Stepping out into the city

So we went into Cardiff city centre this morning, the first time since lockdown, albeit for a short while.

I needed to get a new pair of walking shoes, the ones I had since 2005 - yes, really 2005 finally gave way.  We also saw this awesome piece of My Cymru My Shirt graffiti art in the centre of Cardiff making the rounds on social media, that it gave us another reason to go into Cardiff.  I'd love to have sought out the others dotted around the city, but the streets were getting busy. The artwork is based on actual people living in Wales and is an attempt to acknowledge and celebrate Wales multiculturalism. 

It was not easy navigating the first time with a 3 month puppy, who was most excellent by the way and got so many admiring glances and compliments.  I was quite nervous, especially going into the shops. Then breathing with my face mask on blurred my specs with steam, making looking at products and items tiring and uncomfortable, that i just rushed, grabbed what i came for and got out.  I must say, its not an experience i wish to revisit in a hurry, so thank goodness clothes shopping is not my thing. But i do miss going to the food market and foodie shops and browsing, but i can wait and make do with comfort and easy homely and comfort food for now. 

The atmosphere in Cardiff was a bit sombre too, as the Welsh Dragons - Wales are out of the Euro 2020. Had we come into Cardiff yesterday - Saturday - Wales vs Denmark, the pre-match atmosphere would have been more jovial. Not so much today.  

Anyway, here's my puppy all tangled in Welsh bunting, he's a bit of a trouble maker.

Nice surprise in my kitchen

Wow - its been well over a month since i have blogged.

Home life and work have both kept me busy that I am tempted to stay away from the home computer screen for a little while longer, but I do enjoy joining in with In My Kitchen Series hosted by Sherry's Pickings.

So here I am with a handful of things to share in my kitchen.  Starting with a box of fine chocolates that D picked up for me, when he went to see his mother (and sister) for the second time since lockdown.  My mother in law picked p this really gorgeous cake slicer - just look at the pretty detail on the handle.  My mother in law and her friend also picked me up this little sweet tin  for holding mints.  Its adorable.  You have no idea how wonderful it was to receive the gifts - really cheered me up.

Another gift, came from my brother who came by briefly and stayed in the garden.  He did not come empty handed and brought me baklawa.   

I went to the supermarket again, I must say I did not enjoy the experience - only picking up basics and not dilly dallying to see what other things could tempt me.  However, saying that I did see 'This Isn't Bacon Plant-Based Rashers' and picked up a packet to try.  They were okay, but i definately prefer the vegan versions I make home from scratch - either from lentils and pulses or vital wheat gluten. 

Something that will make you smile - In my kitchen are some soft toys - some in the shape of fruit and vegetables, including a squeaky doughnut - courtesy of my nephew.

Now you may wonder why i have these soft toys in my kitchen - well it will also become clearer why i have not been blogging of late too. Read on....

In My Kitchen

So its that time again, when I join in with other bloggers around the world in joining in with In My Kitchen Series, always graciously hosted by Sherry's Pickings.

Unlike previous months, i do have some things to share. But before the brands and supermarket shop, let me share with you what I've been cooking and eating.

Last month I was bestowed the cookbook 'In Bibi's Kitchen' - The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from Eight African Countries that Touch the Indian Ocean.  As well as the Black Eyes Peas and Tomatoes in Peanut Sauce called Kunde, I have cooked (and adapted) a number of recipes from it, and as promised here are some of them.

Starting with South African Chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish.  It's made with cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, red pepper and spices.  I found it quite mild actually. 

The cookbook suggests serving the chakalaka with bread, meat, fish, stews or tucked into a grilled cheese sandwich known as Chakalak and Cheddar Braaibroodjies. And this is what we had  yesterday and today for lunch

Next we have Beef Suqaar translated means 'small ones'. Its been described in the cookbook as a Somali Stir Fry of small pieces of meat and vegetables.  As a vegetarian, I adapted and therefore substituted the beef with Mock 'Beef' Soya Chunks that i used in another meat recipe.  

It was suggested to service the Beef Suqaar trans with cooked plain rice or Bariiis - a Basmati Rice Pilaf with Raisins, chopped lettuce and big pieces of lemon to squeeze on over.  However, in order to make this dish, i had to make Xawaash  (pronounced Ha-wash) Spice Mix from scratch (not photographed). 

From a different cookbook, I made Banana Bread topped with cacao nibs. I really enjoyed the topping. 

From the garden we still have Purple Sprouting  Broccoli - the vegetable just keeps giving and feeding us very well!