A little bit of a catchup

Sorry I have been missing.  In the first instance this was because I was too busy and latterly because I have been below par.  It is what it is though.

I also received a couple of duplicate messages from someone who would appear not to like me.  I refused to post their comment as I felt particularly sad for them in that they feel they have to reflect their own personal inadequacies on other folk.  I am big enough and ugly enough to let the comment pass even though they told me to "die"; I just wish them well and hope eventually they manage to address their own issues. There is no need for me to really do anything.  The interesting thing is that they posted as Anonymous and there was no trail to follow.  I think that really sums things up.  

It is up to the individual reader whether they read my blog or not. That is down to individual choice. You are not forced to read at the end of the day although I for the best part appreciate those friends and readers out there who do take time out of their day, read and make genuine comments.  I do hate bullying or people who try and make other people feel inadequate.  

I have recently had a little windfall and feel very blessed to be able to replace some equipment I had which had died and also add in a couple of new pieces. I have ordered some new equipment to make my life a little easier and to save my hands at the end of the day.  Equipment that has been sorely missed for the past three years.  

The first item I have bought myself is an Instant Pot Pro Plus, specifically for "canning".  I also intend to carry on with using the equipment I already have, but basically I will be able to load this and get some preserving done and be able to get on with other things whilst it is working.  I am working on the little and often way of getting things done here.

I have also bought myself a replacement Magimix food processor which I am really excited about.  However more on this further down.

Well the Magimix has arrived and I am very pleased with it.  I feel particularly blessed to be able to re-introduce this very handy machine back into my life.  This is going to help me no end.  Having in the past had a top range Magimix machine only to lose it three years ago, has really hampered me.  Now I can get back doing to what I love doing best Cooking with lots of treats and practical help from the machine as well. I have bought the top of the range 5 series machine, which has cost a pretty penny.  Going on my last machine's past performance though (I had over 30 years), then it should last me for quite a few years to come.  I think soaking Mustard seeds in some ale overnight will be happening tomorrow night as I have Mustard to make.  Will use this to blend the whole seeds down and have a mustard with a smooth and coarser texture.  I also have Pam Corbin's Souper Mix to make as well as Chilli jam, sweet Chilli sauce, etc. etc.

When I had my previous machine I regularly used to make a chocolate mousse which was bliss.  I notice that, that same recipe is still available; it uses raw eggs and chocolate and egg whites. I am looking forward to making some of this again and not just for a celebration meal either. I also have some Saurkraut and Kimchi to make and the slicers on the processor will help no end with this.  I am really looking forward to getting back into the cooking once the house is spic and span and I am organised again which hopefully will not be too long.

The above were my intentions prior to opening the box.   This machine was very well packed.  It was like opening a Russian Doll, but everything was intact and in very good condition.  As I had gone for the top of the range machine maximum capacity, I was also offered an extra couple of items which are not part of the package with the other models just the largest one. Now to find somewhere to store the accessories.

I am going to be using this from hereon in; it is very different to the previous machine I had and is going to be a strong learning curve in how to use it.  However, that is what it is all about.

There are a couple of more items that I would eventually like, a heavy duty immersion blender, an Electric Preserving Kettle (to replace the one lost in the fire the other year) and a Ninja Creami Plus for making ice cream.  This latter item I would love but it is a tad pricey unless I can find it on an offer.  It makes ice cream and sorbets as well as milk shakes/iced drinks. I also need an electric meat slicer to replace the one that died on me after 30 years. Will have to wait for those though and save up a bit first.

On the Pantry front, things are slowly moving ahead.  Still not completely got everything in there and still two tubs to empty.  However things are getting sorted, although I still think I may revamp a couple of shelves again and sort them differently.  A lot depends on how I get the tubs sorted and the under-shelf sorted in the actual Pantry.

I certainly need the space in the under-stair cupboard and in the Fireplace cupboard.  However, I cannot get to them just yet.  It will be shortly, just need to get the kitchen and the bathroom sorted and then the dining room before I can do anything else.

Progress is slow, but getting there inch by inch. It has not been helped by the fatigue raising its ugly head again which usually indicates a flare up with the various medical conditions. Like so many others with auto-immune disease it can be very debilitating and not always easy to manage. I have had no choice but to rest up.  Very infuriating and frustrating not helped by the fact that I do not make a good patient at the best of times.  I always have to fight to try and keep the status quo between the various issues and keep things on an even keel which does not always happen. At the end of the day I consider myself one of the lucky ones despite all the bumps in the road!

Keep safe, and certainly try and keep warm wherever you are.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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