So the very successful #fdbloggerfriends series is continuing today with Sarah from Life in Full Flavour! It’s been incredibly interesting to read Sarah’s responses to the questions, which I have included, I am also a Professor Layton fan!
Hello! I’m Sarah and I blog over at Life in Full Flavour: www.infullflavour.com
This is my first guest post! Thank you to Andrew for making me part of his #fdbloggerfriends series.
I’m currently living in Birmingham with my husband and two cats (who we unashamedly dote on). I’ve lived in the city for around 8 years now, having moved to live with my husband prior to getting married.
Ever since leaving university I’ve worked in PR and Communications, and having spent several years in PR agencies I’m currently an in-house press and media officer. I’m enjoying the change of scenery and have been able to build up new skills and knowledge.
My husband and I love travelling and discovering new places in the world. As well as foreign climes exploring the UK is a passion for us, especially the Cotswolds. The region has such excellent food and beautiful scenery, and as we are based in Birmingham we are never more than an hour or two away for a Cotswolds trip.
I’m a big Netflix fan, enjoy a cool cider or a crisp glass of white wine on a warm day and would eat cheese on everything if I could.
5 interesting facts about yourself
– I cook a significant amount in my wok – not just stir fries but curries, fajitas, risotto and much more, I know it seems mad but it works for me!
– I adore New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and my top pick is Kim Crawford
– We got married in the village where part of the movie War Horse was filmed
– I love computer games especially puzzle adventure games like Professor Layton and Monkey Island
– I have skydived over the rainforest in Australia
How has food shaped your life and why is it so important to your life today?
I wasn’t the best of eaters when I was growing up, as my parents will attest I could be very picky. As I’ve got older my tastes have changed and I’ve become much more willing to try new foods, flavours and tastes. Even when I don’t like something I’m always pleased I’ve given it a go (the worst thing I’ve ever eaten is a 1,000-year-old egg in Hong Kong).
I think that because travelling and experiencing new places and cultures is important to me, part of that understanding comes from the food and flavours different parts of the world offer. I love so many different cuisines and I’m always looking to further my awareness of ingredients and tastes from across the UK and the globe.
Food is also very cohesive; there is something about a good meal that brings people together. It’s also a brilliant topic of conversation, everyone generally has something to add when you start talking about food, cooking and cuisines.
Describe the last meal you would eat on Earth
It would have to be cooked by my dad, who in my opinion is the best non-professional chef I know! Something like an onion tart tatin to start, then a medium-rare steak or roast beef, followed by a cheese plate for dessert. All accompanied by wine and a vintage port with the cheese.
Why did you start your blog?
I’ve always enjoyed writing and spend much of my work life drafting copy. I wanted to embrace my love of writing in my personal life and realised that blogging would be a great hobby for me. Food was the obvious topic for me as it is one of my passions; I’m always keen to share new discoveries and recipes with my friends and families, so it was a natural fit to share my thoughts with a wider audience.
What are your favourite posts?
Istanbul Eats
As I mentioned, my husband and I travelling and for me a big part of discovering a new place is trying out food and drink. The food discoveries in Istanbul were some of my all-time favourites, they have so many impressive dishes and flavours I was in foodie heaven during our trip.
https://infullflavour.com/2015/07/05/taste-for-travel-istanbul-eats/
Mushroom and brie risotto
I try to have at least one meat-free meal a week, and this is one of my top vegetarian recipes. I created it after having something very similar in a pub in Devon and was impressed with how it turned out. My husband also loves it which is a huge accolade as he is not really a mushroom fan!
https://infullflavour.com/2016/03/06/veggie-recipe-brie-and-mushroom-risotto/
Eastern delights at Chung Ying Central
This was my first restaurant review on the blog and is still one of my top spots for great food in Birmingham. The crispy pork belly is unbelievable.
https://infullflavour.com/2015/03/31/eastern-delights-at-chung-ying-central/
Thai Pork Vermicelli Lettuce Boats
This recipe is based on one from Rosa’s Thai Cafe Cookbook, which my colleagues bought me for my birthday this year. I think Thai food is wonderful, but do find that some Thai recipes can require a lot of ingredients and time. So I gave this one a go as my first attempt from the cookbook as I wanted a healthy but relatively speedy midweek meal. It worked well. The lettuce boats were my addition to add a bit of crunch and incorporate some greenery into the meal.
For 2 people you will need:
- 150g rice vermicelli
- 2 tablespoons veg oil
- 2 cloves of chopped or crushed garlic
- 250g minced pork
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce (I always use Amoy low salt)
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pinch ground white pepper
- A handful thai basil leaves (I found mine at Waitrose)
- 2 baby gem lettuces, leaves separated and washed
- Soak the vermicelli for 5 mins so it softens up. When ready, drain the vermicelli and leave to one side.
- In a wok, heat the oil on a high temperature. When it is hot, add the garlic for 5-10 seconds. Add the pork and reduce the heat the medium.
- Stir fry the pork and garlic until the meat is cooked through.
- Add the soy sauce, sugar and pinch of pepper to the cooked pork. Still on a medium heat, cook for around 1 minute until the meat is nicely coated, then add the noodles.
- Stir fry for a few minutes until everything is hot.
- Dish up onto the lettuce leaves and garnish with the Thai basil leaves.
You can find me at infullflavour.com and on Twitter @SCully1983
Andrew in the Kitchen 