This, that and the other ...

 

These are the paper cake cases that I use in my loaf tins. Look for them in the kitchen section of your local cheap shop. Our shop is called Absolutely Anything and I love having a browse.

Recently, I saw on the 'interwebs' a great way to cook sweetcorn. Leaving the corn in the husk, trim the wider end off, throw the cob into the microwave and zap for 4 minutes (that time works for me, yours may be more or less). When done, take it out, place on a plate and carefully squeeze the pointy end. The corn slides out of the husk clean, leaving all the hairy bits behind! Mind blown!

Sometime on the weekend, on a blog, this children's book was mentioned. Suddenly, I was transported back to being 7 years old, listening to this story being told on Play School. I loved this story! So much so, I went online and ordered a copy!

Wow, rainbow do's are the go at the moment...would I dare? I think not!

I had another kitchen failure on Sunday. I had bought a little kitchen blow torch so I could have a go at Creme Brûlée. There was a recipe in Rachel's book...

I halved the recipe so it only made two (thinking of our waistlines)...

I made the custard as directed, placed them in a water bath then popped them in the oven at 110C (very slow oven) for 40 minutes as it said.

They were very liquid after that time so I gave them 10 minutes more at 140C. Still wobbly, I took them out of the oven and water then let them cool to room temperature. Popped them in the fridge for 1 hour - still the consistency of gravy. I know it said to chill for at least 4 hours but they just were never hoing to set so I tossed them! No dessert for us (sad face)!

My Sunday slow cooked ragout (ragou/ragu) was yummy. Just my own recipe - I chopped up 2 large lamb leg chops, 1 large pork chop and about 400gms beef mince. I marinated the meat for 3 hours with 1/2 cup of red wine, 3 cloves of garlic, a sprig of fresh rosemary, a shake of dried oregano and basil (I forgot to buy fresh), salt and pepper and a slosh of olive oil. Then I fried off an diced onion, carrot and celery stick and a nearly dead large mushroom then added in the meat. Browned it off for a few minutes then added 750mls chicken stock, 250mls of passata and 4 tblspns tomato paste. Once at a slow boil, I turned it right down so it was just ticking over and it bubbled away for nearly 3 hours. Along the way I put in a tablespoon of sugar which takes the tartness away from the tomatoes and a slug of balsamic vinegar for richness.

This is a lovely hearty sauce and I had enough for our lunches the next day and to freeze a big tub for another time when we need a quick dinner.

I made some Country Boy cookies on Monday afternoon...

To save my waistline, I had a couple with a cup of tea that night then I bagged them up and gave them away.

Man Pleasing chicken was on the menu Monday night...

http://www.wittyinthecity.com/2011/08/man-pleasing-chicken/

We've been juicing again and enjoying it!

Wednesday is here again, I can't believe how fast this year is going!

I didn't make it to yoga last night, it was 9C and I didnt get home from work and shopping until 5.40pm. Gus walked this morning at 6.45 but I wanted to go later at 8.30am.

Still having cold, cold weather but at least its not windy!

Cheers - Joolz xx

 

Posted by Joolz with Blogsy