Simple Bouquet Garni

The weather in Seattle at the moment could best be described as atrocious. No major Hurricanes, Tornados, Tsunamis, Earthquakes or other cataclysmic disruptions, just day after day after day aft (you get the picture) of unrelenting rain. Oh, we have had some high winds too, just for dramatic effect, but not the kind that huff and puff and blow your house down, just the ones that rip off roofing felt, knock down powerlines and generally piss you off. It is in this climate that  I have decided to stay indoors and cook. I don't actually need any food at the moment, on account of just having had 2 lunches. I had already made something and was tucking in when the phone rang.

"You haven't forgotten our lunch date, have you?" asked a very patient and delightful friend.

"Who me, forget lunch with you, not possible," I lied through my teeth. "I'm just tidying up and I'll be there in a few minutes."

"Jesus H Christ," I shouted as I grabbed the car keys, wiped my mouth with the napkin, checked for tell tale splashes, and rushed out the door.

So now I am back home and feeling slightly full. Well, bloated if the truth be known, so instead of eating anything else today, I'll make something for tomorrow.

One way to make a simple casserole taste wonderful is to make a bouquet garni out of a stick of celery, some thyme, rosemary, bay and a piece of string. Make a little parcel as shown and pop it in the sauce before putting it in the oven. Pull it out before serving so that polite friends don't start eating it.

Enjoy