I never quite understand what a hot minute is. Maybe I'm being naive and I certainly could google it (Googled it). Funny side note here. As I was typing this first paragraph, I couldn’t add the link to the meaning of hot minute and I was thinking, I am so old, what am I missing? Then I realised I was typing under the sub-heading section which doesn’t allow links. Ahhh.
Anyway, it has been a while. Things have been hectic around here to say the least. Tim has moved in and settled down, mostly, after a few teething problems. Notably, these would be the curse of the person with ADHD living alone. Never have so many of my strange behaviours felt so exposed as when he moved in. My little heaps of clothes, my piles (stacks) of books, my peculiar filing system. Life is about growth, sharing and working through things together though, and whilst it is often my default mode to throw in the towel, this time the perseverance is worth it.
I have been enjoying the inevitable warmth that comes with the onset of June. We bought a Weber BBQ and Tim has been devouring recipes for all sorts of amazing outdoor meals. So far, I have produced some pretty good grilled Hispi cabbage. Hispi is having such a moment right now, it has featured in countless episodes of this season’s Masterchef, and I’m concerned that it will suffer a burnout due to overexposure.
ADHD update
I spoke with my doctor recently and he confirmed that the current waiting time for an ADHD referral is between 12-15 months. This is an insanely long time to wait, and I do think this is because social media has made ADHD the “cool” disorder to have. If TikTok would have you believe it, you’re a bit untidy, a bit quirky and a bit disorganised but harmless enough. Sure, that’s nice and all, but actually long-term undiagnosed ADHD symptoms become character traits that need to be unpicked, as opposed to symptoms that become treatable. Whilst I use this platform, and Instagram to share my own feelings and experiences with ADHD, it’s more to find people who have shared similar experiences, rather than achieve lots of clicks and likes.
Books
Since Tim moved in, it became clear that I needed to organise my books, so I have been thinning out the collection and just keeping my most precious cookbooks (notably my Penguin Cookbooks from the 70s).
Of course, I have also been replenishing my collection. The auspicious and (in my opinion underrated) food writer,
recently shared a wonderful article on cookery memoirs written at the time of political and cultural change. On the back of this piece alone, I repurchased her European Peasant Cookery book, along with a battered copy of the Talisman Italian Cookbook. Whilst I love the artistry of modern cookbooks, I miss the days of the little paperback cookbook, recipes written with charm, grace and intelligence, infused with years of wisdom and knowledge. We need to cherish authors who take the time to explain the importance of food in the many cultures of the world. Please drop your favourite cookbook recommendations in a comment below, I’d love to hear what you’re cooking from, or just foodie books you love to dive into without any intention of ever cooking from them!What’s been happening on the blog?
In case you missed the update newsletter, here’s the latest posts. You’ll no doubt have seen and probably enjoyed this season’s asparagus, but if you’re looking for a different way to serve it, try my richly flavoured asparagus soup.
And for all your celery haters out there, you could be converted by my delicious celery, blue cheeze and leek soup, a hearty, wholesome soup, perfect for warmer days.
Do you know someone plant-based or who needs some plant-based tips? Share this newsletter and get them onboard!