Val's Cafe

frogmorton

Morning!

Joan yes carers aren't paid much considering the essential work they do just not valued enough sadly.😕 Lucy has got a rash with her new tablets for the acne. It seems a common issue though the acne is definitely going! ((())) xxx for you and Sue.

Kitty well that was interesting news about Helen's Dad (your ex) I am so glad he turned himself around (and that you got out!) in his later life. Dreadful that he died, but Helen sounds to be doing ok which is the important thing.

Sleek says yes forget the DN she has chased them too and if they come they do .

Love the bean casserole you will love it too there are may many mushrooms in it!😘took plenty so Kari can have some too.

Sleek says Tosca told her about your ice skating - apparently her Mother saw you in real life and told her all about it!

I'm really glad Dad has a carer now to help him a bit and Anita.

Reshmi my brother had heart arrthymia (sp) which took months to settle as soon as he gave up caffeine - honestly - it's sorted. He sees the specialist this week so see what she says 🤞People think it's harmless, but yoo are right you have to choose who to advise.

Let's hope the day is peaceful today no family dramas😊Excess family the weekend that's good maybe a fairly peaceful week ahead if Dad behaves,

Barbara P does indeed drift off but reckons she can still hear our voices I think she finds it reassuring so will continue to read as long as she can cope. God bless her.

As you know my lovely neighbours the husband needs a hip op, so it will be back to me doing the online shop for them when that happens i can pick up prescriptions too. Mr B will really miss his driving. My back Dr said I was allowed to drive when I was happy to stamp my foot on the floor as hard and fast as possible. Emergency stop I think!

You can wait until the 25th for definite! Won't be long till you see them. 0 hour contracts should be abolished it's immoral.😡

Morning Mike I hope you are ok and Vixen too of course - or maybe more importantly😁😁. Miserable here not raining but it really has done overnight. ((()))

haven't had these for a bit...

Mike1

Bad news yesterday, young Elliott has Covid on top of all of his other problems. I suppose it was inevitable with his mum and 4 siblings having it. His GP went round yesterday and will be keeping an eye on him. Fingers crossed!

bosh

Hi all , thanks for your messages, It’s just a quick one atm, I’m v stressed as mum isn’t well, bad stomach problem, she was crying so much, saying she doesn’t want to die, as she gets really ill sometimes, doc will be contacted today, sorry about ur bro Toni, glad he’s being treated tho. I’ll let you all know what doc says. Bye. X

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kath ((())) it will their fault if you have a problem with your blood. That's good your dad ((())) having some one to help him ((())) love to Anita ((())) and Val ((())) and Emily ((())) and your Dad ((())) you helped your husband better you are a strong person (((()))

Reshmi have a good day Arthritis makes you feel tired and worn out (((()))) Happy birthday if you have had it.

Barbara ((())) you must be able to walk easer with the crutches ((())) Mr B knows he won't have the pain when he's had one op ((())) love to your son ((())) and Niamh ((())) and your brother ((())) and his girlfriend ((()))

love to Toni I have not found her post ((())) love to Paul ((())) and Charley ((())) and Annie ((())) and the carers ((())) and Lucy ((())) Tia ((()))and Kari ((())) and P ((())) and your lovely neighbours ((()))

Love to Chris and Carol ((())) and Mike ((())) and Elliott ((()))

Kitty

Well, here we go again, playing the waiting game - whoops, is that the first line of a poem? I can't help meself can I?

Mike, oh no, so Elliott has Covid! I know that with the young ones it doesn't make them very poorly but Elliott is a special case with having chemo. I'll add him to my prayer list.

Joan, you are a gem. Although I don't suppose they are bothered about it really!

Barbara, yes my first husband. Here he is with my eldest daughter in his younger days. When he was a long haired lay about.

Reshmi, your poor mum, she must get very frightened, 😥

Toni, a lovely runny egg - can I have 3? yep, that was me, Kate the skate. Both with wheels and blades. I loved both. I remember Tosca's mum, here is a picture of her showing off. I just know that a certain fur ball will soon have it stuck on the wall of her ickle house. I think her name was Topsy Twinkletoes. I named my own cat after her.

Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with Herbed White Beans (30 Minutes!)

From the https://www.everydayhealth.com/ website

If you’ve never tried grilling romaine lettuce, you’re missing out. It adds a new depth of smoky flavor, wilts the lettuce slightly so it’s easy to eat, and is also just kind of fun. Your dinner guests will be so impressed with your cooking skills!

Let us show you how easy this 30-minute salad is!

This recipe starts with heating your grill (or grill pan) and prepping the lettuce by cutting it in half, oiling slightly to prevent sticking, and seasoning with salt and pepper.

Next you’ll marinate your white beans (or other legume of choice) in some olive oil, lemon, fresh garlic, herbs, and salt to taste. Easy peasy — done.

Last, prepare your quick Caesar dressing by adding all the ingredients to a small blender or food processor and blending until creamy and smooth. Just 5 minutes required!

And once your lettuce is grilled, it’s time to assemble!

this salad is:

Crunchy

Savory

Smoky

Quick & easy

Satisfying

& Delicious!

bosh

Hi all, thanks Kathleen, yes she’s been through a lot, and gets scared sometimes, even thought she’s the bravest person I know, I think she’s feeling slightly better now, but we’re waiting for call from GP. I hate this system of having to deal with those nasty receptionists, people are already feeling so ill when they phone and then they have to deal with verbal abuse. Caesar salad is one of me fave things, nice recipe. Take care, Reshmi. X

barbara12

Afternoon all

Toni I'm sure P can hear you and again I say it must be so comforting I always think it the quiet time that are worse when you are so poorly

I'm happy to hear that the meds are helping Lucy ..I hope the rash goes very soon..and your other neighbours must be so relieved to have your help 😊 xx

Reshmi It's hard work getting through to doctors..like you say people don't ring for nothing ..I hope mum us feeling a little better bless her xx

Joan I have told Mr B his pain will ease after the op pain ..thankyou so much for all the hugs love to all if you xx

Kath thankyou for the photos it good to know who we are talking about..grilled lettuce wonder what that taste like xx

Mike I hope Elliott won't be to poorly with covid ..think he has enough to deal with xx

Love to all xxxxx

frogmorton

Morning!

Mike that is very worrying news indeed. Part of me thinks and hopes that he has beaten worse foe than COVID he will throw it off, but I will be sending him strength and love from up here. I hope you will be updated a bit more than you have been recently (((()))) for you worried Great Uncle. Good job Sue will be there today to distract you a bit.

Joan I hope yesterday's message is there now? I did boiled eggs and soldiers yesterday for breakfast I hope you didn't miss yours - no worries Kath will have eaten it.😉Love to you and Sue ((())) xxx Lucy has 3 days off now.

Reshmi I do hope by now your Mum has had some help from the Dr? This is such a worry God bless her and you too. It is so hard having to get through the receptionists before you get to speak to the Dr. Just remember they aren't after stopping YOU getting help they are trying to stop those who ring every day and actually have nothing wrong with them then there might be space for those like your Mum who need help now.

Kitty yes there is a whirring my printer....Mistress Sleekipaws so proud that you knew Tosca's mum! 'Kate the Skate' indeed that's brilliant.

Look at our Ex! He was your bit of rough I can tell😁 he doesn't look very good natured, but good looking. Such a shame you had a tough time when you were with him, but i am very pleased to hear he straightened himself out in the end

That cooked lettuce recipe is one I will definitely try. I think I will like it I often eat slightly roasted cauli and broccoli and have some pine nuts waiting to be eaten....

BTW there are always extra eggs for you my friend!

Barbara yes I think P finds our voices reassuring I used to like hearing my Mum pottering about when I was ill as a child.

Mr B must know his pain should be much better after he has his op(s) bless him he has witnessed yours, but when you've been healthy all your life and suddenly are faced with this...such a shock for him. Remember this has been going on over a year with him pretending all was well when it obviously wasn't 🙄

Lucy has a few days off now back in on Friday. Luckily her ankle held up well to standing and working.

Miserable here so i am making porridge to warm us up!

bosh

Hi Barbara and Toni, how are you both today? Thanks about my mum, yesterday she seemed calmer and she’s got blood test tomorrow, so that’s good . I’ve got a bit of stomach problem, but it’ll start to improve soon I’m sure. Barbara , or was it Kathleen, sorry losing track a bit, my birthday celebration was meant to be next Sunday, but of course depends on mum. I’m making Assam tea today Toni. Tc all.

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kath ((())) I hope you don't have a long time to wait I hope she comes to day. Love to Chris ((())) Anita ((())) and Emily ((())) and your dad ((())) my nick name was tipsy my gran used to go toppity top when I was little.

Barbara ((())) have a good day how long has Mr B ((())) got to wait I hope it's not too long love to him ((())) and your son ((())) and Niamh ((())) and your brother (((())) and his girlfriend ((()))

Toni (((())) sorry you have a problem with your hip ((())) and Lucy has a rash I'm sorry ((())) love to Paul ((())) and Charley ((())) and Annie ((())) and the carers (((())) and Lucy ((())) and Tia ((())) and Kari ((())) and P ((())) I'm glad her pain is controlled ((())) love to your lovely neighbours ((()))

Reshmi ((())) sorry your mum is in pain I hope the Doctor comes (((())) I hope your pain settles down ((()))

Mike ((())) I'm so sorry to hear about Elliott ((())) having that ((())) he's a fighter (((())))

Love to Chris (((())) Carol ((()))

Kitty

Sunny here, but I am soooo cold. I have my fleece and my (or is it Sleek's) blankie on.

Joan, I'm not waiting for her. As Sleek said, "if she comes she comes, if she don't - she don't. I had 2 nick names at school, The teachers called me little bright eyes, the boys called me Tom Kat because my surname was Tomlin. Guess which I preferred.

Young Kitty Kat aged 14.

Barbara, when mum was in her last hours, we were told to talk to her because your hearing is the last thing to go. I think when Mr B has new knees, he'll be a new man after a couple of weeks.

Reshmi, I'm pretty lucky when it comes to our receptionists. They are usually quite helpful.

Toni, you got my ex spot on. I used to wonder why he was always pleasant after he'd fetched his dole money even though he never actually had any money - he'd spent it all on drugs! No rent paid, no food in the house, but he'd had his fix. It wasn't until I'd left him that I discovered about the drugs. then everything fell into place.

Recipe photograph by Dan Jones

Rhubarb frangipane tart

Taken from Sainsbury's magazine

Recipe by Livvy Potts and Katy Young

Serves 8 | prep 30 mins | total time 1 hr 35 mins, plus chilling and cooling

Sharp, candy-pink rhubarb is the perfect contrast to the sweet frangipane, and a welcome sight during the winter months. Serve with something sharp – crème fraîche, soured cream or yogurt all work a treat

Ingredients

For the pastry

• 200g plain flour
• 20g icing sugar
• 100g cold unsalted butter
• 1 large egg yolk

For the filling and glaze

• 125g soft unsalted butter, plus extra
• 125g golden caster sugar
• 1 large egg
• 125g ground almonds
• ½ tsp ground cardamom (from about 20 pods)
• 250g rhubarb, sliced into chunks on the diagonal
• 40g caster sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step by step

Make the tart a day ahead. Leftovers keep for 2-3 days, or can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently to refresh.

1. First, make the pastry. Tip the flour, icing sugar and a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl, dice the butter into cubes and rub it in until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and 1-2 tablespoons of cold water and knead the dough together with your hands until combined. Try not to overwork the dough; stop as soon as it comes together in a ball. Wrap, then chill the dough for 20 minutes.
2. Once the dough has rested, roll it out until it is the thickness of a pound coin. Grease a deep 23cm-diameter tart tin. Carefully transfer the pastry to the tin, pushing it into the corners, and patching up any cracks or tears. Trim any overhang. Leave the pastry to chill for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas 5.
3. Scrunch up a sheet of baking paper into a ball, then lay it on top of the pastry (it will go in easier this way). Fill this with baking beans, making sure that you press them into the corners. Transfer the tart tin to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the baking beans and paper and cook for another 5 minutes until golden.
4. While the tart shell is baking, you can make the frangipane. Beat the butter and golden caster sugar together until light and creamy, then beat in the egg. Fold through the ground almonds and the cardamom. Once the tart shell is golden, spoon in the frangipane, and press the rhubarb into the frangipane, then bake for another 35-40 minutes, or until the frangipane is set.
5. Remove the tart from the oven, and let it cool in the tin for 5 minutes. As it cools, dissolve the 40g sugar in 2 tablespoons of water in a small pan and simmer until slightly syrupy. Remove from the heat, and add the vanilla. Brush the glaze over the top of the warm tart, and allow to cool.

barbara12

Afternoon all yes miserable here has well

My long lost niece us coming on Thursday I can't wait to see her again abd she us bringing her 2 girls my great neices 😁

Toni porridge is just the job thankyou

Don't you remember all the comforting things parents did ,mine were not the ones for hugs more victorian really..but I remember my mum tucking me in bed when I was poorly ..when I was 4 I had convulsions has they called them abd dad saved my life..but don't remember that

Lucy is such a strong young lady..I talk about her so much Mr B says I feel I know her 🙂.love to P xx

Joan not sure if the time line for his op our granddaughter that us moving back is a carer so she said grandad will have to do has he us told 😅love to all of you xx

Mike I hope today is not to bad for you ,and sending Love to Elliott xx

Kath it's Mr Bs hip but no matter we still have to get him to go in hospital 🙄

Gosh what a time you had ,but I recon this us what's made you so strong ..thats a lovely photo of you

Thankyou fir another goid recipe xx

Reshmi I hope your tummy trouble clears up soon so its nearly your Birthday ..maybe a little bit of chocalate on the day xx

Love to all

Xxxxx

barbara12

Found this about macular, that us what my left eye is like ,the other not quite has bad yet thank god

bosh

Hi Toni, Barbara and Joan, ty about my mum Joan, she’s feeling quite a lot better thanks, she’s got a blood test tomorrow, just to check things are fully ok. My stomach is ok atm ty, but yesterday it flared up for no apparent reason in evening, so I’ll have to wait a bit longer to see if it’s fully ok. Have a nice day Joan. X

bosh

Hi Kathleen, how are you? Such a cute pic of you as a young girl. I love your hair, I thought mine was thick! Aww.That’s good about your receptionists. That pie looks magnificent. Terrible about your ex. Have a nice afternoon. Take care.

bosh

Hi Barbara, thanks, I hope my stomach does clear up too, I bought a posh box of no added sugar chocolates not that long ago and went slightly OTT, so I’m abstaining from choc this year, but might have some cake, if all’s well. The chocs were a brand called Diablo, Toni, they use stevia, far as remember, really nice. Cake is my weakness though, that’s the prob, anyway, at least I’m not addicted to choc like me sis and bil, haha. Bil tries and gets others to join his choc eating , so he doesn’t feel awkward, lol, sign of a true addict. Hope you’re having a nice afternoon. X

bosh

Hi again Barbara, just forgot to say, ty for the info on md. I’ll try and read it soon. Xx.

frogmorton

Morning!

Think today might be a bit brighter 🙂

Mike how was Sue? Hope you had a good natter and she is ok. Not too long now for your xray less than 2 weeks.

Barbara that's not nice to see that. Funnily enough do you remember that 4 day migraine aira I had years ago (2010?) I lost faces then I remember the nurse at the eye hospital had no face very scary.

Lovely to see 'new' niece again and her children!!! Yoir brother would have been thrilled 🙂

Let's hope Mr B doesn't wait too long for his hips. Tell him the grinding pain will be gone straight away just the post op pain to deal with but that's not as bad.

Lucy is touched that he feels he knows her! 🥰🥰

Joan Lucy is coping with the rash it's a side effect of her acne meds. Really those steroids!! They caused the acne but its really improved. Love to you and Sue ((())) xxx

Reshmi assam did you say? Yes please thank you🙂 hope Mum's bloods go ok today ((())) for her. Will you ho with her if they let you in? You too is your stomach pain easier still?

Bob Kat! How the diddly are you?😁😽 I am sure that's the name you chose. I prefer my Kitty Kat though😽 as does Sleeki-paws.

I think it was her blanket she reckons it's a special one. Heat adjusting.....

Love the pic of 14 year old Kitty! Totally you still. We don't really change do we?

Has the nurse been yet?

Thank you do much for the pie I can organise it with egg replacer I adore rhubarb! 😋😋😋

Toast today for any delicate tums

Mike1

Morning Froggie, Sue was as chatty as ever yesterday thanks and we had egg custard tarts for a change.

bosh

Hi Toni, how are you today? Glad you like Assam. Thanks about my mum, yes, she has indeed got blood test today, they don’t let other people in, but it’s only the local GP’s, so she should be back soon. Thanks about stomach, atm it’s ok, but I hope it stays ok as I have a b test myself tomorrow. In a bit of rush today, so ty fr toast, lol and hi to Barbara Kathleen Joan and turbogran too. Tc xx

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kath (((())) it's a good job you are at home you can not be blamed for not being there when the nurse comes. When we went to school we went with our cousin we were known has flip flap and flop I was flip I was always flipping people sue was flop because she used to flop down on the ground. have a good day love to Anita ((())) and Val (((())) Emily ((())) and your dad ((())) how is he.

Barbara ((())) I'm sorry your eye looks like that it cannot be nice (((()))) that's good your niece is coming tomorrow you will have a good chat ((())) love to Mr B ((())) and your son ((())) and Niamh ((())) and your brother ((())) and his girlfriend (((()))

Toni ((())) yes I remember when you had a migraine that lasted a few days and you felt bad (((()) I hope you don't have it that bad again (((())) Lucy is doing well ((())) love to Paul ((())) and Charley ((())) and Annie ((())) and the carers ((())) and Lucy ((())) and Tia ((())) and Kari ((()))) and P (())) and your lovely neighbours ((()))

Reshmi ((())) I hope your tummy feels better today ((())) and your mum got on all right at the Doctors (((())) take care ((())) have a good day.

Mike ((())) egg custard tarts are nice. How is Elliott ((()))

love to Chris ((())) and Carol ((()))

Mike1

Hi Joan, no news on Elliott I am afraid.

Kitty

Morning all, nurse? Am I expecting one? nah not any more!

Joan, One of my aunties (my mum's only sister Glenys) always used to call me Klondike Kate! Never knew why. 🤔

Barbara, my eyesight is very similar to that - only I can see a bit of the face. Faceless people are scary.

Reshmi, I've never tried Assam, I'd like to try though.

Mike, it must be lovely to have Sue's visits to look forward to.

Antoinette, yes I prefer Kitty Kat too. But it was Tom Kat, not Bob Kat. You'll be calling me every Tom Dick and Harry cat soon. I always try to find recipes written in Vegan, just for my fwend Toni. Sleeki Paws was right, it was her special heat adjusting blankie. I hope Bryn has noticed I'm always mentioning the source (or is it sauce) of the recipes I'm using. Now where's the next one from? I can do requests you know.

KALE, TANGERINE, PEPITA SALAD

MARISA MOORE, MBA. RDN. LD.

Hi, I’m Marisa! I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist, go-to nutrition expert for the media, and food blogger.

This kale, tangerine, pepita salad brings together some of the best flavors of winter! Make it and get my tips for making the best winter salad.

Kale, Tangerine, Pepita Salad

Winterize your salad with hardy greens and citrus for a cool weather salad that satisfies. This kale, tangerine, pepita salad brings together some of the best flavors of winter!

• 1 small bunch kale, de-stemmed and shredded (or 1- 5 ounce package of baby kale)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tangerines, peeled and segmented
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds or pepitas
• coarse salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Tangerine Vinaigrette

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed tangerine juice
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• coarse salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Add the shredded kale plus 1 tbsp olive oil to a large bowl. Massage (or knead) with your hands until the kale develops a vibrant green color and feels softer, about 3-5 minutes. This step is not required for the baby kale.
• Add the vinaigrette ingredients to a jar. Shake until combined. Set aside.
• Toss the massaged or baby kale with the tangerine vinaigrette and top with tangerine segments and pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pair with crispy or roasted tofu, broiled salmon, or grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g

Mike1

Mike, it must be lovely to have Sue's visits to look forward to.

Yes, not only do I get the bungalow cleaned superbly but it means I get to see at least one person during the week and we have a darn good natter!

bosh

Hi Joan, thanks stomach is ok atm thanks, but it plays up later in the day sometimes, so I hope it stays ok for my b test tomorrow. Mum got a bit upset this morning understandably, but she seems better now and the blood test is over thanks, my day’s going ok ty, how about you? I bought some macaroons recently online, Nourish Vanilla flavoured coconut macaroons, not eating them right now, but I’ve had them before, really tasty. Have you tried them? I think they’re vegan, naturally low sugar, no chocolate, might be worth trying, unless you don’t like coconut. Take care, x