20 Feb 2014

The cause of poverty - from 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists'

Drink is the cause of most of the poverty,” said Slyme….
“Yes,” said Crass, agreeing with Slyme, “an ’thers plenty of ‘em wot’s too lazy to work when they can get it.  Some of the b—s who go about pleading poverty ‘ave never done a fair day’s work in all their bloody lives….”
“There’s no need for us to talk about drink or laziness, “ returned Owen, impatiently, “because they have nothing to do with the matter.  The question is, what is the cause of the life-long poverty of the majority of those who are not drunkards and who do work?  Why, if all the drunkards and won’t-works and unskilled or inefficient workers could be by some miracle transformed into sober, industrious and skilled workers tomorrow, it would, under the present conditions, be so much the worse for us, because there isn’t enough work for all now and those people by increasing the competition for what work there is, would inevitably cause a reduction of wages and a greater scarcity of employment.  The theories that drunkenness, laziness or inefficiency are the causes of poverty are so many devices invented and fostered by those who are selfishly interested in maintaining the present states of affairs, for the purpose of preventing us from discovering the real causes of our present condition.”…
“It can’t never be haltered,” interrupted old Linden.  “I don’t see no sense in all this ‘ere talk.  There’s always been rich and poor in the world, and there always will be.”…
“What do you mean by poverty, then?” asked Easton.
“What I call poverty is when people are not able to secure for themselves all the benefits of civilization; the necessaries, comforts, pleasures and refinements of life, leisure, books, theatres, pictures, music, holidays, travel, good and beautiful homes, good clothes, good and pleasant food”.
Everybody laughed.  It was so ridiculous.  The idea of the likes of them wanting or having such things!  Any doubts that any of them had entertained as to Owen’s sanity disappeared.  The man was as mad as a March hare.”

Robert Tressel:  The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists (1909)

15 Feb 2014

Risotto

wild mushroom risotto: Good Housekeeping p140

Quorn Korma

Meal planning

Popular recipes at the Roadlesstravellers Inn

Thai curry with tofu, carrot and cauliflower

Chop carrot into matchsticks and cauliflower into small florets. heat sunflower oil. fry tofu till golden. add Thai curry paste (all in jar). fry 2 mins. add all veg and coconut milk. bring to boil, simmer 10 mins. add a bit of water if not enough liquid.

Yorkshire pudding

Yorkshire pudding for toad in the hole

Sausage and apple casserole

Grill or fry sausages till brown, chunk them and set aside. Boil potatoes till cooked. Heat oil, fry onion gently till soft, add garlic, herbs and fry 2 more mins. Add carrots and apple and fry 5 more mins. Stir in tomatos, apple juice and tomato puree. Bring to boil and simmer 15 mins. Finally, add potatoes and sausages and simmer 10-15mins.

Red cabbage casserole

Rose Elliot p133