Felicity Cloake

So, I’ve been away for a while. Five days cruising down the Rhine on a tidal wave of flammkuchen and Riesling, seven days in Croatia eating as much grilled squid as I could lay my lips on, and then a little hiatus of shock after receiving the rather incredible honour of two awards from the Guild of Food Writers: Food Journalist of the Year for my work for the Guardian and Fire & Knives, and the New Media award for my Guardian Word of Mouth column. I’m back in the land of the living now, having recovered sufficiently from the shock to dare put some scented stocks in one of the commemorative vases, and with a whole heap of photos to discuss here. Word of Mouth were kind enough to celebrate this with a little piece, to which I refer anyone interested, as I feel authentically British about the idea of boasting any further. But thank you, everyone. (AMAZING!!!! ahem.)

Pig Day, the Rhine and Croatia all deserve posts to themselves, so here’s a little pick and mix of other stuff I’ve enjoyed since getting back. First up, today’s excitement: a whole punnet of flat peaches courtesy of Whole Foods. (A rare bargain from my favourite pushers of organic acerola juice at only £2.99.) Flat peaches always make me feel happy for no apparent reason – I put it down to the miniature dachshund effect; squashed things just get the sympathy juices flowing. A sneak preview of next week’s column (wowzas) – tomato salsa stirred into some scrambled eggs for lunch. My post-university trip to Mexico yielded many great discoveries, from spiced hot chocolate to the fact that squid doesn’t only come deep fried, but the joy of chilli-laden breakfasts was one of my favourites – my abiding memory of Indian breakfasts is hostel peanut butter toast – and Huevos Mexicana is the king of the castle.  And this is kind of a knave version.

and yet another salsa in yet another setting:

Right, enough food self-indulgence. Next post will actually be informative, and hopefully a little bit interesting too. No promises though.