Everyone else gets asked what they want. I always take what I’m given. It’s a ritual we’ve followed since day one. I came in full of that coffeeshop rush, enticed by the familiar but exotic aroma, joined the queue and waited my turn. I’d decided on a black Americano, my go-to in a new place. …
Author Archives: David Burbidge
Tabbouleh
Every Saturday my friend WaxeWod puts a happy list post on her blog and asks her followers, should they feel inclined, to follow suit. I find it quite therapeutic, a way to look back over the previous few days, often realising it’s the smallest things that make you happiest. If I was to expand the …
Gooseberry Yoghurt Cake
When I first decided I wanted to have a go at writing, and that food would be the central theme running through it, there was one person who inspired me above all others. To read anything by Nigel Slater is to be led into a world where every flavour sparks a memory. Every new taste …
That’s Me in the Corner
A coffeeshop moment. ”How did you come across him?” Cafe conversations, going on around me. “How old was he?” Like a badly tuned radio. “I hope you like cinnamon.” Fragments fluttering by. “I stood on a box.” Cup half empty. “Does it really matter?” Used to be half full. “I prefer cardamon.” Pastry turned to …
Love Hearts
A moment in the mouth, a sugar rush, a fizzing sensation, listening to the Buzzcocks on 45. Not sure I’ve Ever Fallen in Love, but I’ve eaten Love Hearts. ‘Date Me’ I so hoped you would. ‘Dream On’ I did and still do. Life is never quite as sweet as you want it to be. …
Tomato & cheese muffins
There’s something strange about my relationship with tomatoes. They’re one of the items I cook with most often. Chopped, diced or pureed, they find their way into so much of what I make. I’ll happily hunt out cans of San Marzano, tinned tomatoes so good you can use them as a sauce without really needing …
Exploring closer to home
I’m currently reading Pie Fidelity by Pete Brown. A fascinating book that looks into the strange relationship we British have with our food. It’s not that we don’t like food, don’t obsess about food in many cases. It’s that we seem to find it so important where it originates from. He argues that most of …
I wrote you a note
At the start of the year, I intended to be here more often, to try and post at least a couple of times a week. All went well for most of January, but then health got in the way of things. A sore throat became an all-over ache, soon progressing to breathlessness and feeling pretty …
Cardamom, apple & nut cake
When I first started to bake, the recipe was everything. I had to have each stipulated ingredient, I had to adhere to every step of the process and the oven time couldn’t be a minute more or less than what was stated on the page. But things are different now Partially it’s down to experience, …
Not So Blue Monday
It’s #BlueMonday. I didn’t know there was such a thing, and as with all these sorts of days, I’m not sure who designated it so. Probably someone trying to sell you something to cheer you up. Rest assured, I’m not going to do that. All I will say is if the weather is as rotten …
David in the kitchen. 