Val's Cafe

frogmorton

Oh my just look at those breakfast muffins Aidan!! Thank you very much

A bust weekend ahead for you I see. I am certain you'll really enjoy it. I hope the 'Aunt' and uncle are as well as poss and your cousins especially the one you rarely see. you will likely be pooped when you get home. Auntie was a term of respect and quite right too all this calling people by their first names!! indeed!

Please don't feel you have to bake when you get home just rest up!!

I think Mother did a speedy-up spell you know with the wedding coming along so soon. I hope she does a tidy up ne when they do finish :roll: You wouldn't want to touch her wand after that it's a strong one and if you did you might speed up too which isn't good for peeplz.

Sleek is coming over to watch more Gok with Tosca later while you are out. She doesn't like it when she's on her own for long; being a pusskin of advancing years...

There was far more to the job than I realised. Doors being below ground level and radiators etc :roll: but the step could be painful at times so I'm glad it's gone! The extra doors were a luxury, but in for a penny?!!

Please don't send Lawrence round

Barbara I am sure they will do their very best to operate on your brother. Sending you more ((())) and t69044 update when you can, but feel free to stress out to us lot if you need to.

I hope Niamh is over this weekend to take all your minds off the worry.

You are quite right we didn't even think we'd need a builder and it's taken all trades so far!!

Time must be getting close for Carol I wonder what the date is she goes to meet Kian and see all the other small people t4591

Hope all is well with you Joan I am off now to pick Lucy up after night duty

Love to al

Toni xxx

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Aidan Toni Barbara
Kathleen you might soon have a neighbour good ((((((())))) I hope your ouchies are behaving.
. Aidan have a good time with your relations it's nice to catch up. My ankle gives away even with my boots on.((((((())). Dad ((((()))
. Toni not long till the wedding now((((()))) Lucy
works hard(((((()))))
. Barbara thinking of you(((()))) and your Brother(((((())))) I hope they can do the operation (((((())))
. are meal at the pub was bad the coffee machine had broke we had to have tea they forgot our food they said they had a problem in the kitchen.
. take care have a good weekend. love to Carol Mig \((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Joan, in theory yes it will be good to have neighbours. We will see if they are a decent family who behave themselves, or if - like so many others on this estate - whether they are drug addicts/drunkards. If so, we can expect more fights, more anti-social behaviour etc. Sadly this is NOT a pleasant place to live on the whole. :roll: Sorry your meal didn't go well.

Aidan, thank you for the breakfast muffins. Nice and sunny here for a change, but quite windy. I think someone paid a visit to next door, as we heard the door (quietly open and close). New neighbours I wonder?

Barbara, we will all be sending positive thoughts for your brother. It wasn't my spell check that went wrong, it was my virus checker, but it has been fixed and upgraded now. So I should be safe from techie gremlins.

Hope Carol is having lots of cuddles and hugs from her babies.

Apple Dumpling Cinnamon Rolls
vegan, makes 12 rolls

Apple mixture:
3 cups diced green apples (1 XL apple or 2 medium)
2-3 Tbsp vegan buttery spread
1/4 cup agave or maple syrup blend
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp lemon juice

Yeast Activation mixture:
1 packet yeast
1/4 cup warm water
pinch of dry sugar

Roll Dough:
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup applesauce
1 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup water
2 1/4 - 3 cups white whole wheat pastry flour
(plus extra flour for rolling out dough)

Dough Sides:
2 tsp cinnamon for sprinkling
2 Tbsp dry sugar for sprinkling

Optional Cream Cheese drizzle (not shown):
1/2 cup tofu cream cheese
2 tbsp maple syrup
dash of cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
dash lemon juice
optional dash of powdered sugar to thicken

Directions:

1. First prep your apple mixture. Dice your apple into tiny cubes. Place in a large freezer-friendly bowl.

mutsu-apple

2. Heat up your apple mixture ingredients so that the buttery spread melts. Mix into the melted buttery spread: vanilla extract, lemon, cinnamon. Pour the liquid over the apples and toss well so each apple is coated. Then place this bowl in the freezer.

apples-cinnamon


3. Next, start on your dough by combining the yeast activation ingredients. Mix well for a minute.

4. Add in the remaining dough ingredients and fold until a nice dry ball of dough forms. Use more flour if your dough is too wet. Add in more water if your dough is too dry.

5. Place dough in a lightly oiled and floured mixing bowl, cover with a clean dish towel and place in a warm, dry place to rise for 30-60 minutes. (If you are using quick-rise yeast you will only need 30 minutes, traditional yeast will take longer).

*Preheat your oven to 375 degrees before you start rolling out the dough.

risen dough ball..
vegan-apple-dumplings

6. When your dough has risen, punch it out. Then roll out onto a floured work surface using a rolling pin. Use more flour for dusting.

rolling out dough...
dough-vegan-apple-dumplings

7. Roll out dough to a rectangle/square is shape - about 12-14 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick.

8. Next you will dust the cinnamon and sugar over then surface of the dough.

9. Grab your apples from the freezer and spread over top your dough, evenly. They should be nice and frozen so the liquid doesn't spill all over the board.

-cinnamon-Apples-chopped-dough

10. Roll up the dough into a spiral shape. Slice into 1 1/2 inch thick rolls.

sliced..
vegan-apple-dumplings

11. Place the rolls on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Sprinkle some more cinnamon and sugar right on top of each roll.

vegan-apple-dumplings


12. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes - or until the outer crust of the rolls starts to turn light brown and slightly crisp.

13. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

14. Bonus: Make the tofu cream cheese drizzle by heating all ingredients in the microwave and stirring well. You can store in fridge for a chilled 'frosting'. Or pour warm for a drizzle effect. Pour tofu cream cheese frosting over top if you'd like. Serve! Store in the freezer and re-heat in oven.

Serve with either thick creamy custard or whipped cream.

frogmorton

Oh dear Joan! What a disappointment :? no coffee and forgetting your food that's really bad service. Was it where you normally go?

Those cinnamon apple puds look yum Kath thank you they will easily fill us up as Aidan might not be able to bake a cake today bless him with family to meet. Hopefully having a really good day.

Anyone who isn't vegan is welcome to help themselves to some of the clotted cream in the fridge...

Maybe good news next door - if it was the new neighbours then they might be quiet :shock: Wouldn't that be wonderful?!

We have been tidying the front garden Paul and I ready for the wedding day. The photographer will be here of course.... :?

Then the heavens opened

bubbles

Hi to all A long, but very pleasant day, over at Aunt and Uncles.

Those breakfast muffins were just THE best yet I think Toni, enough to last us all day, until Kath comes in to cater for us.

It was very nice to catch up with Aunt (bless her she is really not well) and Uncle, who never seems to age despite being an octogenarian.
One Cousin who we see a few times a year when she pops over from France, was fine and it was great to see her Sister, the last time I saw her, was 23 years ago, at her wedding

Plenty to catch up on. My Cousin from (who now lives in Ireland and has done for many years) had her youngest Daughter with her - 16 I think she is.
Cousins did all the catering, which was on point. 90% vegetarian, roasted courgettes with a herb and olive crust, double baked sun dried tomato souffle's, loads of salad with French dressing..........then some meaty bits for those who so desired.

Cheese to follow. Then B and I said, we need to move, as I was the shape of a dining chair, we thought lunch was over...........no, there was French frangipane tart, with fresh raspberries, strawberry mini meringues and cream :shock: :shock:

All in all, a veritable feast.

We stayed until about 4, then said our goodbyes. Takes about 45 mins to get home. Beatrice wafted us safely back.

You are right Toni, Auntie is a term of endearment. Uncles first wife, was my Dads half Sister, so, we did work it out in the end, who was who

Mother was glad to see us and shrieked loudly. Sleek had been over, several times, to sit with Mother and watch Gok, on catch up. There was some spell revision. It was a hurry up spell, that Mother cast on the bill derz :? Not one to get in the way of, I don't do hurry ups any more :roll: :roll:

I am sure everything will be fine, just in time for the wedding, with no step to get in the way. None of us like steps, they are enemies of arthur :? :?

Lawrence won't be coming round, honest, too many frills on his cuffs, although he could be quite amusing at times.

It must be a week and two days until Carol goes to see Baby Kian and all little and bigger peeples t4591

Hi Joan and Sue - Thank you, we had a lovely time with relatives, wonderful meal that my Cousins had prepared.
I can understand your ankle giving out,(((()))) my knees do the same, which can be quite alarming and people ask why I walk with crutches :roll: :roll:

You didn't have much luck at the pub. When you are expecting coffee and all you can have is tea - I would have thrown all my teddies out of the pram :shock:
Plus your food order was forgotten - I hope you finally received your order, with an apology.

Hi Kath - I am praying that you have nice neighbours, t4591 t4591 it is so difficult when you don't know who is going to be living next door. But, you do know the owners, so you have some come back. Being able to get in touch with them, is very important.

So the door opened and closed quietly, maybe it was the new neighbours.............

Anti social behaviour is so widespread these days. When we came back from France, we moved into the best end terrace house, but, as it turned out, it was on the worst street and we ended up with 14 squatters, all drug addicts, next door.
They were moved on eventually, after we have found out who the owner was, then a nice lady moved in once the house had been virtually rebuilt. :? :?

Such behaviour is not limited to towns and cities, it is out in the sticks too. Sad, very sad.

Thank you for the apple dumpling rolls, just perfect, for supper. Ta mi duck. t4591

Hi Barbara - I trust you are all ok and Niamh is enjoying her time with you, as she always does. A bit better weather today, sunshine to replace the deluge that we had on Friday. m0150

Extra (((()))) and t4591 to all.

Hi Carol - how is everyone, all ok I hope. A busy few days, with knit, natters, lunch with Mr T, coffee bar (essential) more knitting of the Jacket for baby Kian Where are we now, on the countdown, a week and 1 day ?

Hi to everyone else, around and about.

Very quiet evening here, after a much needed siesta. Just catching up with the tennis. Pottering, nothing spectacular.

Meeting B's Bro and SIL at the GC at lunchtime today. It's all go this week end........................

Mother is resting :animal_busy: :animal_busy: after her bizzy day with Sleek. Lots of sweets eaten and I think they went up to Pendle, as the weather was better, taking a break from watching Gok.

Time I was moving. Leaving lots of love t4591 magical wishes and sparkles



Take lots of care XXXX Aidan

Cheesy Mashed Potato Bakes

frogmorton

Hi Aidan!

Sounds like you were well-fed yesterday and Beatrice as usual wafted you both there and back. Great conversation and a cousin you hadn't seen forever Lovely t4591

I'm very glad you didn't attempt to bake for us after you got home you must have been exhausted.

The cheesy potato bakes are very very nice so far I am on 5 but there are plenty

Yes the girls did go to Pendle and again this morning; Mother wrapped up to the 9's and Sleek just with her helmet on. One she said Pepe had bought for her with a small sniff She said she is going to see Tosca again today and taking Mrs D with her. They are looking for a 4th as Tosca is wanting to play bridge :shock:

I suspect Niamh is indeed at Barbara's nothing like being with your Gran/Nan is there? t4591

I love the magic dust the 'young you' is blowing on us all

Have a lovely day today and again please don't try to bake when you get back ((())) Kath will likely feed us and there's cake on the village cart too if anyone is desperate.

A quick hello to Joan (and Sue) hope you are over your disappointing meal on Friday :roll:

I have a feeling Carol might get in today as it must only be about a week until her trip and I think the little jacket she is knitting for Kian will be finished

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Toni Aidan.
. Kathleen no that does not sound a good place to live how long have you lived there.((((((()))))
. Toni I hope all your improvements are going well. Yes it was the usual pub. ((((((()))
. Aidan I'm sorry your knee gives away what is being done about it (((((((())))) enjoy your time with B's Brother((((((())))) Dad(((((()))))
. Take care love to Barbara Carol Mig((((((())))
. joan xx

Kitty

Joan, we've lived here since October 1981, and it was a nice place then. But as people moved out, different people took their place. We had an awful lot of problems with drug addicts in the 1990s and the police were always round. There were armed robberies and we woke up early one morning to find the place swarming with armed police and dog handlers. One of the nearby flats was raided and police found all sorts of guns and other weapons in there. Thank goodness those days are over.

Toni, yes it is always a pleasure to find goodies to feed you with. I'll look for a recipe in a bit. BTW Someone (don't know who) has been and cleaned the windows next door. "When I'm cleaning winders"

Aidan, I'm glad your family reunion was a success with various aunts, uncles and cousins. Your experience in France sounds pretty grim, similar to ours in the 90s. :roll: Oh I LOVE tthese Cheesy Mashed Potato Bakes
, 7 eaten now. Good job there are lots, ta mi ducky.

I hope Barbara and Carol are safe and well. t69044 t69044

Vean Nut Roast and vegetables
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion
2 sticks celery
2 garlic cloves
200 g mushrooms
1 red pepper
1 large carrot
½ tsp oregano
1 tbsp smoked paprika
100 g dry red lentils
1 tsp tomato purée
300 ml vegetable stock
100 g breadcrumbs
50 g pecan nuts
50 g walnuts
3 large eggs
100 g mature cheddar
handful of parsley
1 tsp yeast extract (Marmite)
1 tsp Maggi seasoning (liquid aminos)
Instructions
Finely dice the onion, red pepper and celery and sweat with the olive oil in a pan on a medium heat until the onions are translucent.
Grate the carrot, finely dice the garlic and mushrooms and add to the pan. Cook until the carrots are soft and the mushrooms have cooked through.
Add the lentils, give it a good stir and then dissolve the marmite in the vegetable stock and add the Maggi seasoning. Add the stock, tomato puree, oregano and smoked paprika to the vegetables and lentils and continue to cook until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Allow the vegetables to cool down to room temperature. This can take half an hour or more, and this can be prepared in advance.
Taste for seasoning, finely chop the nuts (this can be done in a food processor), add to the pan together with the breadcrumbs and stir.
Grate the cheddar cheese and finely chop the parsley and add to the mixture.
Lightly beat the eggs and add to the mixture and mix well.
Line a loaf tin with greaseproof paper so that it is easy to take out at the end.
Pour the mixture into the loaf tin and bake in a preheated oven at 180C (355F).
Note:
For a shallower nut roast bake in a 1½ litre loaf tin for 35-40 minutes.
For a deeper nut roast bake in a 1 litre loaf tin for 50-55 minute

bubbles

helloooooooooooooo, am ok, just pooped at the moment...........I did have time to bake a chocolate orange fudge cake though
Later XXXX

barbara12

Hello all a lovely sunny breezy day today..
Toni like you say in for a penny after all that work you might has well get it just right..so the photographer is coming there to taka e pics..on your lovely lawns..thankyou for your thought and prayers very must appreciated..xx
Joan that is such a shame I hope they did feed you in the end..and thankyou for your kind wishes.. your meal at the pub didnt go well..xx
Kath I have my fingers crossed for you for good neighbours ...we live near the estate I was born on ..that was so lovely in the 50s and 60s..but sadly not any more..and thankyou for your kind wishes for my brother..xx and the nut roast and apple dumplings..see I remembered..
Aidan glad to hear your meeting with your family and Bs brother and family went to plan and lots of nice food.. was this all one meeting or two ..my brain has stopped working.. :? it sounds like a lovey extended family ..and thankyou for your prayers and kind wishes...xx
and I spotted the cheesy mashed potatoe bakes..and then the chocolate cake.. Niamh came Friday and went home yesterday..and will be back weds or Tuesday night to sleep
Right I'm off for a piece of cake
Love to everyone
t4591 m0150 t4591

frogmorton

Joan I am surprised if it was your usual pub :shock:
Hopefully it will be back to usual next time you go. Did you have a good laugh with your friend anyway?

Kath - the windows are cleaned ready for the tenants! This is exiting!! Yes there us a song there

Thanks for the nut roast with veggies perfect for a Sunday dinner.

Barbara you are seeing lots of Niamh I am pleased so that must mean lots of m&s roast dinners!!!

You supported me when Lucy was I'll so I am in your debt. I know just how hard it us when someone you love is seriously ill it's almost harder than being the person who is I'll.

((())) t69044

Thanks Aidan Sleek said she saw you baking the cake ta v muchly. Rest up when you get home...what a weekend you've has!

We've been to David Austen roses this morning it was fabulous

bubbles

Hi to all - well, I think that was the week end :shock: :shock:

Oh we were well fed on Saturday by my Cousins, who did the excellent catering for everyone They are both safely home now, one back to Reims en france and one back south of Dublin.

Glad you enjoyed the potato bakes Toni and the magic sparkles. How did you know that was me when I was young

Mother was a tad over dressed to go in her sidecar :roll: :roll: and she did console Sleek, who was a bit upset about Pepelongstockings, she had been rather wistful............ t4591 t115006

Jeremy from next door, on our other side, came round, to make up the numbers for bridge. Mother keeps it quiet, but Jeremy was a Hogwart scholar too - with distinctions. Sleek knew him well and Mrs Darcey did too - who knew, where do they all go, where do they all meet up, why don't we know all the goings on :shock: :shock: t115006 t115006
Mother said, it is on a need to know basis, there are more puskin wizards than you realise Daddy 2 t115006 :? :? :roll: :roll: ok, that's me told................

We had a lovely time at the GC, it was quite busy, which is to be expected, but, we were accommodated and looked after very well. B's Bro and SIL were well, nice to have a catch up with them, although we see them the most, out of all the family.

The cauliflower cheese pots that B and I had were extra gorgeous, modest souffle size dishes, but they seem to have put at least half a cauli in each one :shock: :shock: At least two of our five a month :? :?
Dad enjoyed duck spring rolls I forget what BIL and SIL had........oh dear, brain is fading.

Back to ours for more drinks, natter, then they went round to Dads, walked him home and stopped a while with him.

Thanks for putting cakes out on the cart in the Church grounds. I just had time to whip that cake up, before siesta :shock: Mother helped, wafting her wand about - bless her. :animal_busy: Sleek has not mentioned anything about the rennow vayshuns today.

David Austin Roses Looks a wonderful place............. t4591 t69044

Hi Joan and Sue - Hope you are both ok and have had a nice week end. (((())))

I just have injections in my knees, steroid / local anaesthetic, every few months. The surgeon said he would not operate, due to my other health conditions :roll: :roll: So, my crutches keep me upright, which is always a bonus.
We had a lovely time with B's Bro and his wife. Always have a laugh, which is a good tonic.

Oh Kath, you did have a bloomin awful time, with police, armed robberies, oh my............It is SO SO stressful. As you say, thank Heavens those days are over.

The drug addicts were over here, when we moved back to the UK. We didn't go to bed at night, at all, not until daylight and we knew that some nice neighbours over the road, were up and about. It was dreadful. The tennant that was there when we first moved in, she used to sell drugs in the street, with her little girl sat with her. :shock: :?
Once she had been booted out, all the squatters took over............

That is past now and we live in a beautiful place. t4591 t4591 But, the stress of such things, stays with you and nags you sometimes. You will know what I mean mi duck.

Someone has been round cleaning windows...............oooo, someone must be coming in soon. Eyes and ears peeled

You enjoyed those tatties, good for you duck, Toni was still going, last I heard

Nut Roast and Veggies, thank you very muchly, will save that for lunch today t4591

Hi Barbara - Family meetings over two days, so the week end has kind of come and gone and now it is Monday. Tiring, but enjoyable. More tiring than I would have ever imagined, but, that's how it goes. You keep on going and smile smile smile whilst thinking, did I bring an extra Tramadol :shock: :roll: :roll:

You are more than welcome to continued prayers and special thoughts, it's what we all do, for one another t4591 t4591 t115006

You spotted the cake, good, I just managed to bake it in time.

I am sure Niamh enjoyed her time with you, lots of lovely veggies and keeping you on your tootsies.
Back with you on Tuesday, for a sleep over............where do you hide your laptop ? ?

Hi Carol - I hope you are all ok, bet you have been busy and the days have run away, as they do. Leaving ((())) for you and yours t4591

Well, sometime this week, we will have to catch up on the things that are normally done at the week end. Maybe by Friday, we will be back on track............he says........... :? :roll:

Local hospital this morning, for Dads podiatry appt. He says his toe feels better..........we will see how it is doing. Not sure if we are going T room or GC or neither. Play it by ear...............

Time I was moving again. Lots of pottering to catch up with.

Leaving lots of love and sparkles XXXXX Aidan t4591 t115006



Mushroom Breakfast Casserole (veggie)

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Aidan Barbara Toni
. Kathleen that's not a nice place to live I'm sorry long has they leave you and your husband alone((((((()))))
. Aidan yes I've had steroid injection I was told you can only have 3 of them(((((())))) that's good your Dad's toe is feeling better(((((()))) I walk with a frame.
. Barbara Niamh will soon be going back to school your Brother(((((())))) thinking of you((((((()))))
. Toni how is Lucy (((((())))) I hope it's fine for the wedding(((((()))))
. take care all love to Carol Mig(((((()))))
Joan xx

frogmorton

Afternoon

A hectic morning here car in for MOT and service then had to organise Charley for her holiday in Bulgaria with her friend from work.

Currency to fetch, along with some clothes loaned by another friend from work also a portable phone charger and sunglasses. I think she was a tad ill prepared! While she showered I packed for her case weighed in at 12kg! Still she's off now bless her temp's in early 30s lucky girl m0150

Good job I had some of that lovely breakie Aidan I left a lot for me as mushies are Kath's favourite.

Amazing to think the cousins are all home one in Reims and one in Ireland. I know you see B's S and BIL a lot but that made a hectic weekend for you both :shock: The food at the GC is always good and reliably so unlike poor Joan's pub lunch on Friday :roll: Dad had duck spring rolls bless him.

Ah Jeremy from next door! He is a wizard cat too? I fair few are unbeknownst to their Mums and Dads :animal_busy: They look so innocent don't they? I think the bridge went well Tosca stayed awake the WHOLE time according to Sleek so it will become a regular even especially over the winter. If Sleek or Mrs D host Tosca said Jeremy can come through her gate :shock:

The cake Mother helped with was lovely as were the cart ones. Sleek is happy enough about the building work as nothing is happening here today!! Hurrah! Tomorrow the skylights go in then Weds the real mess when the wall goes ready for the bifolds. I hope it's dry :?

A quiet day or two may be necessary for you now.

Joan Lucy is really well very well indeed. No work tonight and we are also hoping this silly weather eases off before the wedding :? t111055

Love to everyone

Toni xx

frogmorton

Some pics at David Austen Roses:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12PATpu2Kvemr_b6JtWDi9mQsnEm7H3i3/view?usp=sharing

and
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12S5awsMhufr7v_NTCbOUpo_0CBgHXHNS/view?usp=sharing

I thought I took one of their resident peacock

Kitty

Hello my chummies, Yesterday afternoon the owner of the house next door came and finished the front garden by putting more pea gravel down, so it looks quite smart now. I went out to put something in our bin and had a nosy, so sorry I can't show you somehow. Someone came this morning and did a bit of knocking out front too. The frustrating bit is that our porch area juts out and blocks the view of their front garden so we can't see what or who is out there. :roll:

Toni, you are going to miss Charley while she's in Bulgaria. Ta for saving me some of Aidan's Mushroom Casserole. I had them with my jacket potato which was smothered in best butter. Yum yum.

Joan, I hope that steroid injection is working. Over the years I've had them in my shoulders, hips, knees and left hand. The one in my hand (down between the middle two fingers) was quite painful. :?

Aidan,

she used to sell drugs in the street, with her little girl sat with her.

:shock: That is shocking.
So mother was a little overdressed when she went in the sidecar, was she wearing her tiara and diamond rings? I know what you mean when you say the stress stays with you. Every little noise outside has Chris up at the window to see if he can see anything. So you can imagine how the to-ing and fro-ing next door has affected him. :shock: Thank you for the Mushroom Casserole. m0150

Barbara, looking back with rose tinted glasses, I think everywhere in the fifties and sixties were nice. The estate we live on wasn't buit until the 1970s.

Sending hugs for dear mig and Carol.

Sweet potato, sage and onion tart
Ingredients
For the crust
3 plain rice cakes (approx 25g)
50g shelled hazelnuts
50g rice flour
1/2 tsp baking powder (can be gluten free)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp soya milk
For the sweet potato filling
450g sweet potatoes
Zest of 1/2 an unwaxed lemon
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the onion topping
3 large red onions
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
Zest of 1/2 an unwaxed lemon
A few whole hazelnuts and fresh cranberries
3 tbsp cranberry sauce
Finely chopped sage, to garnish
Method
Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Grease a 20cm loose-based flan tin with a little olive oil. Prick the skins of the sweet potatoes, put them on a baking tray and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender. Set aside to cool.
Crumble the rice cakes and put them into a food processor with the nuts. Process to a powder. If you don’t have a food processor, crush the rice cakes and chop the nuts as finely as you can. Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in the rice flour, baking powder, olive oil and soya milk. Season with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Turn the mixture into the flan tin and use your fingers to press it into an even layer covering the bottom of the tin. Bake for 20 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Peel the onions and slice them thinly. Cover a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Arrange the onion slices in a layer on the tray. Mix the olive oil, vinegar, thyme and lemon zest together in a small bowl, then spoon the mixture over the onions. Bake for 20 minutes, then set aside to cool.
When the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. Mash the sweet potatoes with the lemon zest, sage, salt and pepper. Chop around half the baked onion slices and stir into the sweet potato mash, then spoon the mash onto the tart crust and smooth it out with a spatula. Carefully arrange the remaining sliced onions over the top of the tart (a palette knife is useful for this). Scatter the hazelnuts and cranberries over the top and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the tart is heated through and the cranberries have started to burst.
Put the cranberry sauce into a small saucepan with 3 tbsp water and heat gently, stirring continuously until the sauce is dissolved. Pass through a sieve if you prefer a smooth glaze. Spoon the warm cranberry glaze over the tart just before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped sage.
Tip: If you want to make the tart in advance, prepare the baked crust, the sweet potato mash and the baked onions, and store them separately. Assemble the tart just before baking it.

barbara12

Evening all...
just been sat in the garden ..its my sanctuary..
Toni you are never in dept to me..it was nice to be able to support you and Lucy..
The pics of the gardens are so nice and pristine..mine needs an haircut and trees cutting back... :roll:
So Charley is off to Bulgaria..how nice and the break will do her good..and mum to the rescue we are seeing more of Niamh because of the holidays..but I can honestly say she is no trouble and even likes cleaning
Kath you need to be more vigilant with the house next door..shall well all come round and do surveillance.. I have walkies talkies here..
Thankyou for the mushroom casserole you know I love them
Joan I think we will know friday if the op for my brother is on or not..I hope you are all doing ok ..I am so glad you have your scooters..
Aidan thankyou for the mushroom bake..and the beautiful pic
I am with you it was over 2 days and the first relatives you dont see much of , from Ireland and France..must have been really nice to catch up with them
glad that Bs brother saw dad home and give you a bit of a rest..dont worry about the housework my late mum would say it will be there when you are gone :shock: I had to laugh because she had a day for everything
Is there any sign of your fiber broadband yet..all the new houses down the rd form us have it but not us..the cables stop well before ours..
my brother who is poorly has been to Skipton today with his girlfriend on a coach ,and had a cruise down the river, with a cream tea..
Right better move
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 m0150

Turbogran

Evening all

Just to say we are all ok but as Aidan has said I am very busy at the moment just don’t know where the hours have gone. our Little Kian was 8lb. 11 ozs when he was born now at 12 days old he is 9lb 6ozs. Good job my little jacket is for 3-6month size. Certainly a chunky one. It is now only 8 days till my visit. So still rapidly knitting. As have a couple of problems again. It is so so near completion. And I will certainly be glad when it is. I am hoping to see all family while I am visiting my eldest Gd and the 3 girls are away in London at the moment and are going home the same day as I travel down for my visit. I will try and post more tomorrow if I get a chance. I just thought I would let you know we are all ok.

Love and sparkles to you all

bubbles

I did start this, in good time, earlier on in the afternoon, time and brain fade, so I saved it until now.

We were drenched this morning, going from car to T room, all of 20 yards t111055 t111055 :roll: :roll: Apart from that it has been a lovely bright breezy day.

Hi Joan and Sue hope you are ok and not in too much pain with your ankle Joan (((())) Hugs to Sue and the doggies too.
You can have more than three steroid injections, I have had 4 or is it 5.........The jury is out as to whether they can cause more problems in the long term...........one Dr will say they can, one will say no, have as many as you need :roll: :roll:

Dad's toe is much better, one more visit next week and I think that will be it, healed.

Hectic, too right you have been hither and tither Toni - sorting our Charley on her holidays to Bulgaria as in packing, gathering everything that had been forgotten :roll: :roll: as well as dropping Dudley off for a service and MOT :shock: :shock: Sleek said Mummy is going as fast as I do on my broomstick
Steady away now, rest a bit this afternoon (((())))

Temp in the 30's you say, bonne courage Charley m0150 m0150 t4591 et bonne vacance

We were all very dainty with our portions of mushrooms, Kath would have been after us with her rolling pin

I think, dare I say it, we are at home, until Wednesday...............washer going like the clappers and the dryer too, mothers tray all done, beds done...............catching up steadily. He says, with a super painful back............which is nothing new, I think the past 4 days have caught up with us and my old bones............ :roll: :roll:

There are quite a few puskins who live on the park, who knows, Mother and Sleek, might well know them all - we assume that they go up to Pendle, just the two of them They have secrets and "know things" that hoomans don't, a gift that all puskins are blessed with.

Mother enjoyed her card games, she shuffles the decks, without touching them t115006 now she wants to play Poker and Gin Rummie :roll: :roll:

Apparently Jeremy has a gate in his lodge, not sure where.........

No building work, that's fine, it doesn't exist if there are no builders there, no wonder Mother and Sleek were shrieking this morning at 6am !!!!

Sounds like it might be a tad messy, for the coming few days..........pretend it is not there and make lots of T

We do need some "us" time, you are quite right, very much so.

Austin Roses is just gorgeous, love it love want to go t4591 t4591

Awww, no peacock.............:(

Hi Kath - so, the garden is finished off and looking nice. Seems that someone is taking a pride in what they are doing.
Now, we just need to move your porch, :shock: so that you can check up on who is where, when, why and what are they doing
Toni knows some very good builders, who could take your porch down, or make it into a little sun room, so you can see all m0150 m0150

Glad you enjoyed the mushroom breakfast goodies, with tatties and.
It was shocking, to see someone dealing drugs, in the street, as if she were selling ice creams :shock: :shock: :? :?

I think we have pushed the bad things to the back of our minds, but, it niggles sometimes and leaves you just that bit more unsettled, than you were, before all that happened.
I totally understand how Chris feels, totally. Sending some extra (((()))) and t4591 t4591 and some magic squares, to pop in his slippers. t115006 It isn't easy and I know just how he feels.

Some of those magic squares will find their way into your slippers and into your recliner - we want to keep the ouchies as minimal as possible XX

Thank you for the lovely onion sweet potato and sage tart, gorgeous........... t4591 t4591

Hi Barbara - How nice, to have had a sit in the garden, an area that is your sanctuary is super important t69044 t69044

You are very welcome to the mushroom bake, we all seem to love mushrooms
I know Niamh is no trouble and loving cleaning, way to go Niamh, helping Nan with the housework, bless her. t4591

I bet your Bro and girlfriend enjoyed their trip to Skipton, it is very pleasant, a trip down the canal, the boat only goes a few miles, but it is nice to sit and watch the scenery change. Cream T, perfect, well, you just have to. Was that on the canal trip, or in one of the hundreds of cafe's in Skipton :shock: :shock:

Friday is decision day about his operation. The cloak will be ready. He remains in thoughts and prayers, as do you all. t4591

We did speak to a man from Openreach, when he was wandering about the other day. He said there are two addresses that they had to make sure were on the new system, then they could do the switch over very soon................so, we are still waiting, but hopefully it won't be long before we are flying along t115006

It is crazy how one run of properties can have super fast, then it all stops. Our friends neighbours have it, but it stops outside their house, so they don't get it :shock: :shock: :? :? Bonkers.

Hi Carol - Glad to hear that you are all ok t4591 t4591 I guessed that you had been a busy girl.
The jacket is coming along, as you say, in a 3 - 6 month size, if baby Kian has put on a good weight, normally they loose some, then start gaining. A chubby one, bless, a lad after my own heart

8 days and counting down. Getting nearer. That is good timing, if your Gd and the three girls are on their way home, the same day as you travel down. Perfect

Don't worry if you are engrossed in knitting and all things busy wise, as long as you are all ok t4591 t115006

Siesta was a waste of time, save the fact that it was a rest of the bones and joints.
Quiet evening, tennis is rained off in the US :roll: :roll: :roll: wet and 34 degrees - no thanks :? :? Andy Murray is playing, well, was supposed to be playing at midnight our time. Fat chance of that.

Anyway, I will do some more pottering about. Let me go gather some sparkles, I feel we need them.

The girls chose this one :animal_busy: :animal_busy:



Lots of love to all t4591 t4591 Take care XXXXXX Aidan

Summertime Fruit Crisps

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Toni Barbara Carol Aidan
. Kathleen I hope you meet your new neighbours soon. I have not had a steroid injection this time yet((((())))
. Toni yes I hope. You have good weather for the wedding. Have a good time Charley you need it.(((()))
. Barbara thinking of you how are your eyes((((((()))))
. Carol you are busy knitting again((((())))
. Aidan that's good you can have the injection's((((())) and your Dad's toe nearly better good he must feel more comfortable(((((())))
. take care love to Mig ((((())))
Joan xx

Kitty

Still no news. :roll: (BIG SIGH)

Holly is out at the shops. she said she will be about an hour but her idea of time (like most young people) is completely different to ours. :? As long as she gets back safely, we don't really mind.

I fell over in the living room last night. :roll: I was trying to turn around and over I went. Fortunately I landed on my left (better) side and not my right (worst) side. I was worried about breaking my hip, Chris was worried that I'd moved the settee out of its position. I have to admit that everything hurts much more, especially my hips and back. :shock: Silly moo!

Aidan, glad to hear dad's toe is much better. Yes, move the porch and put a large bay window in the kitchen so we get an all round view. Mind you, we'll need a gardener to come and chop the shrubs down too. Toni can do that, she's a good gardener. Thank you for the Summertime Fruit Crisps .

Carol, Kian was the same weight as my two boys and they are both over 6 foot tall now. Richard is 6ft 3lns and Jonathan is 6ft. Ridiculous that a titch like me can produce such giants. I was 5ft 2ins at my tallest. 4ft 8 or 9 now. I'm glad you popped in to reassure us you are OK. t4591

Barbara, by all means you can keep a surveillance of next door. Perhaps Mother could put a spell on it to make it visible to all of us from all angles. Bring your walkie talkies, they'd be very useful.

Toni, you won't need a lawn mower, we have no grass. Just bring your secateurs and a saw.


Vegan Crab Cakes
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chickpeas
2 cans artichoke hearts in brine, drained and roughly chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 stalk of celery, chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3 tablespoons chopped dill
1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons fish seasoning (for example Old Bay)
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the chopped onion for 2 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Set aside.
Mash the chickpeas in a large bowl with a fork. Leave them partially intact for more texture. Add the remaining ingredients (including the cooked onion and the garlic) and season with salt and pepper.
Form eight vegan crab cakes.
Heat some oil in a large pan and cook them on each side on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes or until they're lightly browned.
I served them on a bed of green salad with vegan remoulade and lemon slices. For the remoulade I whisked together vegan mayonnaise with chopped dill, fresh lemon juice and seasoned it with salt and pepper.

frogmorton

Kath! Are you sure you're ok? Cheeky Chris only worried about the settee moving

Sleek and Tosca are going to see whether they can loan you a crystal ball to look at the house next door from all sides. They think it's possible.

YOU produced such huge bubbas? WOW!! Mine were 3lb 5 and 6lb 12. Charley and Lucy respectively. Though their Father and his (tall) gf have produced 2 since at 10lb 3 and 10lb :shock:

Hope Holly is back now safely.

LOVING the vegan crabcakes

You are right I do miss Charley

Joan Charley has snapchatted some pics to me it looks lovely and she's having a great time already. Fingers crossed it will be nice for the wedding thank you

I think they often do more than the 'alleged' number of steroid jabs all according to how you respond and for how long don't they Aidan

It's been dry today and sunny, but still a bit nippy. The veluxes have been going in and one is usable - I love it! The room is lighter already. Will have to upload some pics...

I have been able to or forced to take it easier today due to the builders (electricity off etc - the veluxes open electronically!). Made copious drinks and hoovered up a million trillion birch seeds :roll:

Sleek is totally right Mummy was moving at the speed of sound yesterday, but snapchats from Charley show a good time is being had in Bulgaria

Mother has a really good poker face as does MRs D, but Sleek nope she wouldn't be so good at that :animal_busy: They all loved the newly founded PBK (Pusskin brij klub) and will be playing again soon. Sleek admitted that there are other cats who can fly, but by no means all can :shock: That was me told!

Sounds as though your superfast broadband is not so far away now...

The sparkly pusskin was an excellent choice t4591

Carol it's good to know you are absolutely fine if a bit challenged by that jacket you are knitting. Suggest that be the first and last time you use that particular pattern!!

I am very pleased to hear everyone will be there for your visit I bet you can't wait!

Barbara I am always here for you too. The garden is my sanctuary as well. You must post a pic of yours it really IS a sanctuary.

I'm glad you are seeing plenty of Niamh she is adorable and already quite useful to have around. Have you seen your niece lately?

Very good idea your bro and his GF finding some good times in amongst all the not so good stuff ((()))

Right better get some cleaning done the men have gone

Love

Toni xx

frogmorton

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12YFR9f96A-M3cgPTJ8UPN3udW9Ou5wzk/view?usp=sharing


kitchen -not very clean

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12fmDEAMX086ASItA_viR-AWWIHnRhwkL/view?usp=sharing

bubbles

Afternoon to all Sunny and a pleasant breeze, which is good, with the dryer going hell for leather :shock:

Hi Joan and Sue - Hope you are both ok (((()))) and have some nice weather. I think it is going to be quite warm, from Friday onward, for at least a week. Not a heatwave though, thank goodness.

I am sure my GP said I can have my knee jabbed every three months, but I tend to leave it longer, as I forget to make an appointment :roll: :roll: My Gp must like playing darts :shock:

Big sigh indeed Kath, no news, we really need to alter your front porch, into a big bay window, with 180 degree view of gardens and next door too

Before that, we need to send some extra powerful sparkles, to help with the ouchies, after your fall last night t115006 t115006 t115006 the possums and bush babies are on the way, with their own jammie dodgers.
I bet you were worried about your hip, it doesn't always take a big or heavy fall, to crack a bone. Bless, Chris was worried that you had moved the settee out of place :shock: :roll:

(((()))) and hugs



Good of Holly to pop to the shops for you, while she is out and about

Toni will be very good at organising the garden and trimming back the bushes, so we have clear line of sight. Her builders will sort out the bay window.

Thank you for the lovely vegan crab cakes, some fab ingredients there. Ta mi duck.

Hi Toni - some enforced resting will not go amiss, while the builders have been doing their thing. Ooo, electrickery veluxes, saves a lot of wafting about with long poles - never a good thing to try :shock: :shock:

I bet it does seem so much lighter now in the kitchen, look forward to seeing some pictures. Mother has already seen the progress, Sleek was talking to her on Skype and showing her all the changerz to her house :shock:

Birch seeds - yes, there are squillions of them here too, the decking, the doors, window sills, windows, cobwebs................ :? :roll: :roll: It must be the time of year for the seeds to disperse, far and wide

I hear a bing bong. Pictures So much brighter with the velux in - good to see you are supported with acro props, we don't want the sky falling down :shock: :shock: Glad the weather has kept fine, for the installation of said windows m0150 It was quite chilly overnight. Seasons are changing Mother said, even with the warm spell just around the corner.

I am sure the kitchen only needs a little light dusting :? :? :? :shock:

Depot jabs, yes, it seems to be up to the Gp in question, some are for them, some Drs not so much. I know my Cardio who retired, was not in favour of having them too often.

Good to hear that Charley is having a lovely time in Bulgaria and they arrived safe and sound. t4591

Sleek would be no good at Poker, Mother would read her like a book and know just what paw she had :roll: Mrs D and Tosca have super poker faces, in fact Mother has one on right now, waiting for us to settle down to a cup of T. :roll: :roll:

Not all Hogwarts cats can fly a broomstick, some chose not to learn the skills, for some reason or other. Their terms were shorter and they did not learn as many in depth magic, as our Ladies t115006 t115006

Thought you might like the sparkling puskin

Hi Barbara - hope you are ok, I am guessing that Niamh will be with you today, enjoying her roast dinners from Mark's - and why not eh. With extra yorkshires too
Any extra cleaning need doing? Might as well give the little lady a duster, to help her Nan. t4591 t4591

Hugs and love to all, as always t4591

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

The last load of drying is in and I think we have caught up from several days of family gatherings. All the shirts in creation have been pressed - more than had enough, but happy bunny that we are organised at back up to speed again

Time I was pottering a bit more. Will call back later. Just let me go get the cake out of the kitchen.....................

Lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 XXXX Aidan

Chocolate Ganache

barbara12

Evening all..It feels quite chilly here tonight
Aidan thankyou for the fruit crisp and the lovely Chocolate Ganache
My brother and his GF had a lovely time ..I said river its a canal never mind nearly right..the cream tea was on the boat..they have only been together for a few months before he was diagnosed, but she is very supportive..
so you got wet going to the Tea rooms id did rain here here then the sun came out, so not long now till your fiber broadband..we can see the box down our rd..but they asked if they could dig up the banking at the front of our houses and one person said no so that was it :roll:
I see all your chores are nearly done..wish mine were..oh and I love the sparkly pic and the cat one cuddling its soft toy..
Carol Kian is such a good weight bless him..I am sure the little jumper will fit..3 to 6 months sounds good..
Joan there are changes in my eyes but its to be expected..just hope I can carry on seeing this laptop for a few years to come..some hugs for all of you (((())))
Toni builders cause so much dust..I will have everything crossed that it will all be finish in time for the wedding..must say its going to be lovely..I crave natural light..our upstairs is quite dark sine we had the extension done no landing window..glad you had had a rest at least apart for all the cuppas..and hoovering up
Kath I hope you are ok ..falls really do shake you up..hope you haven't done any damage...and you are not to sore tomorrow..(())
Thankyou for the vegan crab cakes..
Its our golden wedding on Friday we did say we would go somewhere but cant get in because its a bank holiday..never mind next week will do..
Love to everyone
m0150 t4591 t115006