Val's Cafe

applerose

Cate, I agree about the karma. It will come but I really hope your son sorts things out before then. Your GC will one day find out what is happening and will blame their mum. :swim-shark:

Elizabeth, definitely go back and check the glasses. You have to be happy with them. I've got a pair which I can't use. Never got round to going back to get them changed.

Toni, I love that you're going to make a mess in the garden for Paul. :cheers: Yes, I know what you meant. Biscuit was what I was thinking too. :splash:

Joan, hope you've got some decent weather and manage to get out and about today.

Barbara, glad you've got your refund. I see you are taking orders for fish and chips. Haven't had any for quite a while. Can you get me some please? Hope you're enjoying painting everything. :sunny:

Toady, I get bloods done once a year and things always seem ok at the time but they don't see the inflammation at other times so I know what you mean about it sort of being a good thing. Hope you get things sorted properly at your appointment.

Kath, sorry you are feeling so fatigued. Doesn't seen right, does it, that you have a good night's sleep but still feel so tired. You had me sitting here in bed putting my shoulders in and out dancing to Cakey Cakey. :sunny:

Mig, looking forward to hearing all about your palace trip. Did you see any of the royals?

Just had a message from my daughter. She wants to order some clothes to be delivered to mine for me to take with me. Not sure they can be delivered in time and I'd have to take my clothes out to get them in. :sunny:

Kitty

Salted caramel cupcakes or muffins

210 ml (71/2fl oz) whole milk
2 large eggs
670 g icing sugar, sifted
210 g unsalted butter, softened
70 ml whole milk
30 g tinned caramel or dulce de leche
Pinch of good-quality sea salt (such as maldon)
100 g tinned caramel or dulce de leche
Pinch of good-quality sea salt

Method
Preheat the oven to 170°C/gas mark 3, and line the muffin tins with paper muffin cases to make the number you require. First make the sponge. In a freestanding electric mixer with the paddle attachment or using a hand-held electric whisk, mix the butter, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt together until they form a crumb-like consistency. In a jug, mix together the milk and eggs by hand.

With the mixer or whisk on a slow speed, gradually pour half of the liquid into the crumb mixture and mix thoroughly until combined. Raise the speed to medium and beat until the batter is smooth and thick, with no lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl now and then. Once all lumps are gone, turn the speed back down and gradually pour in the remaining liquid, continuing to mix until the batter is smooth and combined.

Spoon the batter into the prepared paper cases, filling them two-thirds full. Using a 50 millilitre ice-cream scoop can make this process easier and will result in even cupcakes. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sponge bounces back when lightly touched. Leave to cool slightly before removing from the tin and placing on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Using the freestanding electric mixer with the paddle attachment or the hand-held electric whisk, gradually mix the icing sugar and butter together on a low speed until combined and there are no large lumps of butter. Gradually add the milk while mixing on a slow speed. Add the dulce de leche and sea salt and mix thoroughly. Turn up the speed and beat until light and fluffy.

Once the cupcakes are cool, use a sharp knife to make a hollow in the centre of each cupcake, approximately two centimetres in diameter and about three centimetres deep. Retain the cut-out piece of sponge. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the dulce de leche into the hollow.

Replace the cut-out piece of sponge, trimming to fit and pressing down gently to ensure that the top is level with the rest of the cake.
Spoon generous amounts of the frosting onto each cupcake, then gently smooth over with a palette knife, making a swirl at the top if you wish. To finish, spoon about 1 teaspoon of dulce de leche on the top of each frosted cupcake, swirling it slightly into the frosting, and add a light sprinkling of sea salt.

Enjoy.

6 dozen duly delivered to the cafe, more on Thursday.

********************************************

Christine, you made me laugh out loud imagining you singing cakey cakey while putting your shoulders in and out. Hope you didn't hurt yourself. How lovely of your daughter to order you clothes. Hope you get them in time.

Toni, hope the above recipe works out well and that the muffins taste good.
:splash:

Elizabeth, I hope Lucy has recovered from her cold.

Shoulders and elbows hurt and keep clicking AGAIN. Left hip hurting now, as well as the right one. Oh I'm pretty fed up right now. And tomorrow is my pulmonary angiogram! :shock: Not looking forward to it as I have to lie still while they do it. The scan itself should only take a couple of seconds, it's all the faffing beforehand that will take all the time up. I'll let you know how I get on.
:hammock:

Love to all, Joan, Cate, Toady, mig, Barbara and anyone I've forgotten.

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

barbara12

Afternoon all lovely and sunny here..
Christine what a shame your boss is being like this, someone they can trust are worth there weight in gold..hope you get a raise ..I think he is frightening you into not asking again but you stick to your guns..hope your son and dil can sell there car...
Cate I really feel for you, thank goodness you have two lovely sons..they must mean the world to you..make sure whatever you enjoy your break away ..yes I am a great believer in Karma..hope you dont have to take many clothes out...
Toni I had to laugh at the head Barbara..Lucy can do the real Barbara when she is ready.. hope thing got done in the garden the weather has beem much nicer than what they said
Elizabeth got out in the garden has well ..I love being outside..hope you get those glasses sorted..Have you ever done that with carpets..been sure it is a different one... :shock:
Joan the chips were lovely.. hope that ankle is not to painful..and Sues leg is stronger..
Kath thanks for the recipe..and all the goodies..and good luck with the angiogram..hope it goes ok for you...
We have been to watch the baby swimming..she loves it.. then we had breakfast out..its getting a regular thing on Sundays,,our eldest GD is 18 on Tuesday..she has started on a course od social care at college..the lady at the home were she worked paid her extra..for working so hard..
Right I need a cuppa and something sweet

Cate

Hello everyone,

Thanks for all the support. Toni, you shout all you want my love, it makes me feel better....you too I expect. I have spent hours and hours trying to think of anything I might have done, and can honestly say....nothing. My friend said if anything you have been over generous and caring.

A neighbour who has known me for years came over and gave me a big hug yesterday and a lovely little card that started..."I know that you are troubled, though you hide it very well", then more lovely words. I hadn't said anything to her. She just said that you are always there for everyone, always make us laugh, so if you need us we're there for you. Needless to say, that made me cry.

Kath, it upsets me that you are suffering so much. You are another one who laughs things off. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Tell Em I luffs her, although I luffs the muffins more!x.

I'm still a bit sniffly Joan, but no sore throat. It's getting near to flu jab time for us isn't it?

Christine, I'm furious at the way your boss is treating you. Just before you go on your lovely holiday too. As Barbara rightly says, to have a hardworking, totally trustworthy person in your home is worth more than money. I think if you push it he will give in, but it would leave a nasty taste in my mouth, having to play games. Have you thought of advertising your services, and working for yourself?

You really must feel happy with your specs Elizabeth, or you won't wear them....been there, done that.

OK, now for my macchiato, and a (half dozen) muffin/s.

Right, line up and on the count of three, all sing....Oh cakey, cakey, cakey.

Much love to everyone......Cate.x

barbara12

Morning all..
Cate ..this forum is not good for dieters..is it..I know the food is calorie free..but the ones in the shops it gets me fancying aren't hope the sniffle have not turned into a full blown cold...that reminds me must ring about the flu jabs... :roll:
Its pouring down here, so wont be going far..it was lovely watching the baby swimming..I only learned when I was in my 40s..and was never any good..
will put the kettle and sit by the window and have a ponder...love to everyone..xxxxx

tkachev

I wanted to pop in and say goodbye tho Applerose incase I miss her leaving. Someone mentioned the flight was Tuesday. hope I ot that right.
What a miserable boss you have Applerose but some people hate parting with money even though you are doing lots of tasks he could not do himself.

I've had a productive morning and finally got the courage up to call for Daniel's PIP as he is now 16. Even though I'd warned OH I was on important calls (did tax credits too and chased up some missing payments) he decided it was a good time to take things out of the freezer and clatter pots and pans around and then put the noisy kettle on! Still I got it done in the end despite having to race around looking for quiet spots in the house.

So I'm going for a lie down for an hour and will catch up on posts l;ater.

Hope every one is well!

Elizabeth xxx

tkachev

Just remembered Humira is being delivered....so will have to stay close to the door!

Elizabeth xxx

dachshund

Hello Barbara Elizabeth Cate and anyone else I missed
Barbara I hope you did not get wet we have had rain all day the gardens like it.
Elizabeth has your Humira arrived I hope so.
Cate I hope you have had a good day.
take care
joan xx

Cate

Hello everyone,

Just popping in to let our Kath know I'm thinking of her. Also to wish Bon Voyage to Christine, in case I miss her before she leaves.

What a busy girl you've been Elizabeth. I hate dealing with beaurocracy, but it does leave a certain satisfaction when it's done.

Isn't it good how the little ones start swimming before they can walk these days Barbara? My youngest grandgirlie started at three months. She's almost two now, and my son said he had murder on holiday, dragging her kicking and screaming out of the sea. Everyone on the beach was howling laughing at this 6' 4" bloke with this dainty little - bossy - princess.

Hello Joan. I hope the rain hasn't stopped you getting out and about. How are the doggies? I do envy you them. I keep thinking about getting a little one myself.

Just had a letter to say that my electric meter is due for change. It's right at the back of a long cupboard under the stairs, chocka with all sorts of stuff, which will all have to be brought out.....Grrr.

Been having a bit of trouble with my Ipad, so don't worry if I don't get on much. I'll be so glad to get my other tranklements - I think I made that word up! - sorted for backup.

Much love to everybody.....Cate.x

Kitty

Cate, I didn't have any problems at the hospital this morning, even patient transport worked well. Took two goes at getting the cannula in though, but that's not too bad. I once had them waste 7 cannulas in an hour before they got it right. :? Chest consultant should get my results shortly, so will let you know when she contacts me.

Elizabeth, I hope your Humira arrived too.

Bon Voyage Christine.

Joan, on my way home from the hospital today it absolutely tipped it down with rain. Glad I was in a car. :roll:

frogmorton

Happy holiday to Christine We'd all better be quiet in the suitcase folks

Kath 2 goes to get the cannula in?? Pretty good really I suppose. Glad all went well and we too have had such odd weather here :?

Cate I hope you can stay online - I am having problems today to - I think the weather though. Won't be long before your son sorts out the other one for you

Oh no clearing out the cupboard? I do not envy you! If you are missing it might not be your lap-top what if the cupboard has consumed you?!!

I think it's lovely that lady gave you the card - proves it isn't your doing doesn't it? I am not surprised that it made you cry - it's just so unfair ((()))
Joan it's rained heavily on and off here today. Not been far anyway I hope the dogs are ok. Daisycat runs in shrieking when it rains!!!

Elizabeth I hope the PIP call went ok? I hate dealing with those lot :roll: Our kettle is too loud too when I am on the phone. I hope humira has arrived and you can rest up now.

Aw Barbara! I love babies swimming too I can swim myself. My girls weren't naturals, but both safe enough I think

Horrible day here too

Lucy has been doing ME! today your turn next

Love to you all
Toni xxx

toady

Just a quick call to wave off applerose in good time for tomorrow :hammock: hope everything goes perfectly to plan I expect you have checked everything many times over by now. Quietly fuming about your boss, with everyone; I'd like to know how he considers he is paying you a 'lot' [minimum wage] what would he like to be paying?! Peanuts/monkeys by any chance? Plus from what you say about the amount of builders & workmen & whatnot they have in, they never sound short of a bob shall we say (but I may be being uncharitable ).

I haven't read all the way back but I see frog's hair looks fabulous lots of baking going on (I feel tired just thinking about it!), Cate has been a little under the weather (among other things ) Kath's going for a scan tomorrow and barbara has to see 'someone' (gp?) after the scan results. Will we all be up to the cakey cakey I wonder - maybe with frequent sit-downs. And tea.

TK hope you can decide what to do about your own meds. Picking up infections hasn't a huge issue for me on the anti-tnfs as I'm not in contact with many people, especially children etc, & I don't tend to pick things up. Well that's what I put it down to. Hopefully that will be the same if I change.
Hope you get your glasses sorted, odd that they don't seem right!

I didn't hear back about my missing item, but I then got a UPS notification to say I had a parcel due today - so they'd gone ahead & sent it, express, but no email to say so. Except.. the tracking info didn't update all day & I got up as it stated delivery by 12pm. Silly to pay for express & it not get here, especially as had they asked, I'd have told them no hurry. :roll:

Love to joan, sue & doggies, & kettle's on for all callers - xxx

barbara12

Evening all
I will read back tomorrow just want to say have a safe journey and a really good holiday Christine..hope you get to see or stroke a koala bear.. bet you cant wait to see your family..
Im off to bed..so promise will read back tomorrow..love to everyone...xxxxxx

applerose

Morning everyone. Just having breakfast so popped in to say bye bye for now. My son is picking me up in half an hour. Eeeek, what am I doing? A bit nervous in case the train is late but I've allowed 3 hours at the airport so that should be enough. Excited and looking forward to the plane food. Sounds delicious and lots of it. And, of course can't wait to see my daughter and my grandkids. I'll probably be able to call in while I'm away but if not, it's just because can't get on the internet. Hope everyone is as well as they can be. xx

mig

Have a great break.
Am just sitting recovering from yesterday travelling home from sons,got a gynaecology app this afternoon gulp.
Take care all .Mig

dachshund

Hello Christine Mig and anyone else I missed.
Christine you enjoy yourself will you see mango.
Mig good luck with your ap I hope you don't have to wait too long.
take care
joan xx

Kitty

Don't know if Christine has set off yet, but I hope she found room in her hand luggage for a few salted caramel muffins. Hope you will be doing lots of this.
:splash: :cheers: :hammock: :bouncing-ball:
Safe journey

Toni, two is the minimum for trying to get a cannula in. But they had to use the hand that is a 'no no' for needles etc. 3 lymph nodes removed from that armpit, so a risk for lymphoedema. :?

Emily is busy baking more salted caramel muffins, more pies, crumbles and other goodies, ready for Thursday's delivery. I think there's some soup on its way too. Roast Peppers, Tomato and Basil, Leek and potato, Oxtail and chicken - separately, not together :? .

It's a bit sunnier here today than yesterday. Will sit by the window with a muggatea and a piece of lemon meringue pie.

:sun:

barbara12

Afternoon all had a bloods appointment this morn at the docs...not the hospital so then went visiting OHs brother who is poorly..
Toady hope that parcel arrived..I have paid first class quite a few time only to get them late..pay the lower tariff and they come early...
Elizabeth that is men for you ..making a noise whole you are on the phone..hope you managed to get it sorted..and hope the meds came ok
Kath I have forgotten what time Christine's flight was..hopefully she is all settled on the plane no wounder she was nervous its a big trip on your own..hope your chest results are ok and..happy to hear the transport went well
Joan you are right the garden was so dry..hope you have the nice weather..
Mig good luck at the gynecology appointment the thing us ladies have to do
Toni your hair looks lovely...hope Lucy is enjoying the course... you must be shattered all that driving..but hopefully soon things will change..
Cate I love watching the little ones swimming..they look so at home in water..I love how she is bossing daddy around.. and I bet he loves it... and what a lovely neighbour you have ..how thoughtful..
Its a lovely day here..I do love Autumn when its like this..will make a cuppa and see if there is any lemon meringue pie...

barbara12

Morning all..lovely and sunny..but not for long they say
Christine will be settling in now ..hope she can soon get over the jet lag ..then enjoy.. :hammock:
yesterday while we were out ..I felt something down my back ..so rummaged around and got this thing out..a closer look and it was a wasp.. :shock: had it in my hand then throw it on the floor..and it didn't sting..cant believe it must have been ready for hibernation...
Middle GD gone to school..in GDs taxi..he set off at 10 to 8 and not back yet..
Today I am meeting my niece..I do love seeing her she is always so upbeat even when things aren't good..
was so glad to see that Migs appointment went well..
Hope everyone has a goodish day .xxxxx

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Barbara and anyone else I missed.
Kathleen you enjoy your tea I hope you have had a good day.
Barbara you were lucky not being stung. i'm pleased you saw your niece and you had a good time.
take care
joan xx

applerose

Sorry don't have time to read back properly just now. Arrived ok. Almost got run over the day before I left then nearly fell down the plane steps and the captain had to catch me. Luggage got left in Dubai. But I survived. :cheers:

Hope you're all as well as you can be.

Kitty

Christine, glad you got there without too many mishaps. I think falling down the plane steps and being caught by the captain might have been a bonus.

Emily's delivery has arrived. As I mentioned,
Tomato and Basil soup
Carrot and Coriander soup
Oxtail soup
chicken and mushroom soup

Savoury muffins
Fruity vegetable muffins
Salted caramel muffins

Key lime pie
Individual pear tarts
pumpkin pie

and the usual batch of meat and non meat pies.

Don't get indigestion.

dachshund

Hello Christine Kathleen and anyone else I missed.
Christine i'm pleased you arrived there safe thou you had some mishaps I hope that's it for the rest of your stay. you enjoy.
Kathleen I hope you had a good day with not too many problems.
take care
joan xx

barbara12

Christine its lovely to hear from you ..we now know you are safe and sound...but what a start nearly getting run over... :shock: so glad you didnt..and may I ask what the captain looked like...falling into his arms... now you enjoy and :cheers:
Joan I was lucky not getting stung..its not like me to get away with it..hope you are doing ok
Kath I love tomato and basil soup...with crusty bread...thank Emily from us..
Had to out early today...just to sit in with the baby..while mummy went to the doctors...then had to drop off bonge*a for our middle GD her brace has started to cut her lips...not a clue why now
Hope everyone's doing ok..its quite windy here but still warm..apart from the evenings...

frogmorton

Because her teeth have moved a bit so a different part of her lips is chaffing or she's talking too much Has she got any orthodontal wax Barbara?

Good to hear Christine arrived safely

Hope everyone else is doing ok? Joan, Kath.....

Elizabeth - my Lucy has a cold now too :roll: Typical eh?

Hope cate and Toady are well too

Love

Toni xxx