Baroness Blixen and the Basics

"I do like your dress."
"Oh, thank you."
"Not much of a hat though."
"It's meant to be stunning."
"We DIE of sun-stoke here."
"At least I'm safe from mosquitoes."
"Big ones."

Baroness Blixen, played by Meryl Streep in the movie "Out of Africa" which takes place in 1914, had come to Africa from Denmark to marry a baron and run a farm.  For their wedding she wore a small hat with a veil.  The hat had a tiny brim and no sun protection, and the size of the veiling would not keep out any mosquitoes...except the big ones.

She had a lot to learn and she did.  This film is on my list of top favorites.  One of the best costume dramas and a great story written by Isaak Denison, a woman who had lived on a farm in Africa.  Baroness Blixen learned quickly to cover the basics, starting with a sun hat.  She needed to.  I rely on the basics in my kitchen.

The Basics

Aromatics;  Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.  Also Sweet Marjoram, Bay, and Tarragon.   I have all these growing in my garden.  One bit of lore I love. They say the size of your sage plant reflects your prosperity.  Mine was not doing so well last year but now I have two that are thriving.  I am hopeful.

Fennel;  Because I have developed an allergy to onions, I replace them with fennel.  Cooks and looks the same, different flavor profile.

Bell Pepper Puree;  I am also sensitive to cooked tomatoes, so I substitute a bell pepper puree.  Roast 3 red, yellow and/or orange peppers at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Peel and purée in the food processor.  Store in the fridge and use it any time you would a tomato sauce.  Yields about 2 cups.

Quinoa/Corn pasta

Rice; any by Lotus Foods

Instant mashed potato flakes;  use instead of breadcrumbs, Whole Foods has one that is only potatoes.


Creme Fraiche; mix together 2 cups heavy cream, 3/4 cup buttermilk and 1/4 cup plain yogurt.  Cover with cling film and put in a warm spot to thicken.  Stir every day until desired thickness, usually 2-3 days.  I make mine on the thick side.


Also a selection of olive oils and vinegars, apple cider, balsamic, white wine vinegar steeped with fresh herbs, especially tarragon. 


And Maldon Sea Salt.


Add capers, olives, and anchovies.


Then there is cheese; English Coastal Cheddar(from Trader Joe's and my favorite part of England, coastal Dorset), California goat cheese, Monterey Jack, feta, riccotta and mozzarella.


My own gluten free flour mix of 5 flours: makes 7 cups

2 cups white rice flour
2 cups "sweet" sorghum flour
2 cups millet flour
1/2 cup potato flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour

Ground Flax Seed


Chicken Stock; I try to roast a chicken every week or so and make my own with the carcass, everything in the market has onions.


Lots of fresh organic vegetables.


Those are the basics.

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