Ritzy Chicken Nuggets and Capery Salad

This month's random recipe challenge, Dom asked us to pick our favourite cookery book, open a page at random and cook the recipe on that page. It's hardly a surprise to any of yous that my favourite cookbook is from the one and only... the Domestic Goddess... Nigella Lawson. I love all of her books, but my favourite has got to be the beautifully written, Feast - Food That Celebrates Life.

As the title suggests, the book is about the way we use food to celebrate life, from holidays to everyday pleasures and occasions. It includes everything from Christmas, Hanukah, Thanksgiving, Eid, Easter, Halloween, etc; also occasions like Sunday lunch fit for the In-Laws, weddings and even... funeral. I am also still working my way through the chocolate cake hall of fame chapter.

Both these recipes come from the 'kiddiefeast' chapter and they're really nice. I haven't had chicken nuggets for years. Ritzy chicken nuggets refer to the crushed Ritz crackers used as the breadcrumbs to coat the slices of chicken that have been tenderized by being marinated in buttermilk. Serve with the tangy capery salad and also for me, ketchup...

Ritzy Chicken Nuggets
Recipe by Nigella Lawson
For list of ingredients and instructions, click here.

Capery Salad to turn Ritzy Chicken Nuggets into a grown-up meal
Recipe by Nigella Lawson
Serves 4 - 6

4 little gem lettuces
2 large gherkins
1-2 tablespoons capers
2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the dressing
2 tablespoons gherkin brine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Slice the little gem into 1 cm slices across the lettuce and put into a bowl. Dice the gherkins and add to the lettuce with the capers.

Combine  the dressing ingredients, whisking together, and then pour over the salad, tossing it to mix. Arrange on a couple of plates and sprinkle over the parsley. And then just bring on the nuggets.

Eating in Medan: Tiong Sim Noodle

Now that I've organised all the photos, I think it's a good time to tell you about my trip to Indonesia a few weeks ago.

My journey to Medan, the capital of North Sumatra in Indonesia took just over 20 hours, flight and transit. A quick one hour flight from Newcastle to London, followed by 13 hours non-stop flight to Singapore. I actually really enjoy long flights... I find it strangely relaxing. You know, you have own little space, no one can contact you and you have those hours to watch films on the little telly, catch up with your readings whilst drinking. What not to like?! I also quite like plane food, on long flights only. Some airlines do provide good service and I tend to fly with the same company. My favourite is Singapore Airlines. I didn't fly first class or anything (I wish!), just the regular economy. Then from Singapore, it's another one hour flight to Medan.

I was very excited to visit Medan. As you may already know, I was born and raised in this city. This was my first visit in four years, so I was well excited to be reunited with my family, friends and the foods I love.

It is common knowledge for people who live in western part of Indonesia that Medan is known for two things: One, horrific traffic. It's just mad. Driving in Medan is possibly one of the most challenging task. I used to drive here and I couldn't do it any more, especially with my awful sense of direction. Two, absolutely fantastic food. I don't even know where to begin explaining this. People from all over Indonesia and neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Singapore would come to Medan just to eat. You can eat at fancy restaurants, but some of the most delicious places to eat are actually the not-so-big restaurants but very well-known. Do ask the locals.

Medan is the third largest city in Indonesia with population of approximately 2.5 million people. The population is mainly made up of Bataknese, Javanese, Minang, Chinese and Indian. Medan's multi cultural society is truly reflected in its cuisines. I ate a lot, I mean like A LOT during the 2 weeks when I was there.

Perhaps, I'll start here - Medan is popular for having a wide variety of Chinese noodles and I am a freak for noodles. Mi Tiong Sim is one of the most popular noodle shops in Medan. It is located at Selat Panjang street where some of the oldest Chinese eateries can be found here and is definitely the place to go for some great food. In the evening, the street is packed with stalls selling all kinds of dishes, loads of noodles, but you can also get steamed buns, stir fried dishes, satay, chicken rice, etc.

So, what's actually in Mi Tiong Sim? By the way, before I forget, Mi or sometimes also spelled Mie means noodle and Tiong Sim is the brand. Tiong Sim noodle is handmade and is very thin as you can hopefully see. The cooked and seasoned noodles are topped with thin slices of char siew pork (Chinese barbecued pork), pork dumplings, shredded chicken, slices of spring onions and crispy shallots. Served on the side are slices of chilli and a bowl of fragrant pork broth. Utterly delicious.

Besides noodles, the shop also offers varieties of congee and pek cam ke, steamed chicken in garlic, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil. Served with fresh coriander leaves, spring onions, ginger and salty, sour vegetable which name I cannot remember.

Another side dish I love and I know it's not to everyone's taste, is hati dan ampela ayam (chicken liver and gizzards). I think they're absolutely delicious, but they must be cooked correctly.

The eating continues...

Pizza time!

One time when I had some friends over for dinner, one of them suddenly asked, "Michael, have you ever had fast food or ordered a take-out?". Well, of course I had both fast food and take-out before, but I love cooking, so it's very, very rare. Even after a long day, I still prefer home-cooked meals or eat out at nice place. I'm not into fast food, but what I like is good food... fast. Nothing complicated, mostly pasta dishes, like linguine with pancetta, garlic, parsley and freshly grated parmesan, but when I'm really tired, I make spaghetti with pesto from a jar or spaghetti with Marmite, anyone? It's dangerously addictive and delicious.

Not a long time ago, I was asked to review Domino's newly launched Reggae Reggae pizza, and I thought, well, pizza is one of my favourite foods, and it's been a while since I had pizza from a joint place, what the heck, I'll give it a go. It's a Caribbean inspired pizza with BBQ Reggae Reggae sauce on the base and topped with roast chicken, green peppers, tomatoes, pineapple and mozzarella cheese. Sounds alright. So, last weekend, I ordered the pizza online (it amazes me what you can do on-line today) and the delivery guy arrived bang on time which was even more amazing. First bite of the pizza, my friend and I were not a fan. The pizza was dry and just lacked of flavours. Perhaps, I am spoilt. I have had some great pizza at restaurants and regular pizza just won't do.

Feeling disappointed, today I decided it's about time for a home made pizza... dough and all. Making pizza dough is surprisingly easy and I thoroughly enjoy the process. Russell from Chasing Delicious is a pizza fanatic and he makes some fantastic pizza and I recommend his pizza dough recipe.

Once the dough is formed, the possibilities for toppings are endless. Today, I topped my pizza with all of my favourite flavours. I brushed the pizza base with extra virgin olive oil before a generous scatter of mozzarella cheese (my preference is fontina or provolone, but the store didn't have it today... typical.), caramelised red onions, roasted fennel, green olives, artichoke hearts and cubes of pancetta.

Bake in a hot oven for 20-25 minutes and it's done. A tiny sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and fresh oregano leaves, and now that's a pizza! What are your favourite pizza toppings?

Lunch at The River Cafe with The Good Soup

Yesterday I had one of the most delicious and satisfying lunches in ages at The River Cafe... and here I am now, going to brag about it to all of you. What made this lunch even more special is I met Angela Hirst, the woman behind The Good Soup blog.

When Angela emailed me about a couple of weeks ago asking for restaurant recommendation, the River Cafe was the first place that came to my mind. Angela was so excited about going to the River Cafe and so was I. This was my second visit to the River Cafe and I have waited long to come back. The food is rather expensive (none of the main meals is below £32), but it's a treat and it's incredibly delicious.

If you don't already know, Jamie Oliver got his big break while working at the River Cafe years ago under one of the most influential British chefs and co-founder of the restaurant, Rose Gray (Sadly, Rose passed away last year). Jamie was spotted by TV crew who were filming at the restaurant and the rest is history.

Anyway, I met Angela at the restaurant and it's so lovely and exciting to finally meet someone 'online' offline. We got to talk, and no surprises that the subjects revolved around food and blogging. What to expect?!

The menu at the River Cafe changes daily and also according to seasonality of the produce. Everything on the menu sounds delicious and making decisions what to have wasn't easy. You can have the full-five course Italian feast (antipasti, primi, secondi, dolci/gelati, formaggi) if you wish. I did that on my first visit. I suggest you don't. Angela and I talked about the menu and after few deliberations, we made up our mind.

We went for a starter and a main and hoping to save room for dessert. Angela had the classic Prosciutto di San Daniele - with Charentais melon. I am normally not a fan of melon, but I did have a bite of this and I must say, it's good. Sweet juicy melon and salty prosciutto bring out the sweet and salty best in one another.

I had the Vitello Tonnato - finely sliced roasted veal with tuna mayonnaise, anchovies, capers, parsley and rainbow chard. The succulent veal melts in your mouth and the flavours in the dressing are intensely delicious. Plus, I love good anchovies. What a way to start an elegant summer eating.

For her main, Angela had Stinco di Vitello con Risotto Milanese - veal shin slow-cooked in Pieropan Soave with garlic and thyme with saffron risotto and gremolata. The veal is tender and with the gremolata made of lemon zest, garlic and parsley, and the golden coloured saffron risotto, beautiful!

For me, Piccione al forno - whole Anjou pigeon wood-roasted in Brunello di Montalcino with wood-roasted potatoes 'luchesse'. The pigeon is cooked to pink perfection and the potatoes are superb. I started carving the pigeon with knife and fork, then I lost patience and I was hands on. Such a great feeling ripping the flesh of the pigeon with my teeth and sucking on bones.

After the two courses, there was still definitely room for dessert. After all, this is a special lunch. Angela's been eyeing the Almond and Strawberry Tart on the counter and she wanted it, she got it. This was simply out of this world and I could not stop eating it. It's my involuntary reflexes to delicious food.  

I was tempted to get the Nocciola (hazelnut ice cream... one of my favourite ice cream flavours) but changed my mind and went for the Lemon Tart instead. Man, it was the right decision. This tart is ridiculously delicious. Lovely pastry and the smooth lemon filling is just right, not too sharp, just fresh and deeelicious.

Before we left the cafe, I gave Angela the chocolate beetroot cake and a couple bars of Green & Blacks cherry dark chocolate that I know is not available in Australia. We walked to the underground station and I asked Angela if she had the time for a quick visit to Selfridges for some macarons, but she had to get back. Well, there's always another time. Maybe, I'll visit Australia.

Snacks for train journey back to Sunderland: 4 pieces of Pierre Herme macarons, pistachio, jasmine, milk chocolate and passion fruit, olive oil and vanilla. I was smiling with each bite and made inappropriate yummy noises.

Ham and Smoked Cheddar Quiche, Q & A

I want to say a big thank you again for all of your answers for my train food question. I am still on baking mode which is rather strange as I normally catch the baking bug after watching horror films and I am so inspired to bake some home-made goodness for my train journey tomorrow. I am going to London to meet Angela from The Good Soup for lunch. I am so excited!

I happened to have some leftover ham from dinner the other night which is exciting. I love leftovers but I don't often have them because my friends and I eat like monsters. Anyway, I thought why not bake a quiche? They're perfect for travelling and so I did. No I didn't make my own pastry, thank you for asking :(

I also baked a batch of chocolate and beetroot cake, because you've got to... well, I've got to have something sweet with me as well. If I could restrain myself from eating the whole lot, I plan to share some of this cake with Angela. However, I make no promises.

Now, Pierre from Little Hungry Heart (who I reckon is my long lost brother; we have so many things in common, it's scary) tagged me in a series of questions and here are my answers:

1. Do you think you're hot?
I'd like to think I am.

2. Upload the wallpaper you are currently using.
Yes, I am a child.

3. Last time you ate a chicken?
Last night... on a pizza.

4. Last song you listened to?
Dara Maclean - Suitcases

5. What were you thinking while doing this?
I'm quite enjoying this game and I can smell the pork roasting for dinner later...

6. Do you have nicknames? What are they?
I am known as 'slave-driver' at work. But I prefer to be addressed as 'Your Majesty'.

7. My lucky 7s
Well, I don't want to put pressure on anyone. If you want to play along, feel free.

Gotta go now. I'm meeting some friends to watch Harry Potter. When we got back, the pulled pork should be done and the green tea tiramisu will be nicely set. Ah, I love Sundays like this.

Have a great one!