Val's Cafe

barbara12

Afternoon all just pottered in the garden it is lovely out there but going dark at the min
Toni many congratulation to all of you in your village..all the hard work has paid off Brilliant news.. and thankyou for your kind wishes for my brother ..he is 66 tomorrow 6 years older than my eldest brother when he got the same..but he is staying positive..
Aidan thankyou for the sparkly breakfast..so nice and for lighting a candle and your prayers
your little hospital look so nice and its local..much easier than going to the big ones
Now Mr B I just dont know what they have said...nothing adds up but if I go on at him ...well we will fall out.. I have an appointment next week so see if they will help by sending for him ..if I say go back he wont..
Niamh is coming later and stopping instead of tomorrow..so I will show her the cake
Joan thankyou for your kind wished for my brother they do help and you and Sue are always very kind...xx
Carol this baby is making the most of it..poor mum ..but like you say next week he will be here...and a Happy Birthday to Mr T..xx
love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

Kitty

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1428mcJNNScVzzC7-BP8aeD9fIwRVEYDY

Well done Toni and Sleek.

The lovely Holly popped over this morning, she was going into town and offered to do our little errand for us. Bless.

Toni, I should think you are celebrating. I was watching a program on BBC1 this morning (and yesterday) Chris Bavin visiting towns and villages that entered for Britain In Bloom. I thought of you. I'm glad I didn't scare Sleek with my nebbing mask on. No, that's not swearing.

Aidan, thank you for the sparkly breakfast, and as for Lemon and Strawberry Trifle and the bday cake, I sat gazing at them for ages, "too gorgeous to eat" me thinks/thought before I headed off to the booth with both my hand full. Double whammy, so put it on ultra clean and sparkle. Love the T room and it's name.

So we're still waiting for young Kian and still waiting for photos of next door. Patience is not one of my virtues. :roll:


Vegan Black Cherry Cake Ingredients

Cake
6 oz (170g) plain flour
6 oz (170g) sugar
2 oz (55g) cocoa
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp cider vinegar
4 fl oz (110ml) vegetable oil
8 fl oz (230ml) water

Filling
2 tsp Kirsch or cherry brandy
1 x 14 oz can morello cherries
1 oz (30g) arrowroot
1 1/2 tbsp fine cornmeal (polenta)
5 fl oz (140ml) sweetened soya milk
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 oz (55g) vegan margarine

Method
Cake
Preheat oven to 190C/375F/gas mark 5.
Mix together all the dry cake ingredients.
Make a well in the centre and add all the wet ingredients except the water. Gradually add the water and mix until smooth. Do not over mix.
Line an 8 inch round cake tin with greased greaseproof paper and pour in the mixture.
Bake in the centre of the pre-heated oven for 35-40 minutes. Test with a cake skewer before removing (it should come out clean).
Allow to cool for 10 minutes then remove from tin and cool on a wire rack. Cut into 3 layers when cool.
Filling
Soak the bottom layer of cake with the Kirsch.
Drain the juice from the cherries and mix it with the arrowroot. Bring to boil and simmer until thickened. Add the cherries and spread on the bottom layer. Place the second layer on top.
Mix the cornmeal with the soya milk in a saucepan a little at a time, avoiding lumps. Add the vanilla essence then heat and stir gently until it thickens. Cool.
Beat the margarine with a fork until it creams. Add the cooled cornmeal mixture a little at a time and blend until you have a rich smooth creamy mixture. Add more soya milk if it seems too thick.
Spread half of this mixture over the second layer of cake then place the top layer on top.
Spread half the rest on top then use the rest to decorate with a piping bag. Decorate with shavings of vegan chocolate and maraschino cherries.

bubbles

And celebrate you should Toni, everyone line up and give each other a pat on the back (not too hard though). t69044 t69044

The work on keeping the village so GORGEOUS will indeed carry on, as it does, with clean ups and planting etc. t4591 t4591

Mother is dodgy on her back legs today, but she said the little dance was worth it - last time she let her lugs down, was at a Hoqwarts ball. t115006

I did laugh out loud, imagining you doing the minions celebration Mother thought it was hill hairy us too

The shrieking has calmed a little, with gourmet chicken and tuna on demand, to settle her excitement.

Apricot Meringue is a lovely T room, old fashioned service, home baking and doilies, we LOVE doilies t4591 t4591 You are more than welcome to join us.

The little hospital is very handy, takes some of the strain from the bigger ones.

Of course Dad was wrapped in fleecy blankets in his chair this morning :shock: :shock: B said, are you cold - I felt cold when I got up (which could have been at any o clock) :roll: :roll: we can only try...............

I am not surprised the Sisters doing Motown, is a youtube hit, I think we need to dress up and mime

No, Hermione and Minerva would not be pleased, if our girls filled the stream in Waddington with bio rubbish :shock: :shock: it is by virtue of their environment, which adds to the charm, but, ours is the best, we have the most used village hall, for miles and miles. Always something going on

I am trying to race through, having messed about with sky emails auto locking you out, due to hackers.............hence long phone calls, by squillions of people, to sort it out. :roll: :roll: All done, thank goodness.

Hi Joan and Sue - hope you are both ok and the doggies too. Glad that Sues poorly toe has healed nicely. We just need to get Dad to "air" his feet, instead of sitting with his shoes on, wrapped in blankets :shock: :roll: :roll:

Not long now until the car arrives. Exciting (((())))

Hi Barbara - you are more than welcome. The least we can do is offer our thoughts and prayers, for all, especially your younger Brother.
Good that he is staying positive and getting on with things. That is a worthy coping strategy We truly hope his results are favourable. I know how much you will be worrying t4591 t4591

Our local little hospital is great, the most I have seen in there, is about 6 people, at any one time :shock: :shock: a bit different to Blackburn Hospital :? :?
Good to have, if we need x ray or ultrasound and I can walk into the physio and order new crutches etc, it is all very laid back. The canteen, (which is small and neat) serves really good meals, snacks etc.
This is the main waiting area, the dining bit is at the far end



That is a great idea, to ask the surgery to call him in for a walk through of his results and the treatment he is on. As you say, if you keep asking, he will have a fit of peak and we don't want that. Men, they are a trouble. :roll: :roll:

I hope Niamh likes her cake. t4591 t4591

Hi Kath - Sleek was fine with your mask on, she has them in her medical ekwipp ment roomz :shock:

You are welcome to the sparkling breakfast. The cctv caught you on camera, in the booth, well, I think it was you, all I saw was an almighty mess and two eyes peeping out from the cream, lemons, chocolate, etc. :shock: :shock:

The T room is great, as is the name and yes, they do do an Apricot Meringue too

Holly is a love, bless her, nipping to the shops while she is out in town. I will send her some extra sparkles t115006 t115006

We are still waiting for Kian and photo's of your neighbours house. Patience is not my middle name either, the older I get, the less I have :roll: :roll: :? :?

Ta for the cake mi duck, I am in there already, mmmm, very nice indeed, will just nip into Toni's kitchen and gather some cream.

Hi Carol, we are all forming a line and pacing up and down..........will Kian be born on Mr T's birthday. I made him a big cake, happy Birthday Mr T

Have been expecting rain all day, as the forecast said. Now it says storms from 6pm onward t111055 t111055 will believe it when I see it. The BBC weather computer cannot organise a proverbial in a brewery. Best to look out of the window, than rely on the forecast.

Will call back later. Love and Sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 XXX Aidan

bubbles

Hi to all - well, the rain finally arrived about 10 pm ish, very heavy for a short while. At least we have had a soaking t111055 t111055

Oh Carol - (there's a song in there somewhere ) where o where is baby Kian. We need some prostoglandins to get things moving along.
I think you said they would induce labour today. Hope Mum and Baby are ok, along with all the family too. I will carry on pacing.

Trust Mr T had a lovely Birthday, I think he ate all the cake I made t4591 t4591

Hi Toni - I hope you have had a bit more of a rest, after all the excitement and the wonderful results of Best Kept Village. Mother has been shrieking on the phone with Miss Sleek, who is still having a little dance every now and then. She wanted to do the Military Two Step with Mother :shock: but she declined and shared some magic spells instead t115006 t115006

Some serious sparkles will never go amiss I just love this tree



I hope Niamh liked her Birthday cake Barbara. A sleep over? Does that mean breakfast, then back to bed for a little doze :animal_busy:

Right, I must potter, I am setting like concrete.

GC this morning, just coffee and cakes I think today.

Leaving lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXXXX Aidan

Raspberry Jam and Blueberry Muffins

frogmorton

Good Morning

Aidan thank you very much for the muffins very fruity and you know what that means

Sleek is still dancing from time to time and made a right mess looking for something last night..... In the end she found it - the little phial of 'younger potion' she used for Tosca at the ball! there is a tiny drop left. She's going to 'an e lyz' it and try to make some more for the wedding.

The Apricot Meringue shall be on the list for a cuppa and slice of cake for definite. I hope the GC was good today?

The cats aren't really in favour of polluting rivers or canals and are wondering whether they could get hold of some inside information as to when judging was due and 'temporarily' make a mess???

Poor Dad! I expect he feels the cold a bit but yesterday?? I was very warm!! m0150 That toe needs air :roll:

Dudley is all better but Paul is out of the country ATM and wants to come with me for a word :shock:

I really did do the minions bit and was the ONLY person at the presentation to do so I think Pom may ban me next year :oops: or I might be asked to step down as a judge

Today I have to go into Birmingham to the big carphone warehouse there to get them to look at my phone. It will be 6 months old tomorrow so I have no choice. It cuts of mid conversation all the time :roll:

That waiting area is lovely! wow!

Sleek was fine with your mask, Kath as Aidan says she has her own in Pepe's Drs bag

Thank you for that quote it is quite true, but we weren't as confident this year you know.

Vegan black cherry cake yum really nice ta v muchly! Like blackforest gateaux!

Barbara Paul worked with a chap who had the same cancer he did fine you know lived a normal life expectancy (had to have his throat??? stretched every 5 years or so though) it was a stroke that got him in his 80's a few years ago now.

I hope your bro has an ok birthday with it hanging over him

I agree see whether the Drs will call him in to talk it all through.

Thank you Joan we have worked hard and are still at it now

I hope Carol has news soon :? and Crinkly is ok not overdoing it with her thesis. I think Mig has one more bone marrow aspiration to get though ((())).

Love to all

Toni xx

dachshund

Hello Barbara Kathleen Aidan Toni
. Barbara I remember my Dad having a bottle of medicine and just tipping it down his throat not measuring it he did not like the Doctors. I hope your Brother is not into much pain(((((()))))
. Kathleen that's nice Holly thinking of you and doing your shopping((((())))
. Aidan thank you for the photo's good nice hospital. What make is the new car(((((())) Dad((((())))
. Toni our street has been given daddy's for food you don't want we don't throw any away only peeling I don't know how it will go it's a trial go. I hope everyone be his as well as can be((((())))
. take care love to Carol Mig((((()))
. Joan xx

Kitty

The workers popped in next door last night and did some more drilling, and they've been back this morning and did a lot of hammering. :roll: Still no new photos!

Joan, is your dad still with us? Or did he reach a good age. My dad's coming up to 89 in November. Different areas have different rules for recycling and getting rid of unwanted food. There's a food bank near us, and we have a brown bin for left over food and garden waste, but not everything can be put in it. Cooked food has to go in the black bin with normal household waste.

Toni, I forgot Sleek has a supply of medical ekwipment. I might need to borrow an item or three at some time.

Aidan, those Raspberry Jam and Blueberry Muffins were really yummy and I need all the fruit I can get to counter the effects of the morphine. Yo know what I mean mi duck.

Sending ((((())))) to Barbara and her brother, and just giving Kian a little nudge and say "WAKEY WAKEY IN THERE" Carol, what does Florence think of the delay in his arrival? I often see her in a huddle with Rosie and Clarence, haven't a clue what they are plotting. Probably a celebration for all spids when he finally appears. You know what a good singer Rosie is.

Vegan Hummus Sauerkraut

INGREDIENTS
2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped small
2 cups fresh spinach
3-4 tbsps hummus of choice ( highly recommended is the Trader Joe's Oil-free Eggplant Hummus)
1/4 cup dill & garlic sauerkraut (such as Farmhouse Culture)
2 cups steamed broccoli

bubbles

Hi to all - nice breezy day, still warm, but not melting, yet

I do know what fruity muffins mean Toni. All of our five a day at the very least.

Mother has some of the very same potion, that Sleek has found. She uses it, very sparingly, from time to time, to ease the bones. Apparently, it was a one off blend. Sleek might well find an old spell, to make some more, after she has anny lized it :? :?

Glad that the Meringue will be on the list, for coffee, cakes and all things gorgeous.

Sleek and Mother are making up a spell of temporary mess, that will trigger automatically when Judges are spotted t115006

Dads toe does need air, we keep on trying. At least he had thinner socks on today and his heating was not on. Praise be.

So you did the hysteria thing, all on your own - ooops :shock: :shock: You may well be banned

I hope you managed to get your phone sorted in the big City, was there time for cakes and coffee?? I am sure there would have been.

The little hospital is amazing, SO quiet, wish they were all like that I could work there, on reception

Glad that Dudley is better, but wise to wait for Paul to come with you and make your feelings known. Strength in numbers. In fact, we will all go with you.

Sleek is coming over, once she has seen you home safely. She is following, on her broom at the moment.

Hi Joan and Sue - The new car will be the same make, a Mercedes B Class, but SO different to the one we have. Ours is 9 years old now, so compared to the new ones, it is like out of the Ark. :shock: :shock:
Thank you for your hugs (((()))), the same to you both and the lovely doggies too.

Hi Kath, more drilling and banging, what ARE they doing in there :shock: :shock:

We have giant bins on the park, with huge lids. We have blue bins for plastics and tins, cans etc. and ones for garden waste. We try and do our bit. No one has there own bins, all bags etc, go to various points on the park.

Should we have some suitable cake, to assist with the side effects of the morphine. I totally understand mi duck.

How about chocolate and prune cake, that will be fine



Thanks for the vegan hummus, I can eat that till I fall over Lovely.............. t4591 t4591

Hi to Barbara - hope your Brother is ok after his endoscopy, not the nicest thing to have on his Birthday, but sending him best wishes and lots of sparkles t4591 t115006 t115006 Candle lit, as always.

Hi Carol - any news, we are all on pins, waiting for Kian. It was today that Mum was being induced ?? I am sure you will be super excited, waiting for the phone to ring....................Love to all XX

Hi to everyone else, in and about.

We had a nice time at the G C this morning. Two Beth specials and a bacon butty for Dad. Free coffee, to make up for the slight hiccough last Friday, on the food orders.

Here is a pic of the cake counter there.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nbhurr96YtDwm4nR8

Time I was pottering. Few bits to fuss over, as you do. Love and sparkles to all, will pop back later XXXXX Aidan t4591 t115006

Turbogran

Evening all

Just had a phone call from grandson to say this afternoon around 2.30pm to say they hadn’t induced Mum at said time as they had a complicated delivery and needed all staff available.he said baby’s heartbeat kept dipping so may need to do a c section. However at 3.45 text sent me message to say that the dipping was Kian kicking where the monitor pads were. another text just after 6.30 saying we now have labour. Mso hopefully not too long now so we now have 3 Birthdays within 5 days in the family as Rubie will be 1 on Sunday. Good job they are all written down on a Birthday. Calendar on our notice board.

We had a great meal out last night for Mr T’s Birthday which we both enjoyed. Came home too stuffed to do anything but sit in the chair.

Kath Florence Has not been impressed at all about the non arrival of this little boy who doesn’t want to come and meet everyone. Oh yes I think they are plotting something but it’s toooo secret tooo tell . Rosie does have a fine singing voice indeed. Maybe we need a spid choir what do you think.?.

Aidan Mr T says thank you for the Birthday Cake and Birthday wishes

Update At 8.15 we became great grandparents to number 6. YIPPEE. And GS has just sent me the first pictures he got.

Now time to have a potter

Love and Sparkles to all . t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

barbara12

Evening all
Thanks for all your good wished for my Brother..he had another endoscapy and they say its localized apart for a couple of Lymph glands. :? seems strange if its localized...he has to have a full body scan though
And we had to pick Jake up from the vets he had 3 teeth out and his kidney flush out on a drip..he is now 21 but thinks hes 2..
Aidan thankyou for the Raspberry Jam and Blueberry Muffins and chocolate and prune cake I needed those today..and Niamh loved the cake .. but then said were is it..
Glad you enjoyed the Tea rooms and Beths special..I always like to look at cake counters.. so dad was cold now Niamh said the same today..the weather is so changeable..
love the sparkly pic ...thankyou
Toni hope you got your phone fixed..hard to do without them these days..its nice tio know that Pauls frind did well with his treatment..must say my brother is very positve..
Kath its lovely of Holly to help out, even if you pay her its helping all of you...thankyou for the black cherry cake recipe... your dad is a good age ...he must have good genes...
Joan we have the food bins but they are so small..I think its is a man thing not going to the doctors
Carol fingers crossed that little Kian will be hear tonight safe and sound..bet you are on tenterhooks...
Right Im off to bed
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

bubbles

Many Congratulations to you Carol and to Mr T. Kian has finally been welcomed to the world t4591 t4591 t4591 Hope Mum and Baby are both well.

bubbles

Hi Carol - you will have seen the BIG Congratulations to you both, on your new Great Grandson - Kan. So pleased for you t4591 t4591

Cheeky baby, kicking the monitor pads - causing a bit of concern :shock: :shock: :roll: :roll:
Mum was not in labour too long, only a couple of hours.

Too right you need your Birthday Calendar three Birthdays within 5 days, I would be getting all the cards mixed up :shock: :shock:

Glad Mr T enjoyed his Cake And you were both replete after your meal out and had to sit a while

Singing spid--s :shock: :? Kath did mention that Rosie had a fine voice - best not include Toni or me, in the choir practice - shudder.............

I hope you manage to sleep well. It has been quite a countdown :animal_busy: :animal_busy:

Hi Barbara - you are more than welcome to the thoughts and prayers for your Brother. Localised is good, apart from a couple of lymph nodes.
I think they want to be extra sure, that there are no other areas affected. Double checking is usually the normal process.

Jake sounds like a character, 21 going on 2 - Bless t4591 t4591

I had a suspicion that Niamh would actually want the cake She is a poppet. Glad you enjoyed the muffins and the choccy and prune cake (it was necessary to have prunes) :? :? :shock:

The GC did redeem themselves, after the faux pas of last Friday. Everything was perfect and I just had to have some chocolate orange fudge cake -well, it was there........... I did check my blood sugar later and it was on the low side, so that's fine. More cakes please.

Niamh was cold too - goodness. It is getting to that time of year when things start to change over. We have lots of weather warnings for Friday and Saturday, storms, high winds, torrential rains............ t111055 t111055 :shock: :shock: Plus quite hot on Saturday as well - might as well have it all................... :shock: :shock:

Hi Toni - Hope you had a safe journey home from the Big City t4591 Sleek said Mummy iz a bitt tyred and her bakk iz owchy - Some rest and sleeps me thinks t115006 t115006

Hi to everyone else, in and about. t4591 t4591

Off to meet our friends from Wales, we meet up every few months, (remember that GC over Burnley way, where the coffee is a bit and you get told off for smoking outside :shock: :roll: :roll: ) That place............. :? :?
It will be lovely to see them though, despite the minor niggles.

Time I was pottering about. Tennis is on from Montreal, so enjoying that.

Leaving lots of love and some more tree sparkles XXXX Aidan



Honey, Orange, Whole Wheat French Toast

frogmorton

Morning everyone!

Just eating breakfast thanks Aidan We Lurve the cake counter Yum-eeeeee!

Yes I am tired shopping in the Bullring is enough to wear anyone out :roll: luckily Lucy wasn't there else I'd have passed out!!!

We did well phone fixed - it was only a worn out SIM of all things so off t EE for a replacement now I am ready to go

While we were in Birmingham Tia took a selfie (excuse the hair over my face it was windy!!)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10cvl2yihn15g7b9JwsBNnpV7pXSz40hl/view?usp=sharing

Then we went and got me some new foundation for the wedding and Tia too we got that bare minerals?? Heard of it? It's really good a bit pricey but a pot lasts a whole YEAR :shock: vegan too cruelty free no parabens etc....

Many cuppas - tried the cat café https://drive.google.com/file/d/10nBMx15k-X3n1mLrZ6XzyJ3ULWghmxQH/view?usp=sharing
But it was fully booked so booked a table for Kari's birthday on 23rd (birthday actually 24th but Brum on a Saturday?! nope!

I hope Jake is ok Barbara bless his heart 21 going on 2 is a good way to be for an elderly pusskin ((()))

Needed to rest Tia needed to see the biggest Primark in the uK :shock: I had some of Kath's humous yum. Maybe they are insulating the loft now???? Can't think what else...

Then finally home even got two seats!

Got back fed myself and Paul then the friends of......committee meeting :roll:

In bed before ten after a dreadful shock!! You guessed it a large s****r :shock: :shock: :shock:

Have texted Rosie to book a spider sweep. Nothing like a baby sweep I believe :?

Hello to Joan and Sue hope all is well with you both and the doggies of course.

Finally THE most amazing lovely news!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the world KIAN

Carol I am over the moon - she did it! Nature and your GD managed all on their own t4591 t4591 t4591

Love

Toni xxx

Off to fetch Dudley!!

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Aidan Carol Barbara Toni
. Kathleen our Dad has been dead for over 20 years our Mum 30 both of Cancer. pleased you have your Dad((((())))
. Aidan how is your Angina doing love to Dad((((())))
. Carol Congratulations to Kian and the rest of the family((((())))
. Barbara how are your eyes are they sore((((())))
. Toni nice photo ot long till the wedding now(((((())))
. take care. love to Mig(((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

To GG Gran and GG Granddad Carol and Mr T
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1KDA817Brvogt4Imb2dol-bso6DqYsV5l
t4591

I found out what the discussions between Florence, Clarence and Rosie ET AL. They've only gone and started their own band, and in honour of young Kian's arrival, they've recorded an album. Money raised from sales will be donated to Versus Arthritis (spids get it too, who knew?) Anyway, songs on the album are:
Songsspider
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
The Countdown Kids · 2009
Incy Wincy Spider Nursery Rhyme
ChuChu TV · 2016

Spider-Man Theme
Michael Bublé · 2001
Boris the Spider
The Who · 1966

The Itsy Bitsy Spider
2017
The Spider and the Fly
The Rolling Stones · 1965
Spider Woman
Uriah Heep · 1972
Spider on the Floor
Raffi · 1976

She Spider
Mew · 2003
Ballad of Spider John
Jimmy Buffett · 1974
Wight Spider
Marilyn Manson · 2009
Yellow Spider
MewithoutYou · 2006
The Joplin Spider
Gorillaz · 2010

Teency Weency Spider
Pete Seeger
Spider Song
Maple Leaf Learning · 2016
Inky Dinky Spider (The Spider Song)
The Kids Next Door · 2015

Itsy Bitsy Spider
EliZe · 2006

Black Widow Spider
Dr. John · 1969

The band's name is SPIDER ROCK and get this, they perform with jazz hands! Bless.

So well done baby Kian, you got here at last. t4591

Now we are just waiting for next door. No change on the website, but it does say it should be available on 15th August. That's next week!

Joan and Sue, you must have been quite young when mum and dad passed on. That must have been so hard.

Toni, that is a beautiful photo of you and Tia. Is the giant Rag Market still there? I used to love browsing in there, but as you say it's exhausting. Glad you got your phone fixed.

Aidan, I'm still wading me way through the gorgeous Honey, Orange, Whole Wheat French Toast ta mi duck, Can't rush these things.

Barbara, We usually give Holly a £10 note to get a Radio Times and 2 packs of Paracetamols, I tell her to keep the change and she always asks "are you sure?" Bless.

Vegan Mushrom Carbonara
Ingredients
75g dairy-free butter or olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
60g plain flour
200ml white wine
700ml unsweetened soya or almond milk
1 tbsp miso paste
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic granules
500g spaghetti
240g frozen peas
1 tbsp capers
chopped fresh parsley, to serve
For the mushroom ‘bacon’
240g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
4 tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
¾ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic granules

First, make the mushroom 'bacon'. Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Put the mushrooms in a small bowl with the soy sauce, oil, paprika, garlic granules and ¼ tsp black pepper; stir to coat. Set aside to marinate for 15 mins. Spread evenly over a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 mins, then set aside.
Heat the dairy-free butter or oil in a saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and fry for 3 mins until they begin to turn translucent. Stir in the flour then gradually add the wine, whisking to create a smooth roux. Whisk in the milk, miso, smoked paprika, garlic granules and some seasoning and simmer for 5 mins. Remove from the heat, put in a blender and blitz until smooth. Transfer to a clean saucepan and reheat over a low-medium heat, stirring regularly.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pan of boiling water for 10-12 mins or until al dente, adding the peas for the last 3 mins. Drain then return the spaghetti and peas to the pan. Pour over the creamy sauce, then add the capers and mushroom 'bacon'. Mix well, then serve immediately sprinkled with the parsley.

bubbles

Hi to all - late today, apologies for not baking a cake.

Glad you liked the cake counter at the G Centre. It does grab my attention, every time, even after 10 years

I vaguely remember going to the Bull Ring, so many moons ago.........35 plus years, at least.
Such places are super tiring - you would have needed wheeling about if Lucy had been there, shopping like mad :shock: :shock: :roll: :roll:

A worn out SIM. New one fitted and good to go. Easy fix.

Love the photo of you both - a hair or two flying free cannot be helped if you are next to a windy Bull :shock: :shock:

Oh yes, Bare Minerals, have seen that on QVC lots of times, quite a lot of guys use it too, as it is not like "oh look, he has make up on" it is subtle and natural and goes a super long way. Less is more

Perfect choice Tia, for your foundation. No parabens is always good.

OOooooh the cat cafe, I am liking that SO much. t4591 t4591 Shame it was fully booked, but you managed to get a table for Auntie Kari's Birthday - good idea, I don't know Brum, but Sat in any city, no thanks... :shock: Mother thinks it is wonderful and was shrieking very loudly. Sleek wants to take Mother for a visit. t4591
But not today, there is a three day severe weather warning, :shock: :shock: for most of the country, storms, floods, the whole caboodle t111055 t111055 t111055

Hermione has closed the gates, so wats cat, snap cat, skype etc, for our feline lovelies........... :animal_busy: :animal_busy:

The biggest Primark in the UK, WOW, if I was in a buggy, I would be fine, walking, not a hope.

Home and then a committee meeting. Hope it didn't drag on. Early ish to bed - after the shock of a large spi--- :shock: :shock: :shock:
Good that you rang the emergency number for Rosie. A sweep is definitely needed, not a pre labour one though :? :? I am keeping very vigilant, for the 8 legged visitors - it is getting to "that" time of year............ :? :? :roll: :roll:

Oh, good, Dudley is back with you, ice cold I hope. Did you have "words" with the garage staff. Did they have warts, or were they itching a lot :shock: :shock:

Hi Joan and Sue - my angina has not been too bad thank you. It is pretty random when it happens, usually at night, or late in the evening.
Dad was ok, we dropped off his pills in the morning, as we were meeting friends on Thursday. We will be out with him today, for coffee and brunch, then some shopping. (((()))) Hope you are both ok xx

Hi Kath, so, we have a spid-- band, SPIDER ROCK. There are some great names there, well researched mi duck t4591

They do jazz hands, well, I have to approve, we love jazz hands. don't tell the Sisters, or we will have them as backing singers

Still now news from next door :roll: :roll: Pictures should be coming soon, if it is available from the 15th.........

Did you manage to get through all the French Toast. Quite right, you cannot rush some things, they have to be savoured and not shovelled

Thanks for the mushroom carbonara - I will be savouring some of that as soon as I can.

Hope any ouchies are scarce. Some extra sparkles to keep them at bay.



Hi Barbara - hope you are all ok. It has been another warm day here.
We were out to meet friends, who come up from Wales, every few months. We always meet for coffee and lunch at the not so marvelous GC over in Burnley.

It was lovely to see them and to be fair, the cafe seemed a bit better and the staff were all very pleasant, no jobsworths.
We were both tired out and I could not walk round the outside areas, so we stopped at the car while they had a nosy. I was melting and having one of my "moments".

Then we said our goodbye's and home we came, it was well after 3, so a long day. 5 hours out, is way more than we are used to.

We came home and the white buddleia was smothered in butterflies, all flitting around you, it was wonderful to see - of course, when you take a photo, they all fly off :roll: :roll: managed to catch two peacocks though

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6srWTu5uBM3LLqNU7

There must have been well over a 100 on the various buddleia's - GORGEOUS t4591 t4591 t69044 t69044

Hi Carol - hope you are both ok and enjoying being GG Parents once more. How is Mum and Baby Kian? Both doing well I trust. t4591 t4591

We are on countdown now, until you go visit him and all your other family

Well, time I was pottering a bit.

Off to the T room, in the pouring rain I expect. Thank goodness we can park outside.

Lots of love and sparkles to everyone t4591 t115006

Stay safe, it is going to be quite wild out and about. t111055 t111055 t111055

XXXXX Aidan

Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Muffins

frogmorton

The rain is here :roll: The T room is ideal on a day like this.

Maybe that's why my lap top took half an hour to load ::)

Aidan thanks for the sweet potato muffins totally yum and low GI - whatever that means :roll:

Lovely to meet up with friends even if the GC is slightly sub standard Gorgeous flutterbys!! So pretty I zoomed right in for a proper look t4591

Sleek isn't too happy about the weather, but reckons Hermione has opened the gates for them all so not so bad :? They are planning some SYTTD watching at yours, but have also recorded Celebrities go dating :shock:

Paul got £300 off the bill for Dudley's 'escape fee' He is now safely back here with us, but would you believe MOT and service due on 19th :shock: :shock: :shock: The one part I wanted - the compressor (that was 800 on it's own) has already gone back to Nissan for refurb and reuse :roll: I got all the other parts which were of no interest though :roll:


The bullring was revamped recently and is now even HUGER!!!! Eee nor mus as the cats would say. Yes the hugest Primark. Years ago Lucy and I went into the largest one then in London. Nothing new to see just BIGGER with a nail bar in the middle :animal_busy:

Phone seems fine now so I am a happy me! and bare minerals are fab. Would be good for men too I should think very natural looking.

Kath my goodness! a whole album of music! Great choices we approve, but I won't be able to see them live of course.



I used to sing this ditty to my girls when they were little:

Being a s**-I-**r is absolutely great
I've got more legs than anyone
Cos I've hot 8!!!

In a sort of Lancashire accent

Vegan carbonara lovely Kari misses this very much thank you

Yes the rag market still exists its still a fab place for a bargain too

Joan I expect you girls looked after your Dad when your mum went didn't you? Such a long time to be without your dear Mum and then your Dad. So sad even though we know it's life.

Ah the wedding is getting very close scary now!!

Love to Barbara and the new GGparents as well as Mig and Crinkly!

Toni xx

dachshund

Hello Sorry I'm being quick Dial a ride are picking us up at 10 00
. have a good day everyone
. To day is our Birthday
. take care love to everyone(((((((())))))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

And there she was, gone - SEE YOU NEXT FRIDAY SUE. Hope you both have a great day. XXXX

Toni, luv that song. Don't let Rosie know, she'll want it on their playlist. I must admit I didn't realise there were so many spid songs. Lucky Paul getting all that knocked off Dudley's bill.

Aidan, we already have backing singers, all the trained spids plus Clarence and Florence. Hark at me, you'd think I was their manager or summat - whoops, I am. :roll: Many thanks for those scrumptious Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Muffins ALL GONE. :oops:

Vegan fish and chips (excelled meself here)

INGREDIENTS (3-4 portions):

'Fish' ingredients:

400g of tofu
Fine sea salt
Garlic powder
Some pepper
Sushi nori sheets
Batter ingredients:

1 bottle of beer
15 tbsp of any flour (or enough to make a pancake like batter)
3 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp of fine sea
Dash of pepper
3 tbsp lemon juice
Tartar sauce ingredients:

Gherkins
Vegan mayo (or cashew sour creme)
Other ingredients:

Fine breadcrumbs
Chips (or make your own here)
Cooking oil
Peas
1 lemon

METHOD:

Start squeezing out water of a block of tofu with a tofu press. You can even buy one in my shop. This is quite important as it helps to absorb flavours better.

Preheat the oven and bake your chips as per chips pack instructions
For the tartar sauce finely chop a few gherkins and mix together with either vegan mayo or cashew sour creme (recipe here).
Add 1 bottle of beer into a large bowl, add all other batter ingredients and whisk until you get a pancake like batter.
Cut the tofu into 1 cm thick 'fish pieces'. They won't be a long as fish pieces as the tofu will break otherwise. Sprinkle lemon juice on the tofu pieces and add garlic powder, some pepper and sea salt - season generously. Wrap into a sushi nori sheet (if the sheet is too long and goes over the sides, just cut them off). The tofu will be a bit moist so the sushi nori sheet should stick to it well.
Add a generous amount of fine breadcrumbs to a plate.
Dunk the tofu 'fish' pieces into the batter and then move to the plate with breadcrumbs and cover well on all sides.
Fry in hot cooking oil until golden brown.
While that's frying cook your peas.
When the 'fish' pieces are done transfer them to a plate that's covered with kitchen towel to absorb some of the excess oil.
Serve everything on a large plate and sprinkle some lemon juice on the 'fish' pieces for extra flavour.

frogmorton

It's cake Friday on the village cart !!

Victoria sponge and orange cake for us today with PLENTY of butter icing
YUM!!

Now it's Joan and Sue's BIRTHDAY



to you both



I hope you have a fabulous day!!! I will leave Aidan to make you a cake!

Kath I didn't realise that you were the manager for S****r Rock!!

They need songs for their 2nd album so my little ditty can go there. Poor things getting arthritis too with all those joints :shock:

Wow fish and chips!! Thank you very much. its Friday too so ideal fodder you did indeed excel yourself!

I am ironing :roll:

bubbles

I spy it is your Birthdays Joan and Sue t4591 t4591 t69044 t69044

Let me get the cake t4591 t4591 t4591

bubbles

Hi to all - t111055 t111055 and thunder has finally arrived, mid afternoon. Been mega humid this morning, AC was on, but rain was pouring in the window with the vent hose in :roll: :roll:

You are welcome to the muffins Toni, glad you enjoyed them - Low GI is low glycaemic index, slow release carbs, which are better for you than a sudden sugar rush.

The flutterby's were wonderful, they were out again this morning. It was supposed to rain all day, but we had sunshine for the most part.

Mainly peacocks again, some painted ladies, all scurried off to the woods now the rains are here.

Yes, Hermione has opened the gates, between yours, ours and Mrs D's. If there is a reality show to catch up on, then they will have to be together, to shriek as loudly as possible (just as Mother was, from silly o clock this morning :roll: :roll: )

She has had a trim and de lug, only head, neck and back, she said if I skalped her she would turn my nose into a pigs trotter :shock: :shock: :shock:
So, I was very careful and I think she enjoyed a good brush and combing although she would never admit it

Well done Paul, for getting the reduction on the car repairs, did the mechanics have hairy palms, or strange noses or ears (mother cast a new spell, of Spock ears ) :shock: :shock:

So you pay for a new compressor, the send the old one back, for a refurb, then they sell it on again and make more money - hmmm, sounds a bit odd doesn't it.

Now you have the service and MOT next week, good grief. That's the £300 gone then :roll: :roll: :roll: :?

Sleek was telling Mother how ee nor mouse the bull ring is. She is looking forward to the kitty cafe - oooooh, big thunder clap............ :shock: :shock: Let me save this in case we are thrown offline..................

Primark on a grand scale, with a nail bar..........huh. I would give it a miss I think and stay in the cafe

Glad the phone is all good. Bare Minerals is very good. (worth keeping an eye on QVCs special values, that start every 9pm, if they do bare minerals, you can get them for a good deal less, if it is a special value ) just a heads up You can subscribe to get updates I think.

We used to like Jean Paul Gaultier, he did an amazing mens bronzing powder, don't think they make it any more. Very natural looking and not looking like Aunt Sally :shock:

No, afraid we could not see the spid--s live, a whole stage full of them, oh my, we would faint. :? :? :roll: :roll:

Singing about spid---s in a Lancashire accent

Cake day, on the village cart, I will be over asap. Ironing, oh my goodness, :shock: :shock: I am leaking like a sieve now the AC is off. Thank goodness it is going to cool down in the next few days.

I hope you like your Birthday Cake Sue and Joan. Dial a ride, with the weather being horrid.
Did you go out for a lovely meal, to celebrate your Birthday t4591 t4591 t69044 t69044

Hi Kath - I have a feeling that the Sisters might invite themselves, if they get a notion that there is a song in motion - you know what they are like, for Jazz hands :shock: :shock:



Good job I made some more muffins, I wondered where they had all gone Go for it Kath, eat em if ya wanna mi duck.

Vegan fish and chips, wow, you most certainly have. I do eat fish, but, I will certainly eat the vegan one. Ta muchly

Hope you are both ok, (((())))

Any more noises, news, views or otherwise, from next door ? ?

Hi Barbara - hope you are all ok. Is Niamh with you today, stopping overnight? Has it been as muggy with you? Dreadful here, I am in my own climate at the moment :roll: :roll: t111055 t111055
Storm gone, AC back on

Hi Carol - how is everyone, Baby Kian doing well and Mum ok too. Have you had some storms down in your neck of the woods?
Lunch out with Mr T, Coffee with your friend?

Hi to everyone else, in and about.

T room was very nice, we had brunch. It was super hot in there, very muggy, even with the doors open and ceiling fan going. Much wafting of the menu's to keep cool There was one last Blue badge spot, very close, just right for a super short walkies.

There is a big food and drink festival in Clitheroe this week end, (we avoid it at all costs) thousands of people come into the town, so it is great for trade and promoting Ribble Valley Fayre Hope is doesn't rain too much.

Right, time I was pottering. Laundry to fuss over. Tennis will start at 5, so we will see an hour, before nap time.

Will call back later. Love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXX Aidan

barbara12

Sorry I wasnt on yesterday.. had a really long day today so will post tomorrow
Just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Joan and Sue xxxx
Congratulations to Carol on the birth of her ggs xx
Toni I would love to see the primark..no wonder you were tired
Aidan nice that you met your friends from Wales..it has been so humid..I am sat on one chillow with my feet on the other..
Kath it nice of you to help the young lady out I am sure every penny helps
Will post more tomorrow
Sleep well everyone xxxxxx

Turbogran

Hi all
Just a quick message I have been having problems on my email not getting them unable to sign in have rung up customer service no less than 4times in last 2 days have changed numerous things on it hope fully now it is working for good after spending over an hour on the phone tonight. So fingers crossed this is why I have not been on forum due to phone calls also earlier this evening we had Really rain an lost our internet. Will update you more tomorrow hopefully and maybe a picture or 2 of GGS Kian if I can get then onto my laptop. Fingers crossed 🤞

Love and sparkles to all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

bubbles

hi to all - it is too humid to mention the weather, so I won't :? :roll:

Hi Barbara - don't you worry hun - t4591 we all have days like that and time runs away.
When you get some time to yourself - or is that wishful thinking :shock: :? :roll:

I don't blame you one bit, for using both chillows at once. I use mine in my pillow, to help keep my head cool. I think it is going to be more "normal" weather, for the coming week, down to 16 and 17 HAPPY DAYS

Love to everyone t4591 t4591 and some extra sparkles too



Hi Carol - are your emails with Sky / Yahoo? they have had lots of email addressed farmed, in recent months, so have locked people out of their accounts, in order to prevent any further problems. Let's hope yours is fixed - it can take a few calls, to sort it out. :roll: :roll:

Plus the weather being as it is, with power cuts and atmospherics causing internet and tv pictures to go squiffy :shock: :shock:

Ooo, looking forward to seeing some pictures of baby Kian - All fingers crossed that the computer behaves for you.

Where are we on the family visit countdown? I have lost track (nothing new there then Aidan :roll: :roll: )

Sleek came over to check that Mother had not been skalped - which she hadn't - no way did I want a trotter for a nose :?

They have caught up on SYTTD Kleinfeld and whatever reality show it was, celebs go dating was it?

Hope you have managed to have a bit of a rest, after your ventures to the Bull Ring. t4591

A quiet evening here, enjoying the tennis from Montreal. B is busy with his jewellery, Mother is fast asleep, near the fan :animal_busy: :animal_busy:
Just started to rain - which is forecast to go on for 24 hours. mind you, they forecast storms, for the whole day here and we had two clatters of thunder.
A lot of power cuts up and down the country - we must have been lucky here.

Dad will be round for his lunch today - B will fetch him if it is pouring with rain.

Time I was moving. I need a cool wash and freshen up.

Love and sparkles to everyone t4591 t115006 Take care XXX Aidan

Soft Oatmeal Cookies With Lemon Vanilla Glaze