Val's Cafe

bosh

Hi Joan, tummy is ok ty, hope you’re enjoying the day, Tc xx

bosh

Hi Kathleen, lol why not. Oh I see, khichuri, I would call it, oh yes, we eat that all the time at home, piping hot, great for a sore throat too. Have a nice afternoon Kathleen. Tc. Xx

barbara12

Hello all ended up very warm today

Toni I'm pleased you got the ear phones for P ..and you will be able to visit now she is in a single room ..my sad was 8n and out 4 time even on the last day ge was sitting up

Gd and fiance here..I feel for her fiance its such a big change fir her ..but hopefully work will take thete minds off things ..they both have jobs already a school for these that need extra help

Talking if violife gave you tired the original spread they make it's delicious ..glad ti hear muss sleek is happy xx

Mike its no winder you worry when Vixen doesn't come back ..maybe she has a boyfriend somewhere..hope she's there now xx

Reshmi your mum us not alone getting the cake order wrong I'm quite good at that ...bring some cake to the.cafe.hope today's a good on xx

Kath yes wiggle thoes toes..it will give them something to talk about..hope it goes ok for you xx

Love to all including Joan

Xxxxx

bosh

Hi Barbara, fair enough, lol, I wish I could, it’s the biggest cake I’ve seen in my life, lol, may have to start charging it rent, lol. By the way, on my morning walk, I saw that a new coffee shop, a Costa , is almost ready for opening! Or at least it looks like it, would be great to pop in there early in the freezing morning for a nice hot choc, but I may gain a lot of weight, maybe we should sell them the cake, lol, still it would be great to have the option, no decent coffee shops locally, there’s a sort of independent one, not a chain, I mean, but the tea was smelly and manager shouted at the poor Polish boy who got the order a bit wrong, I didn’t go back. Bye for now, Reshmi.

frogmorton

Morning everyone😊

Oh Mike I hate it when my puss is missing I get so anxious that something has happened to her. I feel for you. perhaps your clever girl did hear you say the 'V' word😮mind the weather has been much nicer so maybe that's it? Well done forcing down those buns that is so very charitable of you🤭You have reminded me I need to collect/order some flea treatment for my girl. At out vets you have to meet them outside too mask on. Fair enough if your animal isn't too nervous otherwise I'd wait if it's possible.

Joan I saw P again yesterday she is doing very well managed a shower on her own yesterday, but still very tired. Sleek has left a paw-print in some concrete somewhere I will get you a photo! enjoy your cafe trip today and ((())) for you and Sue xxx

Kitty I am sure you are right about Sleek having the whole wedding photo package. She would have had the lot video and probably drone video too😉Now I think about it I do remember that time she and Pepe went to Hogwarts and she came back very over exited🤨 I recognise many of the guests! Rosie is there and Mrs Darcey for a start!

I have had a game getting Lucy booked in for her bloods for her roacccutane too. Having to take her to the hopsital and she is booked in for Tuesday am even though the appointment is Thursday. the bank holiday is of course not helping, but the bloods must be done the week before so i had no choice🙄

I might try some of the vegan wedding feast food if i may....just a little it looks yum!

Perhaps some Scots borrowed the recipe for kedgeree? I used to love it before i gave up meat and then dairy. I could eat WAY too much of the stuff!!! khichiri? Sounds niiiiice!

Wear a decent pair of woolly socks for the appointment at least you'll be warm enough.

Reshmi I can't believe how mad your surgery is! never heard of rheumatology bloods😫what a pillock!

Good news Mum is angry so feeling better😁

Yes chocolate and cheese can be very addictive there is something in them there has to be! Lucy rarely eats chocolate but she will eat cheese being veggie not vegan. Not at the moment though with her cholesterol. That's why they need the blood results for her roaccutane. Better be lower this time fingers crossed. Will you be going back for your bloods they missed?

I miss paneer😒

Barbara I went to see P again yesterday she is doing well did a little video for her daughter to see. I hope that reassures her a bit. They have given P a walking frame just in case. Don't think she is too keen!

If you mean the violife cheese spread then yes i love it it's fabulous I haven't tried their new 'butter' though i bet it's nice. My favourite is naturali butter it's YUM!

The girls have work in school? That will be great a different client group will certainly distract them. Yes your GD's fiancée will take some adjusting and support up here. Still she'll doing it for your GD as your GD did it for her. Bless you all it is great them being here.

Right breakfast:

Spanish omelette

Mike1

Morning gang. I sprayed a couple of areas of the lounge with some pheromone spray that I forgot I had which I usually use to spray her cat basket before going to the vets. She came in last evening for food, had a wander round the lounge then settled down for a bit before jumping up for a couple of hours cuddle! Needless to say she went out then for the night.

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kath ((())) I saw that about blood tests on the computer I hope it does not last too long. Yes we are alright thank you. Love to Chris ((())) Anita ((())) and Val ((())) and Emily ((())) and your Dad ((()))

Barbara (())) I hope you are all alright ((())) love to Mr B ((())) and your son ((())) and Niamh ((())) and your brother ((())) and his girlfriend ((()))

Toni ((())) have a good weekend all of you ((())) 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 you feel a bit better now love to your family ((()))

Mike perhaps vixen has got a friend ((())) and she wants to be out there have a good weekend ((())) love to Elliott (((()))

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

Kitty

Oh I'm cold today - I shouldn't be, I have my thermal vest beneath a sweat shirt with a jacket on tp of that. BBBRRRR! We're all ready for Tesco, I hope they are on the ball again this week. We had a lovely young lady last week and she was brilliant. Today I have one shoe on and one shoe off, so I must be diddle diddle dumpling my son John. My left foot is swollen so I can't get that shoe on!!!

Mike, Vixen is a minx, worrying you like that.

Joan, I'm glad you and Sue are keeping well. 💕

Barbara, I'm happy you are having a pleasant visit from your GD and fiancé.

Reshmi, if it's quite a walk to the new Costa, that should keep your weight down. The hot chocolate in Val's Café is zero calorie, so non fattening.

Antoinette, KittyKat weddings provide all day wedding food, so help yourself to their wonderful vegan option. I'm going to have a huge serving of the Spanish Omelet you have provided. I'm wearing my warm socks with my single shoe. What I'd really like are some new comfy slippers, these from Cosy feet will do nicely.

Buttery Vegan Brioche (classic and healthier options)

By Anthea

Buttery vegan brioche which melts in your mouth. I included a classic version and a 'healthier' version using olive oil and no refined sugar!

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Course: DessertCuisine: French, VeganServings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 cups (375g) plain or all-purpose flour, or white spelt flour*
• ¾ cup (190g) dairy free milk, such as almond, soy or coconut, warm, plus more if needed
• ⅔ cup (150g) vegan butter or margarine, room temperature or ½ cup (125g) olive oil
• ¼ cup (50g) cane sugar, or coconut sugar
• 1 tbsp instant dried yeast**
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt, if using unsalted butter or oil
• 3 tbsp maple syrup, or any other light-coloured liquid sweetener

Instructions

To make the brioche dough:

• Add all the ingredients except the maple syrup to a stand mixer bowl with the dough hook. Knead for at least 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth, soft and elastic. You can also do this in a bowl and on a floured surface but it will take a little longer. The dough will be very tacky but should just come away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is still sticking on the bowl, add a little flour and continue kneading. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk and knead well.
• Shape the dough into a smooth ball, place it back in the bowl and cover with a damp tea towel (the moisture prevents the dough from drying out). Place the dough in a WARM area to double in size (or grow by at least 50%) for at least 1 hour.***

To shape the brioche:

• When the dough is puffy, divide it into 4 even sections. Shape each section into a round ball and place them a lined loaf tin (I used a 12x22 cm or 5x9 inch tin but any size tin will work). Cover the tin with a damp tea towel and leave it in a warm area to rest for at least 30 minutes. The dough should increase in size by 50% - 100%.

Baking the brioche:

• When the dough is puffy again, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. The loaf is fully cooked in the middle when you can tap the bottom and it sounds hollow. If the bread surface is browning too quickly but the bread is not fully baked, reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) or cover the bread with aluminium foil.
• When the brioche is still hot, brush the top with maple syrup then rest it in the tin for 15 minutes. Turn it onto a wire rack and allow to cool slightly.
• Serve the brioche warm or heat/toast the leftovers. Store the brioche in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Notes

* Spelt flour absorbs more liquid than regular flour so you may need to add a little more milk than specified. Add the specified amount of milk and knead the dough. If needed, add 1 tablespoon milk (15mL) at a time until the dough is soft and cohesive.

** Instant yeast doesn't need to be 'activated' or 'bloomed' beforehand. However, if you use active dry yeast, combine it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar beforehand. Wait until it bubbles then use it in the recipe. If you use another type of yeast, you may need a different quantity.

*** If your dough doesn't increase in size, place it in a warmer spot in your house. Read my post above for some tips. The amount of time it takes for the brioche to rise also depends on your butter/margarine (margarine-based brioche rises quicker), flour and milk. If your dough doesn't increase in size at this stage, it will not bake well. 

bosh

Hi Toni, yes they’ve got lots of new receptionists who know nothing. Ty about mum, we had a big row recently though, I was feeling really ill, as the stomach problem has returned and she didn’t realise, anyway it’s all ok now ty, stomach still a problem, but I’m seeing gp soon. Hope b test goes ok for L. Yes, need a b test anyway for other stuff, but of course now a lot longer wait for some of the results and I had to wait 8 hours for her phone call too. Tc. Xx

bosh

Hi Joan, thanks, stomach’s playing up again, but seeing gp soon, so thats good. Ty about family. Birthday is looming soon, I don’t think I’ll even manage a piece of cake, but nvm, this stomach problem can’t go on forever. You have a good Friday too. Tc x

bosh

Hi Kathleen, it is a bit of a walk, that’s true, but I put on weight so easily and in reality prob not enough of a walk, but don’t worry, I often have these hot chocolate fantasies, don’t usually indulge, but ty. Sometimes make a low sugar version myself though, Green & Blacks unsweetened cocoa powder. Yes non- fattening, except these images get inside one’s head, so like a kind of subliminal marketing campaign or something like that, lol, nvm. Also wanted to mention something, not sure if this allowed, but no doubt someone will reprimand me or ban me if I’ve over shared, I found a great group on Facebook recently, for Asexual people over 30, it’s kind of making me feel like I belong, not just this freakish kind of female who’s not interested in the unmentionable (who also just happens to have arthritis, lol). Ok, I realise this isn’t a confessional, so if I’ve talked too much, made anyone feel uncomfortable, please let me know and I’ll go back to more conventional topics. Tc. Bye for now. Xx

bosh

Hi again Kathleen, just forgot to say, I love the slippers! Tc xx.

bosh

Hi again all, sorry I’d just had the methotrexate and was in a bit of a strange mood, lol, so if I did get carried away with over- sharing, I do apologise. Thanks. X

barbara12

Evening all

Toni how nice of you to make a video fir Ps daughter ,are they still staying in the village..

The school our gd will working in us a sieacial school ..she has her options open though in case she doesn't like it,her fiance will do caring till she can find something else

Oh will have to look fir thr butter xx

Joan thankyou we are all doing ok here's some hugs back to you Sue and the doggies (((())) xx

Mike at least Vixen came home for Cuddles bless ..I'm sure she would have done that anyway xx

Reshmi I for one are not at all embarrassed ..and I admire you ..we have vistas not far away well a short drive but its not somewhere we visit .. mind you coffee started to make me feel sickly and I love it xx

Kath I have the cosy feet catalogue here ..must say i like thoes slippers for winter ..I like my feet open in sumer they get so hot ...thankyou f8r the brioche recipe xx

Love to all

Xxxxxx

frogmorton

Morning!

Good idea spraying the feliway Mike good thought that! At least Vixen had a couple of hours cuddles with Dad bless her. They are funny aren't they cats? I had to get dressed and up stupidly early to get Lucy in for work this morning and so my puss had to go out in the dark luckily she didn't bring me any 'treats' like she would normally if it's still dark.

Morning Joan thank you it's a bank holiday weekend so maybe a bit more restful. Mind Lucy is still working so no lie-ins for us🙄 I hope you and Sue have a good one too ((())) xxx

Kitty I got some cosy feet socks for Tia's Grandad a few years back as he has severe lymphedema in his feet. I don't know if you remember him driving into the tesco petrol station kiosk a few years back because his feet got stuck in the pedals and he couldn't stop his car?

I love brioche and can sometimes get some vegan brioche buns from Ocado but they aren't always in stock. The recipe looks quite easy and healthier so I might give it a go in the meantime I will help myself to some of those you have left for us😋 and some of the Kitty-Kat wedding food vegan options. Thank you.

Now enjoy your day off and rest up.

Reshmi so after 8 hours wait is the Gp actually going to see you in person? WOW!! That's amazing (8 hours isn't though🙄) I am pleased because to be honest that's what you need. Let's hope he/she can help. I am sorry your had arun in with your Mum you were struggling and probably she was too ((()))

BTW I have a niece who is also looking into A-sexuality so you are (well you know you're not with the facebook group) alone. She is having some counselling about other things and hopefully will be able to accept herself.

No-one in the café will judge you we are what we are and I am not sure any of us is actually conventional 🙂

Morning Barbara my lovely how are you today?

Your GD will LOVE the children bless her she will be perfect for them. She will be full of it. they are with her Dad ad she has her fiancée to give her time to find out f it's for her.

Sadly the house P's daughter rented has been sold and this week she is away in Devon with her children and husband.

Shame you have 'gone off' coffee I hope it's not the kidneys causing trouble?

Mike1

The Fellway worked again last night, a couple of hours cuddle makes all the difference. 😁

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kath ((())) those slippers look comfortable sue has some shoes from comfy feet she likes them. I have to wear my ankle boots to stop my ankle giving away. Love to Chris ((())) and Anita ((())) and Val ((())) and Emily ((())) and your dad ((()))

Barbara ((())) I expect your granddaughter will enjoy working with the children ((())) it's nice you have them there with you ((())) love to Mr B ((())) and your son ((())) and Niamh ((())) and your brother ((())) and his girlfriend ((()))

Toni ((())) that's lovely P having a video ((())) yes I remember that happening with Tia's grand dad that must have bee very embarrassing ((())) love to Paul ((())) Charley ((())) and Annie ((())) and the carers (((())) Lucy ((())) Tia ((())) and Kari ((())) and P ((())) and P ((())) and your lovely neighbours ((()))

Reshmi sorry you have a bad tummy ((())) have a good weekend all of you ((()))

Mike ((())) have a good weekend how old is vixen ((())) love to Elliott ((()))

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

Kitty

Just a quick hello to everyone. I'm using my Lenovo tablet today. Upstairs in the room I store my Tena Lady (sorry Mike) and toilet rolls, I have 4 defunct desktop PCs. I'm a bit techno mad. I've read all your posts - will answer tomorrow. 💝

bosh

Hi and Ty Barbara, that’s v kind, I don’t like coffee personally, just tea, went inside the Costa today, I think it probably opened today, or possibly yesterday, quite busy so I left it today, nice that it there though. I’m just about to apply the exciting psoriasis cream, lol, bfn. Xx.

bosh

Hi Toni, Thanks methotrexate and female stuff isn’t a good combination. I didn’t really mean it about convention, it was just the combination of the aforementioned, ty, Nice about your niece. Hope the counselling goes well. The FB group is def a good thing, but I’m still fairly alone with it, my sis is really diff to me, some would say opposite…but nvm I’ve always been alone to a great degree and things have been a whole lot worse, not actually talking about the arthritis here, but I’ll stop this waffling now and prepare to excommunicate myself from iPad. Bye. Xx

bosh

Hi Joan, tum is ok atm ty, question is for how long tho. Am all chatted out, sorry, Tc. Xx

bosh

No worries K , is it ok to call you k? Just thought I’d ask. You take care, I.T. Is such a pain I know, I’ve got one medieval useless laptop too, lol. Xx.

Mike1

Hi Joan, Vixen is 6 but she is small for her age.

barbara12

Evening all a heutiful dat here so niamh got in the pool and gd fiance and our middle gd came 😁I feel so blessed

Toni so you are mums taxi..blimey that must have been early if it was still dark ..

I think it might be these kidneys stopping me enjoying coffee ..but I get away with one in a morning xx

Joan thankyou it lovely seeing the girlls quite can't believe they are staying up here love to all of you xx

Reshmi I am glad you have the Facebook group to talk to ..much easier for you especially has your sister dosent understand..maybe one day xx

Mike the spray sound brilliant does it calm cats down..we have 2 next door I love them coming in but one is quite naughty and goes for me xx

Kath I have a few desktops and laptops I need to get the harddrives out to see whats on them ..xx

Love to everyone

Xxxxx

Mike1

Mike the spray sound brilliant does it calm cats down..we have 2 next door I love them coming in but one is quite naughty and goes for me xx

Hi Barbara. Yes the spray does calm cats down, it is the same stuff that you can get in plug-in things for cats. I used it for the third time in a row yesterday and Vixen came in for cuddles last night.