Kalettes from Marks and Spencers

Kalettes are a hybrid of Kale and Brussel sprouts which are cute without the bitterness.

Several supermarkets have had them in the last two years.

This year I got mine from M&S Food.

Tried them raw and they were surprisingly delicious with a salty savoury taste without any grassiness.

I simply blanched them for dinner and they tasted like tiny spring greens with a firm texture.

When you blanch Kalettes you get this fascinating emerald green liquid which is fun and natural.

With other green vegetables you don't get this shade but more of a  pea green

Overall the Kalettes are adorable and delicious.

Fresh artichokes

Through my restaurant journey, I have always come accross canned artichokes which are found in salads, risotto, as a garnish or made into dips but I have never had it fresh.
Spotted them at the market so decided to get them.
I believe the ones I bought were the spiny artichokes, other artichokes you can get are the petit violet, white globe and purple globe.
https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-artichokes/
According to the photos online, these artichokes were not the freshest but since I don't often come accross them I had to try it.
You can either steam or boil the artichokes.
Steaming is probably better because boiling will probably take the flavours away.
Once it is cooked, you eat from the leaves to the middle by scraping the leaves in your mouth for the meat.
When you get to the centre, you scrape away the flowery bit in the middle and you're left with the artichoke heart, the bit where restauarnts use in their dishes.
Overall, I had the artichoke plain so I really enjoyed the nutty taste, however you can dip it with mayonnaise or something creamy.

Steamed Artichokes:

Boiled Artichokes:

The fuzzy choke which you do not eat!

It must be spooned out and you will be left with the artichoke heart.

Fresh artichokes from Marks and Spencer.

Purple artichokes:

Brussel sprouts

Brussel sprouts are cute little vegetables that look like mini cabbages.
They are eaten for Christmas with roast turkey.

As a foodie, I have always wondered what the brussels sprouts plant is like and I got my answer at the market.

Most places sell it without the top but at the market the top came with it.

The Brussel sprouts are bigger at the bottom and smaller at the top and you will find mini sprouts in between the leaves.

[Review] M&S Marks Spencers Cook with Diced Onions

As I was making some stew, the Marks Spencers Cook with Diced Onions were a really handy ingredient as the onions are diced uniformly so you won't sting your eyes chopping them.