Nacho Cheese with Salsa, Jalapeno and Kalamata Olives

Just a diversion from what I am suppose to do.  This is what we made for lunch today...Nacho Cheese with Salsa, Jalapeño and Black Olives.  We layered tortilla chips on the baking plate and sprinkled cheddar and mozzarella cheese.  Chopped tomato and onion were layered on top together with jalapeño peppers and black olives. A very nice and tasty lunch on this dark, gloomy and rainy Oxford.

Smoked Cod and Cannellini

I have commenced my project today starting off with Smoked Cod and Cannellini.  I haven't used wine before in any of my cooking.  Well, once and it did not turn out right - I've placed to much wine on the sauce I was making.  Today, I am very happy how it turned out.


As usual Jeremiah is in a bad mood thus I just got on with the cooking.  It was easy to follow the recipe. Poach the fish in a poaching liquid and heat up the beans and boom the food is done. I was on the phone the entire time I was cooking.  This definitely show I can multi task.  My greatest critic is picky with his food and does not like to experiment on new ideas especially when it comes to food plus he doesn't care much for the Cannellini beans. In the end, it turns out he likes the dish. Phew!

It has surely reminded me of Kedgeree but the Express way and without the rice. This meal is ideal for those who is pressed for time.

Minor set back

I was suppose to start cooking from the cookbook today.  I have gathered all the necessary ingredients I needed for the meal but we managed to grab a meal at one of the restaurant near us.  I am so keen to do this but a minor setback will not deter me from my original goal.  

Whilst buying my groceries, Jeremiah made a slight protest about smoked cod/haddock, that he doesn't like how the British cook it.  FYI: Jeremiah is an American red-neck that hates most of what Britain has to offer. I did manage to explain to him I wanted to cook Nigella Lawson's recipe and reminded him about the book that has been sitting on the shelf for more than 2 years now- that the book has to have it's use.

Since, I will be at work for the most part of the day tomorrow and will be exhausted when I get back home, I may not again have a proper dinner or will end up having one of Jeremiah's meal.  Thus, this project will have to commence on the 25th of August.

The Beginning

As I have been cleaning my room 2 days ago, I realized the number of cookbooks that I have accumulated.  Some of it I bought and most of it given as a Christmas present. I have noticed how much I love Nigella Lawson after I have purchased her cookery book Feast.  Her recipes are easy to follow and no fuss at all.  Since then, I have been given by my then boyfriend, Nigella's latest cookbook every Christmas we were together.


One particular cookbook, Nigella Express, has given me so much enthusiasm lately.   I work long hours and on shifts all the time hence I rarely have the time to make a long winded  meal.  I end up having take aways or microwaveable meals. I want to eat healthy and at the same time save some money.  Thus, I have decided Nigella Express would be the  appropriate cookbook which would help solve my dilemma. Though I have tried some of the recipes in this book, I want to challenge myself to cook every meal written on this book. It may not be in order as the book but the goal is to make every meal there is in the book- 130 recipes in 130 days.

Now my challenge begins tomorrow...Smoked Cod and Cannellini.