Jamie Magazine (Oliver that is)

Sorry for the delayed posting this week. I hope you all had a great Bank Holiday weekend. Yesterday, my husband and I took a little trip up to Enniskillen to do some shopping. Have to say it was well worth it - our new chest freezer is now half stocked with plenty of meats to last us at least a month if not more and my larder stocked with "big-bag" essentials like rice and pasta along with a big jug of olive oil. I'm re-inspired for cooking better and better meals as it is all on hand and I can plan ahead with efficiency!
I recently was out at Shannon airport and came across Jamie magazine in WH Smith. It was the first time I'd seen it although this is the 4th issue. I was pleasantly suprised with what I found inside. The photography is phenomenal and the food styling is simple and beautiful. The issue is packed with amazing food stories that successfully mix in travel. My favourite story, Sicilian Vespas, brought back my own memories of visiting Sicily - the market in Palermo, the amazing mosaics in Monreale, driving a Vespa around Lipari - one of the Aeoilian Islands.




Above, Horiatiki Salad (Styling by Andy Harris, Photograph by David Loftus)


There's another great piece, Gates of the Wind which takes readers through the Sporades, a group of island in the western Aegean - known by Greek fishermen as 'Gates of the Wind'. I've definately got this on my list of places to go - perhaps for a romantic getaway?

Above, a chapel in Skopelos. Photograph by David Loftus.

Above, Mackerel Plaki. Photograph by David Loftus

Above, Double Ginger Cake - Styling by Anna Jones, Photograph by Myles New.
In the feature - Take it Outside - there are loads of yummy recipes including this Double Ginger Cake which i think would be ideal for tea time in the autumn. There are also recipes for Cherry Tomato Chutney (I'm on mission to make my own chutney this year), Oat Scones and the simple Radishes & Goat's Curd (below).

Above, styling by Anna Jones and photography by Myles New.

I can't say enough good things about this magazine. I still haven't read through it all yet and I love feeling like you are immersed into a culture through it's food. It does really make you want to go to the place and try it out for yourself... and then cook it at home!

Just to finish off on a totally different angle - Jamie Oliver cooked at the G20 dinner at Number 10 Downing Street. It was, of course, quite an honor and in his piece Summit Eating, Jamie descripes what it was like cooking for some of the most powerful people in the world. Pretty cool if you asked me and it sounds like Jamie remained quite cool despite the tremendous pressure. The menu sounded wonderful - Scottish Salmon Salad and Seashore Veg, Wild Garlic Soda Bread, Slow-Roast Shoulder of Welsh Lamb and Spring Veg, Herby Mayonnaise and Fit For A PM Bakewell Tart. Michelle Obama personally thanked Jamie for the meal and he got to meet President Obama and later Gordon Brown asked Jamie to bring out his team of chefs and they got a round of applause. What an experience!

Oh, and one more great thing - the magazine also comes with a monthly menu planner- four weeks of meals in a handy pull-out section that will keep you inspired. Easy to refer to and loads of creative options!
For more go to jamiemagazine.com. Make sure you pick a copy yourself!