Language Rocks!

Language and words are of vital importance in all human relationships. A bold statement to be sure, but what does it imply? How do we use them, why, and how?

We humans communicate with each other in a variety of ways: bodily, sensually, mentally, linguistically. All human communication involves highly evolved and complex processes. To me, language is particularly interesting because it can be expressed both in verbal and written forms, and both are powerful tools in our communication arsenal that we all too often take for granted.

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Harry's Fish Pie

My fish pie is rich, healthy (only mildly!), filling and packed full of exciting flavours, textures and aromas. I could eat it any time, but it’s especially satisfying on a cold, winter’s day. It takes a while to prepare and cook, but boy it’s worth it! Great to put in the middle of the table so that everyone can dig in. Just make sure you get your share though!

Pie Filling
(measurements are approximate as I do it by eye really)

25g butter
2 shallots, finely chopped
250ml dry white wine
250ml dry Vermouth
500ml fish or chicken stock
500ml double cream
1/2 tsp English mustard
400g mix of boned, skinned white fish chunks (cod, haddock, pollack, monkfish)
400g boned smoked haddock chunks
200g raw peeled king prawns
200g cooked, shelled mussels (optional and the fresher the better and none of that jarred nonsense)
1 lemon
Handfull of flat leaf parsley, chopped (chop the stalks as well as they’re tasty and add extra texture)
Freshly milled sea salt and black pepper

Pie Topping

5-6 large Desiree (Maris Piper will do) potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubes (they’ll cook faster)
Large knob of butter
100g grated mature cheddar
Milk (optional)
30g bag plain crisps, crushed (optional)
Dash of Worcester sauce (optional)

How to do it!

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