Val's Cafe

Kitty

Tra la la, t4591 just check I've left the booth clean and sparkling. I just couldn't resist the caramel pecan thigamajig. Now I can scoff some kale, egg and mushroom breakfast cups. Slurp - thanks Aidan. In return I've provided:

Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Cake (Vegan)

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CHOCOLATE CAKE
375 g self-raising flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 350 g light brown sugar 110 g cocoa powder 120 ml vegetable oil (sunflower or coconut oil work well) 680 ml dairy-free milk 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

ingredients) FOR THE CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
1/3 batch of the caramel sauce 300 g dairy-free butter (make sure it's a good tasting one! I recommend Vitalite or Earth Balance Buttery) 300 g icing sugar FOR THE CARAMEL POPCORN 1 small bag of popped salted popcorn in a large bowl 100 ml water 200 g white sugar 1 tbsp dairy-free butter

Metric - US INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE THE CARAMEL POPCORN You need to work quickly making this so have a prepared large flat baking tray ready to set the popcorn and all the ingredients to hand. Add the sugar and water to a large pot on a medium-low heat. Don't stir but you can shake to stop it burning. Once the sugar turns a deep caramel colour, remove from the heat and add the tablespoon of dairy-free butter. It will bubble up, keep stirring until smooth. Then pour over the bowl of popped corn. Quickly transfer to the tray to set. TO MAKE THE CHOCOLATE CAKE Preheat the oven to 180C / 350F and grease and line two 8-inch cake tins. Mix all the dry ingredients into a large bowl, then whisk in the wet ingredients, leaving the apple cider vinegar til the last minute, as it will react with the rising agents to help make the cake fluffy and risen. Pour the batter equally between the two cake tins and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick poked into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, leave to cool completely before removing from the tins. Then freeze the two layers for a few hours, so it's easier to trim. Remove from the freezer and trim the tops to make them even. Now slice each layer in half, length-ways, to create four cake layers.

TO MAKE THE CARAMEL SAUCE Follow instructions from my "5 Minute Caramel Sauce" recipe TO MAKE THE CARAMEL FROSTING Whisk the dairy-free butter in a large mixing bowl, adding the icing sugar a small bit at a time. Then whisk in the caramel sauce, working whilst the sauce is still warm and at a pourable consistency to stop it from hardening. Let the buttercream chill in the fridge for at least a couple of hours before using.

TO ASSEMBLE THE CAKE Add buttercream to the top of the first cake layer and sandwich together with the next layer, repeating and covering all layers with a generous dollop of the buttercream. Then frost the outside of the cake, starting with a thin crumb layer before adding a more generous coating. When the caramel sauce has cooled but is still a thick, pourable consistency, pour over the top of the cake, letting it run down the sides. Pile the popcorn on top and pour more caramel over to keep it in place. Leave in the fridge for a few hours to set and keep fresh, before serving

It's a bit complicated. Hope you can sort it out.

Joan, Oh your poorly tummy, we'll be beneath the cape for you when you have your test.

mig, I hope the wheat bag is helping your neck.

:animal_busy: :animal_busy: :animal_busy: :animal_busy:

bubbles

Afternoon to all - lights have been on all day, it is so dark, pouring with rain and getting quite windy too t111055 t111055 t110007
We were up before 9 and I thought it was the middle of the night :shock: :shock: Is it really daytime :? :?

Weather warnings for tomorrow - very windy and wet - again

Hi Toni - so you have made the yummy kale and egg bakes, I am sure they are delicious, with lots of bread and butter

I don't like clowns at all - they give me the heebie jeebies :shock: :? too many horror films with them in (not that I have watched them, the trailers were bad enough).

The rainbow droplet t115006 is, as you say, held in the highest esteem and even in winter, there are visitors from far and wide.

Some of the ink stamps are very nice indeed. I will have to have a proper look at some point. In the meantime, it is writing the cards. All of our postie ones are finished, just local ones, neighbours, GC, T Rooms etc.

Dad has already forgotten about cards, B said he was asking about them and saying I won't send as many next year :? :? plus he had forgotten about the dentist appointment - not to worry, we keep him in the right place at the right time.

Soup was perfect and I ate far too much bread, but never mind

The oven is super sparkly m0150 m0150 with new bulbs arriving today. I didn't get round to fussing over ours, I will get B to assist with the shelves.

I see you have a bucket load of rain too. t111055 t111055 The river will be well up the banks by tomorrow morning.

I could hear Carol knitting, the needles are flying.

Sleek and Mother just had a pow wow, they didn't venture up to Pendle today. Give the nymphs time to sort out the clouds, fog and mists.
I tried to post cards through the "gate" but I was informed rather loudly, that hoomans are not allowed to pass anything through the "gates" - they will not open for peeples :shock: :? ok, I will post cards instead then.

Hi Joan and Sue - we are used to wet weather here in Lancashire. The Ribble Valley is known for its rather damp climate.

So you are likely having an endoscopy Joan, sorry to hear that you have been having heartburn. Don't worry too much about it, they pass a tube, into your stomach and then take a look round as they bring the tube out. It has a camera and light on the end and they can take samples if needs be.

They always numb the back of your throat and you can ask for a mild sedative, which most people do. Just makes things a bit more comfortable for you and people normally forget anything about it, which is good. t4591 t4591 Once it is done, they let you rest on the trolley and give you a cuppa and some biscuits and quite often they will tell you what they saw on the camera.

Glad the doggies don't mind the rain too much.

Hi Kath - the booth is very clean indeed, I guessed it was you in the booth, I heard a big SPLAT :shock:

How's the weather mi duck, is it chuckin it down wi you

Now let me look at that cake - that is quite a recipe there, I will have to study it properly. The end result looks wonderful, thank you.

Hi to Barbara - have you been out and about with your GD and fiance - maybe to the GC I bet it has been the same wet weather with you not being a million miles away from us.

Hi to Carol - hope you are all ok and the knitting is almost done. Not long now, are we at 2 days and counting

Mig, I hope your ouchy neck is a little easier, or a lot easier ((()))

Hi to everyone else, in and about. Time I was moving again. Pills are due soon - one medicine round after another :roll: :roll: needs must..........

No need for me to put out another cake, so I will put extra out for breakfast when I check in later.

Everyone take lots of care - love and sparkles to all t115006 t4591 t115006 XXXX Aidan t7304

mig

It is a lot better I took your advise and stopped putting a warm wheat bag round my neck all the time just put my wrap round scarf in fridge for5 mins seems to have helped.
We have had a lamp on all day its so miserable out there.
Not going back to SW till after new year feel so wiped out and if my daughter can't take me I would have to take the bus and the way it goes is quiet a journey .
Got most of christmas shopping done thank god for a****n.
Take care all Mig

barbara12

Evening all..a very dreary day here
Aiden thankyou for the vegan breakfast, not a vegan but I do like veg and the Caramel Pecan Ice Cream Sandwich Cake wow..we did take our GD and fiance to the GC the big one..but could we get a coffee or food no chance ..but they really enjoyed looking round and they had a Christmas market outside so we had German sausage with onions on a bun..sorry forgot the name
So most of your cards are done..wish ours were just 4 wrote out..of 20 something..yes Niamh came but no dusting but she did have a wobbler when she saw our father Christmas..he moves and she didnt like it..so he is unplugged..
Joan its sometimes nice to have a big family saying that its only 2 sons 3 GC..and one bother one BIL and 2 nieces..we will all be there when you have your endoscopy..
Mig the exercises are side to side gently ..look up and sick your chin out..and head backward..they are on the net..but do them gently after the heat..glad to hear you are feeling better..
Toni a nice clean cooker we are like Aiden it doesn't get used much these days..but does need a clean it suppose to be self cleaning.. :roll: now the stamp is a good idea..my fiend has had her cards printed...hope Lucy hears about the job very soon
Kath the rainbow pie looks so nice..thankyou..and dont blame you for staying put...
Better go ..our GD goes home tomorrow..so making the most of them
Love to everyone
t7304

Turbogran

Evening all

after a very crazy mixed up week of plans being changed. the last change has come today as Graycie is poorly with the flu and her party has been cancelled as she is not really interested in anything and doesn't want to do anything and it was planned for 5-7pm and GD will dose not want to take her out that late being unwell as it gets cold. However we will still make our trip as we have the Christmas presents to take down, and if we cancel our hotel stay we will lose our money anyway . but we will still meet up with them all on Saturday during the day at some point. hats and scarves are all finished last bit done this morning. I have taken a photo of them and will post it on here on Saturday or Sunday when I'm back home.

Dr appt on Tuesday was ok with medication review as expected blood was a bit up but she took it three times and on the second and third times it had come down. All as I can say is what dose she expect after this crazy week and the whit coat syndrome and Mr T being moody :roll: :roll: its is no wonder it is not sky high.
I have now been asked to consider having a 24 monitor done in the new year. question is will it really be any different I will still know it is there.

when I am back normal service will be resumed as far as forum post are concerned

Love and Sparkles to all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006



well it is that time again and I must potter


love and sparkles to you all
oooh I have just spotted the Christmas emojis t7304 t79146

bubbles

Hi to all - look at the time already, nearly 1230 am and I seem to have only just put the pc on.

Neighbour came round, so supper was late, then we were watching a programme about chocolate and its history - I was engrossed to say the least

Hi Mig - Glad that your neck is a lot better with the cool wrap / scarf. Let's hope it continues to improve. Exercises can help, but it would need to be recommended by a physio etc. They tried it with me once and nearly had to catch me, as the whole room went round :shock: he said, no, we won't carry on with them :shock: :shock: Too right you won't
All depends on the diagnosis.

It has been dark all day and our forecast is for more of the same today. Don't blame you for not going to SW until after Christmas. Especially if it involves a long bus journey.

So many people shop online now, what did we do without such things - go shopping I guess is the answer to that one - trailing round Nottm, for hours............oh perish the thoughts of any long drawn out shopping trip.

Hi Barbara, glad you liked the breakfast. I am veggie again now, as I was, for many many years. There is just such horrific brutality in the meat / poultry industry, it is terrible.

Pity you did not get a seat, or even a coffee at the big GC, it must have been packed out. Glad your GD and fiance enjoyed the visit. It is a bratwurst sausage, that they do, with onions ?

Yes I am pleased that most of the posting cards are sorted and sent now. I am quite ahead of myself

Oh dear, Niamh didn't take to the moving Santa, best be kept unplugged then, we don't want any wobbles. Bless.

Cannot believe where the week has vanished to, Friday already and your GD goes home already. You will be upset to see them go - ((())) sending some extra sparkles. t115006 t115006

Hi Carol - A week of changes indeed. Now poor Graycie is poorly and won't be able to have her party. Glad that you are are still going, with present for Christmas and have a night away too.

Look forward to seeing a pic of the hats and scarves - as you say, normal service will resumed.

Glad your BP was ok, after the initial check. A 24 hour monitor would likely prove that your BP is quite normal, it is just the white coat syndrome that causes things to go up. That plus a crazy week and a grumpy Mr T...............mine would be up too :shock: :roll: :roll:

It was choir practice wasn't it Toni. Sister Euphemia stood in for Barbara, as she had important guests. Won't be long until the carols at the local nursing home.

Sleek was over this evening, quietly nattering to Mother. The weather warning has gone, it is just going to be wet and windy, not wet and very windy :shock: So I guess the waterproofs will be out, ready for a fly over Pendle. There is plenty of mist to gather.

Time I was pottering. I need to move, again.

Going to the GC this morning, not been for a week, which is unheard of :shock: :shock:

Love and Sparkles to one and all - everyone take lots of care t4591 t115006 XXX Aidan

Blueberry Breakfast Cake

frogmorton

Yum blueberry breakfast cake!! Lovely thanks Aidan sorry to say there is a last minute no fly zone in place here (thanks to Hermione), today the wind and rain are lashing the bungalow. Sleek has been over to yours for a natter through the gate so I hope they weren't laughing too much :? Sleek had brought some presents to show Mother...…

My posting cards are almost done here Just got to sort out m tips for poste now and Bin-men. Yes I will have a proper look at the stamper for next year too Bless Dad forgetting his are almost done!!

Bread does for me too, but oh it's lovely We'll have to ask Barbara to make us some in her breadmaker :?

Sister Euphemia helped a lot at choir practise last night. Barbara only came at break for the tea and (several) biscuits

I hope you get a seat at the GC.

Poor Carol what a week and you still have to go and see family and drop presents off. Do your best not to catch any flu germs :? Poor Graycie ((())) t115006

Yes please knitting pics

Now a home BP monitor is good it will prove that your BP is actually ok.

t07161

Sounds like the GC was worth a visit Barbara even if you couldn't get a seat. I love outdoor markets.

Poor Niamh! She'll be ok with Santa in time ((()))

Enjoy the last bit of time with GD and her finance.

We must all get stamps for next Christmas.

Thank you my cooker is like new! m0150

Poor you mig I hope the neck carries on improving and you get your mojo back soon ((())) SW can wait!

I am very pleased to hear most of your shopping is done

Kath loving the chocolate caramel popcorn cake!! ta v much

We can sort it out

Joan it's good to have a camera at least you will know all is well. I've never had one yet even when I vomited coffee grinds!! The cloak will be on standby.

Woo-ooo to Sue!

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Mig Aidan Barbara Carol Toni
. Kathleen it's raining here it's a good job we don't grow.
. Mig how is your neck feeling today((((())))
Aidan have you had anymore hypo's. I had the tube down my throat a few years ago they could not get it right down I had acid in my throat I take Lansoprazole. Thank you for your help.
. Barbara I'm sorry Niamh was frightened of your father Christmas
. Carol is that an heart monitor you will try(((())))
. Toni how are your aches and pains doing((()))
. have a good weekend everyone
. take care
. joan xx

Kitty

EEEk worra mornin. Around 8.30am it wor thundering down, I thought it wor gonna come right through the winders. :shock:

Morning Sue and Joan. Hope you're not out on your scootas. You'll need a motor launch today. t111055 t111055 t111055

Just let me get a slice or three of blueberry breakfast cake, many thanks Aidan. I bet Tosca is by the fire keeping warm and dry, bless.

Vegan mushroom and ale pie (this should warm the cockles.)

Ingredients
15g/½oz dried mixed mushrooms
250ml/9fl oz just-boiled water
4 tbsp sunflower oil
300g/10½ oz shallots, peeled and cut in half if large (try and keep the root intact, so they keep their shape)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
400g/14oz mixed mushrooms, chestnut, button, shiitake, portabello, sliced or quartered if large
330ml/11fl oz pale ale (vegan)
1 vegetable stock cube
2 tbsp tomato purée
2 tbsp redcurrant jelly
1 tbsp soft light brown sugar
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
3 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp cold water
180g/6oz cooked and peeled chestnuts (vacuum packed is fine)
flaked sea salt and ground black pepper
For the vegan pastry
300g/10½oz plain flour, plus extra for rolling
1 tsp fine sea salt
100g/3½oz sunflower oil
5-6 tbsp cold water
1 tbsp aquafaba (canned chickpea water) or plant-based milk, such as soya or almond milk
Recipe tipsHow-to-videos
Method
Put the dried mushrooms in a small bowl and pour the just-boiled water over the top. Set aside.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Fry the shallots and onion over a medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for a few seconds more. Tip into a bowl and set aside.

Heat the remaining oil in the same frying pan and fry the mixed mushrooms for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Stir in the soaked mushrooms and their liquor, the ale, crumbled stock cube, tomato purée, redcurrant jelly, brown sugar, thyme and bay leaves. Add the shallots and onions back into the pan. Season with a good pinch of salt and lots of ground black pepper.

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix the water with the cornflour in a small bowl until smooth, and stir into the mushroom mixture. Cook for 1–2 minutes or until the sauce thickens, stirring. Stir in the chestnuts and season to taste.

Spoon the mushroom mixture into a 1.5 litre/2½ pint pie dish and leave to cool before topping with pastry.

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.

To make the pastry, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the sunflower oil and rub into the flour first with a fork and then with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Don’t let the mixture come together in a ball, it should remain in damp, flaky pieces.

Add the cold water and mix with a fork and then your hands until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball.

Dust a work surface with flour. Dust a rolling pin with a little more flour, then roll out the dough until around 7.5mm/⅜in thick. Cut a circle of pastry that is around 3cm/¼ in larger than the pie dish containing the filling. Reserve the trimmings for decoration.

Brush the rim of the pie dish with a little aquafaba or plant-based milk and place the pastry on top. Press the pastry edges firmly to seal and trim off any excess with a knife. Brush the pastry all over with aquafaba or milk.

Use the trimmings to make decorations for the pie. Brush with more aquafaba or milk.

Bake the pie for 45–50 minutes, or until the pastry is pale golden brown and the filling is hot. Serve with freshly cooked green vegetables and mash.

Recipe Tips
You can use a sheet of ready-rolled dairy-free puff pastry instead of the homemade shortcrust pastry if you like.

Toni, like everyone else, I hope Lucy gets the job. t4591

Carol, poor Graycie. blimmin colds, facy coming and spoiling her party. :x

Yippee, it's stopped raining and the sun has popped out. Hope it stays like this when Tesco arrives.
m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150

bubbles

Afternoon to all - it's a weathery day today, very cold lazy wind, some sunshine then torrential rain, hail and anything else it can throw at us. :shock: :shock: t111055 t110007 m0150 t111055

The no fly zone has gone up here as well Toni, there was a note down the chimney we don't have, from Hermione. Too dangerous on Pendle, with the weather being all over the place.

Sleek and Mother were very quiet, so quiet I slept too long, B woke me up, as I had not set my alarms. Still, we were not late really, arrived at Dads at the normal time. Mother said she loves the presents that Sleek has bought. t4591 She didn't elaborate though, just wanted her lunch :roll: :roll:

Glad you have almost done with the cards and are now sorting tips for the bin men and the postie. We don't see our bin men, as the large bins are all taken up to one area on the park, on a Tuesday, for emptying then the groundsman brings them back on his tractor.

I am sure Barbara will bake us some bread in her magic machine. After her GD and fiance have gone, she will need lots of distractions, so as not to get upset t4591 t4591 t4591

Ah, so Barbara arrived at choir just in time for biscuits Sister Euphemia was in fine voice and her wimple remained intact :shock:

We did get a seat, at our fav table. Dad went in while we had a ciggy, another car came in, then I though, I know that person getting out, only my friend that I used to work with, who we meet up with every so often. You will see her on FB, she posted some pics on my timeline. Lots of shrieking was going on She was out with her Auntie and neighbour, thought she would come over to the GC with them. Her hubby was at work, so he will be well miffed :?

Your cooker looks like new, sparkling t115006 t115006

Hi Joan and Sue, it is Suesday of course. No, I have not had any more hypo's thank goodness.

I didn't remember you had had an endoscopy before. They likely want to check why there is still acid coming back, could well be reflux, or a small hiatus hernia, which can be treated with meds. Lanzoprazole is quite an effective drug, just might need a top up with something else for a while. We will all be with you when you have to go to the hosp.

Hope you are keeping warm and dry, maybe not venturing out if the weather is blowing a hooly.

Hi Kath, is wa thunderin down my duck, clatterin at winders. It is as black as your at over Pendle.

Tosca has an ottoman in the lounge, with some blankies on, next to one of the rads, she likes it on there, keeps her back nice and warm. t115006 t4591 :animal_busy:

Oh yes, that pie is just delicious, I might have to squirrel a couple of them away, for supper Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the blueberry breakfast cake.

Did Tesco arrive on time, hope so, hope it was dry too.

Well, I am going to do a little pottering again. Some fussing and moving around needed.

Hi to Barbara and Carol and Mig and everyone else, in and about.

I will pop back later, let me go find the cake I made..................... Love and Sparkles to everyone t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXX Aidan

Mango Cake with Lemon Curd

bubbles

Hi to all, on a VERY wild night here, blowing a gale, with mini power cuts, hail, wind howling through the trees :shock: :shock: absolutely a no fly zone, in fact Mothers Broomstick has gone - I think Hermione has purloined it for the time being. The gates are also closed for the night. :animal_busy: is busy ignoring the weather t110007 t110007 t110007

A quiet evening, apart from the weather. Pottering and doing bits and bats.

Hope everyone is as ok as can be and keeping safe and warm in the bad weather.

Carol and Mr T will be packing and ready for off, to see the family. Hope Graycie is better soon, mind you don't get any more coughs and colds t2507

Toni - now, was anything planned for the evening, not that Sleek has mentioned, even though she was whispering to Mother, over the crystal ball at siesta time, which caused Mother to have rather a lot of SHRIEKING :shock: :shock: while daddy was trying to rest :roll: :roll:

Any news of Lucy's job interview? Still keeping everything crossed t4591 t115006

Hi to Barbara - hope you are ok, now that your guests have gone back to London. I trust they arrived back safely, I bet they had a lovely time with you and the family. Eat lots of cake, it helps with having to say cheerio to people ((()))

Hi to Kath, ope is not still chuckin it darn mi duck - you will need waders :shock:

Hi to everyone else in and about, Kerrin, Christine, Mig, DD, SW, Toady and all

Time for another potter, didn't realise it is going up for 1am, again............

At home for the week end. Dad will be round for toasted crumpets and coffee, this morning. Make a change from croissants.

Love and Sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Everyone take lots of care XXXX Aidan

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Aidan and everyone else
. Kathleen do you make all the recipes you put on here.
. Aidan when you were a matron did you have to know has much as a Doctor you had to be clever for your job.
. have a good weekend everyone
. take care
. joan xx

barbara12

Morning all..
Aiden thankyou for all the goodies..I feel guilty not being veggi but tried it once and gave up..not good is it..and thankyou so much for the hugs and sparkles.. I hate saying goodby to our GD they text last night and had got home safe and sound with a case full of presents.. we have her sister in bed here..she came to see her and stayed.. ..so you were watching a program on chocolate.. we have an hotel chocolate opened in the next big town..so we called in ...they were presents but not any longer ..how lovely to see your friend in the coffee shop..these things are meant to be I think glad you had a good catchup...bratwurst thats the one must say it was good.. now I want a piece of the mango cake with lemon curd..
Joan thankyou we did really enjoy our GD being here.. so you have had a camera down before..they have good relaxants not to help it go down ...Hi to Sue who I missed hope you are all ok
Toni father Christmas is switched off..she doesn't like elves either so better move them I will certainly make you some bread..I have french bread flour here I can eat one slice and thats it.. :roll: your cooker looks like new...our cards are normally posted now they are not even wrote out.. :shock:
Carol ..poor Graycie and on her Birthday..I hope she picks up very soon bless...I hope you dont catch it..she will be thrilled to see you both and at least you can get look after in the hotel I have had the blood pressure monitor and mine was fine I have whit coat syndrome..
Kath another nice recipe...I need a chief to cook them for me.
quiet here today..but still have middle GD in bed..and Niamh is coming later..so will make the most of it..
Love to everyone
t7304 .

Kitty

Joan, I can't cook, so no I don't make ANY of the recipes and Barbara, I'm not veggie or vegan either. I love meat. :oops: :oops: Glad your GD got home safe and sound.

No rain here at the moment Aidan, but there's a real icy wind. But my resident weatherman (Chris) says we are supposed to get showers later. t110007 t110007 t110007

I'm loving these gingerbread cinnamon rolls Aidan.Better get NuNu out. Yes. the sun came out just in time for Tesco, which arrived at 12:30.

BAKED SALMON WITH PARMESAN & PARSLEY CRUST INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Season both sides of the salmon fillets and place on a greased baking sheet or roasting tin. Mash the cream cheese with the garlic, salt and pepper and lemon rind. Divide into six and spread on top of each salmon fillet. Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan and parsley in a small bowl and season. Sprinkle on top of the cream cheese mixture and dust with paprika. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes. To tell when the salmon is done, it will have changed from translucent to an opaque pink. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

INGREDIENTS
6 x 150g/5oz salmon fillets, skinned
salt and freshly ground black pepper
150g/6oz cream cheese
small clove garlic, crushed
½ lemon, grated rind only
25g/1oz fresh white breadcrumbs
25g/1oz fresh, coarsely grated parmesan
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus extra to garnish paprika

Thank you Mary Berry. t4591 t4591

bubbles

Afternoon to all - after a wild night, pouring rain and howling winds. Now it is just windy and wet :shock: t110007 t111055

:animal_busy: mother is not for moving, after her pilchards she is quite comfy, soaking up the heat from one of the rads.

There was quite a lot of shrieking early on, which woke Daddy on more than one occasion :roll: I think Sleek had begged for the gate to be opened, so they could search for more presents - more, how many are they sending :shock: :shock:

Hi Joan and Sue - hope the weather is not quite as wet and wild with you, best stopping indoors if it is. We are not going anywhere.
Well, there was always a lot of debate about senior nurses, knowing as much as Drs. I would say that they junior Drs when they came to the wards, twice a year, relied on us so much, to actually teach them the ropes of looking after the person as a whole, not just a diagnosis. At that time, we were not allowed to diagnose, but we were right, 99% of the time.
Of course, when you get to a Consultant level, then they are specialists in their field and know whatever speciality inside out and back to front. But, they all rely on the nurses to keep them informed, keep the prescribed treatments going, night and day, react to any emergencies and know exactly what to do.
So, all in all, yes, there are many nurses who know as much as a lot of Drs and of course, nurses have their intuition to guide them.

Hi Barbara - don't worry about not being veggie - if people want to eat some meat, then that's fine. I am only going back to being a veggie, as I was for many many years.

You are welcome to all the goodies and the sparkles I knew you would be feeling a bit blah, after your GD went back home to London. t115006 t115006 But you have your middle GD staying and she is still sleeping, eh these young ones, cannot keep up with us oldies

Glad to hear that they arrived home safe and sound, loaded with presents, of course t4591 t4591

It was SUCH a surprise to see my / our friend at the GC, she is such a laugh, crackers she is.

Bratwurst, yes, I have had them, they are tasty, I will admit. With lots of caramelised onions on top

So you have had to move the Elves and turn Santa off, as Niamh is not so keen on them, bless her.
No Elves on the shelves at Barbara's

Niamh is coming later on, stand by your beds, hide the Elfies

t07108

Hi Kath - I am sure you can cook, or did cook, tried to cook :? :? :? I used to love it, not any more, but, that's the way it is. :roll:
If you like meat, that's just fine. I remember on one of the trips to the USA, I just went all carnivorous for a BBQ that our friends were doing :shock:

You are doing well, missing the rain mi duck, it is silin down ere, pouring down the winders and it is now black as soot.

Glad the sun shone for the Tesco delivery

Thank you for the salmon and yummy parmesan crust mmm. Glad you enjoyed the breakfast rolls. (((())))

Hi to Toni, hope you and yours are ok. I bet you have been busy out and about, with Lucy being chief Elf. Hope you are not drenched like we are. We will need an Ark soon. :shock: :shock:

The broomsticks have reappeared now, but there is still a no fly zone, only visiting each other through the gates. Pendle is out of bounds until further notice. Too dangerous. I think we might have a dry day tomorrow, fancy, no rain, or winds.

Hi to everyone else, in and about, shopping, getting ready for Christmas, doing this and that.

Carol will be visiting with family, along with Mr T. hope Graycie is feeling better, bless her. GNanny cuddles will help t4591

Time for more pills..........so I will away and potter some more.

Everyone take lots of care, keep warm and dry. Love and Sparkles XXX Aidan

Chocolate Orange Fudge Cake anyone ?

frogmorton

OMG!! chocolate orange fudge cake! taptapaptap SPLATTTTT!!!!! Extra rinse wash on in the booth now!

Hermione got sick of Sleek whining and let her through the gate bless her because she was desperate to see Tosca. More pressie ideas and another delivery. Sorry they were a bit loud. :oops: It was catazon and catgos :roll:

Sleek said the place stunk of pilchards!!

How lovely bumping into a friend like that

No news about the job so worried they didn't see how fabulous Lucy would be :?

We are drenched here too never mind so long as we can get out tomorrow for Lucy's 21st curry meal there will be 16 of us :shock: :shock: :shock: we are the noisy table everyone hates :oops: :oops: :oops: HAH!!!!!

Joan I am ok, but my neck is joining in with migs!! Are you ok?

Poor Barbara is sad missing GD, but middle one is filling some of the gap t4591 ((()))

Niamh is scared of Elves too?? Lucy used to be terrified of those Elf-like people on Noddy??? TERRIFIED Charley used to hug her when they came on the telly.

We will all get stampers for our cards for next year it will be much easier

Kath I won't have the salmon thank you, but I have plenty og vegan food to go on with. What weather!!! :shock: :shock: really shocking!

Must get on busy busy...…

Love

Toni xx

barbara12

Evening all yes twice in one day..
Kath what are we like, does Chris cook my OH is good at making chips.. its has rained buckets here... :shock:
Aiden the fudge cake looks amazing..I got to it first.. ,, I do laugh when you say stand by your beds..I can just see you you on carry on hospital... I agree the consultants would be lost without the nurses help yes Niamh is here ..so all Elves are hiding and father Christmas is switched off..so your friend is mad ...it does help..and we all need at least one mad friend thankyou for the card..mine are not yet written..but wont be long I hope...
Toni Lucy being 21 boy how lovely...and you are all our for a
n Indian meal...bet you have a good time..tell her Happy 21st Birthday from me...and enjoy yourselves... middle GD just gone home..
Right better go Niamh wants something to eat again..
Love to all.. t07161

mig

Neck is still sore but not as bad thing is I started with a chesty cough had to go on my emergency antibios for bronchiectasis so every time I cough it hurts my neck :roll:

Daughter made veg stir fry for tea tonight now I am a meat eater but it was delicious and filling.It was shredded savoy cabbage, peas,green beans,brocolli,onions and grated carrots and some garlic granules and chilli flakes.

Take care all Mig

bubbles

Hi to all, if it rains much more, we will need snorkels and flippers - Mother wants to order a Dinghy, just in case :? :? t111055 t111055 t111055 t110007 t110007

Ah, you found the cake then Toni, as if you would pass that by glad I put loads of them out. I have already been in the booth twice :oops: :oops: how greedy of me - ooops, never mind though

Sleek did come flying through the gate, hence the shrieking :roll: :roll: She agrees with Mother, we need a dinghy :shock: :shock: They could well be right, not been, or going out, until Monday, so goodness knows what the river will be like then. It was up to the top of the banks on Friday :? :? tree branches, bobbing along :shock:

I think they have done with the shopping now, unless they hit the sales, early :roll: :roll:

I agree with Miss Sleek, the Pilchards are whiffy

It was great to see our friend, with her Auntie and neighbour, huge surprise

16 of you for Lucy's 21st, well, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lucy, t4591 t4591 t69044 t69044 t115006 t115006

I baked a cake



Ooooh, can we make it 18, for the curry - t4591 poppadoms with pickles, peshwari naan and a veggie jalfrezi please and thank you

The noisy table, that's fine, you all make as much noise as possible Pictures, please

Hugs for the ouching neck ((())), some extra thick magic squares are on the way, fresh from the looms of mystery t115006 t115006

Hi there Barbara, you pop in as many times as you like hun.

You are more than welcome to the card, I am in front of myself this year, goodness knows how :roll: :roll:

I would love to be in a remake of a carry on film, Carry on Bubbles
We always said stand by your beds, when the word was out that Matron was on her rounds. If things were not "in order" she would let it be known, loud and clear. (Most of them were wonderful and kind really, but had a steely look when needed).

Oh my friend is as mad as a bag of wasps, we are terrible when we meet up, people start to look at us, from other tables do I care, do I eck.

Glad the Santa is out of operation and the elves are in hiding, we don't want any upsets.

Now middle GD has gone home, but Niamh is keeping you on your tootsies

Oh Mig, now you are coughing and hurting you poor neck at the same time, many hugs ((()))
Do you have a full week / 10 days of AB's, to take, as and when you need? bronchiectasis is horrid. t115006 t115006 t115006

The veg stir fry sounds wonderful, glad you enjoyed it

Hi to Carol, who will be with Mr T in the hotel, having met up with family and given presents and had lots of cuddles. Safe journey home. Hope Graycie is on the mend.

Hi to everyone else, in and about. Stay safe and warm in the wild weather. I think today will be brighter, we need a dry day or two, snow forecast for Thursday :shock: :shock:

Love and Sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t7304

Vegetable Breakfast Enchiladas

frogmorton

MY goodness me what a breakfast!! Thanks Aidan! I'll take some for Lucy if I may t4591 she needs a special breakie for her birthday!

She loved the birthday cake thank you ! There is one already at the Balti house (your order is in ready too - 18 now at the table!) they were with us as it were throughout Lucy's treatment. Paul was fetching her favourite curry and we were freezing supplies in the fridge at the hospital it was all she ate for many weeks.

Sleek left my laptop open on catazon on the dinghy page :? Hopefully she didn't buy one :roll:

Hermione let her and Mrs D through the gate so you may have been woken early sorry if you were!

Oh mig you do not need that :shock: ((())) get well soon. The veg stir fry sounded lovely. Meat eaters can enjoy veggie food can't they?

Barbara Niamh certainly must burn up some calories she eats really well! Mind you you can at her age

How lovely is it that all of your GDs love you both so much?

You certainly did something right

Morning hello to Joan Can you believe Lucy is 21 today?!!

Can't wait for her to wake up!! t69044

Love to everyone

Toni xx

Will be back to being Christmassy after tomorrow!!

dachshund

Hello Barbara Kathleen Aidan Mig Toni
Barbara yes they could not get the camera down because I had acid in my throat so they are doing it by some other way.
it's good having a laugh.
. Kathleen it's the same with us we used to cook. How is Emily.
. Aidan you had to work up from being a nurse a lot of training.
. Mig I hope your neck is less painful.
. Toni I cannot believe Lucy is 21that's gone quick Happy Birthday Lucy t07108
. take care all
. joan xx


.

frogmorton

Thank you Joan it has gone quickly hasn't it?! I will pass on your birthday wishes t4591

mig

Its a 14 day course of antibios Aiden.
Our Lucy is 21 good grief where have all the years gone.
I hope I feel better by tuesday its our knit and natter christmas lunch.

barbara12

Just popping in to say to Lucy 21 today...wow have a really lovely day... ..we are all coming for curry I see..
will pop back later when Niamh goes home..
Love to everyone
t07161

Kitty

Oh WOW, Chocolate orange fudge cake. ME ME ME! tap tap tap TRIP SPLAT. MMMMM thank you Aidan. Glad there was some left, I missed it Yesterday. Now for some Mango Cake with Lemon Curd Thanks again.

I trust Lucy Locket is having a good day. 21 - my goodness, do you feel old Toni?

My step grandson Alex (Jonathan's stepson) was knocked off his bike yesterday. Dawn is so upset, he spent a little while at the hospital getting checked over. Mainly cuts and tissue damage but his bike's a write off and the incident has been reported to the police. The driver offered £10 for a new wheel, then drove off and left the scene. Disgusting. :x

Sri Lankan braised roots stew coconut dhaal with dumplings

Method To make the curry powder: In a dry frying pan, toast the rice until it’s browning, then add all the spices and toast for 3-5 mins until darkish brown but not burned. Blitz it all in a spice grinder, or crush with a pestle and mortar, then pass through a sieve into a jar or airtight container. Will keep for 2-3 weeks.

Heat the oil in a wok. Scatter in the mustard seeds and curry leaves. When they sizzle, add the onion, leek, garlic, chilli, celery and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring, for 8-10 mins until the onion starts to colour. Add the curry powder and cook for 1 min more, then add the tomatoes, veg, coconut milk, a tsp of salt and 200ml water. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 10-15 mins until the veg are tender.

For the dumplings, boil the lentils in a pan of water until just cooked, then drain. Melt the coconut oil in a pan, then add the mustard seeds and curry leaves and cook until sizzling. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Put the lentils, flour, chilli, onion, spices, desiccated coconut, lime juice and 1 tsp salt in a bowl. Mix with your hands until combined, then add the coconut oil and aromatics and mix to a dough. Form into 12 dumplings, then put on top of the stew, cover with a lid and cook on low for 5 mins. Top with pepper, coriander and spring onion to serve.
Ingredients 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 6 curry leaves 1 onion

, finely sliced 1 leek

, finely sliced 3 garlic cloves, 1 sliced, 2 minced 2 chillies

, deseeded and finely chopped 2 celery stalk, diced 1 tbsp roasted curry powder (see below) 400ml can chopped tomatoes

2 raw beetroot

, peeled and cut into batons 3 parsnips

, sliced 3 carrots

, sliced 400ml can coconut milk

For the dumplings 100g split red lentils 1½ tbsp coconut oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tbsp curry leaves 75g self-raising flour ½ green chilli, finely chopped ½ red onion, finely chopped 1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp red chilli powder 80g desiccated coconut ½ lime

, juiced For the Sri Lankan curry powder 10g basmati rice 20g coriander seeds 15g cumin seeds 10g black peppercorns 5g fenugreek seeds 3g cloves seeds from 3g cardamom pods To serve sliced spring onion

fresh coriander leaves