TARRAGON & THYME

Look at these two sleeping beauties its alright for some.  Or perhaps it should be entitled Oh I do love my Dad" Oohps she's moved just a bit

Ever on the look out for something different for breakfast I have had a go at making some Granola for me to eat in the morning before dashing off to work and as as segment of the breakfast menu.  For starters half a grapefruit or an orange, a bowl of this granola finished with a slice/slices of toast with home made marmalade or jam and a cup of tea or coffee,. Absolutely delicious. The beauty of this type of recipe is that the ingredients can be changed to similar or alternative fruits/seeds and dried fruits especially if you are not keen on a particular ingredient.  It just adds your own twist to something that is easily made and tailored for your own use. Not only that you can make as little or as much as you want, to meet your family's needs or just individual needs.  The next question is how do you store this.  [I had an old sweetie jar that I used to keep the Granola in,but unfortunately the jar got broken just before Christmas.  So I am now on the hunt t...

No Decision is Wrong at the Time of Making it. It's just circumstances that change

Tyson my elderly Ginger Tom was in quite a clingy mood yesterday hogging the house.  These are just a few of the photos he graciously allowed me to take.  He is a big cat but very feisty. He is a lovely old boy tends to snuggle down where he is not supposed to - no bag is sacred.

The best and most beautiful things in the World Cannot be seen or even touched Helen Keller

At one time I used to make a lot of these, they are fairly quick to make and I always use my Kenwood with the balloon whisk to really froth the mixture up.  Its a quick make the only fiddly bit being the actual rolling but once you get used to doing this it is quite easy to do.  The fiddly bit is getting your head around things and getting the knack of doing the rolling.  This mixture can be used to make a jam or cream filled swiss roll or turned into an exotic black forest or strawberry roulade.  I have also used this mixture to make my own flan sponges for use with jelly fruit and fresh cream.  Its quite simple to make . The original recipe was taken from Cakes, Pastries and Bread by Jennie Reekie (a St Michael Cookery book) Chocolate Swiss Roll with peppermint cream  Cooking time 7 to 10 minutes Oven temperature 200 degrees C/400 degrees F or Gas Mark 6 Ingredients: 2 large eggs 2oz caster sugar 2oz self raising flour less 1 tablespoon of ...

Having No Money isn't being Poor. Being Poor is something quite different!

Here's a second recipe that I have found for Soda bread which is white flour and not a combination like the other one. Ingredients 700g/1 1/2 lb plain flour 1 x 5ml spoon/1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 x 5ml spoon/1 teaspoon salt 1 x 5ml spoon/1 teaspoon cream of tartar (if using fresh milk) 250ml/8 fl oz buttermilk or soured cream or fresh milk or a mixture of plain yogurt and milk flour for dusting fat for greasing Method Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add enough buttermilk, soured cream or fresh milk or a mixture of plain yogurt and milk to make a fairly slack dough putting it in all at once rather than a tablespoon at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon lightly and quickly. With floured hands put the mixture on a floured surface flattening the dough with your hand into a rough circle about 3 cm/1 1/4 inch thick. Turn onto a greased baking sheet, score a cross in the top of the bread with a floured knife (this stops the dough ...

I didn't surface very early this morning.  I had another bad night where I just could not get comfortable in bed, and my sleep was disturbed yet again, I would just get comfy and then have to move.  I seem to have to sleep on my back these days and then I get stiff and have to turn again; if I turn on my side it is so sore I have to move more or less straight away; its like permanent toothache in my bones,   Then when I do wake up its just pure stiffness and I have difficulty in putting socks or tights on and moving around generally and there is pain.  And when I walk I sometimes  feel I am falling off my joints, and that my back is going to slip and permanently knock out. Anyway things have to move on I rose late, but it was a beautiful bright day outside although a tad cold.  Spring is really starting to come in and even spring flowers are available in the shops, Tulips and cheery Daffodils just the sight of them cheers the soul. We visited  m...

I think in many ways I am a tad old fashioned with some things.  For instance I always save good wrapping paper or little present bags, and always save little pretty paper bags, and decent pieces of string and ribbon.  Recycling as we call it now I grew up with out of necessity, having to be frugal and making things stretch that much further, were par for the course, and wastefulness was frowned upon (during the second world war you could be prosecuted for waste).  Our families had to go without during the second world war and for many years after the war things were tight. Today we are quite spoilt in comparison. My Nan was the one, she had a small kitchen table with extension flaps either side and two small stools that went underneath, and two drawers built into the table.  When we sat at the kitchen table things were snug, and we used to hit our knees on the undersides of the drawers, but that's where the paper bags, string, greaseproof that could be re-used aga...

I love good home cooking its full of flavour and using simple recipes means that you can create memorable dishes with the simplest of ingredients.  One of the habits you do have to get out of though is that there is no need to nip to the supermarket or shop to get  items that you have run out of.  Half the battle is finding a compromise or using what you actually have to hand and a touch of experimentation, or finding a recipe that will suit your purposes;. that's half the battle finding recipes that work for you. When you need a bit of bread in a hurry why not try this recipe which is quick and simple to get you out of the mire and is an ideal accompaniment to a home made soup. Ingredients: 1lb 6 oz wholemeal flour 10oz strong white flour 2oz oatmeal 2 teaspoons salt 2 taspoons bicarbonate of soda 4 teaspoons cream of tartar 2 teaspoons sugar 1 1/2 pints milk and water mixed, or all semi-skimmed or skimmed milk Method Pre-heat the oven to 180degrees C/3...

Today was a sort of higgledy piggledy day - and first day back at work.  I normally meet a friend for lunch on a Monday but she had some training to do so our lunch has been put off until tomorrow.  As a result I was able to assist one of the Lawyers with an urgent piece of work and didn't go for my lunch until about 1.50 p.m, and got back to the office before 2.50 p.m. Anyway on one of my wanders (I always leave the office for a breath of fresh air and for a good walk) I popped into Lakeland to pick up their brochures.  Whilst in store however I espied some new bottling jars in Lakeland, the German Weck bottles (the round heavy bottomed jars that are used for bottling fruits in for Christmas fare).  They had quite a selection of shapes and sizes at quite reasonable prices including bottles for bottling cordials and fruit juices in and some little jars that would be ideal for doing fruit cheeses in.  These jars are fixed by a rubber seal and metal tags on eith...

I am still trapped in the kitchen trying to get everything ship shape and Bristol fashion before the family descend tomorrow evening.  If the Prison Warder lets me out for good behaviour will try and blog a little later.  Steam cleaner is working like a dream its the reorganising the kitchen that is causing a headache. Catch you later (hopefully) Pattypan xx

We didn't have a proper Sunday lunch today - we normally always have a roast of some description even if we have to have what are classed as frugal meals/scratch meals during the week.  As OH was doing the kitchen there seemed no point so decided to do something on the spur of the moment.  Its not often that we have Scampi these days as it is too expensive, but I managed to find a packet in the freezer and did some home made chips and bread and butter served with tartare sauce and it was yummy.  My chip pan however needed cleaning out. Well as I said in my earlier post started playing with the steam cleaner and I am very chuffed so chuffed I decided to tackle the chip pan with it  after tea and it has come up very well indeed.  All it needs now is the new oil to go in and it will be back in action again.  OH loves home made chips -  I usually limit this to once a week but he is going to be getting an extra portion of chips this week as the family are ...

Spring is in  the air, plants are starting to stir in the garden despite the greyness of the past few days and I have ventured out to survey the mess that the plumber has left,.  Why is it they disrespect borders and just sling things anywhere.  Doh. . I am anxious to get a lot done, I can feel a change in the air  although I haven't had the energy for doing much.  My plans for cooking have gone seriously to pot as OH decided today was the day when he was going to sort the cavity where my boiler recently was from a recess with cracked tiles, plasterwork, remnants of metal pipes and chimney, basically fromm a sows purse into something useable if not a silk purse.  Basically we had decided to relocate the microwave and my small rotisserie oven in there out of the way and off the work top so that I can usefully have some work top to play with.  My boxes (just some of them) of my regular herbs and spices are stored at the bottom so that they are easily acc...

Well tea was lovely OH excelled himself.  I have then spent most of the evening reading and doing some sorting out, latterly watching the Tudors on the TV.  A peaceful evening, but I have had the fidgets wanting to do something but not really knowing what to do; the truth is I just cannot settle at the moment am at sixes and sevens.  Want to do things but not having the energy to do so. Its very frustrating.  Tonight for a change we have had some supper as we had tea earlier than usual.  Just cheese and crackers but served them with my home made pickled shallots - boy they were tasty if I do say so myself.  Normally I use the big Sarsons Vinegar jars for pickled shallots but I couldn't find my spare jars and didn't have an opportunity to buy any extra ones, so they were all done in smaller jars than usual with my home dried chillis, bay leaves and peppercorns and a little sugar.  I prefer Shallots but they cost more.  I have done pickled onions...

Its been horrible and wet here today - grey, grey, grey n damp. I was hoping for a better day as I need tidy the back garden up a bit the plumber has left a bit of a mess.   So far its been a kinda lazy day apart from a little bit of pottering about tidying up bits and bobs and getting my fresh aired ironing into the wardrobes and onto the racks (well that is what have managed to achieve so far need to find those coathangers).  I always air my clothes - old habits die hard. The washing machine is whirring around as is the dishwasher. Its a busy comforting sound although sometimes the washing machine goes into overdrive and re-arranges itself as the load has become uneven.  I  have some cooking planned for later on or failing that tomorrow - have quite a few things that need to be done.  In between all this am researching and sorting recipes for me to try.  I might as well do all the cooking in one fair swoop to make the most of the oven and making su...

Smile  Lyle Lovett Smile, though your heart is aching. Smile, even though it's breaking. Though there are clouds in the sky, You get by... If you smile through your fears and sorrows. Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through. If you just light up your face with gladness, Hide every trace of sadness. Although a tear may be ever, ever so near. That's the time you must keep on trying. Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find life is worthwhile If you'll just smile, come on and smile. If you just smile. I think this particular song says it all but a smile is the most wonderful gift you can give to someone.  It can show happiness and contentment and for a moment draws you out of yourself and makes you feel a part of something no matter for how little a time. It is also a proud mask to hide behind so as not to foist your problems on others it hides your privacy it is your Public Relations System your first...

Cor its bitter here at the moment talk about brass monkeys fortunately have topped up on the gas and electric so hopefully that will see us through for another week. I haven't been at work these past few days three days holiday carried over from last year  to use up. So I have started attacking the ironing mountain, but have had to stop as I cannot find my coathangers!  Trust me - and haven't got any free ones left in the bedroom.  They are buried in the back bedroom somewhere will have to try and dig them out tomorrow and then carry on with the ironing at some point tomorrow.  We need to retrieve the computer and computer desk in any event to relocate it back into the small bedroom which is to be our computer room/study/craft room and get that all organised and sorted so that I can use the main computer  too. Have had quite a pleasant tea tonight, chicken and home made curry served with naan bread.  I nipped over to the local paper shop which is run by a...

The best laid plans of mice and men  - I didn't get round to my chutney yesterday as my help was required by my friend.  Maybe I will get chance over the weekend  - I do hope so.   So I went over.  The first set of Minutes I had helped her with had been approved as being a good attempt for a first set of Minutes.  So was rather chuffed; she had a few additions to put in but this was easily remedied and then sent off to her boss for him to formalise.  This is a voluntary job that she is doing for them and she doesn't get paid - only her expenses every quarter for attending meetings, paper, ink cartridges etc.  So I was quite chuffed in a roundabout way. Then: My friend wanted me to dye her hair for her.  Big gulp - I've only ever messed with my own hair and have never dyed my own hair. So off I toddled complete with my lemon clockwork egg timer so make sure that I didn't overcure her.    I worked my way through the instructions s...

http://wwf.panda.org/how_you_can_help/campaign/earth_hour/ Please support this worthwhile cause.  You may be only one person, but joined with another and another voice you make a great contribution. So on Saturday March 26th between 8.30 and 9.30 p.m. local time.   Please switch off your electrical appliances, light candles, talk to each other and reconnect.  Let Earth have her hour in an effort to raise enviromental issues with those who are supposed to speak for us.  Make them sit up and listen.

Metahphorically speaking that is, have been re-organising and doing housekeeping on some of the page lay out and updating  - not really touched it since I started the blog off, and being as there is a touch of Spring in the air,  thought would have a move around.  Am not sure if I have finished yet as I notice that they have added one or two new gadgets to the design page which I am going to have to investigate further, but have tried to make it a little bit more accessible. Would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and reading my ramblings, it keeps me going and I enjoy reading your comments.  Its as much your blog as mine. Once again, thank you Pattypan xx

This is quick to make especially during the week if you are working and time is at a premium and stir fry is quick and delicious and extremely tasty.  To ring the changes I often use what's left in the fridge or add sweet pepper and sweetcorn to the mix.  Its all very filling. Serves 2 (or 1 starving person in my household) - so why not doubleup Ingredients 4oz skinless boneless chicken breast 2 spring onions trimmed 1 carrot peeled 2oz button mushrooms 2 inch piece of cucumber 2 tablespoons of oil 2 tablespoons clear honey 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/2 a shredded iceberg lettuce or mixed lettuce leaves Method Cube the chicken and cut onion and carrot into sticks quarter the mushrooms and slice the cucumber Heat oil and add the chicken and vegetables cook until chicken turns white and vegetables are tender Stir in the hione vinegar soy sauce and lettuce cook for 1 minute serve with  rice or prawn crackers. Enjoy

In the words of the immortal song My Favourite Things as performed by Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens; Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens; Brown paper packages tied up with strings; These are a few of my favorite things. Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels; Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles; Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings; These are a few of my favorite things. Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes; Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes; Silver-white winters that melt into springs; These are a few of my favorite things. When the dog bites, When the bee stings, When I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don't feel so bad. .And just a few of mine too in case you hadn't gathered and an excuse to resurrect an old favourite song in the process. Animals   Children   Christmas   Cla...

I have been disposing of some old magazines to free up some space, but as I am an avid recipe collector I hold on to anything that I like the sound of  - in fact in the past I have been known to buy a book for just one recipe.  How decadent.  That was then and this is now - my frugal instincts have kicked into play and I squirrel away food and recipes wherever I can.  This recipe comes from a very old Good Food magazine - I liked the name that was the original attraction.  There is something satisfying about rolling "Miss Smiff" off the tongue. On inspecting the recipe further it would appear that it is very like one my Nan used to make on a regular basis and that was really good.  So a little later on I will be making this in the kitchen.  I have the apples in as per usual.  So some more goodies to go into the Putdown 2011. My squirrelling instincts are coming to the fore again! Ingredients: Makes approximately 5lb chutney 3lb apples peeled...

I have a lot of decisions to make over the next few days those decisions need fine tuning though and I like to pull things that I am thinking of metaphorically speaking to pieces to cover all eventualities before I actually commit.  Some of the decisions will be life-changing but still frightening because it is change.   Change is a complex thing we all fear it because it takes us out of our groove and stretches us to our full potential.  It also takes us out of stale situations that are no good for our soul and our inner psyche and takes us away from people who drain us and who are all too puffed up with their own self importance and what they can get out of you rather than being a genuine honest person in their own right.  So insincere.   It pokes our toes through the next door and into untravelled terrirotory - transition a learning curve. As the saying goes as one door closes another one always opens - As Alice found when she followed the white rabbit throug...

Call me old fashioned but I still use lard in my cooking - it makes great  shortcrust  pastry used half and half with butter  or on its own and I also use it for doing the roast potatoes when I haven't got any pork dripping or goose fat to hand.  I also use it for frying eggs and lovely home made pancakes - you don't need much and a little goes a long long way.  Lets face it we can all aspire high and we are all encouraged to use certain ingredients. but we are not necessarily always able to afford the things we would like to like goose fat.  I make my pork dripping using lard see my post here:Home Made Pork Dripping 19.05.2009.  Hah you say Yuk it will furr up your arteries - not if its used sensibly.  Its like most things if we use more than we actually need it can cause problems hence everything in moderation.  I bet you have already had it and not known what your food was cooked in and proper beef dripping for home made chips - lovely. W...

Well bless his cotton socks OH has finished the bulk of the floor just the trimming round the edges.  Not bad considering he only started late yesterday afternoon.  On the plus side should make the roo easier to keep clean.  Now we have to sort decoration out and also plan how we are going to have it set out.  I need bookshelves and some drawers on wheels as well as a nother work table.  I am sure everything will work out and it will be nice to have an area where I can use my sewing machines and overlocker and be able to get on.  Its a computer room as well so hopefully will be able to get  everything sorted and organised properly.  I am one of these girls that has to have a home for everything otherwise I can never find what I am after although saying that if I have things out on a desk I usually know where everything is. I will hopefully be able to provide photographs when I locate the camera; haven't seen it for a while quite disconcerting....

I first came across this recipe on one of the Waitrose Cooking cards and have used it ever since 100g fresh white breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper 1 tsp paprika Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 Pack chicken, thighs or drumsticks 4 tablespoons plain seasoned flour 2 medium eggs beaten 3 tablespoons olive oil Method Preheat oven to 200 degrees C gas mark 6. In a flat dish mix together the breadcrumbs, herbs, spices and seasoning. Coat the chicken portions in the seasoned flour then dip in the beaten egg, and coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes turning once so that the chicken gets evenly cooked until the crumb is crisp and the chicken is cooked thoroughly and there is no pink meat and the juices run clear. Serve with Rosemary, Onion and Garlic Roast potatoes, a side salad and sweet chilli or tomato s...

I am very partial to blueberries and to a good blueberry muffin washed down with a glass of cold milk and I am in heaven.  I have a few blueberries in the fridge so was rather chuffed to find this recipe by chance for blueberry cookies in some of my clipped magazine articles.  Unfortunately I do not know which publication this came from.   This is the type of recipe where I will certainly make double the quantity or make a couple of double-double batches in future so have some to eat and put the second batch of the dough to bring out in case of unexpected visitors. Ingredients 75g unsalted butter softened plus extra for greasing 75g unrefined golden caster sugar 75g unrefined light muscovado sugar 1/2 teaspoon of proper vanilla extract 1 large egg lightly beaten 175g self-raising flour sifted Grated zest of 1 small lemon 125g fresh blueberries Method: Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C/Fan oven 160 degrees C or Gas Mark 4 and grease two large non stic...