There was great excitement In My Kitchen yesterday because December 1st marked the end of No(alcohol)vember. Phew for that is all I have to say.
Because now I finally get to test taste the liquorice vodka I started last month.
I’ll be happier when I’m pouring it over ice next week. Why next week? Because not only did we sign up for No-vember but we also signed up for a half marathon on December 7th – around Angkor Wat no less.
I know – stupid and amazing in equal quantities.
Talking of stupid, Richard has decided he’s got more will power than me and isn’t going to drink until after the run on Sunday.
But back to the vodka – 150g of salted licorice to 700ml of vodka {both available in Ikea in Shanghai but that’s probably not going to help anyone else – haha!} and we are in business. It’s very nice. Not too strong and overpowering and I’m tempted to add another 50g and see what happens but maybe that will be the next batch.
In my Kitchen….
……It’s a good job this large ice cube tray came into my life in November because it brightened up every single glass of cordial I treated myself to. Yes, it was a slow month but these ice cubes made me happy. I’ll be happier when there’s vodka in there too.
In my kitchen….
….are some treats from Marks and Spencers.
My friend Jen almost had a conniption when I said I’d bought 2 mini Christmas puddings. I got the death stare along with ‘Cmon Nancy I expected better from you why aren’t you making them yourself’. Well that’ll be because I can’t be bothered and why should I when Marks & Spencers do it for me?
Talking of death stares – Rich threw one my way when I said I was thinking about making a mincemeat slice. And then he walked into the kitchen, saw the bottle and cracked up laughing saying he thought I meant minced meat and it had sounded disgusting but didn’t know what to say. I know – I don’t make my own mincemeat either…..death stares all round 
In my Kitchen….
….is a tea cosy. Not any old cosy though.
My grandma crocheted it and Mum has kept it all these years – I think it must be close to 40 years old maybe. I’ve just started crocheting myself so I was chuffed to bits when Mum said I could bring it back with me. The needle work is so fine and even I can’t imagine ever being that delicate with a crochet hook.
There’s even a little tea cup on the top. I love it.
In my kitchen….
…is a signed copy of Tetsuya along with a menu from his very exclusive Waku Ghin restaurant in Singapore. Sadly I didn’t get to sample the Marinated Shrimp with Sea Urchin and Cavier’ or the ‘Granita of Champagne with Japanese Peach’. Liz & Kelvin did though {lucky them} and they bought me the book as they know I am a big fan. Rich has thoughtfully put post it notes on the recipes he wants me to cook for him…..
In my kitchen…..
…is a signed copy of Historic Heston Blumenthal. It’s seriously big and heavy. As in 3.5kg heavy.
And no – I haven’t eaten at any of his restaurants either. There’s a theme developing here I don’t think I like!!
It was a birthday present from my brother and sister-in-law in August and I have to say I was a little dismayed when they presented it to me all wrapped up and questioned their sanity in giving anyone such a heavy present when they have to fly home. Oh just put it in your hand luggage they said – it’ll be worth it.
And it was worth it because there’s a personal message to me from Heston “Dear Nancy, I hear you are the best chef in the world {how did he know?} I hope this book further inspires your legendary cooking…from one ‘who knows’ to another. Best wishes Heston.”
I know. A little bit show-offy but hey, it’s in my kitchen not yours 
If you’d like to join in, or just have a snoop in other kitchens head over to Celia’s Fig Jam and Lime Cordial.
What’s going on in your kitchen this month? Hopefully lots of Christmassy things and no death stares!