Gipsy Toast's interview
Interview by Laurence
I started my food blog at the start of this year. I found that I increasingly wanted to share what i was eating with others. Whilst posting the nice meals I ate out or whilst on holiday on facebook was semi acceptable to my friends, a post every other day or so would not be. This was demonstrated by my hen do gift which was a whole photo book of pictures of my fiance with a meal in front of him, downloaded from my facebook!
In my wildest dreams, I'd be travelling around the world, doing yoga, cooking, taking photos and then eating. Exploring unusual vegetables and ingredients, whilst advising herbivores like me who live with carnivores how the two can co-exist merrily on a culinary landscape.
Think 'Pray, Eat, Photo'.
I have to admit to not being very active in the blogging community. It is something that I need to find more time for. I sometimes feel like I do have two jobs. The one during the day, after which I come home, cook, photograph, eat and then write for my blog!
I don't have any secret weapon. In terms of hardware, I love my red Magimix. My husband faced all kinds of conundrums when he told his colleagues that he was buying me one for christmas as it conjured up all kinds of 1950's sexual politics for them.
I would say my best weapon is my software, my eyes, my palate/taste buds, my sense of smell and my hands. I believe in getting stuck in with my hands. A lot of Indian home cooking is done simply with the hands. It's also great for stress relief!
My last meal ever would mostly be the food that constituted my first or earliest meals. This is home cooked Indian food made by mum and my gran. I couldn't pick just one dish, but I'd die very satisfied and happy.
One of my earliest food memories if of sitting on my gran's lap and eating a slice of bread and butter, folded in half, dipped in sweet tea. There is no culinary magic to this however.
Another really evocative memory is of my gran lining the front garden (in Lincolnshire!) with her sarees in the summer. They were topped with her home made papdi (home made chilli popadoms); which she was drying out.
I've mentioned Ottolenghi already, but I'll mention him again. I do love to 'Ottolengh'! As a vegetarian his books both Plenty and Jerusalum provide really tasty and creative options for vegetarians to eat. I use his style of cooking for inspiration a lot.
Also, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall is another great advocate for vegetables and vegetarian cooking. He also thinks abaout sustainability and ethics in farming which I value.
I wouldn't necessarily say I prefer one cuisine over another - however I do love Indian food and Mexican food. It's the spices and the chillis really. So, I tend to adapt all recipes to try and find a way to sneak in more flavour through the two. I'm a huge fan of really robust strong flavours.
I have not had a chance to review all the Gourmandize recipes, so I'll suggest Bill's butterbean and halloumi recipe from 'Cook, Eat, Smile'. It's so simple and satisfying as a meal after work. We must eat this at least once a week and it works hot in winter and cold in summer.
I hope you enjoy my blog and get in touch if you want to provide suggestions - I'd love the feedback.
We interviewed Gipsy Toast!
Visit the blog: Bread and Olives.
"I tend to adapt all recipes to try and find a way to sneak in more flavour through the two. I'm a huge fan of really robust strong flavours."
Hello Gipsy Toast, so tell us...
When did you begin your blog and what inspired you to start it?
I started my food blog at the start of this year. I found that I increasingly wanted to share what i was eating with others. Whilst posting the nice meals I ate out or whilst on holiday on facebook was semi acceptable to my friends, a post every other day or so would not be. This was demonstrated by my hen do gift which was a whole photo book of pictures of my fiance with a meal in front of him, downloaded from my facebook!
In your wildest dreams, where is your blog going to take you as it develops?
In my wildest dreams, I'd be travelling around the world, doing yoga, cooking, taking photos and then eating. Exploring unusual vegetables and ingredients, whilst advising herbivores like me who live with carnivores how the two can co-exist merrily on a culinary landscape.
Think 'Pray, Eat, Photo'.
Are you active in the blogging community? Have you met any interesting people through your blog or has it brought you to new places?
I have to admit to not being very active in the blogging community. It is something that I need to find more time for. I sometimes feel like I do have two jobs. The one during the day, after which I come home, cook, photograph, eat and then write for my blog!
Do you have a secret weapon in the kitchen?
I don't have any secret weapon. In terms of hardware, I love my red Magimix. My husband faced all kinds of conundrums when he told his colleagues that he was buying me one for christmas as it conjured up all kinds of 1950's sexual politics for them.
I would say my best weapon is my software, my eyes, my palate/taste buds, my sense of smell and my hands. I believe in getting stuck in with my hands. A lot of Indian home cooking is done simply with the hands. It's also great for stress relief!
What would be your choice of dish or menu if you had to choose your "last meal ever"?!
My last meal ever would mostly be the food that constituted my first or earliest meals. This is home cooked Indian food made by mum and my gran. I couldn't pick just one dish, but I'd die very satisfied and happy.
What is your earliest memory involving food?
One of my earliest food memories if of sitting on my gran's lap and eating a slice of bread and butter, folded in half, dipped in sweet tea. There is no culinary magic to this however.
Another really evocative memory is of my gran lining the front garden (in Lincolnshire!) with her sarees in the summer. They were topped with her home made papdi (home made chilli popadoms); which she was drying out.
Are there any chefs that you admire in particular?
I've mentioned Ottolenghi already, but I'll mention him again. I do love to 'Ottolengh'! As a vegetarian his books both Plenty and Jerusalum provide really tasty and creative options for vegetarians to eat. I use his style of cooking for inspiration a lot.
Also, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall is another great advocate for vegetables and vegetarian cooking. He also thinks abaout sustainability and ethics in farming which I value.
You feature so many different cuisines on your blog, is there one which appeals to you more than others?
I wouldn't necessarily say I prefer one cuisine over another - however I do love Indian food and Mexican food. It's the spices and the chillis really. So, I tend to adapt all recipes to try and find a way to sneak in more flavour through the two. I'm a huge fan of really robust strong flavours.
Which Gourmandize recipe would you recommend? (if none take your fancy add your own and share it with us!)
I have not had a chance to review all the Gourmandize recipes, so I'll suggest Bill's butterbean and halloumi recipe from 'Cook, Eat, Smile'. It's so simple and satisfying as a meal after work. We must eat this at least once a week and it works hot in winter and cold in summer.
Any last words or message for our readers?
I hope you enjoy my blog and get in touch if you want to provide suggestions - I'd love the feedback.
Thank you Gipsy Toast for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Laurence - 11/10/2013
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