Christmas Cake

Christmas Cake

  November 07, 2020    AnnS

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 I have probably made a Christmas cake every year for the past 50 years.  It started when my Mum showed me to make a cake as part of the Christmas tradition. Always start at the beginning of November by soaking the fruit in brandy overnight.  I have varied the recipe very little over the years and every year I have the most amazing rich fruit cake to celebrate Christmas.  In the early years the cake was decorated with marzipan and iced in a range of patterns.  When I was teaching 'Home Economics' I used this recipe and the mixture was divided into  - baked bean cans for the students to make individual cakes.  How they loved to decorate the tops and tie up with red ribbons.  Over the past few years I have left it without the icing and just serve it with a slice of cheese.  Wensleydale cheese is white and crumbly with an amazing taste to go with the cake. The choice of cheese is yours.

This is how I make my Christmas Cake - feel free to adapt and make it your own Christmas tradition.

Ingredients

450g currants

175g sultanas

175g raisins

50g glace cherries - rinsed and finely chopped

50g mixed peel

6 tabsp. brandy

225g plain flour

pinch salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp mixed spice

225g butter

225g soft brown sugar

4 eggs

1 desserts sp. black treacle

grated rind of lemon and orange

Method

Night before place all the fruit into a large bowl, add the brandy, cover with cling film and leave to soak

1. Preheat the oven to Gas 1/275F/140C

2.Grease and line a 20cm round or 18cm square tin with greaseproof paper

3. Sieve the flour, salt and spices into a bowl

4. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl

5.  In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar making sure that it is light and fluffy

6.  Add the eggs a drop at a time making sure it is well mixed at each stage

7.  Add the flour and fold in using a metal spoon

8.  Add the soaked fruit and black treacle and mix well.

9.  Make a wish at the final stir.

10.  Place the mixture into the prepared tin and level with the back of the spoon.

11. Make a slight dip with the back of the spoon in the middle so the cake has an even rise.

12.  Cover the top with a piece of greaseproof with a small hole at the centre.  This will ensure that the         top does not get over-brown

13.  Wrap wet newspaper around the outside of the tin and tie with string to prevent the cake cooking              too quickly at the sides.  I usually leave my paper on the tin for a few years an just make sure it is         really wet before going into the oven.  The smell of wet newspaper quickly wears off and you are           left with the wonderful smell of Christmas.

14.  Bake for 4 hours on a low shelf - DO NOT LOOK.  Test with a needle  - if it comes out clean the            cake is ready.

15.  Leave to get cold  and then wrap in double greaseproof paper and store in an airtight tin.

16.  At least every 2 weeks feed the cake with brandy by inserting holes with a needle and pouring over         a couple of teaspoons.

The cake can be decorated with marzipan and icing the week before Christmas or just leave it as it is and serve with slices of cheese.

                                                  Get everything ready before starting to mix the cake.

      

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Pavlova

Pavlova

  August 13, 2020    AnnS

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 Pineapple and Ginger Pavlova

I make this every so often when I have enough egg whites.  I love it as a summer pudding.

Ingredients

3 large egg whites

175g caster sugar

1tsp vinegar

1 tsp cornflour

300ml double cream

200g drained pineapple

6 pieces stem ginger (syrup)- chopped

Method

Preheat the oven 150C/Gas 2/300F.  Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and mark a 8 inch circle on it.

Whisk the egg whites util they stand in stiff peaks, then add the sugar a spoonful at a time continuing to whisk until the whites are glossy.

Blend the cornflour and vinegar together and add to the last spoonful of sugar

Spoon the meringue onto the circle on the paper and spread it so the edge is slightly higher than the centre.

Bake for 1 hour, then switch off the oven and leave until cold

Transfer the meringue to a platter.  Whip the cream until thick and put into the centre of the meringue.

Decorate with pineapple and stem ginger.

Variations: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries

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Fridge Coleslaw

Fridge Coleslaw

  July 27, 2020    AnnS

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I call this dish 'Fridge Coleslaw' as everything I use is either from the fridge or my cupboard.  You know the feeling, those couple of celery stalks, the odd tomato or apple that hasn't quite made into anything else.

Fridge Coleslaw

Cauliflower - broken into small florets

2 sweet apples - cored and cubed (leave the skins on for extra colour)

celery - sliced

handful of sultanas

Dressing

1 tabsp. clear honey

1 tabsp. cider vinegar

3 tabsp olive oil

handful of chopped mint

Prepare the vegetables/fruits and place into a bowl.

Add all the dressing ingredients into a screw top jar - shake well

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well

Leave in the fridge until ready to serve.

This is such an easy recipe and you could add more varieties of veg or whatever is in your fridge.

You could leave the mint out of the dressing and just use it as a honey and cider dressing.

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Mini Water Feature

Mini Water Feature

  July 13, 2020    AnnS

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Take one large plant pot, 

https://www.diy.com/departments/momoka-g-blue-plastic-ribbed-plant-pot-dia-40cm/1829869_BQ.prd

a bag of pebbles 

https://www.diy.com/departments/blooma-white-marble-pebbles-22-5kg-bag/1910975_BQ.prd

Wash the pebbles to remove any dust and place in the plant pot.  Cover with water.  

Add your solar fountain andf there you have it your own mini water feature.

My solar fountain has three settings.  So easy to set up and I can sit in the garden listening to the tinkling of water.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/OKMEE-Fountain-Lights%EF%BC%8C9V-1200mAh-Decoration/dp/B08B3LJHZS/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=solar+water+fountain+Okmee&qid=1594652642&sr=8-5

I may add a couple of water plants for extra colour.

Very relaxing

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Mint Tea

Mint Tea

  July 12, 2020    AnnS

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What could be nicer than a mug of Mint Tea.  I grow mint in a large tub to prevent it growing all over the garden.  I enjoy a mint tea in the afternoons.

Pick a few stems of mint and wash under cold water to remove any bugs

Boil a kettle of fresh tap water - don't use water already in the kettle.

Heat the tea-pot with boiling water discarding the water.

Put all the fresh mint into the tea-pot and pour over the boiling water.

Put the lid on and leave to mash for 3-4 minutes.

Pour the Mint Tea into the mug

Sit and relax with your Mint Tea, savouring every mouthful.

I usually enjoy a biscuit with my tea - Jack Flaps are a great favourite.

You will feel de-stressed and ready for anything.

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Easy Bread Making

Easy Bread Making

  July 09, 2020    AnnS

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I am always on the lookout for an easy bread recipe and I think this one can go near the top of the list.

Morning Rolls

Start the day before to allow plenty of time for the dough to rise.

I use a Kitchen aid mixer with a dough hook, but kneading by hand works just as well

500g strong bread flour

40g butter  - rub into the flour

Add 7g yeast, 10g sugar, 10g salt

Mix into flour

Add 400ml cold water and knead for 5 mins.

Cover and leave in the fridge overnight.10

The next morning remove the dough from the fridge.

Divide and shape into 10 rolls and place on a floured tray.

Cover and leave in a warm place until doubled in size.

Sprinkle with flour

Bake in a very hot oven Gas 7/220C for 25-30 mins.

These rolls taste amazing, especially with lentil soup or filled with grilled bacon

Try using different types of flour or a combination of flours.

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Herb Crusted Haddock

Herb Crusted Haddock

  July 05, 2020    AnnS

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This is my standby recipe for eating Haddock, which I have used for years. 

Blitz a few breadcrumbs and add mixed herbs and a handful of fresh parsley with some black pepper.  Dip the fish in flour, beaten egg and the herby breadcrumbs.  Fry in a tablespoon of olive oil until golden and cooked to your liking.  I usually serve with peas.  

I buy fresh fish from Oakham market on a Saturday which is delivered from Cornwall.  The fish stall is brilliant and nothing is too much trouble for them.  I usually ask for the skin to be removed as they have really sharp knives.  

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Twyford Viaduct

Twyford Viaduct

  July 01, 2020    AnnS

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This afternoon I turned into the field along the lane from the house towards the Twyford Viaduct.  

An impressive view in whichever direction you walk.  Going through the field it is out of sight for 

awhile and then you turn the corner, through the trees and there it is.

The Great Northern and London & North Western railways opened the southern section of their joint line from Melton Mowbray to the junctions at Welham and Drayton on 15th December 1879. It included a tunnel at East Norton and a viaduct of almost 230 yards over the valley at John O'Gaunt.

With 14 arches rising to a height of around 60 feet, the impressive structure carried its line on a falling gradient to the north. The original red brick is badly spalled in places and has seen extensive patching with more durable blue brindles. From a distance, this gives it an unusual mottled appearance. Cosmetically, the viaduct remains in generally poor condition and you are advised not to stand beneath it for too long, nor lean against the stone copings.

Closure came to John O'Gaunt station in 1957 but goods traffic continued to cross the viaduct until 1st June 1964. In January 1985, a Grade II listing was bestowed upon the structure but this was withdrawn in 1999.

It does look sorry for itself but it is still majestic.

My walk took me through the fields with various grasses along it edges and so many butterflies fluttering in all directions. So peaceful and a chance to breathe fresh air after the rain.

Twyford Viaduct

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Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam

  June 28, 2020    AnnS

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Who has spare strawberries? 

I had a few spare strawberries yesterday that somehow had managed not to be eaten.  I decided to make a jar of strawberry jam that I could use for my Victoria Sandwich Cake.  You really can't beat a fresh jar of home-made jam. The taste, the smell OOOOOOOOOOOOO just love it!

How to Make Jam

Hull and slice the strawberries into a large pan - I use my preserving pan (even for a small amount).

Cover the strawberries with an equal amount of sugar (I use Jam Sugar which has added pectin).

Cover and leave overnight until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit is quite soft.

Heat the pan and bring to a rolling boil for about 5-6 mins - stir with a wooden spoon.

Test if the jam is set by putting a small amount onto a cold plate. The jam will wrinkle when pushed.

Pour the hot jam into warm, sterilised jars.

I just had enough for 1 jar of jam.

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Home-made Yoghurt

Home-made Yoghurt

  June 17, 2020    AnnS

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Years ago when my son was little I made my own yoghurt using an electric yoghurt maker with about 6 jars.  It was so easy I just plugged it in every evening and we had yoghurt every day.  Over time and our routines changed the yoghurt maker was put at the back of the cupboard and eventually went to the charity shop.

During 'lockdown 'I have been reading my old recipe books and one of my favourite authors is Rose Elliott.  Her Complete Vegetarian book is amazing and brought back lots of memories. 

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Rose-Elliot/Rose-Elliots-New-Complete-Vegetarian/30068

 I am not a Vegetarian but like and use many of her recipes.  The recipes are easy to follow and always taste amazing.

Reading the book again yesterday I came across her recipe for home-made yoghurt.

Heat 1 pint of milk in a saucepan until boiling and then simmer for 10 minutes (watch it does not boil over), turn off the heat and leave to cool to  - lukewarm before adding 2 tablespoons of dried milk and 1 tablespoon natural yoghurt.  Pour into small jars cover with tinfoil and leave in a warm place to set.  

Oh! my goodness just as I remember it but even better.  Thick, creamy natural yoghurt.  I made some mixed berry compote by placing 350g mixed frozen berries into a samll saucepan with 1 tablespoon brown sugar.  Heat slowly for approx 15-20 minutes until the berries are soft.  Place in a container and leave in the fridge.

Breakfast is sorted: Yoghurt and Berry Compote.

I use whole milk from the local farm.  They opened a vending machine last year that dispenses fresh litres of milk straight from the cow.  They are going to start selling home-made butter and I can't wait.  They also sell the most amazing milk shakes

https://www.vinefarmdairy.co.uk/

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Scones for a Gloomy Day

Scones for a Gloomy Day

  June 12, 2020    AnnS

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The weather has been so cold this week.  Grey clouds, drizzle and today that very gloomy feeling when all you want to do is sit by the fire, read a book and generally laze away.

After I had read the morning papers I decided to make some lentil and tomato soup for lunch and a batch of scones for afternoon tea.  I searched through my recipe books - not sure why as I have made scones a thousand times, just wanted to do something different.  I came across the Scone recipe made by Paul Hollywood which I made last year.  They are made from strong plain flour with the addition of baking powder.  Such a great recipe that makes about a dozen scones.  I plan to eat them filled with raspberry jam and butter.  Of course you can't beat cream in scones but still for a Friday afternoon they will be just perfect.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/paul_hollywoods_scones_70005

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Walking in the Lane

Walking in the Lane

  June 05, 2020    AnnS

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I walk in the lane every day and yesterday was one of those hot summer days and I decided to walk in the early evening and in a different direction than usual.  

Such pretty flowers, especially the Dog Rose which was climbing through the hedges and up into the tree.

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Coffee Break

Coffee Break

  June 03, 2020    AnnS

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There is nothing better than sitting with a mug of coffee and a Flapjack from the cookie jar. I love making flapjacks, such a simple recipe to fill up the  jar.  My son called them jackflaps and whilst still warm is a real luxury. Leave near the coffee and you are forever dipping your hand in the jar.

Flapjacks
125g muscovado sugar
125g butter
2 tabsp. golden syrup
175g oats

Method
Preheat the oven to 190C/ Gas 5
Line a tray with baking parchment - I use a Swiss roll tray
Place sugar, butter and syrup into a large saucepan
Place on the heat until all the butter and sugar are melted, stirring with a wooden spoon
Add the oats and mix well
Pour into the tray and level with the back of a spoon
Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before cutting into fingers or squares.
Leave in the tray until completely cold

Variations
When adding the oats you can also add a handful of sultanas, or coconut, or cranberries.
Once cold you could even pour over some melted chocolate

However for me, just a plain jackflap with a mug of coffee

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Summer Flowers

Summer Flowers

  June 01, 2020    AnnS

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At last a trip to the local nursery to collect some of my summer plants.  The nursery is local to where I live and I like to support the smaller business's especially  in these unique times.  I found Holland's just by chance when I moved into the area about five years ago.  Susan grows summer and winter bedding plants and has the most amazing hanging baskets.    She also has a small stock of Perennial's and I love the Delphiniums, usually buy two or three at a time. She is very busy at the moment with orders and hopes to open for business in a couple of weeks - collections only at the moment.  It will be appointment only for a few months until C19 is under wraps.

I ordered African Marigolds, French Marigolds, Lobelia White Lady, Lobelia string of Pearls, Verbena Showboat - White, Dark Red and Violet. and Red Geraniums.

I have a bit of a red, white blue theme this year for my hanging baskets.  I have used the plants to construct 4 hanging baskets and filled four tubs.

My garden is starting to look like summer. Always something to do with a garden - just love been outdoors.

Summer Pot

  

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Elderflower Cordial

Elderflower Cordial

  May 26, 2020    AnnS

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Elderflowers come from the elder tree that generally grows as a shrub or small tree.

It’s abundant throughout the UK, in woods and along roadside hedgerows. From late May you’ll see masses of tiny white flowers hanging in sprays which develop into purple elderberries later in the summer.

The flowers are flat-topped clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers appearing in June. The fragrance is sweet and summery and it attracts masses of insects.

I usually make  Elderflower Cordial using the recipe from River Cottage - Hugh Fearnley- Whittingstall.  It is so easy and I drink it all summer with sparkling water and a slice of lemon.

This recipe is so easy and you will want to go out and pick your first blooms.

https://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/elderflower-cordial

I picked 25 flower heads this afternoon and added slices of lemon along with 1.5L of boiling water.  Tomorrow I will strain and add the sugar.  What could be simpler and by the weekend I will be able to drink with a slice of lemon.

Enjoy

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Lupins

Lupins

  May 25, 2020    AnnS

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Lupinus, commonly known as lupin or lupine, is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae. The genus includes over 199 species, with centres of diversity in North and South America. 

I love Lupins, they are a cottage-garden favourite  and inf-act suit any garden offering height and colour to the middle of a border in May and June. They bear impressive, pea-like flowers, which are loved by bees. They make a perfect cut flower., but I much prefer to see them in the garden.

Last year I gathered their seeds , sowed them in pots and now have enough plants to perhaps start my own garden centre.

I grow them on a bank in my garden which is normally quite wet, but they appear to be thriving for now. 

I plan to have some of my Lupins in pots scattered around the garden so I can see where they will look their best.

Years ago when I travelled by train I would see Lupins on railway sidings , they always looked so pretty standing tall and colourful.

Long live the Lupin

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Mt Badger

Mt Badger

  May 22, 2020    AnnS

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Success last night from my trail camera.

A fleeting glimpse of Mr Badger

Don't blink or you will miss it

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Trail Camera

Trail Camera

  May 21, 2020    AnnS

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I have seen the evidence in my garden of wildlife that comes during the early evening and night-time. The badger that scurries along the woodland path and the Monk-Jack that eats the fallen bird seed and digs small holes in the lawn looking for tasty grubs. There are birds in every tree either nesting or just waiting to join the queue for the many bird feeders I have scattered around the garden.
Time for a camera to see what actually comes into the garden. I bought this camera from Amazon. It had good recommendations and was an average price. Amazon is a safe/ go to store in these times of lockdown and under normal circumstances I may have shopped around.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wildlife-Activated-Waterproof-Scouting-Surveillance/dp/B07XXNJ71Z/ref=sr_1_3?crid=13ECWNX3L4HU8&dchild=1&keywords=tc20+trail+camera&qid=1590086358&sprefix=Tc20%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-3

However with Prime delivery it arrived the next day. I had to buy a card and batteries.  I must buy rechargeable batteries.  Very easy to set up, no fuss just format the he card, insert the batteries, follow the set up procedure and ready to go.

I have placed it in several places in the garden and as yet no luck apart from taking photo's of the horse in the next field.  I just need to try as many places as possible.  Such fun.  Every morning I rush out to see what has been captured on film.
Perhaps tomorrow.

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Albrighton Rambling Rose

Albrighton Rambling Rose

  May 17, 2020    AnnS

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My first rose of the year is the Albrighton Rambling Rose.    I bought this last year and planted it a very large tub beside the back door.  Last year I had lots of buds, but the greenfly came and destroyed them before they had time to bloom. I was onto this year and so far lots if buds already to bloom. I actually lived in Albrighton for a few years which is home to the famous David Austin Roses.  His fields are just full of every conceivable rose and the smell is amazing.  Last year when I visited the Chelsea Flower Show I went to see his display- wow just amazing to see all his blooms.
I may buy another variety when I can get to the garden centre.

https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk

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Chelsea Flower Show

Chelsea Flower Show

  May 15, 2020    AnnS

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The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, formally known as the Great Spring Show, is a  garden show held for five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the grounds of the The Royal Chelsea Hospital in London . It has been held at Chelsea since 1912, it is the most famous flower and landscape gardens show in the UK and perhaps in the world. The show is attended by members of the British Royal Family and attracts visitors from all continents.

Highlights to the Chelsea Flower Show include the avant-garde show gardens designed by leading names with Floral Marquee at the centrepiece. The Show also features smaller gardens such as the Artisan and Urban Gardens.

Last year as part of my retirement gift from work I was given a trip to London to see this Flower Show.  I think it is every gardners dream to visit Chelsea.  My garden will never be like they have on Show, but it is my garden and I can dream.

I loved my day and I can hardly believe a whole year has gone by.  I have used several ideas in my own garden and have so many memories.

I share a few photographs with you here.

This year the Flower Show has gone digital and I look forward to see what is on offer. Nothing can can replace the sights, sounds and smell of Chelsea.

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Dandelion Watch

Dandelion Watch

  May 10, 2020    AnnS

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The warm and sunny days of April have brought out the Dandelions in my garden. So many of them that I set up my 'Dandelion Watch'. I like dandelions,  don't get me wrong but they are everywhere: the borders, the lawn, the wood, the path and driveways. I decided to try and control them and only have them in certain parts of the garden. They were definitely not allowed on my lawn or the flower borders. They needed some thinning out from the wood and it really was a no-no on my paths and driveway. I have one place they would like, a nice sunny spot a grassy area I am trying out as a bit of a wild garden.  The bees and insects appear to like them there and they wave their yellow heads to attract everything that flies past. Every morning I go out with my trowel and bucket to dig up the ones that appear everywhere else apart from the designated area.  I don't want to use harsh chemicals on them and digging them up can be quite therapeutic. I have to be careful as they have a long root system and this can be left behind if not not fully pulled out.   I have read that you eat dandelions and they are good for all sorts of things.  I am happy to leave them for the bees in their own area.
As I looked out at the garden I felt quite pleased, I was winning the war, more or less all gone apart from where they should be. Then I looked again and all the yellow heads had turned to seed heads. They were waving around in the breeze just waiting for the right moment to scatter once more all over my garden.
Am I winning the war against my dandelions? NEVER. They have a mind of their own and perhaps I just have to accept they are here to stay.

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Celebrate VE Day and Eat Cake

Celebrate VE Day and Eat Cake

  May 09, 2020    AnnS

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VE Day is normally celebrated with street parties and with family and friends.  This year in ' lockdown' many people are celebrating within their own family.
Our celebration was to eat cake and lots of it.
Victoria Sandwich Cake
Ingredients
4 eggs- whisked together in a small bowl
200g butter
200g caster sugar
200g SR flour
4 tabsp.  Jam - I like either strawberry or raspberry
75g butter
150g icing sugar
Method
Grease and line 2 sandwich tins
Preheat the oven to 190C or Gas 5
Cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy
Add the beaten eggs a drop at a time, creaming well between each stage
If the mixture starts to curdle add a spoonful of the flour
Sieve the flour into the mixture and fold in using a metal spoon
Divide the mixture between the two tins
Bake for 25 mins until well risen, golden and springs back when touched
Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack
Make the butter cream by mixing the butter and icing sugar until soft
Add vanilla essence if you wish
Spread one cake with the jam and the other with the butter cream.
Sandwich together and sprinkle on a little icing sugar on top of the cake

Enjoy

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Celebrating VE Day

Celebrating VE Day

  May 09, 2020    AnnS

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VICTORY IN EUROPE

The day celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies during World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of armed forces, on 8 May 1945.

Millions of people rejoiced the news of Germany’s surrender, and took to the streets in celebration, with parties, singing and dancing.

What did Churchill say in his speech?

This is the speech then Sir Winston Churchill gave to the nation at the end of the Second World War in 1945:

"Yesterday morning at 2:41 a.m. at Headquarters, General Jodl, the representative of the German High Command, and Grand Admiral Doenitz, the designated head of the German State, signed the act of unconditional surrender of all German Land, sea, and air forces in Europe to the Allied Expeditionary Force, and simultaneously to the Soviet High Command.

"General Bedell Smith, Chief of Staff of the Allied Expeditionary Force, and General Francois Sevez signed the document on behalf of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, and General Susloparov signed on behalf of the Russian High Command.

"To-day this agreement will be ratified and confirmed at Berlin, where Air Chief Marshal Tedder, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, and General de Lattre de Tassigny will sign on behalf of General Eisenhower.

"Marshal Zhukov will sign on behalf of the Soviet High Command. The German representatives will be Field-Marshal Keitel, Chief of the High Command, and the Commanders-in- Chief of the German Army, Navy, and Air Forces.

"Hostilities will end officially at one minute after midnight to-night (Tuesday, May 8), but in the interests of saving lives the “Cease fire” began yesterday to be sounded all along the front, and our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed to-day.

"The Germans are still in places resisting the Russian troops, but should they continue to do so after midnight they will, of course, deprive themselves of the protection of the laws of war, and will be attacked from all quarters by the Allied troops.

"It is not surprising that on such long fronts and in the existing disorder of the enemy the orders of the German High Command should not in every case be obeyed immediately.

"This does not, in our opinion, with the best military advice at our disposal, constitute any reason for withholding from the nation the facts communicated to us by General Eisenhower of the unconditional surrender already signed at Rheims, nor should it prevent us from celebrating to-day and to-morrow (Wednesday) as Victory in Europe days.

"Today, perhaps, we shall think mostly of ourselves. Tomorrow we shall pay a particular tribute to our Russian comrades, whose prowess in the field has been one of the grand contributions to the general victory.

"The German war is therefore at an end. After years of intense preparation, Germany hurled herself on Poland at the beginning of September, 1939; and, in pursuance of our guarantee to Poland and in agreement with the French Republic, Great Britain, the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations, declared war upon this foul aggression.

"After gallant France had been struck down we, from this Island and from our united Empire, maintained the struggle single-handed for a whole year until we were joined by the military might of Soviet Russia, and later by the overwhelming power and resources of the United States of America.

"Finally almost the whole world was combined against the evil-doers, who are now prostrate before us. Our gratitude to our splendid Allies goes forth from all our hearts in this Island and throughout the British Empire.

"We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead. Japan, with all her treachery and greed, remains unsubdued.

"The injury she has inflicted on Great Britain, the United States, and other countries, and her detestable cruelties, call for justice and retribution. We must now devote all our strength and resources to the

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The Perfect Cup of Tea

The Perfect Cup of Tea

  May 04, 2020    AnnS

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Us Brits probably drink more tea than any other country in the world.  We are always putting on the kettle for a cuppa.  Breakfast, 11 o'clock, lunch, and afternoon tea.  Tea can be drunk at any time and is often the first thing people say to each other ' get the kettle on'.  You don't need an excuse to have a drink of tea.  A cup of tea is often drunk to make you relax and take a break for a few minutes.  Often drunk in a crisis or when bad news is received.  In-fact any time anywhere you can drink a cup of tea.
I like to drink a cup of tea at 11am and 4pm.  Just sitting, taking time to reflect and enjoy the flavour.

I also like mint tea and when gardening often throw a few leaves of mint into a mug and add boiling water.  Leave for 3 minutes before drinking (the leaves can be left in whilst drinking)

Afternoon Tea is different to drinking a cup of tea in the afternoon.

Afternoon Tea is a tea-related ritual, introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. It evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal at 8pm.

Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of sandwiches (usually cut delicately into 'fingers'), scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. Interestingly, scones were not a common feature of early Afternoon Tea and were only introduced in the twentieth century.

Tea has to be made properly in order for it to have some flavour.  Dunking a teabag in tepid water water for a few seconds is totally wrong on every count.  Not everyone makes tea with tea leaves in a pot.  I often just use a teabag and tastes equally as good.  The key is to use good quality tea whether it be leaves or bags

How to make a cup of tea using a teabag

Fill the kettle with fresh cold water

Boil the kettle to a rolling boil

Place 1 teabag into a mug

Pour on the boiling water and leave for 4 minutes.

Remove the teabag and add milk if you wish

                                                                    Cup of Tea

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Happy Birthday Tom - 100 Years Old

Happy Birthday Tom - 100 Years Old

  April 30, 2020    AnnS

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Captain Tom Moore came to our attention here in the UK about 5 weeks ago, just as we started in 'lockdown'.  He was 99 years old and had decided that he would like to raise some money for the NHS (National Health Service).  His aim was to raise £1000 by walking 100 laps of his garden before he reached the age of 100 on April 30th.  Within a few days he had reached his target and the money just kept flowing in from all over the country.  By the end of last week he had raised £30 million pounds - an amazing amount of money.  The UK was gripped by Capt. Tom Moore and his power of motivation and achievement.  He has also made a number one hit with Michael Ball - 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.  He has received so many birthday cards and good wishes that they have been displayed in the local primary school.  To celebrate his birthday today he was given a flypast by a hurricane and spitfire.  He has also received the traditional birthday card from the Queen.

Happy Birthday Tom you are our shining light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAG_Vr86iyI

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Breakfast

Breakfast

  April 29, 2020    AnnS

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Just been reading in the Daily Telegraph that egg cups are selling out in stores across Britain as more people make time for a cooked breakfast amid signs that the 'lockdown 'is changing the nation's eating habits. Reported sales in coffee pots, grinders, coffee machines , teapots and juice glasses have seen an increase on last year.

Being at home people are enjoying a slower lifestyle and taking time to eat properly. especially the first meal of the day.  

The first meal of the day is more commonly known as breakfast. If you divide this compound word into two parts, you'll see it's made up of “break" and “fast." To fast means to go without food. So “breakfast" means to break the fast you've been observing since you went to sleep the night before!

A weekday breakfast may involve a cereal dish, such as muesli, porridge or cereal, or toast or simply bread spread with jam or marmalade. Tea and coffee remain equally popular accompaniments. It is however becoming very common to 'skip breakfast' entirely or take coffee or pastries on the morning commute. Portable quick snacks such as cereal bars ready-cut fruit and warm takeaway foods are becoming increasingly commonly consumed away from home and are sold at commuting points.

The traditional breakfast most associated with Britain remains, however, the full breakfast of eggs with bacon and sausage usually with mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, fried bread, black pudding and toast. Dating from a time when hard labour was more common, calorie intakes were necessarily higher, and servant labour was more available, it is nowadays regarded as a meal for the weekend or holidays when time is available for preparation, prepared by parents to welcome children, or as a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary, or following a night of drinking. A healthy and nutritious version consists of grilling the protein and using poached, rather than fried, eggs, and variations based on one egg, one protein, and toast abound. 

From an early age I have always eaten breakfast at home before leaving for work.  It provides me with the energy I need for the day, keeps me full until lunchtime (prevents me from eating that extra digestive biscuit with my morning break at 11am). Now I am retired I still have my morning routine of getting up early and eating breakfast.  I have my favourites:

Weetabix with a sliced banana, handful of blueberries, raspberries, chopped apple with milk and a dollop of Greek yoghurt

Soaked Oats - 30g rolled oats, 1 tsp cinnamon, mixed frozen fruit (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries), 2-3 tabsp Greek Yoghurt - mixed together and left overnight in the fridge.  Mix with a drop of milk in the morning before eating.  I sometimes just use a grated apple instead of the mixed fruit.

Sourdough Pancakes with scrambled eggs.

Boiled Eggs - Cook the Perfect Egg - https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/main-ingredient/egg-recipes/soft-boiled-eggs

Wherever you are in the world make time for breakfast.

       

      Sour Dough Pancakes on the Griddle

Sour Dough Pancakes and Scrambled Eggs

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