Desert Island Foods

I’ve been slightly overwhelmed, and delighted, with the response to ‘Friday Nibbles’. Thanks to everyone who has commented, emailed or responded in some way. It’s definitely a keeper.

But all this thinking of store cupboard essentials turned my mind to the absolute essentials, those items that I couldn’t possibly live without. What five items would I pack if I knew I was destined to spend an indefinite amount of time stranded on a tropical island?

Along with the ‘Last Supper Game’, this is a favourite amongst the cheffing fraternity. Why? Because it is sublime in its simplicity. It’s a game that provokes intense thought as well as healthy debate: ‘You’d waste a whole item on caviar? You’re crazy! At least Pork chops will fill me up!’

It’s a game that offers an enlightening glimpse into the soul of every foodie and one that allows each person to put forward their case and then change their mind a number of times before settling on their own definitive list. It’s a game that causes defensive muscles to flex and warm feelings to wash over you when you think of all those great ingredients that you cherish. And all those that must fall by the wayside.



So, I thought I’d kick things off. These are the rules:

You can take five items and are allowed one sentence in which to justify your decision. Please feel free to play along and link back here if you are feeling generous. If you wish to tag any fellow bloggers, then tag away with wanton abandon. The more the merrier.

You are on a desert island so assume a plentiful supply of exotic fish, coconuts and sea salt. Ignore any issues regarding storage issues. There happens to be a very large solar powered refrigerator washed up on the shore as well. But what five items would you have brought with you?



1. A large, heavily pregnant pig. Ah, the pig – true nose to tail eating and the most versatile, not to mention tasty, animal in existence.
2. Potatoes. Boiled, roasted, mashed, fried, chipped, crisped, baked, gratinated: the list of filling starchy goodness goes on, and on, and on.
3. Chickpeas. Of all the leguminous vegetable, these are the ones that I think I would pack – they are filling, completely tasty and incredibly versatile
4. Garlic. Pure and simple, as a flavouring garlic is the very best: French, Spanish, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Indian, South American, Asian – with garlic, all could be on the menu
5. As a luxury item I think I would take an enormous pot of goose fat. Hey, if I’m living alone on a desert island I want some small concession to the good life and this would be it.

Game on…