OMG - Ottolenghi

OMG! These beautiful deli’s, come Mecca’s of gastronomy grace London’s sunnier streets, for Yotam Ottolenghi has an eye for all things extraordinarily edible.

Some might say Yotam has the midas touch?

His meringues are magical mountains of bursting peaks and bright eye catching colour.

His salads sing freshness and taste, perfectly dressed and textures that appeal to all.

Carnivorous types are not to be left out either, meat cuts are tended too like delicate flowers, cooked to perfection, juicy and tender, simply melt in the mouth.

OMG! I’ve had the pleasure of watching Mr Ottolenghi in action, his confident presence in the kitchen is reassuring and his knowledge of cookery impressive. Above all, he celebrates the beauty of food and appears to be on a continuous journey of flavour adventure. What drives this passion?

He loves? I love. We all love. What to love? Love, an awesome feeling, to our hearts love is our innermost glove, warming all who feel it, it is everlasting and all encompassing. Love protects and heals us from all woes, it offers hope and light. It's purity is priceless and plentiful. Thank goodness it cannot be bought, what a relief.

Today, however, Love is coined to sell and promises kudos. I'm sure we all want a piece of the cake, whatever that may be. Though if it's not real it will never sustain and leave you wanting more. Our bodies thrive when treated with love, inspiration and creativity flow freely, good food and positive feelings in plentiful abundance encourage this process. Maybe Mr Ottolenghi thinks so too?

I recommend seeking out one near you, for a gallery of food cooked with love, if there isn't one close by, try his recipes instead. I’m a big fan of his cookbooks, his latest, “Plenty” is a vegetarians waking dream- I have a signed copy for one lucky reader, all you have to do to be in with a chance is –

Describe, in no more than 50 words, a food you love and why?  Please email your entries to feelingfood@gmail.com and include your address. I will dedicate a blog to the winning entry and Mr Ottolenghi’s lovely signed cookbook will be yours to keep. The closing date for entries is 30th October, just in time for spooky Halloween . . .

Today on this beautiful Monday I’m sharing with you my favourite bread recipe. This is loved by all who taste it and it is so simple to make. Enjoy feeling love in your bread-making.

With love FFX

You may be wondering what OMG stands for in the FF sense???  

OH MONDAY’S GREAT! Of course :-)


I hope you're having a lovely start to the week, and that you enjoy making these.

Lovely Soda Wedges of possibility

Dry ingredients

Wholewheat flour 450g

Salt ½ tsp

Bicarbonate of soda 1tsp

Mature cheddar cheese 140g, grated

Courgette 1 small grated

Walnuts 1 handful roughly chopped

Wet ingredients

Buttermilk 284ml

Semi skimmed milk 3 tbsp

Wholegrain mustard 2 tbsp

PRE-HEAT oven to 220’ gas 7.

LINE baking tray with baking parchment.

MIX together all dry ingredients in a large bowl.

MAKE a well in the middle of the dry ingredients.

COMBINE wet ingredients in a jug and pour into your well.

STIR and mix to make a wish!

LIGHTLY shape into a ball and gently flatten to make roughly a 22cm round loaf.

CUT into 8 wedges and place slightly apart on the line baking tray.

BAKE for 20 - 25 minutes, depending on your oven.

COOL on a wire rack and cover with a clean tea towel.

EAT with your favourite soup for a seriously soothing experience.