Northern Harvest

I got my first veg box delivered today. Having liked the idea for ages but having convinced myself I couldn't afford them, I finally decided that I deserved a treat and that a delicious parcel of fresh produce might kick start my cooking mojo again. (Yes, I realise it's slightly weird to view vegetables as a treat but there we go!) I love cooking and am a firm believer in the whole idea that food is healing but lots of commitments recently and the subsequent distinct lack of energy means that I've been eating a pretty unhealthy diet and a cooked meal has been about as adventurous as cheese on gluten-free toast. The resulting bad skin and even less energy than usual can't be unrelated so I'm really excited at the thought of searching out yummy recipes to make the most of this lovely fresh fruit and veg.

I got the delivery from a company called Northern Harvest who do box deliveries of fruit and veg but also a host of other food, all sourced from farms in the Lancashire and Cheshire area. Given that I don't have a garden and an allotment, this is about as close as I can get to really fresh veg!

I've just started reading Denis Cotter's "Wild Garlic, Gooseberries and Me" which is an absolute delight and can best be described as a love letter to the vegetables he uses in his Cork vegetarian restaurant Cafe Paradiso. Not only does the book have mouthwatering descriptions of his favourite foods, there are wonderful restaurant quality recipes in it as well. It is too my lasting regret that I have been to Cork twice and both times missed the chance to eat there -one day I hope!

The weather has definitely taken a turn towards winter today so I'm looking for hearty warming recipes. What shall I make first?