Wednesday 25 January 2012

Burns Night


In January with the days long and dark and the weather normally cold and wet, it seems reasonable to make the most of every day. This week we have already celebrated Chinese New Year and tonight see will see us enjoying the delights of Burns night. So to add to the Haggis and the Whisky I have made some Ginger Shortbread. As you can see Les and I have tested it already to make sure its OK. It's OK...

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Black Banana Cake


I made Nigel Slater's Black Banana Cake today - with my own addition of a little rum. It was delicious. We had a meeting for the Twinning Association and realised I didn't have any cake to give them or our guests. This recipe sounds horrrble but is yummy. I love Nigel Slater he always makes things look so simple and his recipes always turn out well. http://http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/black_banana_cake_52982

Friday 6 January 2012

12th night blues - not me

We look forward to Christmas for so long, all that rushing around, shopping and worry over present buying, and then whoosh its gone. Today I have taken all the decorations down and they are safely packed away in their boxes ready to be put back in the attic where they will stay for another 12 months. Anyone who has stayed with us will know that there is nothing contemporary or minimalist about our house but isn’t it funny how bare it looks after the decs come down. As much as I loved putting them up when the decorations come down and I have cleaned every nook and cranny I always feel renewed. Maybe it’s just the passing of time into the New Year that makes you feel like starting all over again. This of course is what we do. Life like the seasons has a pattern and as we head off into yet another year I feel optimistic and hopeful for the forthcoming months. I have always been an optimist and I know the country is in a terrible state, people are struggling and many face adversity but the New Year to me always holds a sense of excitement and hope. Whether you believe 12th night is the 5th or 6th January (it changes according to your beliefs) let me wish you all good fortune and good health for 2012.