At last! June with it’s promise of long sunny days, picnics, barbecues, days out at the seaside and lots of spanking fresh summer produce. The festival season has started and the big thing now is music festivals with fabulous food too; also horse racing and of course the start of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships – oh summer, how we have waited for you.
This month, my kitchen has been full of, among other things, gorgeous fresh British produce – here, take a look…
In my kitchen I have British asparagus, which this year have been wonderful – I like to either griddle them or oven roast them and serve very simply with a drizzle of olive oil, some shavings of parmesan and perhaps a squeeze of lemon. The other night we even ate some sprue raw with a dip at a local pop up dinner event put on by Sutton Community Farm for our local food festival. The raw sprue were spectacular.
In my kitchen, I have Jersey Royal Potatoes. May/June is also when the incomparable Jersey Royal potatoes are available. They have only been growing for about 130 years on the island of Jersey and have a Protected Designation of Origin. These kidney shaped tubers with their papery skins are fertilised with seaweed for a really unique and delicate flavour. There are only 20 farmers who cultivate and harvest this eagerly awaited potato and the we love the first few bags, simply boiled with a little salt and butter to finish them off – this really allows their unique flavour to shine. They also make the best potato salad…The history of how they were discovered is fascinating too – http://www.jerseyroyals.co.uk/about-jersey-royals/history.aspx
In my kitchen, I had some of these red spring onions in my veg box which were wonderful in a potato salad. I have also had broad beans, yellow stalked chard, spring carrots and celeriac. This is when the veg box becomes really exciting!!
In my kitchen I’ve had these beautiful peonies brought over by a friend who came to tea. Peonies (and Casablanca lilies) are my favourite flowers – thank goodness for friends who know me so well! And I thought you might enjoy a photo of those Landscape bowls with the late afternoon sun shining through then…
In my kitchen I have the Konditor and Cook by Gerhard Jenne of the gorgeous bakery/cafes in London. I won it (yes, again with winning cookbooks), this time from the lovely people at The Happy Foodie for my Easter themed Pinterest board. I wasn’t the winner but had an email saying that they liked my board so much that they wanted to send me something and this beautiful book arrived . Konditor and Cook have five shops stocking their legendary cakes and pastries as well as 2 schools in London.
This is an artisan book – beautiful and well crafted recipes that are made with love and care. I can’t wait to try some of these out and share them with you. If you enjoy cooking and baking, I suggest that you sign up for the Happy Foodie’s newsletter – it is always full of inspirational recipes and stories. You can buy the book using this link http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/the-konditor-and-cook-book-of-cakes/9780091957599 and it is also available on Amazon UK. This is Amazon’s biography of Gerhard Jenne – “I was practically born with a spoonful of Black Forest Cake in my mouth. And from my birthplace, Freiburg the gateway to the Black Forest, I progressed via licking out my mother’s baking bowls and completing an apprenticeship in my brother-in-law’s bakery to an even sweeter career as a Konditor (pastry chef). At first in Munich then in London where I made a name for myself as a celebrity cake maker – for real aristocracy as well as rock royalty. With Konditor & Cook I was able to create my own set of recipes and contemporary decorative styles and soon the first shop on London’s South Bank was so popular, someone once said: ‘Every street corner should have a Konditor & Cook on it.” Who wouldn’t want to be born with a spoonful of Black Forest Cake in their mouth?!
In my kitchen I have The French Cafe Cookbook, sent over by a friend in New Zealand.
With gorgeous photography and a very inspirational story charting the journey of the chef and his wife to their popular restaurant in Auckland.
This is the sort of book from which to learn restaurant cooking techniques and adapt them for home use.
I though that I would update you on my home made lemon oil. It has been steeping for nearly 3 weeks now and the lemon flavour is really coming through. A few of you including Celia, have either commented or tweeted that you have started your jars and I hope that you have remembered to open the lids and release the gas from time to time. It is a very simple recipe – unwaxed lemons in a sterilised jar topped up with a mild olive oil and steeped for at least 4 weeks in a cupboard. The original post is here.
Well, that is it from my kitchen this month.What have you been up to? Let me know via the comments box below.
The In My Kitchen series is is hosted by Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial where she is joined by bloggers from all over the world affording us a glimpse of what they’ve been up to. Many thanks to Celia for hosting this lovely series. Pour yourself a cuppa, click on the link and take a look at what others have been up to in their kitchens!
© Selma Jeevanjee and Selma’s Table, 2013, 2014. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material, including photographs without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Selma Jeevanjee and Selma’s Table with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Summer produce is lovely in England! The asparagus is great, particularly after the disappointing crop last year. I, too have been making your lemon oil! I can’t wait until I can use it. I think you’ve started a trend.
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The asparagus has been wonderful this year – just cannot get enough of it! I might ast everyone to post the photos of their lemon oil and recipes on my Facebook page…how is yours coming along?
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Only just started, but when it’s ready, I’ll post it!
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Thanks for the peep into your kitchen Selma. You certainly have started something with your lemon oil. We can buy Jersey Royals from specialist potato growers, grown locally of course. I’ll have to ask my fellow at the Farmer’s Mkt if he fertilizes his crop with seaweed. What a fabulous collection of few books. I expect to see some wonderful patisserie posts!
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Thanks – I am really looking forward to trying some of those cakes – they look amazing! So my understanding of Jersey Royals is that they are a DOP so I would be interested to hear how they can be grown outside of Jersey and called Jersey Royals – perhaps there is a disclaimer in the name somewhere? Have a read of the links to the Jersey Royal website – the history is fascinating!
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Selma- it’s been fun seeing what’s in your kitchen! Makes me want some vegetables…and love the peonies!
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Thanks Lori – I love the peonies too!
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Love the produce you have showcased here. Got to try the lemon oil too. You had it in your dukkah post but I got so distracted by that I put the lemon oil completely out of my mind. Need to get back to it!
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Thanks Aneela – this is the best time for produce and I am so lucky with my lovely veg box so it’s nice to share. I suddenly wondered if you could add some blanched red chillies to the lemons to make lemon chilli oil…loved your IMK post this week!
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beautiful post!
Simi
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Thank you Simi x
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I’m drooling over those beautiful cookbooks! Love reading about what’s in your kitchen, Selma.
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Thanks Ngan – you should join in – I would love to see what’s in your kitchen! Deadline is the 10th of every month and I just start taking photos of various things just after I post so that there is lots to choose from for the next one. Go over, take a look at some of the other posts and also say hi to Celia – she is just lovely!
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I took a look at Celia’s site and you are right, it is terrific! I will make sure to document what’s in my kitchen for the next deadline as I don’t think I can do it by tomorrow. :) thanks, Selma!
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Yay!! Can’t wait to see your post next month, Ngan!!
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Gorgeous produce! And great photos!!!
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Thanks so much Mimi!
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Such an interesting post, Slema.
And perfectly timed…
I have a ripe lemon on my lemon tree that I’ve been delaying picking while I try to come up with an idea of something momentous enough to do with it(!!)
Thanks so much for re-posting your Lemon Oil post – this is the perfect idea!
Inspirational as always – I do love your blog!
Emma :-)
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Aw, thanks Emma – and how on earth have you managed to grow a lemon? The lemon oil is a good one because you can always top it up to make it last longer too!
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This is a fantastic series Selma. I am going to join Celia soon if it’s sill running!
I loved the red spring onions and peonies. Asparagus and lemon infused olive oil sounds so good! Will make some oil soon! A great drizzle over summer salads and pasta. Both the books look like a great collection.
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Thanks Sonal – the IMK series is great – there is a great post from a blogger who has just come back from New Mexico and the ingredients are superb! The deadline is the 10th of every month so start taking photos now so that you have plenty of choice when Celia’s post goes out on the 1st of the month. I am a little late posting this month…
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It was fun reading your post, Selma! Asparagus is one of my favorite veggies and I like to grill it or roast in in the oven. The red spring onions looks great! What a nice color! Thanks for sharing:)
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Glad you enjoyed it – it was very produce heavy rather than showing lovely kitchenware but then this is the best time for produce!!
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…what a nice insight into your kitchen & library, Selma – Having grown up not so far from the Black Forest, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte , Black Forest Cake, is a treat I have fond memories of from my childhood! should bake one some time soon!
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Oh Sabine you should – it is such a classic. When I lived in Canada, it was quite popular in tearooms and cafes – I haven’t had one in years! Maybe I should make one too!
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We ate our last cutting of asparagus at the weekend. It’s always a sad day. What beautiful peonies – lucky you.
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Enjoyed reading ur post. Veggies looks fresh and felt like tasting. Lemon oil hearing it for the first time
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Thank you! The lemon oil is lovely on salads and in marinades too. Thanks for stopping by!
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Thanks for the tip:) u have grt recipes.. Looking forward for ur future post
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British asparagus with lemon and olive oil. Life doesn’t get much better than that, (well maybe with a bit of sunshine too). Your photos are always so beautiful. Emma xx
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Thank you Emma – you always leave such nice comments! We are so lucky with the asparagus and the Jerseys – the sunshine is always a bonus!!!
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I have never seen red spring onions! And the cake book looks fabulous, as does the asparagus, but those peonies really tug my heart strings! Thank you Selma.
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What a wonderful post Selma! Those Jersey Royal potatoes are new to me. It is nice to get a glimpse of some of the things that inspire your cooking and baking.
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Thanks Gerard! The potatoes are really unique and something we look forward to every year.
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These posts of yours are a joy, Selma ! But I don’t know what you’re referring to when you mention ‘sprue’ …? The frame of peonies with bowls is simply gorgeous: and cheers up a pretty damp winter’s day in Sydney: http://www.earthcam.com/world/australia/sydney/?cam=sydney
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Thanks M-R! Sprue are the very young and slender (thick as a pencil) asparagus. I’ve never had them raw before; they were lovely and no tummy aches either which we did wonder about! A few more of the peonies are unfurling and are looking even more gorgeous! X
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My horizons are widened, thanks to you ! :-D
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Beautiful summer produce, I am fascinated by those potatoes. Wish they were available in the US, they sound great. I also love the lemon oil you made, must try that!
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I think people should visit the UK in the late spring just to try our asparagus and the Jerseys!! The oil is so easy to make and tastes wonderful.
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I love your kitchen posts, Selma. I can just feel the love and warmth radiating from your words and photos. :)
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Thanks Patty. You say the nicest things x
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Your lemon oil is gorgeous :) I wish I have a lot of books in my kitchen, Selma !
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Thank you! I just keep a few in the kitchen otherwise I would have no room to cook!! I dream of a big kitchen with bookshelves…
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I do love these monthly peeks into your home :) love those beautiful vibrant vegetables, and the beautiful landscape vase! xxx
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Thanks Elaine. Hopefully you will be able to join in soon xx
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Maybe in July…?!
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Fingers crossed xx By the way, has my comment shown up on your new post?
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No, not yet? I’ll check the spam folder x
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I too have been enjoying asparagus this year. Lots of fabulous ideas there Selma. Will be trying one or two before the summer is out.
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Thank you Simon. The asparagus has been so good this year, we just can’t get enough of it!
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I can’t wait until asparagus comes back into season as I won’t buy the imported stuff here. I am really keen to try the lemon oil and will get a pot going tomorrow :) Thank you for sharing a little bit of your kitchen, I have been having fabulous time this my very first IMK! Liz x
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The IMK community is just so wonderful – so supportive and genuine…welcome and if you do try the oil, do let me know what you think. Celia tweeted me her photo of the oil when she started it a couple of weeks ago which was lovely!
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Yes I definitely will, Thanks :-)
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Lovely post! I’m keen on trying the lemon oil, I making plans for it. Thanks for the peek into your kitchen! :)
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Thanks Emily! Do let me know how you get on with the oil and don’t forget to open it up every so often to release the fizz that seems to form!!
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Hi Selma! I’ve made preserved lemons and lemon/lime pickle before but lemon oil will be a first. I’ll definitely let you know how it turns out!
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what a lovely blog post! It did make me smile and just completely agree! I am gearing up for picnic season and am thinking who is coming and what would they like to eat! I even have beach chairs, bring on the summer! Lemon oil and spring vegetables sounds lovely :)
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How funny Petra, I was just thinking about talking to my son and organising a picnic for his friends in one of our local parks – or maybe one of the bigger ones! Great minds….enjoy the weather and all the wonderful things it brings!
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And you too! :) I adore picnics!
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I am so envious! Your kitchen is much more interesting then mine…you have some lovely looking cookbooks there and those potatoes! I would so love to give those a try! YUM!
thank goodness that nasty Roland Garros is now over….now we can have real tennis at Wimbledon ;)
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Your kitchen has been fabulous this month – that plum cardamom iced tea is genius! I do love those potatoes – they are all the more special because of the short season. Only a couple of more weeks to go before the tennis starts – yay!
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Well in the mean time, there’s FIFA!
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I adore asparagus, love, love, love it….now if only the rest of my family did as well.
Gorgeous things happening in your kitchen lately.
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Oh, thank you so much! I love this time of year when we start getting used to lovely produce being available! I know what you mean about you being the only one who likes asparagus in the family – love mushrooms but my son hates them so I rarely ever cook them :(
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So curious- what is sprue? I am already trying out the lemon oil with my neighbour’s lemons. The veggies look gorgeous and your peonies!:)
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Hi Sherry – I know sprue as very young, thin asparagus and Wikipedia says that it’s the first pickings or thinnings of asparagus in the spring – eating it raw was really lovely! I am so pleased that you are trying out the lemon oil! It does get fizzy so please do remember to release the pressure by opening the lid from time to time!
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good to learn new words:) sprue- will have to remember that. yes my lemon oil is coming along well even after just a week. i take off the lid each day to have a smell. it is getting more lemony by the day which is fab. i think the oil i used was too strong but it will be ok and i am starting a new batch with a weaker oil. i am planning to give lots away!
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I got impatient and tasted my lemon oil this morning, Selma! Not a lot of flavour yet, but it’s looking very good, and yes mum, I’m remembering to release gas regularly (hehehe). As you know, I ADORE those bowls of yours, so nice to see them again! And as good as those asparagus look, I’d love to try some of those spuds – just boiled with a little butter and some sorrel, I think, please.. :)
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I think that Jersey Royals are worth planning a trip to the UK for!! I could eat a whole bowl all to myself but I don’t! Your oil is quite young yet – I am sure it will be much more flavourful in a couple of weeks. I included those Landscape bowls just for you Celia xx
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Those cakes look awful. Simply awful. How can you bare to make them? But if you do make any, send some my way… Love the look of those lovely young red spring onions. I’ve never even seen them. I’ve visited Jersey so was interested to read about the potatoes (though it rained the whole time). Thanks for the Spring filled tour Selma. xx
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Pingback: Blanched Asparagus… | Shivaay Delights
Thank you for sharing what’s in your kitchen, Selma. Pretty photos. ;)
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Thank you Bubbles! You should join in with this series!!
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I would love to, but I don’t think I have something interesting in my kitchen like yours. :D
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