A new 'tougher' thread... and so it continues

fuddle

Dragoncry wrote: »

Hi Fuddle

I am usually a reader not a poster but have wanted to say hi to everyone on here as I am an avid reader and think all of you are marvellous

Regarding the blanching of veg before freezing I found this...

Blanching

Blanching (scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time) is a must for almost all vegetables to be frozen. It stops enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture.
Blanching cleanses the surface of dirt and organisms, brightens the color and helps retard loss of vitamins. It also wilts or softens vegetables and makes them easier to pack.

Hope that helps and I am sure your broccoli will be just fine frozen then cooked. Hope you enjoy your meal.

DC xx

Aw Hi Dragoncry.

Thanks for the info, I'll definitely be blanching then. Welcome I look forward to reading more posts and getting to know you

hornetgirl

Thanks for sharing your meal plan Fuddle. I usually plan 7-10 days at a time, but am thinking a longer plan like yours is the way to go. I also find it useful to see what other people are eating, just to get some different ideas as we seem to have the same old things over and over again.
Quick cheap puddings - someone on here (Gailey?) recommended the Sains basics version of chocolate angel delight a while ago and it's yummy. You can make it look a bit posher by grating a tiny bit of chocolate over the top. I haven't bought any for a little while so not sure of the current cost but it was something like 12p per packet.

Looking forward to the last episode of Great Expectations tonight. I remember having to read it at school aged about 12 and really struggling with it, so never looked at Dickens since. I'm really enjoying this though and am inspired to give it another go. I bet there's a free Kindle version around somewhere

Mrs_Chip

Hornetgirl - you can get it from the Gutenberg Project - I downloaded it last night!

lizzyb1812

If you want to read a different Dickens I recommend A Tale of Two Cities, although it did make me cry at the end.

It's here:

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/98

3rd download down is a Kindle download

Fuddle - I'll be using your longer plan idea too as it will help me to use up my freezer/cupboard stuff in a well rotated way so I don't end up with no chicken, fish or mince but 27 sausages still to be eaten

katieowl_2

lizzyb1812 wrote: »

so I don't end up with no chicken, fish or mince but 27 sausages still to be eaten

LOL we should get together and swap...I have mince, chicken AND fish, but no sausages!!!

Kate

mardatha

I think Dickens is awesome once you get past the Victorian language. The way things are going I think we all need to read him to get in the groove - or Cronin!

lizzyb1812

mardatha wrote: »

I think Dickens is awesome once you get past the Victorian language. The way things are going I think we all need to read him to get in the groove - or Cronin!

I've heard of Cronin but never read anything - any particular recommendations Mardatha?

lucielle

All our family are really enjoying Great Expectations. We had a power cut last night so watched it on iplayer today. Even though I'm an avid reader I've never read Dickens. DD1 is thinking of trying him, so I'll keep my eyes peeled for a secondhand copy.
L

Mrs_Chip

Some bookshops do a 'Classics' range of paperbacks that are 99p - a good way to pick up those 'always meant to read' books.

Reading the first three chapters of GE last night, you realise how much of the story - mainly the small character detail that dickens was so good at. I giggled several times at the way he described his relations - and none of that came across in any of the adaptations!

I know he can be a bit turgid, but when he is on form he is a most wonderful observer of the human condition and had a great sense of humour.

Byatt

Just a quick post to say I'm home for the night now and all cats are bedded down. Minor panic with one who didn't appear the other 2 times I went, using that horrid lane, but turned up tonight. Relieved. Took the approach of a rally driver this time using the premise that the faster I go the further I will be up the road, thus avoiding being the one who has to reverse! It was a bit hairy, but worked. :rotfl::eek:

I have had to overcome my fear of the dark with this "career path" as it's pitch black in most places I go to. Scared the life out of myself when I shone the torch at my car and my dog 's eyes were glowing green like the hound of the Baskerville's! :rotfl:She's white so it added to the effect.

Hi Dragoncry, I love your user name. :wave::wave: