The British Larder Inspirational recipe diary

Madalene’s food ethos

When thinking about my food ethos, at first I found it hard as it’s part of me as an individual. It’s the way I live, work and socialise.

So it meant that I had to take pen to paper and think hard. I wrote a few words that summed up my food ethos and subconsciously it formed the foundations of each recipe written on the British Larder.

I started to write about things I believed in, this is very much a reflection of my past experiences and training as a chef.

I’m a true believer of…
..simplicity and not over complicating flavours. However, a well thought through dish, with complimenting components, is a brilliant reflection of passion and understanding for the ingredients that have been used.

I’m a true believer of…
..using local and seasonal produce. However, I don’t let this stifle my sense of adventure to explore the exotics and unusual ingredients that are so much part of the multi-cultural society we live in. I will still use tamarind and shiso even though they’re not British but I shall ensure that the hero ingredient in the recipe will be British grown and produced.

I’m a true believer of…
..supporting the British producers and farmers. They need each and everyone’s help to look after our heritage and culture.

I’m a true believer of…
..using the best quality ingredients that one can afford. Using cheap and inferior ingredients will result in an inferior and unpleasant dish. When people advise that you should use cheap cooking wine I get all stressed and wound up because it goes totally against my believes!

I’m a true believer of…
..using the right tools for the job in hand. Using, for example, the right knives when preparing food is crucial, if not adhered to this could lead to an unnecessary accident that could have been prevented. Discovering new kitchen gadgets and tools is the best part of being a true foodie. There is a little joke amongst food fanatics that all cooks love gadgets, I suppose there is some truth in that statement judging by the amount of kitchen paraphernalia on the market.

I’m a true believer of…
..not rushing when cooking, take your time! Give the recipes the time they deserve for the best results. Allow yourself to enjoy cooking. At home, I do this best with a glass of wine, then I’m relaxed and normally create the most delicious dishes.

I’m a true believer of…
..arming yourself with knowledge. No one could ever know everything in life, especially not about cooking. Allowing yourself to absorb others views, methods and opinions make you a stronger individual. I love asking people their views about food and cooking; selfishly I’m investing in my own repertoire of food and cooking knowledge. It makes me a better and wiser cook.

As I’m a curious individual I ask the whys and the hows, this does not always make me the most popular individual, but definitely a wiser one. I have a burning desire to know where foods comes from, what they looked like before they landed on my kitchen table and so on, this discovery has been amazing and has lead to some wonderful finds.