Brghh its a cold un

 It has been another long and chilly day.  I have been in the Pantry again, but today have more to talk about than the Pantry.  Besides I have whickered on for the last couple of posts about it.

We received a phone call from the Butcher we had placed an order with for our Christmas dinner.  Apparently the company that they use regularly for their meat order deliveries has been unable to guarantee delivery before Christmas.  They were only informed of this on Wednesday. Our delivery was due on the 20 December. They gave us the option of collecting or indeed cancelling the order.  A very well thought out email letter was sent to us and which we did not see until afterwards.  We were contacted by phone as we had not responded and the lady who called was lovely.  Must say that the service and attention has been second to none.  We still intend placing an order with them in the New Year and if we like their product (proper aged beef) we will use them when we go down to Cornwall next Summer (conditions permitting).  This has caused all sorts of financial implications for the farmers and the Butcher.  It strikes me excuse the pun, that everyone has something to say down the line and their own situations are right. Neither party are wrong in the greater scheme of things. I think the problem here is the Government as usual setting things in stone and causing all sorts of other difficulties behind the scenes with restrictions or recommendations on this and that. Red tape and not dealing with issues fairly so that both come out happy.  Consumer does not see it is them behind the scenes and then customer flares at provider which is a very unfair situation.  We appreciate the honesty of the Butcher in these difficult situations.  A Butcher who is keen to look after his customers/prospective customers.  So we will therefore be off to the butcher locally in the middle of the week to see if we can get what we are after for Christmas. We will find something suitable. Fortunately it is just the two of us to cater for this year.

We have been to the Butcher today to get some interim bits and bobs for everyday eating before Christmas in any event.  We came back with a homemade pork pie and a couple of deep mince pies.  They bit the dust once we got in and are now no more.  They did the trick though as going out into the freezing fresh air makes you very hungry.  They were delicious though.  Also bought a kilo of chipolatas, a couple of pots of Tikka Marsala Sauce which will keep in the fridge, a lovely large chicken, a couple of Sirloin steaks, some black smoked bacon (If I like this might have a go at making it myself in the coming year looks lovely) short back plain bacon (have made this before but could be doing a repeat in the New Year also).  So not much bought, but enough to get us through with some good eating until we go again in the week.  To tell you the truth I am off my food a bit at the moment in any event.

Right must get a wriggle on.

Catch you soon.

Keep warm and safe.

Pattypan

x

I have done a bit of sorting out in the kitchen this afternoon as well, but will get stuck in big time tomorrow with trying to continue with the sorting out.