Binning banned

I'M IMPRESSED with the French government's decision to ban supermarkets from binning food that is fit to eat. There are many that would oppose this "big" government interference in the operation of the free market, and I expect such feelings would prevent the UK government from doing something similar. But this would have a bigger and more beneficial effect than putting a price on plastic bags, something they are prepared to do. And apart from those in the business of disposing of some of this waste, there is no commercial damage and it would be a boon for those charities trying to feed those who can't afford to buy it for themselves or their children. Take a look:

https://www.facebook.com/msnbc/videos/928327940596792/

Adapt and adopt

OAT CUISINE: More bite

THE DAILY BREAD is evolving. As well as strong white (250g), wholemeal (150g) and rye (50g), today I included medium oatmeal (50g). It gives the loaf a nuttier flavour and more bite without much affecting the rise, crust or crumb.

But while I stick to the basic recipe -- using a total of 500g of flour -- the experiments continue and so, I hope, will yours. What goes into your favourite bread... spelt, perhaps? Or some seeds?

Fusion food

Seen in a pub restaurant near Edinburgh:

A thousand a bottle

A VERY happy liquid lunch at the Glenkinchie distillery -- five whiskies sampled, in order of preference: Haig Club single grain, a triumph of style and hype over lack of substance (and you can keep it, Mr Beckham); Glenkinchie,

a lowland malt that I'm sure is more enjoyable with the smell of the stuff all around as you drink it in the distillery; 14-year-old Clynelish,

which deserves further investigation; smoky and peppery Talisker,

curry in a glass and always a favourite of mine; and the star of the show, offered to a couple of us after the others had left, a very rare Mortlach that I wish I could get more of. But I can't afford to. I've just found out on the interweb that it spent 32 years in sherry casks before it was bottled in 1971, and how much a bottle would cost: £999!