I wanted to go to Brick Lane this weekend to try and see if I could buy some cheap sugar, spices and other things for when I do Live Below the Line. Unfortunately the market’s only open on a Sunday and I wasn’t able to go. So instead Alexis and I went to Borough market, for those of you who have been you will know that it is nothing like the market at Brick Lane let alone the prices. But I was able to make quite a yummy dish in the end without it costing us too much money.
We bought a handful of clams, 4 king prawns and some purple mushrooms I usually pick when I’m in France. We had them for lunch on Sunday but I didn’t have any cream or white wine, what I would usually use to cook clams. So I raided the fridge and found some pickled chillies and philadelphia (cream cheese).
I cut up the two chillies, fried them with butter, crushed garlic and the mushrooms. Once the mushrooms were browned I added the king prawns. In a separate pan I put a glass of water and added the clams, a tablespoon of philadephia and some mixed herbs and covered the pan. Once the clams where cooked, this only takes a few minutes, I decided to add the clams (with all the liquid) in with the mushrooms and prawns and in a minute, ta-da it was ready! We boiled some new potatoes but I think some noodles would go better with this dish. This was easy peasy and is a sure pleaser.
www.liveblowtheline.org.uk/our-impact/christian-aid/
Mel
Mel and Joy cook 
It is actually more than that. People with no employment, living in the remotest areas of Africa. Every day less than a pound to be used for breakfast, lunch, dinner and also to be used for lighting their homes is no where to be found. It actually isn’t lvivng on less than a pound per day per person but less than a pound per day per family in addition to tough conditions like walking long distances on bare foot just to fetch for water and firewood. Try this and you will actually feel the pain which is experienced everyday in those living on less than a pound a day. You will see how much difference can a pound do to a family in a developing world. Thanks for the idea Mel!
Thank you Redson for your message. I totally get that it is much harder for people in developing countries and that they survive on much less than £1 a day. This fundraiser is more a way for people to start thinking a bit about how it is for people who don’t have any money. I grew up in Senegal so know how it is. For me the challenge is going to be how to make food cheap and boring food interesting. So any hints please do let me know. Thanks, Mel