be bothered to wrap my goods.  It is SO frustrating.  As we left we saw more people coming in, looking then leaving.  Do not be lazy you people.  We are here trying to support you, have you all become so complacent that you can skip off early with no regard?  In fact I am riled enough to have a moan/query.  I am off to email info@tvfm.org.uk  After all I am trying to avoid supermarkets, not have markets avoid me.  Watch this space.

Our local butcher retired, after 30 years, the shop has closed.  It’s a small blow as he did great chicken from a local farm, yet all is not lost as I rediscovered Windsor Farm Shop and bought some great chicken there.  Windsor Farm shop was also the source of many other purchases including the best bread I have found to date.

Two chef moments; I have ordered (and cooked/tasted) from www.chefonboard.com in order to test out a quick from the freezer but still healthy option.  Not disappointed at all.  Tried and tested the Vegetable Casserole which was quite tomato-ey but lovely, served this with veg and potatoes.  Also the Smoky Blue Cheese Chicken which is every bit as nice as it sounds, again served this with pots but it would make an excellent accompaniment to pasta.

Secondly – it was my son’s birthday and my daughter and I had previously stumbled across a man selling the most amazing bhaji and samosas in Maidenhead High Street (Saturdays) (http://www.thespicychef.co.uk/) .  Did he do catering?  He did!  So we ordered a heap load of curries and bhaji and samosas from him.  He delivered these to our home during the day; we cooked and ate in the evening.  Amazing, lovely and far far cheaper than going out to an Indian restaurant.  Worked out at about £10 per head and we had food left over (happily sitting in freezer now)

My, this is beginning to sound like an advert!  

I think we are still eating very well, and different foods, often fresher foods than we ever did before.  And I know I can do better still.  The challenge is a joy and I am going to throw myself into it more, if only I had a little money………

Jam plate pie – left over pastry rolled out to coat a (tin) plate, spread on the jam, twist up bits of pastry to make a ribbon and criss cross these over the top of the jam.  Cook.  Eat (best with custard)

Could we Please have a little Honesty here?

I shall start by saying I have been away.  And then came back.  And then was busy.  But I arrive here finally.  And my first fresh from the oven post is about Honesty.  Or the lack.  Once more I issue the cry of 'I am trying to work with you guys!  Give me a break!'   And that's the polite version.  Perhaps a little list would start to clarify some of the mild irritation that I can feel at times.....

Things they say and what they mean

Say – It will be with you Tuesday

Means – Call us on Wednesday when it hasn’t shown up

Say – It will be delivered first thing in the morning so you can pack it away whilst still cold

Means – It will be left in a sunny place at 3pm when you’ve given up and gone out

Say – In stock

Means – Never in stock

Say – I’ll call you back once I’ve found out

Means – I have no intention of ever calling you back as I don’t know the answer and hope that you get someone else on the phone next time you call

Say – Ah, yes, we’re just packing your order now

Means – Who the hell are you?

Say – I am sorry the delivery is late; we’ve been experiencing problems with the courier company

Means – Delivery?  What delivery?

Say – We apologise your order hasn’t turned up we’ll send out a replacement order

Means – You’ll never get anything from us.  Ever

Say – All products will be sent with a reasonable use by date

Means – All products will arrive on the day they expire

Get the drift?  I am trying to stay clear of supermarkets, and this is not easy when busy and broke let me tell you.  But delivery nightmares are becoming a serious obstacle.  If its not the cost its the lost parcels, the melting parcels, the crushed parcels, the three weeks late parcels and so on.  Small businesses need to really get a grip if they want to challenge our shopping habits.  And why is it always someone else's fault?  The undelivered parcel has been the fault of many a courier, the postman, the packer, the 'warehouse', the 'lads' but never 'its my fault, sorry'.  

We sigh.

On a plus note I did get to do some most excellent organic, small farm, small producer, local and home style shopping whilst on holidays.  Much fun.  Best shopping experience has to be visiting the Wholefoods Supermarket in  Cheltenham, oh the bliss of walking round shelf after shelf of good organic products, the bakery, the deli, the soup tureens, oats from tubs, raisins from tubs, cheese to taste, fresh sustained fish... we spent a fortune!  Best eating experience?  The oddly named Black Shed in Slimbridge, a cafe and a half, great food, great canal side views, great people.  

And a confession - I recently had to go to Sains...... I was running low on food and money and time, what can I say.  Whilst there I indulged in some of the vegetarian premade foods.  And very nice it all was too!