White Bean and Chorizo Salad

It's another warm day here--and for other reasons, I haven't had much of an appetite lately; nothing was going to hit the spot like another chilled salad. Since I was introduced to the chorizo-based confection, my life has never been the same. Here's a modification of an old Food & Wine recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of cannellini beans
• 3 oz of finely diced chorizo
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4c. bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4c. flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 t. dried oregano
• 1/8 t. cumin seeds
• 1/2 spicy red pepper, chopped (for a little extra spice)
• 1/4c. e.v.o.o. (or less)
• 1 T. red wine vinegar
• 1T. balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh spinach
• 1 radish, thinly sliced
• A few black olives

1. Combine all the ingredients except for the olives, radish and spinach. Refrigerate for half an hour.
2. Spread out your spinach greens, add on a scoop of the bean salad and garnish with the olives and radishes.

W. T. Gibbons, Baker Etc.

Yesterday we finally had a warm summer day here in Britain. I took the opportunity to dust off an old classic: the marinated caprese. (You can also get some vine ripe tomatoes now at the grocery or farmers' market that aren't tasteless, mealy orange balls.) But when the caprese is gone and there's oil and vinegar in the bottom of the bowl, nothing mops it up like a good piece of crusty bread. I didn't have any on hand yesterday, but it reminded me of one of my favourite gems: W. T. Gibbons, Baker Etc. It's down Cowley Rd. (16 Hertford St.) and with obscure opening hours (M–F 8h15–13h00, 15h00–16h00; Sat. 8h15–14h00), but well worth the trip. They usually have several different kinds of bread on offer from Cotswold Crunch to your basic white. They also sell rolls, eggs, and raw pizza dough (which we've also tried--it's great; you just have to use it the day you buy it.)

I don't have a price list, but the other great thing about it--it's dirt cheap. We walked out one day with a large loaf of bread, six rolls, and some pizza dough for under £2. There's clearly a local following; the lady who runs the bakery seems to know every one that comes in the door. As you might expect with a place like this, they do run out of items--so get there early to have your pick. 

New Salt Cellar

Not so rustic but a welcomed addition. The weekly antiques market in Gloucester Green has plenty of dealers with solid silver or silver-plated tableware. This little gem (which required some serious polishing) was only £5.