I fought some squid and lost!
The fishmonger in Castres had no squid for sale—a warning sign I should have respected.
SuperU is usually good for fish but was too far out of my way.
Leclerc could be on my way home.
Why do we do these things?
I had that sneaky feeling I should leave them and try the fishmonger in Lautrec in the morning but Meredith expressed interest in squid stew.
We are up to our eyes getting things shipshape to leave and I couldn’t face having to think about dinner any more.
So…
I stop off at Leclerc.
I normally accept the fishmonger’s offer to les nettoyer (clean them up and take the skin off ) then finish the job myself at home, but the fish assistant doesn’t want to do anything but wrap them up.
So…
I get them home and and start to skin them–or at least try.
Very soon they begin to get under my skin as I failed to get under theirs.
And the tentacles felt tougher than usual.
I cut one squid on the tentacle side of the ‘eye’
and a swoosh of black squid ink shoots across the kitchen, hits the back door and covers the floor.
Do I really want to eat these recalcitrant mariners? Not much, but am reluctant now to give in.
I’m in a the battle with the squid!
So…
My frustration increases and I’m in danger of nicking myself with the knife I’m using.
There’ll be more than black ink on the floor, but I persist in this madness–until my back starts telling me no dish is worth this amount of hassle.
The four fennel bulbs in the fridge that have been metaphorically tapping me on the shoulder for a good fifteen minutes–finally manage to persuade me that there’s more to life than skinning squid and…
we have fennel soup and cheese instead for supper!–quick to do and a healthier option at night.
Squid! watch out –I’m looking for a return match!
O, just say it…..
That squid sucks!
😉
You have guts! (unfortunately, so does Mr. Squid!)
!
reminds me of a song… I fought the squid and squid won. I can’t wait to read what you come up with when you get some proper squid.
I used your Fennel Soup recipe last weekend. I had never made anything with fennel before so I was curious as to how the finished dish would taste. Very nice, indeed!
ARRRGGGHHHHH!! Funny! Squid – 1, Robin – 0….!
Yikes!!! THAT much ink? im impressed!!! ……..
You’re in fine company; Moby Dick, Captain Nemo, even Dr. No all had their squidly moments. But oh, to have been a fly on the wall when that ink flew across the kitchen!
I have never tried quid and I don’t think I ever will if it can get the better of you,it’s best left be.I bet the cats had to close there ears when the ink flew.
Quite a battle, dear Robin? And the squid won! I have never tasted this “inky” warrior. Now I don’t think I ever will…
This squid may have been masquerading as squid and in fact was a leather belt!
Indeed it may have been masquerading as a leather belt but the Rio de Janeiro Carnival has ended and the Gay Parade in Sydney (Australia) hasn’t yet began. So the kind people that we are we’ll let the poor fellow go free. Robin, speaking seriously, are you aware how fortunate you are to have a fishmonger to debone and “deskin” your purchases? Even Monsieur Fraisse is willing to cut and trim pork d’echine the way you prefer it to be trimmed and still has a minute to spare to chat with you about “l’Outre Atlantique” or the mysterious and mind boggling happenings in…Lybia. These are the human treasures that many people do not have anymore. Here we have three Supermarkets. Each displays the fresh meat products nicely packaged and “poison neat”. One has only two choices: take it or leave it. The fishmonger is not visible at all. Nobody has a spare minute. Robin, you live in Paradise even if the Mediterranean Sea is distant and a couple hours away. May you both continue to live in that idyllic place for many years to come and always in Bonne Sante!
Odette–vous avez raison nous avons de la chance!
People here don’t mind waiting in a queue while the fishmonger fillets someone else’s mackerel but get impatient with slower drivers on the highway. Our cheesemonger, Dominique, always has a queue of people waiting patiently while he engages with someone on n’importe sujet du jour. I did not go to the market today but the subject would have been Le Roogbee this 6 nation weekend.
Je me souviens encore tres bien de ces sujets divers du jour etant “epluches” au marche de la ville. Les gents n’etaient jamais d’accord. C’est un vrai l’esprit francais! However, dear Robin, I was much too young to appreciate it all. Mea maxima culpa to never having had enough patience not to tap my foot while waiting in a mile long queue. These necessary visits to the market used to be my “grandes corvees”.
Bravissimo and also my three cheers to whoever wins this “Roogbee” de six nations. I find this word “Roogbee” along with its cousin “cadiovasular” very apt and adorable. I’m still giggling… Thank you, Robin. Je vous souhaite pas seulement un beau voyage mais aussi un vent de bonne chance…
Dear Robin, that so easy to clean.Just pull from one side and everything comes out, then cut the eyes out en chop up in the pieces you want.The skin comes easy loose, don’t cook too long, put salt and herbs on it(hot paprika is very good) and piments fine chopt.Serve rice with it.
I just love it, that’s the fish I mostly prefer soooo tasy !!!Yummy,yummy good luck.Don’t cook it too long just a few min.to avoid rubber.Hughs, Chantal.
There’s a squid stew recipe in my book–it involves longer cooking and gives the squid time to relax!
Dear Robin, Is the squid then still alive revenging with the ink? I hope he don’t escape like the snake….lol. I Don’t have your cookbook yet, all the other books I have.Also some photos (little stills).Have a happy landing tomorrow and a big success!!So sorry I can’t be there, till we meet one day (I hope), hughs, Chantal xx.
Such an intrepid fighting spirit. Even Captain Poldark would have lost that duel!
Not sure he would have been in the kitchen in the first place, Tina!
Robin,
I just ordered your book online, but I don’t imagine I will be fighting squid any time soon. I hope to try a few recipes before traveling to the Chicago area book-signing event. After 30 years pining over Ross Poldark, how can I miss the opportunity to thank you for that portrayal? (I am still breathless from watching the Acorn DVDs.) And now you will help me stave off diabetes — a hero indeed, squid battle regardless! I wish you a safe trip and fine weather ( a challenge in March) for your visit to the US.
Hi Nancy!–I look forward to meeting you in the Windy City in a few days!
I loved the “recalcitrant mariner” comment! But can we expect a sequel? The Squid Fights Back or Return Of . . . ?
A few years ago, I offered to clean a squid for my elderly papa as he is less than dexterous. Never again! It was like wrestling with something from a 1950s horror movie. By the time I got to removing the beak, I had to go and lie down in a darkened room! The incident has now become a measure of daughterly love . . . I love you, but not enough to clean your squid!
LOL,! I laugh with you robin! not at you!…..Very funny tale…
And as for the rugby,im drowning my sorrows as we speak!,stunning game though!,
Bon Voyage!, Have a safe trip!
Sliante maurice
ps Will there ever be a simple way to skin a squid?
Just to say that your slow-cooked fennel and garlic went down very well recently. Finally, a way with fennel that does it some justice! My husband even presented me with a fennel bulb yesterday for a repeat performance.
It would be even nicer to be presented with daffodils, but there’s no chance of that here. I’m looking forward to catching them in UK before long. March is an excellent time for a trip and I hope you have a good one! I hear the daffs are already out in places…