Sunday 9 January 2011

perfectly knobbly

It has been the most perfect day here - a slow and gentle start followed by a couple of hours of brisk walking. The sun has been shining all day, ending with a pinky red sunset. A little sunshine goes a long way to nourish the senses and warm the heart.

My just-eaten supper has also hit the spot. A paper bag of jerusalem artichokes just begging to be slowly cooked until they were meltingly tender. I used this recipe, from Nigel Slater's Tender, Volume 1. There are leftovers, too, so that's one supper sorted later in the week.

I love these knobbly, slightly odd-looking vegetables. They have a delicious mellow slightly sweet flavour.

Have you been watching Simple Suppers? I'd kill for a kitchen like that.

I've had a lovely weekend, but frankly I could do with another day. How about you?

21 comments:

Simone said...

I love jerusalum artichokes! I haven't eaten any for years though. I am glad you had a nice weekend Diana. Wasn't that blue sky a nice variation on all the grey?!!! x

Lyn said...

oh a 3 day weekend sounds like heaven to me!
love
Lyn
xxx

panyan said...

Oh and I love his garden too and the cream le creuset pan he uses to cook everything.

dragonfly said...

I've never had Jerusalum artichokes before but I'm liking the sound of them.

Wasn't today's sun a wonderful thing?

Miriam Weaver said...

Thanks for your comment on my blog, lots of Thames picture to come I think as that's the project I'm working on next..
I've never eaten Jerusalem Artichokes, although Dave had them today with Bream, he said they were lovely, I must buy some.
I watch Nigel Slater, I bought the girls one of his books for Christmas, maybe I should have treated myself!

alice c said...

I have one word to say to you: soup.
Jerusalem Artichoke soup made with good stock and a little cream is divine. In fact if it wasn't bedtime I would be in the car seeking out Jerusalem artichokes.

Ionwen Charlesworth said...

Sounds like a blissful day indeed. I must try Jerusalem Artichokes and will definitely give Nigel Slater's recipe a whirl (love him). Yes yes yes to a 3 day weekend, although even that wouldn't be enough at times!!! Just started reading your blog and I must say I'm loving it, so thank you. Ionwen XXX

kristina said...

Oh how I adore Nigel...and his kitchen! K x

Ali said...

I woke up this morning with only one thought - is it the weekend still? I think it was because it was such a good and sunny one.
And Nigel Slater is a national treasure.

Gina said...

I don't think I've ever eaten or cooked a jerusalem artichoke before. Perhaps now is the time to start, especially as I'm also a great Nigel Slater fan.

sweetmyrtle said...

morning Diana,
oh yes, i have also been seduced by nigel slater's food... not really known much about him before. rod bought me his Kitchen Diaries book for Christmas. also been loving 'simple suppers'... and yes... his kitchen is gorgeous and i did rather think you must be a fan, it's so you! did you catch Toast too?it was really good, and we loved helena B Carter in it.
yes another day of the weekend would have been good, i had a good day yesterday as mary poppins caring for 5 kids and a lively springer spaniel but i am worn out today!

wishing you a bright week ahead, ginny x

Petit Filoux said...

I could always do with a 3 day weekend!!

silverpebble said...

I caught up with the dramatisation of 'Toast' at the weekend. I loved the book. I thought Helen Bonham Carter's accent was a little unusual but I enjoyed it none the less - I was excited to see NS himself appear at the end. Did you see it?

Pipany said...

Hello lovely. Hope you are feeling loads better now. Love Nigel's cooking too and particularly his recipes for veggies. Yes, 3 day weekends would be perfect! x

rachel said...

I notice that no one has mentioned the dramatic side effects of Jerusalem Artichokes.... No, it's not for me to say; just try them, and report back.

Unknown said...

well I must try those vegetables... they seem to be very popular...

sprhoyle said...

I love Jerusalem artichokes too, but the problem is they don't love me. You may read that they can cause wind, and I'm sure they do. In me, they cause serious pain. I mention this just as a warning: they are so delicious (rather like asparagus mixed with proper artichokes), but can be like poison for the unlucky few.

Nigel Slater, on the other hand, is pure joy! I don't watch the telly, but his books are wonderful...

JuliaB said...

Oooh I love them cooked slowly in red wine with garlic (Cranks) .. but last time I had a few I nearly didn't make it to work the next day!! x

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Nigel Slater is my new foodie obsession Diana! His kitchen and garden are wonderful aren't they!

I've only recently tried jerusalem artichokes and they were far better than I expected!

Yes, a three day weekend sounds wonderful.

Jeanne
x

harmony and rosie said...

I adore J artichokes but I parboil them, then saute with butter and a dash of oil. I don't think you can get better than that, although your NS recipe does look tasty. Would love to know which farmers' market you frequent?! x

Unknown said...

Oh I love his kitchen too. And his garden.

I am a big fan of Jerusalem artichokes although I struggle to find them, Waitrose sometimes surprise me and on occasion I have noticed them strangely in the herb section at Tesco!