Radio Connections and Another Helping of Ragù
and your French Phrase of the Day bears it teeth.
Lauren Laverne is back on 6 Music this week after a lengthy period off fighting cancer. It’s nice to have her back, to return some comfort to my ears in the morning, some familiarity some reminders of home. She’s moved from the breakfast slot (now occupied by Nick Grimshaw) to the slot that used to be occupied by Mary Anne Hobbs, when I would turn off the radio and put on a podcast because I can in no way be left alone with just my own thoughts. It does mean that now I’m in France she starts at 11 and whilst I’m here without a regular routine (a proper job), it is prime writing time. I’m listening right now. I love the way radio connects with you in a way that TV doesn’t. It feels so much more personal, the rapport built between the listener and the voice is stronger than it could be through a screen. It’s a connection. Concurrently (snooze alert) the ICC Champions Trophy (cricket) is currently taking place in Pakistan and it’s on during our day times, something else to have on in the background. I’m not able to listen through TMS (Test Match Special) (without a VPN..) which is my favourite way to consume cricket. Again, the connection that you build, especially during a test match when you’re with the same group of people for 5 days, 9 hours a day, is so strong. There are in-jokes that you feel are just for you, your favourite voices and the ones that you grin and bear and most importantly, friends when you’re spending a lot of time on your own. I’m not on my own thankfully but when I have been, radio presenters are there for you. I am happy that Lauren Laverne is back on the radio, that she’s still alive if and when I need a friend.
Now, it’s time for..
French Phrase of the Day - 26th February 2025:
Quand on parle du loup, on en voit la queue - when you talk about the wolf, you see its tail.
You’re kicking back in a Parisian café. It’s late-Spring, the sun’s out and it’s warm with a gentle breeze and you’re sitting at a table under an awning watching the world pass by with your significant other. You’re talking about anything and everything that pops in to your mind. You mention the lady that you often see round here that sweeps the streets seemingly on her own accord. Just as you are talking about her, you see her right there. Quand on parle du loup, on en void la queue! Speak of the devil! There she is! I like this better than speak of the devil. Why bring Lucifer in to a situation when you can think about almost-dogs. Almost-dogs that will eat you of course, but almost-dogs nonetheless.
Last night I finally made the bolognese with the homemade stock. This is the third I’ve made since I’ve been here so I’m sorry about that. I also took another picture.
This was, by far, the best ragù I’ve ever made. Perfect consistency, super soft mince, soffritto chopped small enough to just be imparting flavour. I used tinned plum tomatoes this time as opposed to the usual Mutti Polpa (still waiting for the spon) and I’m almost certain it made a difference. Other than the homemade stock and good quality tomatoes, I think one of the keys to this is frying off the mince on its own, in small portions to get a really good browning on the outside. If you have the time I think this is a really great step to include. It also creates great fond on the bottom of the pan which comes off when you deglaze with the red wine, keeping all flavour in the dish. The only negative to the meal was that we were out of parmesan, so I just sprinkled a little grated Emmental on top, which worked but didn’t create the classic flavour. Either way, I invite everyone reading over to try a little bite of this and see what you think.
à demain !