Monday, July 27, 2020

Fridge Coleslaw

  July 27, 2020    

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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Monday, July 13, 2020

Mini Water Feature

  July 13, 2020    

Take one large plant pot, 

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.

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

Very relaxing


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Sunday, July 12, 2020

Mint Tea

  July 12, 2020    

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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Thursday, July 9, 2020

Easy Bread Making

  July 09, 2020    

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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Sunday, July 5, 2020

Herb Crusted Haddock

  July 05, 2020    

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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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Twyford Viaduct

  July 01, 2020    

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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