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Old 01-10-2014, 14:21
Utopian Girl
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I saw an Ottolenghi programme which featured a market in Istanbul and that looked glorious! I can be a bit wary of markets abroad, in case of caged animals or birds etc, but that looked fine, the part he was in, anyway.

There are no proper markets here so I envy you the Turkish one! I used to love them (and I worked on Portobello Road and Greenwich market for a short time a long time ago - not selling fruit and veg, though!). I even miss the Cypriot shop in Crystal Palace (but Cornwall has a lot going for it, too, of course!).
Hi Kimi - I know where you're coming from - mushrooms aren't too popular in Samsun ( our part of Turkey) they have button ones but the Oyster ones haven't been around this time.

I used to have a friend from Greenwich yrs ago and was amazed that you could buy coriander with roots etc - my dream is to go to Borough Market - I worked for British Rail many years ago & regret just clothes shopping! Anyhow, we should be off to Edmonton (?) this weekend as we want to visit Istikbal a Turkish furniture shop to buy some stuff.

Going back to Markets - Swansea has a lovely, cheery one and I love Laverbread from there - but I don't do fish, butter lamb etc so I guess I don't get the best put of the market.

With regards to live animals - I did spot - locally, some pheasants, chickens etch for sake and was horrified! the stalls are rare tho'.
Hubby did buy a Sheep's' head a year or so ago and I nearly died! He was absconded to the outside, the had to shower etc!

Any tips for Markets near Edmonton ? Or what I could buy in London as Swansea is limited to one good but only Asian supermarket.

Btw, I'm not taken in by the spices in Istanbul etc - I'd rather buy from an authentic store at home.
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Old 01-10-2014, 15:03
kimindex
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Hi Kimi - I know where you're coming from - mushrooms aren't too popular in Samsun ( our part of Turkey) they have button ones but the Oyster ones haven't been around this time.

I used to have a friend from Greenwich yrs ago and was amazed that you could buy coriander with roots etc - my dream is to go to Borough Market - I worked for British Rail many years ago & regret just clothes shopping! Anyhow, we should be off to Edmonton (?) this weekend as we want to visit Istikbal a Turkish furniture shop to buy some stuff.

Going back to Markets - Swansea has a lovely, cheery one and I love Laverbread from there - but I don't do fish, butter lamb etc so I guess I don't get the best put of the market.

With regards to live animals - I did spot - locally, some pheasants, chickens etch for sake and was horrified! the stalls are rare tho'.
Hubby did buy a Sheep's' head a year or so ago and I nearly died! He was absconded to the outside, the had to shower etc!

Any tips for Markets near Edmonton ? Or what I could buy in London as Swansea is limited to one good but only Asian supermarket.

Btw, I'm not taken in by the spices in Istanbul etc - I'd rather buy from an authentic store at home.
Yes, I'd love to go to Borough Market, too!

I don't know the Edmonton area at all. If I was in London, I'd go to the Chinese supermarkets in Chinatown and probably Borough market and leave it a that (but I'd like to visit Portobello Road anyway, for the fun of it, and I don't know what Brick Lane is like anymore from when I used to go but I used to love it).

I used to go to Camden a lot and the fruit and veg market near the City (not Leadenhall Market, which is pricy but worth a visit just to look), but the one near Petticoat Lane, when I used to work there (in the City, not the market!). I used to go to the Brick Lane Sunday market for browsing and sometimes to get stuff for the stall with my then partner.

I don't know Swansea market but seeing a whole sheep in Cardiff market was one of my last straws in becoming a non-meat eater so I can sympathise re the head!
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Old 01-10-2014, 15:23
Utopian Girl
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Yes, I'd love to go to Borough Market, too!

I don't know the Edmonton area at all. If I was in London, I'd go to the Chinese supermarkets in Chinatown and probably Borough market and leave it a that (but I'd like to visit Portobello Road anyway, for the fun of it, and I don't know what Brick Lane is like anymore from when I used to go but I used to love it).

I used to go to Camden a lot and the fruit and veg market near the City (not Leadenhall Market, which is pricy but worth a visit just to look), but the one near Petticoat Lane, when I used to work there (in the City, not the market!). I used to go to the Brick Lane Sunday market for browsing and sometimes to get stuff for the stall with my then partner.

I don't know Swansea market but seeing a whole sheep in Cardiff market was one of my last straws in becoming a non-meat eater so I can sympathise re the head!
Hi Kimi - the sheep/ head etc would send any locals here or in Cardiff into shock!

Gosh, I want to go to all the markets you mentioned - I'd like to stay overnight as we're using our son's car who has claim to mega expenses!

I do need to visit a Chinese market tbh as here is rubbish or dirty.

I'm seriously going to follow your market recommendations ( I won't hold you to it!)

Tbh, I'd think we need an overnight stay but where? It's so expensive and my daughter had her car broken into, well her boyfriends car in reality and it was in a hotel carpark.
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Old 01-10-2014, 16:30
alan29
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Chilli - can't abide even a single flake. It destroys the flavour of everything it is put with.
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Old 01-10-2014, 20:22
BrotherDaniel
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Rosemary and sage.

Dull dull dull for very bland food
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Old 01-10-2014, 21:17
Toby LaRhone
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Yes, I'd love to go to Borough Market, too!

I don't know the Edmonton area at all. If I was in London, I'd go to the Chinese supermarkets in Chinatown and probably Borough market and leave it a that (but I'd like to visit Portobello Road anyway, for the fun of it, and I don't know what Brick Lane is like anymore from when I used to go but I used to love it).

I used to go to Camden a lot and the fruit and veg market near the City (not Leadenhall Market, which is pricy but worth a visit just to look), but the one near Petticoat Lane, when I used to work there (in the City, not the market!). I used to go to the Brick Lane Sunday market for browsing and sometimes to get stuff for the stall with my then partner.

I don't know Swansea market but seeing a whole sheep in Cardiff market was one of my last straws in becoming a non-meat eater so I can sympathise re the head!
Swansea Market - famous for laverbread and cockles
When I was a kid in Swansea the Penclawdd cockle women called door to door every Saturday morning. They were quite elderly but fit as butchers' dogs.
We have a great fishmonger in Cardiff market who also sells "exotic" meats such as zebra - frozen though - and there's a terrific herbs and spices stall that's got everything.

The most stunning market I've ever seen is La Boqueria in Barcelona.
It's an absolute visual delight.
The attention to detail in displays is incredibly artistic and draws you in.
Take a camera if you ever go there.
Great range of herbs and spices too.
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Old 01-10-2014, 21:25
Toby LaRhone
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Chilli - can't abide even a single flake. It destroys the flavour of everything it is put with.
That's usually because people use it to "pack a punch" in heat.
I made a bolognaise sauce tonight and incorporated a little chilli - not enough to get a "chilli kick" but enough to get a warm aftertaste.
The acid test was my wife who has low tolerance to the heat.
She liked it.

But....... I do have a friend who claims he'll react to even a whiff of chilli so I'd respect that.
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Old 02-10-2014, 00:16
pugamo
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I don't like most dried herbs. Dried oregano in particular is disgusting.
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Old 02-10-2014, 15:35
Jambo_c
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I don't tend to use bay leaves either, I never notice the difference if I use them or not. I do like saffron though, in risottos and I make a cracking pilau rice that has saffron in it. I enjoy most other herbs.

One thing that I struggle to find around here is Thai/Holy Basil. Cooked a fair few recipes that have it in and can't find fresh anywhere. I always end up just using regular basil.

Chilli - can't abide even a single flake. It destroys the flavour of everything it is put with.
Chilli is great. Have you just had it in things that have been loaded with it? It can be used to create some great flavours, I do enjoy hot things but I also like a nice subtle warmth as well. I often stir some Nduja (a spreadable sausage with chilli in it) into pasta sauces to give a nice warmth. I always put a little bit of Cayenne on my homemade potato wedges too.
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Old 02-10-2014, 17:52
.Lauren.
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Nevermind, I read the question wrong.
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Old 02-10-2014, 18:00
RAINBOWGIRL22
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I have perfected my bolognese and the only herb I use in it is bay leaves

Can't abide parsley for some reason [fresh in particular] it makes me feel sick.

I have a pretty full spice cupboard but there are lots I don't use that often.

My 'go to' spices that I use all the time are basil [dried and fresh], oregano, paprika and chilli. Use them almost daily. I have most of the rest but use them less often.
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Old 02-10-2014, 18:27
Toby LaRhone
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I don't tend to use bay leaves either, I never notice the difference if I use them or not. I do like saffron though, in risottos and I make a cracking pilau rice that has saffron in it. I enjoy most other herbs.

One thing that I struggle to find around here is Thai/Holy Basil. Cooked a fair few recipes that have it in and can't find fresh anywhere. I always end up just using regular basil.



Chilli is great. Have you just had it in things that have been loaded with it? It can be used to create some great flavours, I do enjoy hot things but I also like a nice subtle warmth as well. I often stir some Nduja (a spreadable sausage with chilli in it) into pasta sauces to give a nice warmth. I always put a little bit of Cayenne on my homemade potato wedges too.
I love making risotto.
What do you think the saffron adds apart from colour?
How do you add it - do you soak it in a liquid?
Ive even added a pinch of chilli flakes to a risotto (not every time) - again, not for a kick but for "a subtle warmth" as you put it

If I make baked potatoes I always use paprika.
Rub the potato in oil, salt and pepper, then sprinkle paprika over the tops.
Try it with cayenne.
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Old 03-10-2014, 08:18
Jambo_c
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I love making risotto.
What do you think the saffron adds apart from colour?
How do you add it - do you soak it in a liquid?
Ive even added a pinch of chilli flakes to a risotto (not every time) - again, not for a kick but for "a subtle warmth" as you put it

If I make baked potatoes I always use paprika.
Rub the potato in oil, salt and pepper, then sprinkle paprika over the tops.
Try it with cayenne.
I think it's almost like a bitter sweetness. I've seen some recipes where you add it at the start and some at the end, some you infuse water with it before hand and use that too, some you just add the threads.

One of my favourite risottos is a teriaki mushroom risotto. A fairly standard risotto with mushrooms and flavoured with white wine, marscapone, parmesan and teriaki sauce. Goes brilliantly with a nice bit of seared tuna.
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Old 03-10-2014, 09:45
Toby LaRhone
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I think it's almost like a bitter sweetness. I've seen some recipes where you add it at the start and some at the end, some you infuse water with it before hand and use that too, some you just add the threads.

One of my favourite risottos is a teriaki mushroom risotto. A fairly standard risotto with mushrooms and flavoured with white wine, marscapone, parmesan and teriaki sauce. Goes brilliantly with a nice bit of seared tuna.
Sainsbury sell a small jar (125ml) of soffrito - I always add that mid way.
It's virtually a paste ("The basic recipe combines carrots, celery, garlic, onions, salt and sometimes a splash of white wine vinegar.")
One of the reasons we like risotto is that you can add whatever you want as the "main" ingredient - chicken, mushroom, seafood.
And of course when you add that small glass of wine there's one for the cook.

I once had a squid black risotto abroad.
It was one of those "I have to try it" moments.
I have to admit it didn't look appetising and it was a bit disappointing all round.
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Old 03-10-2014, 12:20
Shrike
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One thing that I struggle to find around here is Thai/Holy Basil. Cooked a fair few recipes that have it in and can't find fresh anywhere. I always end up just using regular basil.
I'm the same with thai basil. I've now resorted to buying some seeds - packet says I can sow them indoors all year round - I have my doubts, but will try a few seeds now and keep the rest for spring.
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Old 03-10-2014, 15:17
kimindex
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Swansea Market - famous for laverbread and cockles
When I was a kid in Swansea the Penclawdd cockle women called door to door every Saturday morning. They were quite elderly but fit as butchers' dogs.
We have a great fishmonger in Cardiff market who also sells "exotic" meats such as zebra - frozen though - and there's a terrific herbs and spices stall that's got everything.

The most stunning market I've ever seen is La Boqueria in Barcelona.
It's an absolute visual delight.
The attention to detail in displays is incredibly artistic and draws you in.
Take a camera if you ever go there.
Great range of herbs and spices too.
I went there briefly. Barcelona is such a great place.
I think it's almost like a bitter sweetness. I've seen some recipes where you add it at the start and some at the end, some you infuse water with it before hand and use that too, some you just add the threads.

One of my favourite risottos is a teriaki mushroom risotto. A fairly standard risotto with mushrooms and flavoured with white wine, marscapone, parmesan and teriaki sauce. Goes brilliantly with a nice bit of seared tuna.
I'm going to try that. Is this the recipe?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/te...mushroom_42335
I don't like most dried herbs. Dried oregano in particular is disgusting.
Yes, I hate it when they chuck mixed herbs on pizzas etc. It ruins them. At least they're not as much used as they were in the 70s and 80s, when they seemed to be all that was used sometimes, like Parmesan in little tubs.
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Old 03-10-2014, 15:18
kimindex
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Hi Kimi - the sheep/ head etc would send any locals here or in Cardiff into shock!

Gosh, I want to go to all the markets you mentioned - I'd like to stay overnight as we're using our son's car who has claim to mega expenses!

I do need to visit a Chinese market tbh as here is rubbish or dirty.

I'm seriously going to follow your market recommendations ( I won't hold you to it!)

Tbh, I'd think we need an overnight stay but where? It's so expensive and my daughter had her car broken into, well her boyfriends car in reality and it was in a hotel carpark.
There are normally cheaper hotels around Victoria but I'd consider over the river a bit, too. If you were in SE1, for instance, you'd still be near to everything.
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Old 03-10-2014, 17:27
Jambo_c
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I went there briefly. Barcelona is such a great place.

I'm going to try that. Is this the recipe?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/te...mushroom_42335

Yes, I hate it when they chuck mixed herbs on pizzas etc. It ruins them. At least they're not as much used as they were in the 70s and 80s, when they seemed to be all that was used sometimes, like Parmesan in little tubs.
Yes, that recipe but I kind of tweaked it a bit though. I changed the measurements of a couple of things and I found chestnut mushrooms worked better as they were a better consistency to go with the risotto, the oyster mushrooms were a bit soft.
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Old 04-10-2014, 16:54
kimindex
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Yes, that recipe but I kind of tweaked it a bit though. I changed the measurements of a couple of things and I found chestnut mushrooms worked better as they were a better consistency to go with the risotto, the oyster mushrooms were a bit soft.
Thanks! I've bought chestnut mushrooms and some dried porcini.
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Old 05-10-2014, 17:58
LaVieEnRose
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I think though I might nominate mint as I've got several varieties in the garden, but almost never use it.
I grow various mints but I find I only use 'dried'. I use I mostly in yoghurt dips/sauces.
I love fresh mint and really miss it in winter when it disappears underground

I use it in salads, either chopped finely (it can replace parsley) or a few whole leaves in green salads.

Chinese restaurants in France usually serve sprigs of fresh mint with crisp lettuce leaves to go with things like spring rolls. Wrap a lettuce leaf and a bit of mint around your greasy snack and it's a wonderful combination of flavours.

Fresh mint is underused.
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Old 09-10-2014, 16:48
jabegy
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I don't really like coriander, unless it's in carrot and coriander soup. The herb I really couldn't live without is basil, I must go through one of those growing pots in a week, because tomatoes and basil is a match made in heaven.
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Old 09-10-2014, 17:25
boozer3
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I'm not a fan of turmeric. I find it a little bitter and if too much is used it can make a dish 'powdery'.

Couldn't live without oregano, thyme and dried chilli flakes.
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Old 09-10-2014, 17:38
LaVieEnRose
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I hate turmeric too, it seems to have a sort of perfumey smell/taste, and it stains so badly. l leave it out whenever it's feasible.
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Old 09-10-2014, 17:54
WaldoUK
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Star Anise makes everything taste aniseedy
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Old 09-10-2014, 20:10
Toby LaRhone
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Star Anise makes everything taste aniseedy
Any spice or aromatic will dominate if used too liberally
Think of chilli or cloves or ginger or garlic as examples.
Overdone they'll kill any dish.
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