From Slavery to Freedom - A Time for Rules but not for Recipes

Sometimes I find life rather overwhelming. I think perhaps that most people feel the same way, at least every now and then.

For me, this time of year, comes with many restrictions and rules as a result of my religion and the religions of others, school and work schedules and National days of 'rest'.  For many, the regulation and enforced routines are a welcome change and are embraced wholeheartedly. I'm afraid that I get rather bogged down with it all and it is at times like these that I feel the need to do things that are not dictated by rules or regulations. I think that it will certainly be a hair dying week. This is how I look at the moment but change is imminent:-

If you recognise me in the street please do say hi! I just love it when fans recognise me.

Over the last week I have watched as friends, acquaintances and strangers from many continents have posted photographs of and recipes for, the wonderful and traditional foods that they are preparing as part of their celebrations. Many people have simply posted photographs online showing their amazing creations but not given instructions as to how to create these miracles.  These photographs were without exception followed by people asking as to how the creations should be made and what the exact recipes should be. 

Some of the amazing recipes that I have seen this week have included my good friend Maurice's Potato and Caramelized Onion Spanish Omelette Style Kugel (OK he is a Chef), Suzanne's family recipe for Sweet Chremzels (something I have only ever experienced in their savoury form), Dean's beautiful Huevos Haminados, Sophie's cheese filled home made beef burgers, Elisheva's Orange Juice, Katie's Stuffed Aubergine and Chilli, Alexandra's Cereal and Lisa's family recipe for her Picnic Slice.

I saw many culinary concoctions that I may have liked to try creating both now and in the future but as I read these recipes a feeling of dread came over me. From my desire to make something lovely for my family to eat, inspired by these photographs and mouth watering descriptions, came an overwhelming feeling of constraint and restriction! I knew that anything that I cooked this week would have to have the the element of freehand - no recipes, no weights and measures - just plain old throw it in and see what happens.

So in the spirit of 'non-recipes' - tonight's meal was the following;

Spinach Gnocci with Sour Cream and Tomato Sauce, sprinkled with a little cheese.

The Ingredient List 

Potatoes

Potato Flour

Eggs

Seasonings

Sour Cream

Tomato Purée

Cheese


No weights, measures or recipe was used in the making of this dish.

Followed by;

Chocolate Coconut Crunchies - inspired by Lisa's Picnic Slice

The Ingredients List

Coconut
Chocolate Chips
Butter
Sugar
Eggs





No weights, measures or recipe was used in the making of this dish.




With the preparation of this meal, I feel like my path from Slavery to Freedom has at least begun.