Foodie Lass This is a beautifully presented book – whether you are a keen gardener or have an interest in the food you eat then this book should be on your bookshelf. A Year in My Shetland Garden takes you on a seasonal journey through the seasons by Misa and her experiences of growing food in the Shetlands.
Photographer Susan Molloy captures the ethos of the recipes and the gardening tips throughout the book. The book contains so many seasonal recipes to choose from and is presented with clear chapter headings. Misa adds her own special flavours to her recipes which have been formed from her Czech heritage plus her experiences through travel.
Reading through this book you realise how important it is to slow down on occasions and take more opportunity to eat in a healthier way and perhaps even try to grow your own food even if it is just a window box or a few pots in your garden with simple salad leaves. You will be surprised how rewarding it is to use fresh food that you have grown in a tasty recipe such as a soup, salad, snacks or wholesome quick meals.
Here is an example recipe from this delightful book:
Summer Garden Salad
Serves 4
1 head of lettuce of your choice
2 handfuls of wild rocket
10 radishes
10 mangetout
Edible flowers and raspberries
For the dressing
2 tbsp extra virgin oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Pinch of salt
To make the dressing, transfer all ingredients into a small jar and shake vigorously until mixed well and emulsified (when all liquids turn into a smooth, unified texture).
Wash the salad leaves and rocket thoroughly and spin in a salad spinner. I usually leave the leaves submerged in cold water for 15 minutes to get rid of any small bugs.
Slice the radishes and mangetout thinly. A mandoline slicer is perfect for this.
To assemble the salad place the lettuce leaves at the bottom of a large serving bowl or dish, followed by the rocket. Now you can get arty with the sliced vegetables.
Drizzle the salad with the dressing and finish by adding the raspberries and edible flowers if using.
This is a great book to browse through with a cup of tea or coffee either during summer or cosy up by a warm open fire in winter.
A Year in My Shetland Garden by Misa Hay, published by 60 North Publishing is available from Amazon Books or visit www.60northpublishing.com
