Helpful links for staying (the F) home

Writing is one way I deal with anxiety, so please see this less as a way to jump on the bandwagon, and more as a chance for me to share some great links to sites that I’ve found helpful lately.

Because the UK has been at the brink of a no-deal Brexit a few times now, I’ve had plenty of time to research and think about how to stock and prepare a pantry for unpredictable times. Not panicked, out-of-control stockpiling, just a measured, common-sense approach that doesn’t hurt others.

Sadly we all are now abundantly aware of what panicked shoppers are buying, but hopefully these links will lead you to other options that might be overlooked by everyone heading for the dried pasta section.

Food

The Serious Eats Guide to Beans
I don’t cook often with beans, so this guide has been extremely helpful. 

Freezing Herbs – Better Homes & Gardens
Panicked shoppers are focused on basic non-perishables, and not giving as much thought to how to make things taste good. 

Nigel Slater’s Classic Caldo Verde Recipe – The Guardian
I remembered this recipe while I was in the grocery store, after I freaked out a little about the stark lack of bread. I saw a big bag of kale, and then also grabbed a handful of potatoes, chorizo sausages and knew I had onions, garlic and chicken stock cubes at home already. 

Hero Tomato Sauce – Jamie Oliver
Just a simple tomato and basil tomato sauce that freezes very well. 

Curried Lentil and Coconut Soup – The Guardian
You are all probably very tired of me recommending this soup. It’s because it’s very easy and you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. 

Chocolate Banana Snack Cake
A moist, delicious vegan cake to make if you bought too many bananas, or ran out of eggs. Or you’re vegan. 

Staving off boredom and loneliness

I just installed Netflix Party and can’t wait to try it!

If a well-meaning family member or friend has tried to get you into knitting, but you never got around to learning properly, Simple Stylish Knitting has a YouTube channel with tons of video tutorials. Hopefully that same well-meaning person also gave you needles and some yarn to give it a whirl.

Check in with your friends and family members. There’s never been a better time to set up a video chat session, or even just make a pact to check in regularly over messaging. And don’t forget that friend who always seems to have it together. Best case, they’re fine but will be happy to hear from you. But you might be the lifeline they didn’t realise (or admit) they need.

A search for best podcasts will give you plenty of rabbit holes to fall into, but some of my favourites (my brain goes yesssss when new episodes arrive) are:

Useful round-up: Stay Home and Avoid the Coronavirus With These Fun and Useful Websites (25 Pics)

Finally – I have a serious case of the giggles from this – Jonathan Frakes at half speed. Share it with anyone who needs a good belly laugh.

#staythefuckhome #flattenthecurve #selfisolation #washyourhands