Monday 16 September 2013

MICK and the BEANSTALK

Once upon a time a man called Mick was tired of poor food choice at his local supermarket, imports of highly-processed and unseasonal produce. One day Mick discovered some garlic he was about to buy in his local supermarket had been imported 10,000 miles from China. He quickly resolved to grow his own magic beans (garlic). However he quickly realised that he was seriously lacking in skills and growing knowledge and needed to hook up with other Beanstalk growers to learn more. So in 2009, GIY, Grow it Yourself (the Beanstalk) was founded by Michael Kelly with the very first meeting in Waterford, it grew and spread quickly throughout Ireland. It grew into a giant beanstalk and through people coming together in groups to support each other and share tips, expertise and encouragement a Golden egg (knowledge) was realised. The Beanstalk helps reach the Golden egg through GIY programmes, events and projects to inspire and support people who want to learn about and grow their own food. The Beanstalk journey to the Golden egg is not always a straight one, with the Giant (Large Companies control of food production) limiting food choice and food misguidance through marketing and advertising, people have lost their way!

Monday 2 September 2013

CHICKEN BIRYANI

A LITTLE ABOUT THE BIRYANI

The recipe for biryani originated with mutton, but its popularity led to versions using other ingredients, like prawns and chicken. This biryani recipe has been in my wifes family for many years, picked up originally from a kind old Indian woman, when they lived in the Middle East. I am sure the recipe has evolved with time and travel as it has made its way back to these shores. As with all biryanis this is a meal in itself and needs no accompaniment. This dish is equally at home on the family table or as a dinner party centrepiece. This is a dish I could happily get up in the middle of the night to eat!


THE RECIPE

This recipe is not complicated and is perfect if you are entertaining and want to spend more time with your guests than in the kitchen. Serves 6.