On shoes, spice, and all things nice.

No, do not expect a post on Scary Spice et al, although I will readily admit that I too zigga' zig' aahed through part of the nineties. And of course there was this song:


But that's not the point of this post. Spring is in the air, people. It's time for a major overhaul. Time to do weird and wacky things. Paint your kitchen walls the colour of moondust. Buy purple shoes, for example. I did the other day.

For some reason, I am feeling a big fifties vibe at the moment, as I wear boxy cropped jackets, with ridiculously large floral brooches, etc. I want to wear pretty skirts, and look like a fifties' housewife, with florally or stripy dresses from Edith and Ella and a cocktail in one hand, with a cigarette in the other. Wait, maybe I don't really care for the cigarette.

Or how about bringing back sweater girls? I bought this little item the other day, only to be told by my significant other that she thought my gran of 88 would look acceptable in it. Paired with a pair of baggy jeans, and some 1930's white tennis shoes and the aforementioned jacket, it works though.

And what about jazzing up those tried and tested favourites, like cauliflower? This evening we partook of some spicy cauliflower soup, courtesy of Alice Waters.

Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large saucepan. Peel and dice a large carrot and an onion and toss in the oil, with 1 tsp of crushed cumin and coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp of turmeric, some chilli or cayenne (depending on what's available), chili flakes. Stir around over medium heat until your veg are soft (but not brown, mind). Then add a good handful of chopped cilantro. Trim and chop up a large head of cauliflower. Toss in, with 3 cups of water and 3 cups of chicken stock. I also used half a cabbage, as I only had a small cauliflower. Bring to the boil and then cover, and simmer until the cauliflower is nice and tender. Purée your soup with a blender. Some people like to leave some roughage in it; I prefer a nice smooth soup. Add water or stock if necessary. Top up your seasoning. Serve with some cilantro. And there you go: a classic vegetable, but which has been spiced up for delectable flavour.

So what was the point of all this bla bla? I am asking you to spice up your life! Because you know you're worth it.