I can’t give a better introduction to Dan and his blog than he does in his own words: “I wouldn’t call it so much a peek as a full blown expose of your innermost culinary pretentions and ambitions. You’re effectively rolling over and exposing the soft paunch of your underbelly and asking to be caressed. You’re a culinary whore!”.
Read on, my friends, read on!
Name: Dan (Essex Eating)
Blogging since: January 2009
Location: Was Leigh on Sea in Essex, now Bristol.
Blog address: www.essexeating.blogspot.com
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Ok, I’m 36. I grew up and lived in Essex, worked in London. I’ve just recently moved to Bristol and I love eating, drinking and cooking. I’m currently errr unemployed (I was made redundant in April), and I’ve been taking some time out to think about what I want to do next, something food related hopefully.
How would you describe your blog?
My blog is pretty much a diary of what I’ve been up to food-wise, which restaurants I’ve eaten in, the food I’ve cooked at home. There’s no real format to it, it’s just what interests me – and hopefully the people who read it as well!
I try to not take it too seriously and make it humorous.
Where do you find inspiration for your cooking and blogging?
All over the place really. I’ve got a huge collection of cookbooks, heaps of them. Twitter is a big inspiration, as is my Girlfriend Elly who owns a café and catering business in Bristol – she’s a wicked cook, and I always try to make sure I write about the restaurants I eat at (I eat out pretty often).
What do you like the most and the least about blogging?
I like getting feedback on what I’ve written; I love readers to comment – good or bad (but preferably blind worship – ta). I also really like that you get to meet some fantastic people and there’s a real social scene around it, especially in London.
The thing I like least, is feeling like you need to write something but just not feeling inspired – it should never feel like work. Apart from that, it’s pretty much all good!
Do you have a favourite recipe you’d like to share?
My favourite recipe, errr I guess it needs to be one of my own…and as autumns approaching fast – how about a nice simple warming one?
Mince+Tatties
Enough for 4 people. 40 Mins cooking time.
You’ll need:-
For the ‘Mince’
500g Good Minced Beef
3 Carrots – peeled and finely chopped.
1 Large Onion – finely chopped.
1 Stick Celery – finely chopped.
500Ml Beef Stock.
2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
Dash of Tabasco Sauce
1/2 Tbs Marmite
Salt+Pepper
1 Tbs Porridge Oats.
For the ‘Tatties’
Potatoes – Desiree or Maris Piper, about 400g per person.
Knob of Butter
Salt+Pepper (I prefer White Pepper in Mash)
In a large Saucepan on a high heat brown your Mince with some Salt+Pepper.
Add the Onions and Celery to the browned mince, and cook until softened – 5 mins or so.
Stir in the Carrots, then add the Stock, the Worcestershire sauce, The Oats and a dash of Tabasco Sauce.
Bring to the boil – and then simmer for 30 mins.
5 Mins before the end – add your Marmite.
(I know not everyone likes it, and it seems a bit of a strange addition- but it doesn’t taste of Marmite – it adds a real richness – try it.)
Add Salt+Pepper to taste.
Your Tatties – will take about 25 mins – so get these in some salted boiling water about the same time you start simmering your Mince – and it will all be done at the same time.
Mash your drained potatoes with a Large knob of Butter, salt and pepper.
Serve a dollop of Mash with the Mince on the side.
