Morning all, lovely pics @Busy-Lizzie, I never tire of views of the mountains even though we look out to them all the time. Hugs to @punkdoc and Moira. Chimney sweep never showed yesterday for us or our neighbour, she has been trying to get hold of him without success. I hope "they" sort out your fuel problems over there it looks horrendous, their are certainly some selfish people about.
Morning all, It was sunny earlier now starting to cloud over so we're waiting for the forecasted heavy rain to start. Glad I got out early for usual walk to the shops but couldn't get any hard block margarine or lard to make pastry for the small apple pies I need to make. Do they not make it any more? Calling all bakers, can I make shortcrust pastry with butter? If not, I'm a bit stumped.
I'll have a look at your photos later @Busy-Lizzie, they sound good.
You can use well chilled butter and it will taste far better than using margarine. Half and half butter and lard is good for savoury pies but butter for sweet dishes.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
I've always used half Stork/half lard for my shortcrust pastry but know I'm not up to date with modern cooking. I bought hard butter this morning so will try that.
I've managed to read back, hugs where needed, especially @punkdoc and Moira, actually probabaly a hug for Moira and as someone else said a kick up the rear for you @punkdoc, you silly b****r.
I have booked a week at Pau in the half term holidays @Busy-Lizzie with Charlie, glad to see the lovely scenery as promised in the brochure. It is good to see you spending quality time with the family too and enjoying the luxury of not having to play hostess, as enjoyable as it is it is a lot of hard work all the cooking and bed changing. The hotel sounds splendid where you stayed.
Looks like you are having a good holiday too @Dovefromabove, long awaited for, enjoy.
Enjoyed the weekend in Lyon, work and pleasure, nice balance, but now a lot to catch back up with 'at the office'.
I am stalling over paperwork here, must get on....
For any cooks/bakers on here, I am looking for 'Cake of the Day' recipes, I am running out of ideas. They need to have a bit of wow factor (Rainbow Cake is popular) Blueberry and Lime went well, Swiss roll not so well. It has to be able to last a few days too, so not too much fresh cream or fresh fruit ingrediants. On my 'normal' menu I already have, Coffee & Walnut, Fruit Cake, Carrot Cake, Cupcakes and Cookies and Shortbread and a selection of chocolate, lemon and red fruit muffins. I'll leave that with all you baking enthusiasts out there.....:)
“Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a good morning need anything else?” —Betsy Cañas Garmon
Well we’ve been out to a nearby gallery and seen some good stuff 😊 Got back just before the stair rods descended again 😊 and now OH is making lunch … smoked salmon open sandwiches and salad. I’m spoilt I know …. but I do appreciate it so that’s all right isn’t it 😃
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
@Lizzie27, I always use butter for sweet pastry. Years ago I saw Delia on TV and she said use a bit more than half butter with SR flour and your pastry will never fail, so that's what I do. Must rub it in really well.
@D0rdogne_Damsel, you haven't mentioned lemon or orange drizzle, maybe not a WOW, but my children's favourites.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
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Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Hugs to @punkdoc and Moira. Chimney sweep never showed yesterday for us or our neighbour, she has been trying to get hold of him without success.
I hope "they" sort out your fuel problems over there it looks horrendous, their are certainly some selfish people about.
It was sunny earlier now starting to cloud over so we're waiting for the forecasted heavy rain to start. Glad I got out early for usual walk to the shops but couldn't get any hard block margarine or lard to make pastry for the small apple pies I need to make. Do they not make it any more? Calling all bakers, can I make shortcrust pastry with butter? If not, I'm a bit stumped.
I'll have a look at your photos later @Busy-Lizzie, they sound good.
I've always used half Stork/half lard for my shortcrust pastry but know I'm not up to date with modern cooking. I bought hard butter this morning so will try that.
I've managed to read back, hugs where needed, especially @punkdoc and Moira, actually probabaly a hug for Moira and as someone else said a kick up the rear for you @punkdoc, you silly b****r.
I have booked a week at Pau in the half term holidays @Busy-Lizzie with Charlie, glad to see the lovely scenery as promised in the brochure.
Looks like you are having a good holiday too @Dovefromabove, long awaited for, enjoy.
I hope you get the job @SamBevington.
Enjoyed the weekend in Lyon, work and pleasure, nice balance, but now a lot to catch back up with 'at the office'.
I am stalling over paperwork here, must get on....
For any cooks/bakers on here, I am looking for 'Cake of the Day' recipes, I am running out of ideas. They need to have a bit of wow factor (Rainbow Cake is popular) Blueberry and Lime went well, Swiss roll not so well. It has to be able to last a few days too, so not too much fresh cream or fresh fruit ingrediants. On my 'normal' menu I already have, Coffee & Walnut, Fruit Cake, Carrot Cake, Cupcakes and Cookies and Shortbread and a selection of chocolate, lemon and red fruit muffins. I'll leave that with all you baking enthusiasts out there.....:)
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
it hasn't started here yet but we're waiting....
@D0rdogne_Damsel, you haven't mentioned lemon or orange drizzle, maybe not a WOW, but my children's favourites.