Therapy of sorts, sought.

  Today for no particular reasonI wanted a bit of cheering up in the kitchen department. This happens from time to time and the way I scratch that particular itch is to let my creativity have a free reign. I still haven't decided if the end result was cohesive or incongruous but it certainly was a pleasure to eat so maybe I'm being a bit harsh.

  The menu started with inspiration from a conversation over the weekend that included sardines. I hadn't had any in ages so that seemed like a good enough reason to head to my fishmonger. What I didn't know is that the sardine season is over so there will be no more fresh, local ones available. Fortunately, they had the end of their last order and I got six. But what to accompany them with?

  This is where I doubt the cohesiveness of the plate. Originally I was thinking about having the sardines on a salad but an idea I had for another day encroached on my creative juices and all of a sudden I was making a leek, spinach and goats cheese quiche. I guess that if I'd made quiches as little tartlets I wouldn't be whinging like a six year old but I made a full size one so I think it looked clumsy.

  As I read this garbage back I realise I'm still upset about something and have managed to find a way to take it out on my menu choices. I'm sorry you got dragged into my pointless internal dialogue, I'll keep this relevant from now on. The fish were very gently pan fried in butter and at the end a bit of lemon juice was squeezed in and a few capers strewn over the top.

  I sweated some leeks gently and when quite soft, threw a load of baby spinach in. This all got mixed with eggs, mustard and basil and put in the pastry shell and topped with a soft goat's cheese before going into the oven to set. All the flavours and textures went together really well, which was a lovely accident, and the time I spent cooking was lovely and therapeutic. Mission accomplished.

Kirk out

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