Cottage Cooking Club June
We are now officially in our second year of the Cottage Cooking Club; a group of international blogger's cooking together and then posting our experiences along with the Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's cookbook, "River Cottage Veg". Our group is meant to be a project aimed at incorporating more vegetable dishes in our everyday cooking, and is and has been inspired by our dedicated leader Andrea of the The Kitchen Lioness. Andrea picks one recipe from each of the chapters. This month I prepared 3 of the 10 recipes and was again very pleased with each one.
The first recipe I prepared was the Macaroni peas. Cooking the pasta took the most time. Then a pea sauce was made in the food processor using pasta water along half of the peas, Parmesan and pepper. The sauce is then added to pasta and the other half of the peas and lightly garnished with fresh parsley. A delicious quick and light mid-week dinner that was enjoyed by all. I used frozen peas for this.
The next recipe I made was the New potato salad “tartare”. Tartare in this case represents a deconstructed version of a tartare sauce. Here I used small new potatoes. A cider vinegar was used in the vinaigrette, mustard, oil, salt and pepper. Herbs, capers and gherkins were added along with soft boiled eggs. My husband and I really enjoyed this salad, and the fact that no mayo was involved. The cider vinegar gave this salad a little twang and the herbs brought such wonderful flavor. I will definitely make this again.
Lastly I prepared the ribollita soup which literally means “reboiled”. Traditionally this Italian soup was made in large quantities so it could be reheated over and over. Just a few vegetables are added along with white beans kale and chopped tomatoes. When serving place a slice of toasted crusty bread on the bottom of each bowl and ladle soup over. This made a very satisfying lunch.
Recipes adapted from the River Cottage Veg, by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. First recipe; from the chapter "Pasta and Rice" Macaroni Peas" (page 264). Second dish from the chapter "Hearty Salads" New Potato Salad “tartare” (page 79). Third dish from the chapter “Hefty Soups” Ribollita (page 151).
To see what recipes the other members chose for this month, head over to the LYL post for June 2015 on the CCC website, by clicking here.
The next recipe I made was the New potato salad “tartare”. Tartare in this case represents a deconstructed version of a tartare sauce. Here I used small new potatoes. A cider vinegar was used in the vinaigrette, mustard, oil, salt and pepper. Herbs, capers and gherkins were added along with soft boiled eggs. My husband and I really enjoyed this salad, and the fact that no mayo was involved. The cider vinegar gave this salad a little twang and the herbs brought such wonderful flavor. I will definitely make this again.
Lastly I prepared the ribollita soup which literally means “reboiled”. Traditionally this Italian soup was made in large quantities so it could be reheated over and over. Just a few vegetables are added along with white beans kale and chopped tomatoes. When serving place a slice of toasted crusty bread on the bottom of each bowl and ladle soup over. This made a very satisfying lunch.
Recipes adapted from the River Cottage Veg, by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. First recipe; from the chapter "Pasta and Rice" Macaroni Peas" (page 264). Second dish from the chapter "Hearty Salads" New Potato Salad “tartare” (page 79). Third dish from the chapter “Hefty Soups” Ribollita (page 151).
To see what recipes the other members chose for this month, head over to the LYL post for June 2015 on the CCC website, by clicking here.
These three dishes are lovely, am so looking forward to cooking with CCC!
ReplyDeleteThanks Emily, so glad to meet you and happy you will be cooking with us.
DeleteLooks like you've been up to lots of deliciousness in your kitchen. Love that pea/pasta salad especially!
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, the pea pasta surprised us both, it was very good and simple to prepare.
DeleteHi Cheri:
ReplyDeleteThis cooking club certainly sounds wonderful. I admire the variety of all the recipes you make! And your descriptions are mouthwatering. I'd like to try them all, but I think I'll start with the Macaroni peas. It sounds so fresh and simple.
Thank you so much.
D
Thanks Dena, the macaroni peas surprised both my husband and I, I barely cooked the peas and this was delicious.
DeleteI love all these but really I love Tartare sounds and look delicious!
ReplyDeletexo
Thanks Gloria, I liked the fact that there was no mayo and lots of fresh herbs.
DeleteI can't believe it's been two years already! I haven't ever ventured into trying to make Tartare but now I'm totally going to have to try!
ReplyDeleteHi Phi, the tartare was really delicious, let me know what you think......
DeleteThree great recipes. I like the sound of the pea and macaroni dish for a family mid-week meal. And the potato salad looks really good xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlie, I've been having a great time cooking with this group and cookbook. Many recipes are so simple but delicious....
DeleteAre you by the coast right now, as I'm wondering if you could find samphire. I've used that a couple of times with potato salad (where I make mayo using a poached egg yolk) and samphire is amazing with it. So too would be adding asparagus tips - which reminds me, I still haven't had asparagus this year! Hope you're enjoying summer.
ReplyDeleteHi Johnny, had to google samphire, sounds very interesting, as far as I know there is none growing here in the pacific northwest but I will start looking for it. You always come up with such different ingredients. Yes, having a great summer, hope yours is going along fine.
DeleteLooks like you have been busy, Cheri! The pea and macaroni dish sounds especially delicious. I like that parmesan is added to the pea mixture. I also love the vinaigrette for the tartare dish. I'm sure it would be yummy over so many things. Your family is fortunate to sample all of your dishes!
ReplyDeleteThannks Shari, been having a great time cooking with the Cottage Cooking Club. The cookbook has so many great recipes that are so simple. Take care!
DeleteAll three dishes look great but I am definitely drawn to the soup since I have a lot of kale in the garden and some tomatoes starting to ripen. Love that you try so many new dishes!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mindy, I'm a big soup person, I could eat nothing but soup and salads but my husband would go crazy.
DeleteThey all look very appetizing! New potato salad is my favourite, Cheri.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie, I enjoyed all the fresh herbs.
DeleteLooks terrific! I'm a big fan of ribollita, and would love to try that potato salad.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, the potato salad was great, loved the fact that there was no mayo.
DeleteCheri, I like the idea of the potato salad without mayo. Will be trying that soon. Always like your posts about the cooking group. Such a pretty water color of the cottage too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara, really enjoy this cooking group that I am in, always a great time.
DeleteCheri, is this a great cookbook or what. I just seem to be able to pull off these recipes in a much simpler and easier fashion then when cooking vegetables from Deborah Madison and Yotam Ottolenghi. Everything I have tried in the past year has been delicious despite the fast I didn't get a "poof" in my souffle because of our altitude. I also made the potato salad and was pleased with its taste and the fact that I steered clear of the Mayo. Also like that i was sure to "soft"-hard-boil my eggs. Will make this often this summer. Will you? I didn't get to the RIbollita Soup although it was on my list. Worth a try, huh? Our Aspen nights are always cool enough to "allow" for soup. June just got busier that I anticipated. Katie also made the macaroni and peas. Using frozen peas appeals to me although I've never loved that vegetable. Be sure to try the Pistachio Dukkah. It is so delicious. Your food looks very tasty this month, Cheri. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, yes I will be making that potato salad over and over, the main reason I enjoyed it so much was the use of the cider vinegar and no mayo. This cookbook has quickly become one of my favorites, will try the Dukka
DeleteYour dishes look wonderful Cheri and I'm glad you enjoyed them. I did as well, especially the potato salad - such a refreshing change from the usual with mayo dressing.
ReplyDeleteHi Zosia, yes, I actually think I enjoy potato salad much more without the mayo. Will be making this again and again.
DeleteEach dish looks so good. I love the potato salad and soup especially. Great recipes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne, it was another great month.
DeleteI love the sound of the Macaroni peas :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tandy, it really was good.
DeleteHi Cheri,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you. We have the macaroni peas in common this month and I though it was a unique and tasty dish along with being much loved by my home crowd. The potato salad looks good and I like its ingredient components. I didn't prepare the Ribollita soup since I make this on a regular basis in the fall and winter- and as you know it was a long winter this year. Nice wrap-up, see you soon.
Hi Peggy, the macaroni peas was a big surprise for me, I'm going to prepare this when my granddaughter comes to visit she loves peas. I thought we had another great month.........Take care!
DeleteCheri, all those three dishes are indeed wonderful recipes from Hugh´s lovely cookbook - so nice to see and read that you enjoyed all three of them. The Mac & Peas was a huge hit at our house, even with wholemeal macaronis and the Potato Salad is one of our all time favorite from the book - I have made it more times than I can count. The Ribollita also looks fabulous - as do all your presentations of your wonderful food.
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying a great summer so far and that you are feeling well...
Looking forward to July recipes soon,
Andrea
Hi Andrea, appreciate the fact that you subbed the wholemeal pasta, I bet it stood up very well with the pea sauce. That and the potato salad were new to me and all three dishes are ones that I would make again and again. Thank you for all that you do.
DeleteThat New Potato Salad Tartare is calling my name, looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Cheri!
Hi Mike, I wass never a potato salad kind of gal until I made this, I really liked it, in fact I've already made it twice.
DeleteI like potato salada w/out mayo..I have rarely met a potato salada I didn't like though..except those that had more mayo than potatoes;)
ReplyDeleteHi Monique, I was never a big fan of potato salad until I had this one, love the cider vinegar and no mayo.
Deletei'm not a cooking club member, yours seems full of delicious dish!!!
ReplyDeleteDedy@Dentist Chef
Hi Dedy, thanks this was a really great month.
DeleteCheri, all 3 dishes look wonderful! This is my first month cooking along and I marveled at how relatively easy and quick the recipes are. I smiled a bit when I read your comment that the pasta was what took longest for making the macaroni peas--it really resonated! Glad you enjoyed all the recipes!
ReplyDeleteHi KB, so glad you joined, this is a great and supportive group. Loved the recipes this month, never would of thought of peas and pasta, so simple.
DeleteThese three dishes looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marcela! Take care.....
DeleteI love these posts :) and that potato salad looks wonderful! Hope you have a fabulous 4th!
ReplyDeleteHi Tricia, I prepared this recipe just to see what potato salad tasted like without mayo and really liked it. Happy 4th to you too!
DeleteIt's such a lovely thing that you're doing, Cheri! All 3 of these dishes sound mouth-watering, but especially love the sound of the macaroni peas. I know macaroni is a winter comfort dish usually, but adding the peas makes it just fine to eat in summer, too, I reckon!! (not that we have to stick to any silly rules like this!)
ReplyDeleteHi Helen, adding the peas does make it more summery and it really is pretty light as there is not gobs of cheese. Take care!
DeleteThe Macaroni Peas sounds so good, I want to run and mark that page in the book! I love these posts that remind me of the great recipes in that book.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa, it is a pretty great book. Most of the recipes are so simple and made with fresh ingredients.
DeleteMmmm. Comfort food! The kind that's actually good for you. Vinegar does indeed give a potato a pleasant punch =) All 3 dishes really do look and sound great, Cheri. Have any leftovers to share? =)
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, pleasant punch is such a great way to describe it, yes it's wonderful. Take care!
DeleteBoth recipes sound delicious, Cheri!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan, I was not a big potato salad fan until I had this version, it's always nice to try something new. Happy 4th!
DeleteI love ribollita, and will have to try Hugh's version! The potato salad sounds like a nice change for summer, too. Peas and pasta is a surprise, but I trust you (and Hugh) and will give it a try! David
ReplyDeleteHi David, I have prepared something very close to the ribollita many times, but the simple act of adding a toasted slice of bread to the bottom of the bowl totally changed up the dish. All the recipes this month were great. Take care and have a great 4th!
DeleteWow, these are fabulous, Cheri. The peas and macaroni is something I could happily dive into. You have been very busy! Great recipes :)
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn, the macaroni and peas was a big hit, a little on the lighter side but well received. Gearing up for the 4th, will probably be making this again. Take care!
DeleteCongrats on reaching the second year of the CCC :) The potato salad tartare looks amazing!! I've still yet to find a really good potato salad recipe so I'd love to try this one out as it sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteHi Von, this is my favorite potato salad recipe so far, the apple cider vinegar gives it a little punch and then you have all the fresh herbs and boiled eggs, delicious!
DeleteSeriously...all three of these dishes look amazing! for me, it feels a little intimidating to join a cooking club if I'm to be honest but I can see how great it must be to encourage you to try something new and make all these discoveries. Your family is lucky to share these great meals with you.
ReplyDeleteHi Monica, I was a liitle nervous when I first started as the whole concept was still so new to me, but you are right I have learned so much cooking as a group, it has been great.
DeleteYour Macaroni Peas looks fun to eat!!
ReplyDeleteJulie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Hi Julie and Alesah, I was surprised how much I loved the pasta and peas, will be making again.
DeleteThat potato salad recipe sounds amazing! My aunt makes a vinegary potato salad with meat in it, so I can't have it but I just smell it and drool over it at family parties. This version basically had my drooling at my desk.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly, really enjoyed the apple cider vinegar and herbs, it's a great combination. Happy 4th to you!
DeleteI wish I had the time to make the potato salad - looks so good. I know I would prefer it without it being laden with mayo. I made the macaroni peas, felt it was on the bland side. I think I would like it better if it had more dressing. I may try this one again. The soup looks good too - been to warm here for soup.
ReplyDeleteHi Cathleen, the potato salad was definitely one of my favorites and I much prefer it with no mayo. After reading through everyone else's post I wish I would have prepared the tart and the kebabs, oh I suppose I still can. Can't wait to see whats in store for us next month.
DeleteHi Cheri, Nice choices this month. I also made the potato salad, which I loved. Your reviews of the macaroni & peas and the ribollata convinced me to add them to my list of recipes to try. I do love this book. The recipes are delicious.
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy, the potato salad seemed to be one of the big winners this month after reading through everyone's post. I'm adding the tart and kebabs to my list to try. I agree this cookbook is great, the recipes are simple and delicious. Happy 4th to you!
DeleteAlways love your Cottage Cooking posts! Lovely dishes this time -- you've really outdone yourself. I really must get that book! Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteThanks John, it really is a great book, Happy 4th to you and Mrs Riffs.
DeleteEverything looks delicious! I agree. I definitely plan on making the potato salad again.
ReplyDeleteHi Jora, the potato salad was my favorite. Take care!
DeleteHi Cheri,
ReplyDeleteYum yum ! All the 3 dishes looked so delish! I like the Macaroni Peas but I know my big kids would dig out the peas from their plates if I cook this. Will try the potato salad. Thanks for these wonderful sharing!
Thanks Karen, it seemed like the macaroni salad had mixed reviews from members of our group but we enjoyed it very much.
Delete