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A stylish lunch – from Lidl and IKEA (!)

by Jeanne Horak on July 22, 2008 14 Comments in In my pantry

Lunch-Lidl-IKEA

So… you’d have to have spent the last few months living under a rock in the desert not to have heard about the credit crunch.

Yes, folks, apart from:

a) the environment going to hell in a handbasket;

b) social values and the nuclear family going to hell in a handbasket;

c)  democracy going to hell in a handbasket;  and

d)  our food supply going to hell in a handbasket,

it appears that the world economy is soon to follow suit.  Seems some folks invested in a very risky part of the market, gambling on the “big risk, big returns” premise.  But as so often happens with gambling… it turned out to be a very, very bad bet and now we are being told that we are on the brink of a global recession.  Jobs are being lost, house prices are tumbling, stock markets are taking a beating… and food prices just keep on rising.

What’s a wannabe gourmet to do?

 

At chez Cooksister, I am pleased to find my lifelong love of leftovers has suddenly come to be viewed as a virtue rather than just stinginess 😉  But you still have to go and buy food.  Which is expensive.  One thing we do is to try and get our fruit and vegetables from the Queens Market, which is not too far from us.  But recently I have also been discovered some rather delicious things in unusual (and reasonably-priced!) places.

 

I have written before about the odd phenomenon that is Lidl.  Or maybe it’s just our local branch that’s always a hothouse of weirdness.  The bizarre selection of random merchandise (raclette grills one week, tents the next, and fishing tackle the next) sitting alongside the food.  The general wariness of the (largely) Baltic states clientele who all seem to be from just outside the EU and permanently looking over their shoulder in case the immigration police should pop in to pick up a raclette grill.  And the general preference for using cardboard boxes for ferrying your groceries around the store rather than a trolley.

 

So at first glance, it’s possibly not the kind of place where you’d go to pick up the ingredients for a chic lunch.  But… surprisingly, you can find some rather good continental goodies there (and it’s also the place where I bought all my English purple sprouting broccoli this season!).  Nick has always loved sauerkraut – even more so when it’s served with some sort of German sausages.  A brief trot around the store revealed that Lidl not only does a nice line in bottled German sauerkraut, but also these dinky little packets of 8-10 bratwurst sausages.  I usually keep the sausages in the freezer and the sauerkraut in the cupboard, so if you drop into our house unnanounced over a weekend and you look as though you need feeding, it’s more than likely that this will be on the menu if I’m feeling lazy.  Grill the sausages, heat the sauerkraut with a few cracked black peppercorns, garnish with sweet wholegrain mustard and voila!

 

And to drink?  Well, for that, you should head over to that well-known gourmet store, erm, IKEA.  Yes, we all know about the meatballs in the chiller cabinet and the delectable Daim sweets.  But lately I’ve been buying the most delicious drinks there.  For your non-alcoholic friends there’s the lingonberry drink on the right.  Think cranberry juice but with more oomph – delicious!  And to serve with the meal?  Forget expensive Alsace wines to serve with your sausages & cabbage and pick up a slab of Kopparberg Swedish pear cider – my latest addiction.  Once you pour it into champagne flutes, your guests will be intrigued by this undiscovered, fruity bubbly – keep them guessing before you reveal the tin.  And at 95p per can, it’s an affordable luxury 🙂

 

LingonberryBPearCiderB

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  1. courtney says

    July 22, 2008 at 8:16 pm

    This posts hits home. My partner came froma working class German family and swear by Lidl and Aldi. I shopped at a Lidl on our recent visit to Sweden. Not bad. Sometimes I even venture to an Aldi. Its great fro plain basics. I stay away from the proceesed junk stuff. You have to fo what you can do. And who knew Ikes yielded such finds. I have purchased a frozen ham, chesses, and all sorts of stuff in their timy market.

    Reply
  2. We Are Never Full says

    July 22, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    you know i’ve always been curious about the food at Ikea. I’m going to trust you on this one b/c the thought at eating at a furniture store just kind of turned me off!

    Reply
  3. Jules says

    July 22, 2008 at 9:02 pm

    A swear by Aldi & Lidl for their Christmas products. I also love their crinkle cut and paprika crips. I never realised they sold PSB, I certainly have to make sure i can get some there next year when it’s in season.

    Reply
  4. Andrew says

    July 22, 2008 at 10:09 pm

    You will probably be pleased to learn that I wont be popping round unannounced on a random Saturday; not if I am gonna be feed the devils excrement that is sauerkraut!

    Reply
  5. Dragon says

    July 23, 2008 at 4:10 am

    Well, at least we can count on your site never going to hell in a handbasket. Right?

    Reply
  6. Charlotte says

    July 23, 2008 at 5:12 am

    I can assure you the weirdness is not unique to your branch of Lidl! After five years of shopping at Aldi and Lidl, I have recently changed to a slightly – but only slightly – more upscale shopping emporium, but I still go back now and then just to taste the weirdness.
    Speaking as an almost German, I can say that your Wurst und Sauerkraut look superbly authentic.

    Reply
  7. nina says

    July 23, 2008 at 9:10 am

    Food prices here in SA is sky high and with everything else climbing, sadly people have to cut down on food. This is a delicious “cheap” meal. Thx for showing that you guys are also normal…..all your other dishes are always very elaborate.

    Reply
  8. justfoodnow says

    July 23, 2008 at 4:24 pm

    I’ve only been coming here a short while – but am pleased to see that you do use the odd tin or two. 🙂
    The Saurkraut looks delicious and much easier than making it at home. I tried to make it with a friend two years ago and had to try three times before I managed something that didn’t go off first & the last lot tasted vile! Wish you’d tell us which brand you bought – or is that not allowed here?
    Thanks again for a super amusing post!

    Reply
  9. Michelle says

    July 25, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    *gasp* Lidl and Ikea. I don’t know you anymore.
    Just kidding! When I lived in London on a budget you might have caught me buying pots of honey there. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone.
    Sorry Jeanne, I’m with Andrew on this one. 🙂

    Reply
  10. katie says

    July 26, 2008 at 8:43 pm

    I have not gone into our local Lidl – ’cause it’s a tacky store in an out-of-the-way place. Now you have my curiousity roused…. Besides, I love good saurkraut!

    Reply
  11. Susan from Food Blogga says

    July 31, 2008 at 11:18 pm

    I guess this means I have to start liking left-overs? Maybe it’ll be easier at your house. Sounds like you’ve got it down deliciously.

    Reply
  12. Jennifer says

    August 15, 2008 at 3:54 pm

    Not a fan of either Lidl or Aldi- I have been known to go into the Lidl for weird things like we bought a huge cat scratching post there for 24 euros nearly identical to that sold at our local pet store for 90 euros.
    I too like Ikea’s lingondrink because it has almost as much oomph as real cranberry juice- I find that Cranberry juice sold outside of the US and Canada is just far too sweet- but don’t gorget Ikea for their ginger cookies- they make a great base for a cheese cake, and their polar bread is perfect for finger sandwiches!

    Reply
  13. africanaspects says

    August 17, 2008 at 1:48 pm

    My wife and I were amused by this post. While Lidl is still pretty much a no-go area save for the olive oil that we pick up there every other month, Aldi has been a revelation. Moreso in these tough times lol. Great blog. I blog randomly at http://www.africanaspects.com – do visit when you’re not cooking up a storm. Stay well!

    Reply
  14. Jeanne says

    August 19, 2008 at 12:51 pm

    Courtney – I know – after a while the whole “eat locally/sustainably/ethically” story becomes rather elitist. It shouldn’t be, but it is. I agree that there is some terrifyingly processed stuff at Lidl (never been to an Aldi), but then as I said, also frech British stuff like the PSB that the bigger chains weren’t carrying regularly. IKEA food markets can be a treasure trove – do look out for this pear cider!
    We Are Never Full – I know – it took some suspension of disbelief…! Surprisingly, not only is the food in their restaurant usually pretty good, but the herring, cheese, cripsbread – and cider! – in the food market is excellent. I’d probably stay away from the 99p hot dogs though 😉
    Jules – you are right – their seasonal stuff can be good, and they always seem to have the best selection of frozen game meats. THe PSB was a revelation to me – but every time during the season that we visitied, there is was, from British farms. Crazy.
    Andrew – LOL! CHances of you “popping over” to ours because you were “just passsing by” are pretty slim, given where we both live!! SO don’t worry, for you I will bring out the fatted calf instead of Satan’s excrement 😉
    Dragon – no chance of that! You’re stuck with me… 😉
    Charlotte – so it’s a chain-wide outbreak of weirdness than. Maybe a kink in the space-time continuum or something? But defintely free entertainment. And thrilled to get your almost-German stamp of approval 🙂
    Nina – oh believe me, we’re normal!! This blog is a bit like an iceberg – you only see the small percentage of food that pokes up above the water surface while the scrambled eggs on toast remain submerged 😉
    Justfoodnow – oh, I’m not averse to tins and bottles – I don’t think anybody in full-time employment can afford to be! Have never thought of makign my own sauerkraut as I’d imagine the house would smell vile for days… Can’t remember the brand but if we get some more I’ll let you know.
    Michelle – there are definitely some very guilty pleasures lurking in Lidl… Can’t really argue with their cheap bottles of bourbon either!!
    Katie – oh, tacky it is!! But ours is actually the closest food store to the house, which is the only reason we first went there as an experiment. They have a great selection of fruit juices and frozen game meat – so however tacky the surroundings might be, there is some cool stuff if you look. It’s also the source of the (very inexpensive) Prosecco that I quaff like water on warm summer afternoons…
    Susan – I can image leftovers at your house would be spectacular 🙂
    Jennifer – my point exactly! You wouldn’t want to do your weekly grocery shop at Lidl, but every now and again they have in stock the One Thing You Want and it’s probably cheaper than anywhere else. Agree on the lingonberry juice and the ginger biscuits – and don’t forget those addictive Daim toffees…
    Africanaspects – thanks for stopping by! Hmmm, olive oil from Lidil – must investigate! You see, that’s my point – however little you may like the store, extra virgin olive oil is extra virgin olive oil 😉 Will go and check out your blog soon.

    Reply
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Jeanne | Stylish food & travel


Are you a cook... or a baker?
I fall firmly into

Are you a cook... or a baker? 
I fall firmly into the "cook" category. Baking is too precise, too fiddly - and best left to those with an affinity for it, I always say! But every now and then, only a cake will do. Say, for example... when you celebrate your blog's SIXTEENTH birthday!! 🎉🍾 Yes, last month Cooksister.com turned sweet sixteen, and to celebrate I baked this sticky spiced plum upside down cake. It's a very forgiving recipe and it's worth every single calorie 😁. Click on the link in my profile to see the recipe or save this post so you can find it later: https://www.cooksister.com/2020/06/sticky-spiced-plum-upside-down-cake.html

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappoint
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Anybody else got Lockdown Itchy Feet Syndrome...?? If it isn't an official disorder,  it certainly should be!

I have always been a dreamer, a planner, an explorer. Few things excite me more than stepping onto the soil of a country I have not visited before. When I am going through tough personal times, my go-to self-help therapy has always been to arrange a trip - to throw off the metaphorical bow lines and sail away to a new adventure. 
But then... Corona 😞  I can honestly say that I am enjoying working from home; enjoying having the time to run every day; enjoying cooking proper meals; enjoying my own company; enjoying the lack of FOMO. But OH MAN, I miss travel. 
This image was taken 2 years ago in St George's, Grenada - my first visit to the Caribbean but  certainly not my last. This photo has me dreaming of the day I can throw off those bow lines and travel again... How are you dealing with the lack of travel during this time?

Am I the only one feeling faintly sad at all the S
Am I the only one feeling faintly sad at all the Spring bulbs that were planted last year that have been flowering in parks and public gardens with nobody (or fewer people, anyway...) around to admire them? Spare a thought for the gardeners at Holland's famous Keukenhof who planted SEVEN MILLION bulbs last winter in preparation for the garden's annual 2-month opening... but because of Covid-19 Keukenhof did not open at all in 2020. 
But the good news is that for the first time in its history, Keukenhof was virtually open this year, meaning you can enjoy the best of the Spring flowers virtually, from the comfort of your armchair.  Keukenhof posted an amazing series of videos to their YouTube channel featuring magnificent 360 degree tours of the 2020 flowering bulbs; a run-down of the best photo spots; talks by various Keukenhof gardeners; and even a visit from Spongebob Squarepants!  You can check out their YouTube channel here https://bit.ly/2WWkahW. Or you can visit my blog  https://bit.ly/2zMgrLL  to see more of my Keukenhof images like this one of a river of tulips from when I visited a few years ago.

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When people tell me they don't like Brussels spro
When  people tell me they don't like Brussels sprouts, my inner voice always cries out the same response: oh honey, you're just doing it wrong! Sesame ginger sprouts are nutty, zingy and delicious - the opposite of the overcooked grey stinky sprouts of your youth, and so easy to make! 🔖 Remember to save this post so you can make the recipe later! The recipe is also on my blog - click the live link in my profile. 
For 4 people you need:
500 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved and cooked (I roast mine in a hot oven)
1 x 2cm piece of ginger cut into fine matchsticks
2 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
1 Tbsp canola oil
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
Salt & pepper 
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Did you know that 6 February is Waitangi Day, the national day of New Zealand? .

I am marking the occasion with this photo was taken just over 3 years ago on the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki on the South Island, looking across at Mt Aoraki.  I loved my visit and planned the trip completely independently – here are some tips for anybody thinking of visiting the South Island. .
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Have you visited New Zealand’s South Island?  Would you like to?  Let me know in the comments!

"Don't just stand there, let's get to it: strike a
"Don't just stand there, let's get to it: strike a pose there's nothing to it!" (Madonna)

Nicole Kidman's is both hands on hips. Meryl Streep's is only left hand on hip. Victoria Beckham's is right hip out, left foot forward (and no smile!). Mine started as a joke many years ago - the earliest evidence I have is from 2005 😎 Do YOU have a signature pose? Tell me in the comments or DM me a pic!

This particular pose was struck on the @chateaulhospitalet estate in the Languedoc, looking out over @gerardbertrandwines vineyards all the way to the Mediterranean. You can read all about my stay there now on the blog - click on the live link in my profile

Even if you are not a French speaker as such, you
Even if you are not a French speaker as such, you may be surprised by the number of French words you already know: rendezvous, entrepreneur, souvenir and ricochet need no introduction. All have been adopted into English wholesale, with their original French meaning and spelling. Perhaps they should apply for settled status post-Brexit... But sometimes a word’s literal translation in French bears no resemblance to what the word has come to mean, such as canape. Although we know the word as meaning a small piece of pastry or bread with a savoury topping served at drinks receptions, the literal translation is a decorative antique sofa. When a clever chef first came up with the idea, the topping was thought to sit on the bread or pastry like a person reclining on a sofa, and the snacks came to be known half-jokingly as canapes. Fact! 
I enjoyed these very elegant canapes (LOVED the lacy little potato lattices!) with Code Rouge sparkling wine before a jazz dinner at Gerard Bertrand’s flagship wine estate Chateau L’Hospitalet in the Languedoc.  The dinner was as  spectacular as the canapes and you can read all about it on my blog now – click the live link in my profile above.

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1.  The closest station is Liverpool Street which is only a 5 minute walk from the market.
2. It's open daily, with over a hundred stalls, but on Wednesday the focus is on fashion & on Thursday the focus is on antiques & vintage.
3. The busiest day is Sunday - get there early to beat the crowds!
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Thanks @meetakwolff for the 📸

"You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Yo
"You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so... get on your way!" (Dr Seuss)

How are you starting the new decade? Staring at the mountains ahead, worrying about how hard they will be to climb and whether your shoes will be comfortable and whether it is going to rain along the way? Or striding confidently towards the mountains ahead, looking forward to the fresh air filling your lungs and the sense of purpose as your legs carry you ever higher, and relishing the prospect of an amazing view from the top?

There is no finer metaphor for life than a walk in the mountains and I have already made my choice as to how I plan to tackle the mountains of 2020. What's your choice? 
Wishing you all a very happy new year and amazing views from the top of every personal and professional mountain that you climb!

This particular mountain is in the Austrian Alps where I hiked last summer. Thanks to @thepassionatecook for the 📸!


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Jeanne Horak is a freelance food and travel writer; recipe developer and photographer. South African by birth and Londoner by choice, Jeanne has been writing about food and travel on Cooksister since 2004. She is a popular speaker on food photography and writing has also contributed articles, recipes and photos to a number of online and print publications. Jeanne has also worked with a number of destination marketers to promote their city or region. Please get in touch to work with her Read More…

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