Wednesday musings . . .

Todd often reads during the day. It might be a book that he is enjoying, or the scriptures . . . sometimes it's one of the magazines he get's or even the newspaper. Just yesterday he remarked as he put down the newspaper he was reading . . . "I'm quite sure that there are some people in this world who are never happy unless they are totally miserable."

That gave me food for thought. (No surprise there!) It is true. I had to agree. There are certainly people in the world, just like that, and I think I know a few of them myself! You know the ones I mean . . . they are those who expect bad news by every post, and take a gloomy pleasure in forecasting all sorts of misfortune . . . anything from bad weather to world disasters!



I know, too, however . . . that is is just not reasonable or even prudent to go through life trusting in blimd optimism . . . but I am a great believer in the power of Positive Thinking. Life is just so much better and happier when you see the glass as being half full rather than half empty. I believe it was Mark Twain who said:

"Nobody knows the troubles I've seen, and most of them never happened!"

Far better to dwell on the positive than on a troubles that just don't exist and that may never ever occur!!



I've been visiting this reunion site daily which is filled with people that I used to go to school with and that used to hang around our teenage recreational centre. It's been great fun sharing and connecting with old school mates. Lately they've been discussing this old fella that used to be seen often walking along the high-roads and by-roads of our community back them . . . He didn't have a car and always walked everywhere he went. He was always so cheerful and seemed to get a lot of pleasure from a hunk of baloney, some bread and a jug of milk. His name was Clem and you would often see him sitting in the local Mall, pleasantly passing the time of day with people. Every community has it's features and he was certainly one of ours. I think it's pretty wonderful that this old man, who probably never travelled very far from his own area, except to walk to the mall each day, is so very well thought of, and features big in all of our memories. Someone has even come up with a portrait of him that was done. Just goes to show that you don't have to have a lot or to accomplish great things to be a great person . . . all you simply have to do is to affect the world around you with a pleasant word and presence.

Just my thoughts today.



I wasn't a person that ate a lot of lamb before I moved over here to the UK, my sum and only experience of it having been the one time that my mother cooked lamb chops for the family. They smelt like burning mittens and none of us would eat them. It was probably very old lamb, perhaps even mutton . . . oh what I difference I have discovered in the taste of fresh new lamb! It's absolutely lovely! We don't have it very often, still, but when we do . . . it is something that I particularly enjoy!


*Grilled Lamb Chops with a Coriander Mint Sauce*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

These not only taste delicious but they are really attractive as well. The tasty marinade flavours the meat before it cooks and is used as a sauce to be served with the cooked chops as well, making the whole dish look very mouthwatering and colourful, a feast for the eyes as well as for the lips . That's what good food is really all about . . .

Marinade:
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup packed fresh coriander leaves
1 TBS runny honey
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup of a good colourless and flavourless oil, such as a canola or sunflower
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

8 rib lamb chops, 3/4 to 1 inch in thickness
Fresh mint or coriander sprigs to garnish

Place all of the marinade ingredients in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Process until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Pour into a bowl and set aside.

Put the lamb chops into a plastic bag with a zip lock top and add 1/4 cup of the marinade. (Reserve the remaining marinade to use for a sauce after cooking) Zip the bag shut and turn the bag around, squashing it a bit to coat all of the meat with the marinade. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to four hours, turning it once or twice and giving it another squish during that time.

Heat up the barbeque grill, or oil a grill pan really well. Heat to medium high. Remove the lamb chops from the marinade, discarding what's left in the bag and grill them for several minutes on each side, about 4 for medium rare, depending on the thickness and how well you like them done.

Place the chops on a heated serving plate, criss crossing the ends for a pretty presentation. Whisk up the remaining marinade and drizzle some it over the chops. Garnish with some of the mint or coriander leaves and serve immediately with the rest of the sauce on the side.



Over in The English Kitchen today you will find a deliciously scrummy Date and Walnut Pudding.

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, October 4th, 2011...

Outside My Window...
It is still dark, dark, dark. I'm not sure when the clocks go back, but I think it is soon. It is getting dark around 7pm now. It seems like it was only a few weeks ago that it wasn't getting dark until 10 pm and it was light between 4 and 5 am. The days are definitely getting shorter!

I am thinking...
The family of Amanda Knox must be feeling so relieved now. Their nightmare of the past few years is now over and they will have their daughter home with them. It must have been hell on earth for poor Amanda over these past couple of years. My heart broke for her as she was giving her statement.

I am thankful for...
Yesterday the missionaries were over to help Todd in the garden again. I could hear them singing hymns together as they worked. What a beautiful sound that was. I am thankful for the missionaries and all that they do for us.

From the kitchen...
Hmmm . . . I need to bake!

I am wearing...
Nightie, cream coloured with blue polka dots and lace trim, and a pair of new slippers I picked up at Asda at the weekend. They're really cute. Brown with cream and pink polka dots on them and little pink bows. I know . . . I guess I just love polka dots!

I am creating...


This is a complete departure from my usual little girls. I just felt like painting a Barbie like person yesterday. I do so love Barbie. What girl doesn't?

I am going...
I have my Presidency meeting tomorrow night, but after that there is nothing else planned this week. Other than my reading lessons, I am having a quiet week for a change. I must relax and enjoy, as I am sure that the month will slowly begin to fill up!

I am reading...



A Game of Thrones, a song of fire and ice by George R R Martin
This is the first volume of a brilliant trilogy, written in the style and muse of Tolkien. The first volume of George R R Martin's glorious high fantasy tells the tragic story of treachery, greed and war that threatens the unity of the Seven Kingdoms south of the Wall. Martin unfolds with astonishing skill a tale of truly epic dimensions, thronged with memorable characters, a story of treachery and ambition, love and magic. Set in a fabulous world scarred by battle and catastrophe over 8000 years of recorded history, it tells of the deeds of men and women locked in the deadliest of conflicts and the terrible legacy they will leave their children. In the game of thrones, you win or you die. And in the bitter-cold, unliving lands beyond the Wall, a terrible winter gathers and the others -- the undead, the neverborn, wildlings to whom the threat of the sword is nothing -- make ready to descend on the realms of men. A Game of Thrones begins the most imaginative, ambitious and compelling fantasy epic since The Lord of the Rings. Thronged with memorable characters, it unfolds with astonishing skill, a tale of truly epic dimensions. I am reading it on my kindle and am thoroughly enjoying. It's a can't put down kind of a book!

I am still reading this. It's really good.

I am hoping...
That all is well in your little corner of the world.

I am hearing...
Early morning sounds . . . the clock on the mantle humming as the wheels inside it turn. The odd car as it goes by. Mitzie snuffling as she snoozes, all curled up behind me on the sofa. The tap tapping of the computer keys as I write. They are morning sounds. The sounds as I hear whilst the house wakes up around me and the day begins. I know I say the same thing every week . . . my mornings have the comfort of being the same day after day.

Around the house...



I am slowly working towards getting this look in my living/dining room. It is a work in progress. I love French Country, but with just a touch of elegance. I want it to be comfortably pretty without going over the top!

I am looking forward to...
Christmas. I know, I said that last week and this week we are one week closer! The mince pies have started to show up in the shops already! I would like to get BonFire night over with before we start indulging in those however.

I am pondering...
We have something in our church that each member is entitled to receive which is called a Patriarchal Blessing. They are modeled after the blessing given by Jacob to each of his sons prior to his death. They are gifts of knowledge and strength of one's coming challenges and blessings. A man called the patriarch (there is one in each church stake) lays his hands upon the heads of worthy members and pronounces a blessing according to revelation which he receives at that time. Each blessing is unique and pertinent to the person receiving it. At some point afterwards you receive a paper print out of what has been said and that you can refer to off and on through the years. I keep mine in my bedside table and I read it every night. It is amazing to me and a great comfort to me. Just last night I was reading it and something struck me that I had not noticed before. I will share it with you . . . in one part it said that as long as I lived a life that was pleasing to my Heavenly Father that I would receive many blessings, even blessings in disguise, and it struck me that that was exactly what I had received last year when I got made redundant. At the time, as you know, we were left reeling and it was a very difficult time for us. We couldn't understand why this was happening to us. It is amazing now that we can look back at that really difficult time and see that it was truly a blessing . . . a blessing in disguise.

One of my favourite things...
I have a set of journals I have kept through the years, prayer journals. It is interesting to read through them from time to time and see the answers I have been given to my prayers. God always answers our prayers. It may not be in the time line we wish for, and the answers given may not always be the ones we want to receive, but we always get an answer no matter what.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
There are the daily reading lessons, my meeting tomorrow night, and that is all. Quiet weeks are nice every now and then.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


(A painting of Christ by Liz Lemon Swindle,
one of my favourite artists)
I have a happy life, a blessed life, a full life. It is largely because I chose to follow the Saviour's plea . . . to come follow Him. Contrary to what the world might want us to believe, it is a rich and abundant life, filled to overflowing with comfort, peace and joy. It is a life that is filled with promise and hope. I wish that everyone could live such a life. The truth is that every one can have such a life if they should choose to do so, and it is a choice . . . there is no arm twisting, nor forcing. It costs nothing but the laying down of your pride . . . the reward being joy beyond belief.

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with the following beautiful song:



And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

Here's another recipe from my archives, which I am slowing switching over to printable recipes. This is a rare indulgence in this house, and quite, quite delicious!



*Heavenly Eggs Benedict*
Serves 3
Printable recipe

Eggs Benedict is really a delicious breakfast or light lunch. History has it that it was created at the Waldorf Hotel in 1894 for a customer hoping to find a cure for a morning after the night before hangover. It turned out to be a blessing for all of us, because we now can enjoy the results of his agony. What better way could you start your day than with a lightly toasted English muffin topped with a perfectly poached egg, napped in butterly gorgeous hollandaise . . . this is heaven.

6 large free range organic eggs (if you are going to have an egg as the star of the meal, it only makes sense to use the best eggs possible)
12 slices of pancetta, grilled until crisp
6 slices of baked ham
3 english muffins, split in half
butter
1 quantity of Hollandaise sauce

Have all your eggs at room temperature and break each into a small bowl before you start. Bring a pot of water, to which you have added 1 tsp of vinegar, to a slow simmer over gentle heat. Once you can see tiny bubbles on the bottom of the pan, carefully add the eggs, one at a time. Simmer, without covering for exactly 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let the eggs sit in the hot water for exactly ten minutes. (a timer is incredibly useful here) At the end of the time you should have a perfect poached egg, with a beautifully translucent and pefectly set white and a soft and creamy yolk. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, one at a time onto some paper kitchen toweling to drain.

Lightly toast the english muffin haves and butter them. Place them on a baking tray. Top each half with two slices of pancetta and 1 slice of the ham. Put a poached egg on top of each and spoon over an equal amount of the hollandaise, covering the egg. Place the eggs under a hot grill for about 30 seconds. (This shouldn't take long, you don't want them to brown. The surface of the Hollandaise should just be glazed) Remove to hot plates and serve.



*Blender Hollandaise Sauce*
Makes about 1 cup
Printable Recipe

Mmmm... deliciously buttery hollandaise sauce, made in just a few minutes, with all the ease of pushing a few buttons. Turns out perfect every time.

2 large free range organic egg yolks (Save the whites to make some meringues at a later date. They freeze very well)
2 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
4 ounces butter
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Heat the vinegar and the lemon juice in a small measuring cup in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so, just until the mixture starts to bubble and simmer. In the meantime, place the egg yolks into your blender and season with a smidge of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Blend for one minute. Turning the blender on, add the lemon juice/vinegar mixture to the egg yolks in a thin stream, very slowly. (You can do this through the hole left in the lid after you remove the little plastic cap) Turn the blender off and melt the butter in the same measuring cup you used to heat the vinegar and lemon juice in until it is slightly foaming. Turn the blender back on and very slowly add the hot butter in a thin stream to the beaten egg yolks, once again through the little hole in the top of the lid. The slower you add it, the better. Turn the blender off and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, then put the lid on and blend again for a few seconds. Set aside.



There's another breakfast brewing over in The English Kitchen this morning, a delicious Re-purposed Biscuit Breakfast Casserole!

Monday morning ponderings . . .

“If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning... Face it, friend. He is crazy about you! ” ~ Max Lucado

If I had to sum up all of the so called important things that I have learned thus far in my lifetime, all of them together could not come up to the worth of the words in this one sentence . . .

God love YOU . . . as you are, right now . . . God loves you, and that will never change.



God loves you not because of who you are or what you have accomplished or done in your life . . . but because of who He is. He is your Heavenly Father and He loves you. You behaviour doesn't impact on the heart and character of God, any more than your own children's behaviour would have an impact on your heart and character. You might think that on your good days, God is proud of you; and that in your not so good moments, He may love you less, but this just isn't so. God's love for you is unchangeable, immoveable and ever steadfast. There is nothing you could do that would make Him love you less.

He doesn't just love the woman whose children all memorize their scriptures and sit quietly in church of a Sunday morning, whilst yours struggle to remember their names and can't sit still for even a moment. He doesn't just love the woman who has been happily married for years to the same man, whilst you have struggled to find even one who would suit. He doesn't just love the woman who does everything right, in the right way and at the right time . . . He loves You, with all your weaknesses and fumblings . . . as Angie would say . . . Warts-n-arl!



It is only when we are able to grasp this beautiful truth and drive it deep into our hearts, and live with it deep in the marrow of our bones that we are able to change our lives forever and become the women we were meant to be. This is the essence of a life changing truth.

We really enjoyed our Church Conference again yesterday. Of course, because of time differences, we were only able to watch the morning session, but we will catch up on the others as soon as they become available to watch on the internet. In the meantime, here are some more wonderful quotes from some of the talks that were some of my favourites:

President Eyring - What We Promise

"First we have promised to become charitable. Second, we promised to become witnesses of God. And third we promised to endure. The Book of Mormon is the best guide to learn how well we are doing and how to do better."

"The Lord is keeping His promises to you as you keep yours."

"Prayerful study of the Book of Mormon will build faith in God the Father, in His Beloved Son, and in His gospel. It will build faith in God's prophets, ancient and modern. It can draw you closer to God than any other book. It can change a life for the better."

Elder Hales - The Savior's Example, for Us, of Waiting Upon the Lord

"I have had the opportunity to study and learn more about our Savior's atoning sacrifice and how He prepared Himself to make that eternal offering for each of us. His preparation began in the pre-mortal life as he waited upon His Father, saying "Thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Beginning in that moment and continuing today, he exercises His agency to accept and carry out our Heavenly Father's plan."

"As we wait upon the Lord we are "immovable in keeping the commandments," knowing that we will "one day rest from [all] afflictions."

"Waiting upon the Lord gives us a priceless opportunity to discover that there are many who wait upon us. Our children wait upon us to show patience, love, and understanding toward them. Our parents wait upon us to show gratitude and compassion. Our brothers and sisters wait upon us to be tolerant, merciful, and forgiving. Our spouses wait upon us to love them as the Savior has loved each one of us."

Elder Ballard - The Importance of a Name

"The name the Savior has given to His Church tells us exactly wo we are and what we believe. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior and the Redeemer of all mankind. He atoned for all who would repent of their sins, and He broke the bands of death and provided resurrection from the dead. We follow Jesus Christ."

"While Mormon is not the full and correct name of the Church, and even though it was originally given by our detractors during our early years of persecution, it has become an acceptable nickname when applied to members rather than the institution. We do not need to stop using the name Mormon, when appropriate, but we should continue to give emphasis to the full and correct name of the Church itself. In other words, we should avoid and discourage the term "Mormon Church".

President Monson - Prayer

"Also evolving at a rapid rate has been the moral compass of society. Behaviors which once were considered inappropriate and immoral are now not only tolerated but also viewed by ever so many as acceptable."

"Although the world has changed, the laws of God remain constant. They have not changed; they will not change. The ten commandments are just that -- commandments. They are not suggestions. They are every bit as requisite today as they were when God gave them to the children of Israel."

"My brothers and sisters, I declare to you, however, that there is nothing which can bring more joy into our lives or more peace to our souls than the spirit which can come to us as we follow the Savior and keep the commandments."

"As a means of being in the world but not of the world, it is necessary that we communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer. He wants us to do so; He'll answer our prayers."

"Not a day has gone by that I have not communicated with my Father in Heaven through prayer. It is a relationship that I cherish . . . one I would literally be lost without."

"My beloved brothers and sisters, communication with our Father in Heaven . . . including our prayers to Him and His inspiration to us . . . is necessary in order for us to weather the storms and trials of life."

"As the winds of change swirl around us and the moral fiber of society continues to disintegrate before our very eyes, may we remember the Lord's precious promises to those who trust in Him: "Fear thou not; I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yeah, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

There is always so much wisdom packed into those two hours of talks and inspiration. I love every minute of it and always come away from it inspired and resolved to be a better me.

Here's a yummy autumn dessert that will make a beautiful use of all the plums that we have sitting ripe on the grocery shelves at the moment. Oh how I love plums . . . I know I say this about all the fruits, but they are one of my absolute favourites!



*Plum Streusal*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

I love this warm pudding. Over here in the UK dessert is calling pudding. This is comfy and delicious. The perfect way to use up that glut of egg shaped delights!

1 large egg
1/2 cup light muscovado sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
40 small purple plums, sliced in half and pitted
StreusalTopping:
1/2 cup light muscovado sugar
2 TBS plain flour
3 TBS butter, melted
1 TBS chinese five spice powder
1 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and broken into pieces



Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Lightly butter a 9 inch square glass dish and set it aside.

Cream together the butter and the muscovado sugar. Beat in the egg. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until smooth. It will be a loose batter.

Mix together the topping ingredients , the sugar, flour, five spice powder and cloves. Add the walnuts and melted butter, mixing until crumbly.

Place half the plums in the buttered baking dish. Pour half the batter over. Top with half the streusal topping. Repeat once more, ending up with streusal on top.

Bake in the heated oven for 1 hour, or until golden brown. Serve warm with custard or vanilla ice cream.



Over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Black Pepper Biscuits!

Marie's Sunday Six

Here we are the 3rd of October and what a lovely October it has been thus far! One of the warmest on record I believe! Mother Nature is now making up for all the lousy weather we had this summer! We have had to have a fan going both downstairs and up, and are just loving all the sunshine and warmth! It will be winter all too soon, so we are taking full advantage of the nice weather. Todd's been getting lots of gardening done and I've enjoyed watching him do it! In any case it's been a week chock full of smiles!



These two are the biggest smile makers in my life! They both bring me great joy! This is usually how they can be found when they are relaxing in situe on the sofa watching the telly. Well . . . I am not sure that Mitzie does much watching . . . unless there are animals involved. Then she watches. The rest of the time she just kinda cuddles there and lets Todd scratch her belly. That makes me smile.



President Thomas S Monson is the President of our church, or the Prophet as we call him, and he always makes me smile! I just love him. This is a picture of him waving to the crowd. At yesterday's morning session of our Bi-Annual General Conference he walked up to the Podium and greeted us all with a cheerful and boisterous !Hello!" Oh how that did make me smile. He is such a wonderfully spiritual man and so enthusiastic and filled with genuine love for the Saints and for all people. He had been delayed getting there for the meeting, but sure made up for it once he arrived. His beautifully warm hello brought a huge smile to my face as it did, I am sure, to many others!



General Conference always brings a smile to my face. I love to be blessed in this way. Twice a year we, as a church, are priviledged to be able to sit down and listen to some very special words and guidance from our leaders. Their inspired words both uplift and inspire all who would listen. We have only thus far been able to watch the first session over here in the UK, but will soon catch up with those in America today. I would like to share with you some of the inspiration we were fed yesterday in the first session . . . special words that really did my heart good.
I was left with much to ponder and there was so much given that we could all use for personal application in our own lives. Being a Mormon means following living prophets and apostles. That's an amazing concept for people outside of our faith to wrap their heads around. But we do, and this is what our General Conferences are all about . . . hearing and listening to living prophets of God speak to us in inspiration, the words that our Heavenly Father wants us to hear. Here are a few highlights of what some of them had to say yesterday.

Elder Richard G Scott on the Power of Scriptures:

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ".

"Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one's ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing."

Elder Boyd K Packer to the Youth of the church:

"Perhaps the single greatest thing I learned from reading the Book of Mormon is that the voice of the spirit comes as a feeling rather than a sound. You will learn, as I have learned, to "listen" for that voice that is felt rather than heard."

"It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Holy Spirit."

"Youth today are being raised in enemy territory with a declining standard of morality. But as a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary if you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit."

President Dieter F Uchtdorf to the whole church:

"Disciples of Jesus Christ understand that compared to eternity, our existence in this mortal sphere is only "a small moment" in space and time."

"The Lord doesn't care at all if we spend our days working in marble halls or stable stalls. he knows where we are, no matter how humble our circumstances. He will use . . . in His own way, and for His holy purposes . . . those who incline their hearts to Him."

"It may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember . . . you matter to Him!"

"God sees you not only as mortal beings on a small planet who lives for a brief season . . . He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him."

There was a lot more in the other talks that were given. You are free to go and watch it all yourself on our main church page. I am sure it will inspire anyone who cares to listen!


(The General Relief Society Presidency)

Earlier this week, the women in our church, were blessed to be able to get together and listen to the General Relief Society Broadcast. (The Relief Society is the Women's Organization in our church and the longest running Women's organization in the world today, also having the largest membership.) Each talk resonated with me in different and very personal ways. I felt inspired and uplifted in unimaginable ways . . . most of all, I felt the love of my Father in Heaven. After watching and listening to all the talks given . . . I felt an even greater desire to serve and love others better. We can all do better.



Our ability to develop charity and love one another is at the very heart and root of Relief Society. It has everything to do with making and keeping covenants. As we keep our covenants, we become more like Jesus Christ, and others are blessed as He would bless them. In this manner, we ultimately come unto Him. We must allow ourselves to be His hands here on the earth today.



There is a new page dedicated solely to the Daughters of Heavenly Father's Kingdom which you can find here. It is meaningful and beautifully done. There is also a beautiful book that has been made available for women everywhere. I do not have my own copy yet, but I understand that it is beautifully and lovingly prepared and filled with wisdom for women of all ages, in all places and at all times.

So I have had a very inspiring week. A week chockerblock full of inspiration and smiles. I was finally able to, yesterday afternoon, sit down and paint the piece of work that had been playing on my heart since I head President Uchtdorf's talk the other night. I hope that I have done his very inspiring message justice.



I was personally very happy with the way it turned out. As usual this is available as a print or card. The prints are very nice, 6 by 8 inches in size and suitable for framing. If you are interested you can send me a message, if not, that's ok too! I only know that I felt very inspired in getting it down on paper.

Well, I don't know if that is six smiles or not, but if you have gotten this far you have done well!!! I just know that I have had a wonderful week, filled with sunshine, inspiration and love! That is what I call a very good week. I hope that you have all had special weeks as well. I wish you love and happiness wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Happy Sunday everyone, and SMILE!

Oh, here is a delicious little dessert that is sure to put a smile on anyone's face!



*Strawberry White Chocolate Tiramisu*Serves 6 to 8 lucky people
Printable Recipe

It might sound like a lot of faff, but, once you have all the elements prepared, the dessert itself goes together very quickly. Plan ahead as it will have to chill in the refrigerator overnight. This truly is delicious and in it’s entirety impressive. You’re guests will love you when you pull this rabbit out of the hat!

FOR THE CAKE:
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
½ cup scalded milk
1 TBS butter
FOR THE STRAWBERRY SYRUP:
½ pint strawberries, hulled, halved and mashed slightly
½ cup caster sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup or golden syrup
2 TBS brandy (optional)
TO FINISH:
12 ounces of white chocolate, chopped
1 ½ cups heavy cream, divided
3 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 ½ pints of strawberries, hulled and chopped
White chocolate curls

First make the cake. Pre-heat the oven to 160*C/350*F. Lightly grease and flour an 8 inch spring form pan. Set aside.

Separate the eggs carefully, putting the whites and yolks into different bowls. Beat the whites until stiff. Beat the yolks until thick and lemony coloured. Fold into the egg whites and beat together. Add the sugar slowly and beat with a spoon for five minutes. ( I use a mixer coz I am lazy)

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Fold into the beaten mixture. Put the milk into a small saucepan along with the butter and heat it just until the milk is hot and the butter is melted. Stir this into the beaten mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the pre-heated oven for about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven to a rack to cook for five minutes before removing from the pan to finish cooling completely.

While the cake is baking make the strawberry syrup. Place the strawberries for the syrup into a small saucepan and cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they come to a complete boil. This should take about six minutes or so.

Line a strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Pour the hot strawberries into the strainer, mashing them a bit with the back of a spoon to extract all the juice. Discard the pulp. Return the strawberry juice to the pan along with the sugar and the syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until it comes to a full boil. Boil one minute. Remove from the heat and skim any foam from off the top with a metal spoon. Stir in the brandy if using, and set aside to cool, just until warm.

Wash the spring form pan completely and dry it. Put it back together.
Put the white chocolate pieces, along with ¼ cup of the heavy cream, into a bowl and place the bowl over a pan of hot water on top of the stove. (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water) Melt the chocolate along with the cream, stirring until smooth. Once melted, remove from the heat and cool completely.

Put the mascarpone cheese into a large mixing bowl. Whip it until fluffy. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture. Whip the remaining 1 ¼ cup of heavy cream until stiff in another bowl. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarapone cheese and chocolate mixture. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

Take the cake and carefully trim the top off until it is completely flat. Carefully slice it through the middle into three layers. Place one layer into the cleaned spring form pan. Brush it completely with the warm syrup, allowing it to soak into the cake. Cover with 1/3 of the chocolate mixture. Carefully lay another piece of cake over top. Brush that completely with the warm syrup as well, again allowing it to soak in. Cover with another 1/3 of the chocolate mixture. Place the final layer of cake carefully on top and once again brush with more strawberry syrup, allowing it to soak in. Cover with the remaining chocolate mixture and smooth the top as much as possible. Cover with cling film, and place in the refrigerator until set, at least four hours or over night if possible.

To serve, set the cake pan onto a pretty plate and remove the sides of the pan. Scatter white chocolate curls over the top of the cake and garnish with more berries if desired, before cutting into slices to serve. Delicious!



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Toffee Popcorn Bark.

A trip to Betws-y-coed

Imagine you are taking an overland trip through some of the most beautiful scenery you could ever see . . . and then suddenly, just when you think it can't get any better, you round the bend and there you are . . . in one of the most gorgeous Welsh Villages , nestled in a beautiful valley in Snowdonia National Park. Betwys-a-coed (and I'm not even going to try to pronounce that folks) is known to be, not only the Principle village of the park, but also the most picturesque and a popular destination for the outdoor enthusiast!

We've been enjoying a beautiful Indian Summer this past week . . . long overdue, especially after the summer that never was! On Thursday we took ourselves off to Betws-y-coed. I had long wanted to go there, having been charmed by the name, which in English apparently means "Little Chapel in the Wood."

We spent a full day there and I was charmed at every turn. This village is where the River Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the west, the Llugwy, the Lledr and the Machno. Stunning doesn't begin to describe the setting.



Much of the village was built during Victorian times . . . and it shows very well, with the buildings all being built of local blue stone, sandstone, and having slate rooves . . . all surrounded by dense woodlands and magnificent mountain scenes. The beauty of the area is enhanced by cascading waterfalls, hill-top lakes, river pools and ancient bridges. Ever since the Victorian artists flocked to the area and formed the first artist colony it has been a mecca for those that appreciate its unique natural beauty.



Here are some pictures of the water views I took on the day. Stunning doesn't even begin to describe what we saw. Of exceptional interest are the many bridges in the area. Pont-y-Pair (the bridge of the cauldron), built in 1468, is buffeted by foaming water after heavy rain. A number of sign-posted walks in the surrounding countryside start near this bridge. A mile or so away is the Miner's Bridge, on the road to Capel Curig, where the miners crossed the river on a steep ladder to their work.



Of course we had to visit the village's namesake . . . the beautiful St Michael's chapel, which is indeed in the middle of the woods!



Is it not beautifully picturesque? I thought it was. In fact next to the water views, it was my favourite place I saw that day . . .



It was quite obviously still in use to this day, having been built a very long time ago . . . surrounded by beautiful trees and many very old headstones, which I found quite fascinating . . . and beautiful too.



The old railway station stands out, having been turned into a beautiful selection of eateries, shops etc. We had lunch there and then realized we could have had our lunch in an actual converted rail car . . . an experience we will save now for another time.



We did treat ourselves to a visit through the Railway Museum, with it's extensive miniature railway displays, and also a shop that sold anything you could ever want to use in a miniature railway setting, etc. Todd was very fascinated with all of the railway memorabilia and I thought the small scenes were as fascinating to take in as would be a doll's house. The attention to detail was amazing . . . most scenes looked so very real to me. I really enjoyed it!

All in all we had a fabulous day there. There is so much to see in that area, we could not possibly do it in one day! We shall have to go back for more!



I shall leave you with a little video I took of the falls down by the Pont-y-Pair Bridge and the River Llugwy. This has now gone onto our list of places to take the Grandsons next summer. I just know they will enjoy a trip on the miniature railway through the woods!

Here's a tempting little treat you can make for yourself or a loved one for Saturday morning breakfast, always assuming you have Croissants in of course!!! This is truly indulgent! Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!


(This one has Ginger Conserve in it with the chocolate)

*Chocolate and Fruit Filled Croissants*
Serves 1
Printable Recipe

These are so easy to whip up you’ll be doing them all the time. You can multiply the amounts to make as many as you want. I hate to call it a recipe, because it is and it isn’t. What I can do though, is to tell you how scrumdiddlyumptious they are !!! I think the word is moreish!

1 fresh baked butter croissant (you can find these in any good in-store bakery or local Deli)
1 bar of good quality milk chocolate (I use Green and Black’s Organic)
2 TBS of good quality fruit preserves (the one above I used Ginger conserve because ginger goes so well with chocolate, and in the one below I used Black Cherry, because, well, as you know cherries go really well with chocolate too!)
Icing Sugar for dusting


(This one has black cherry conserve in it with the chocolate)

Pre-heat your oven to 200*C/400*F. Take your croissant and split it in half. Place it on an oven tray, opened out. Break up the chocolate into small pieces and scatter them over the open croissant. Place in the oven and heat until the croissant is nicely warmed and the chocolate is all gooey and melted in the centre.

In the meantime place your fruit preserves into a small microwave able dish and place it in the microwave for about 20 seconds to heat it up. Take it out and give it a stir.
Remove the warmed Croissant from the oven and place it on a plate. Spoon the warmed preserves over and close it all up. Dust with icing sugar and serve.



In The English Kitchen today, a delicious Gingered Raspberry & Pear Cobbler!