Humble Crumble

After almost a month’s absence, Humble Crumble is back with the first post of 2012. My time has been occupied with learning to sail, ultimately this will culminate (with some years of practise) in completion of one of my bucket list goals; to take part in the Sydney Hobart offshore sailing race. (more…)

Perhaps it’s the cynic in me, but I have already noticed the well intended New Years resolutions are beginning to flag like a pair of well worn undies on the washing line. These are the declarations of healthy living usually made on January one, when people aren’t sober enough to think clearly or are feeling sorry for themselves for over indulging only hours before. It’s nothing to be ashamed about; we’ve all been there at some point…haven’t we?? (more…)

On Sunday, in homes all over the world there is bound to me minor squabbles over the ‘best bits’ of the Christmas dinner. In our house it was usually the leg, stuffing or the last roasty potato. There would be much tutting and poking out of the tongue by the looser and triumphant grin from the victor of the last spoonful of stuffing. (more…)

Christmas dinner is my favourite meal of the year, it’s a chance to cook a real feast and indulge in culinary excess. However, turkey the Christmas bird of choice for many is often seen as dry, bland and about as sexy as a politician’s choice in neckwear. Not any more. (more…)

We recently had family staying with us which is always nice, one of the guests however presented me with a food challenge in that they are vegetarian. Now being an out and out appreciator of carnivorous delights I
sometimes struggle to understand the point of vegetarianism, perhaps I subconsciously associate it with liberal lefties who are out of touch with reality and enjoy living in trees and wearing scratchy hemp underpants.  (more…)

When it comes to buying meat I am a big fan of using a butcher. Apart from supporting local small business, a butchers shop will generally offer a wider selection and often better product knowledge. Make friends with your local butcher and they will look after you. (more…)

Since moving to Sydney we have been lucky to have a lot of visitors, which is a great excuse to cook something a little less ordinary and crack open a bottle of wine.  As if an excuse for either is really needed. An English pal recently came to stay with us in Sydney. When his return flight to NZ was cancelled due to the infamous ‘ash cloud’ he decided to cook.   (more…)

Things at work and home have been exceptionally busy of late, which is why I haven’t made a post for so long. To get things back on track I wanted to share a delicious and surprisingly simple French classic, beef bourguignon (also known as bœuf bourguignon or beef Burgundy). I am sure a few of my French friends will tell me off for not being 100% authentic but this is an Englishman’s version. (more…)

After a weekend of over indulgence, something healthy and ‘mind cleansing’ was needed (mind cleansing because by eating this I can feel virtuous again .  Here is a quick fire recipe to make vegetable soup, with some of those favourite Thai flavours. (more…)

There are few soups, (apart from maybe chicken) that have such broad appeal as tomato soup. It has a familiarity like a favourite old jumper that is soft and comforting.  It has the advantage or perhaps disadvantage of not containing any meat, so it’s perfect for those occasions when you have to tax the recipe archive for ‘that’ vege friend.  What’s more even the fussy, bratty kids seem to like it. (more…)