Blogging, blogging, blogging

Dear readers, today we’re going to take some time to stop, recount, and think about this blog for a little while. I apologise in advance, but I’m in need of some blog counselling.

You see, there’s nothing in this world I enjoy more than pouring myself a coffee, putting a record on, and writing. Not about anything too arduous – just about my memories of food, or the really quite terrific croissants they sell in our local co-op, or somewhere nice I’ve visited. But I don’t do it nearly as often I should, not just because I’m relentlessly tired by the time I get home from work, but because I’m a little scared of what to write.

Last weekend I went to Blogstock – the world’s only blogging festival. Professional bloggers taught me about SEO, Instagram, Youtube and more. I was also told that I needed a niche because “gone are the days of generic ‘food’ bloggers”. Apparently they’ve over saturated the market, leaving the rest of us no option but to dedicate our blogs to the best falafel restaurants in London or the 128 uses of pearl barley. This makes me sad, because I don’t want to write about either of those things. There are people who do niches very well (like the guys at Symmetry Breakfast or the untouchable Deliciously Ella), but I am not one of them.

Instead I want to keep on writing about food in all its uninhibited glory. Not just recipes, but memories of food; the history of our favourite dishes; and the simple joy of sitting round the table. Perhaps the answer to my blogging quandary then, is just to write more. There are many wondrous moments in our collective gastronomical history, and I’ll keep on guzzling my way through as many as them as possible. Although a little bit of structure is in order I think – maybe I’ll introduce some regular features and take part in more blogging challenges. Either way, it’s time to throw my inhibitions to one side and just write.

Seeing as I’ve got myself into a completive mood, I present to you the good, the very good, and the wonderful of the past week, all lumped together and in no particular order.

-Turkey meatloaf. It sounds like something terrible your nan might serve up on Boxing Day, doesn’t it? But trust me, it’s a revelation. The recipe we used was improvised by Dominic, and it was simply a case of mixing 500g turkey mince with some breadcrumbs, oregano, thyme, an egg and a grated onion. Shape into a loaf shape, drape with bacon and bake for 40 minutes. As you can imagine, the meatloaf sandwiches are to die for.

–Mishkins in Covent Garden. It might have something to do with the fact that I ate there with dear friends who I haven’t seen in years, but the food – especially the starters – was delicious. You can’t argue with their description, “a kind-of Jewish deli with cocktails”, nor can you argue with their crispy battered cod cheeks.

-Frugality! Who would have thought it could be so fun? This pledge to cut down on our food bill has led to some great discoveries, like how a potato rosti with a fried egg and soft baked pepper is the fastest, cheapest and most delicious thing you can eat.

-And finally, sausage and egg sandwiches on a Sunday morning. You’re welcome.