'supporting each other through really tough times'

Uniscots97

poor woman, thats so sad.

Popperwell

So sad about the floods and how people have lost lives and possessions.

I hope your eyes soon improve Kittie, I have lots of floaters and i hate being in sunlight or bright light because they show up so much.

Thank you for all that you do Monnagran as has been said such a pity that such help is needed and is becoming needed even more.

There was a big three hour programme on Radio 4 about people who are struggling this morning for so many reasons but unfortuantely they did not talk to those affected as much as they should just as Fuddle would say too many so called experts giving opinions.

So those who are in need of help hardly had any chance to tell their stories or question those who make the decisions that affect many.

This ties in with the kind of help Monnagran is doing.

The weather thankfully seems to finally improving but it will take ages for things to improve and sadly months for anyone who have had their homes flooded.

It's frightening.

ginnyknit

My heart goes out to all those people flooded out, all I can say is thank goodness for the emergency services and the RNLI, they all do an amazing job.

Been trying to get my Dd to understand me today. She knows I have been selling lots of our treasues on fleabay and making a bit of money, so when OH asked me to get something from the shops I said, 'Im a bit short of cash' - But Mum you have got your fleabay money' She didnt actually understand that I sold our things, which admittedly were taking up room, so I could go and waste it rather than use my budget. She is usually very understanding but Im sure she will get the point in the end.

Did manage to get a box of satsumas for £2.50 which we shared and a full box of mushrooms for £1.50. So its out with the de-hydrator for the mushies and I am going to look for a recipe for satsumas in sugar syrup, thought they might be nice with ice cream.

[Deleted User]

Afternoon Toughies, I was going into the local town this morning but the bus didn't come so I waited half an hour and got another bus into a slightly bigger town where they have a Mr.M. Oh goodness, I haven't been over there for ages and I just can't credit what I came home with for just over £20. It is staggering the difference between that and the Mr.T I usually go to. None of it was reduced either, just really good prices and the quality looks super. I shall have to change loyalties I think.

MAR - I don't make proper Mince Pies, I make Mince Tarts and then play at different toppings. I sprinkle crumble on some of them, I wait until they are cool and make up water icing for some and pop an almond or a glace cherry half on to decorate, If you're feeling like something really yummy, some almond macaroon mix on top before cooking is really nice. I've even made mini Mince Meringue topped tarts all of which have gone down well. If you really wanted an easy life Jusrol do ready rolled sheets of pastry at a price mind you, then all you would have to do is cut out circles!!!!!

FUDDLE - Hope your girlies are feeling better now, both of mine are poorly now after their weekend away so I don't think it can be food poisoning but it must be a tummy bug. The elder one texted this morning having been up and really poorly all night , the younger one is starting to pick up but it's been 3 days of nastiness so far. We're supposed to be visiting on Saturday but, I'll wait for her to be fully over it I think before we go.

Hope the weather is being a bit kinder to you all today, we now have a bit of respite from the rain and the wind has died down but it's been really cold today, and likely to get colder during the rest of the week I think. Stay warm and keep well all of you, Cheers Lyn xxx.

mardatha

Mince tart sounds nice

Popperwell

These look good but no idea what they cost and how many they serve but may be warming for a cold Winter's Day.

Soup Recipes - 10 of 'em

SDG31000

Hello everyone

fuddle I hope your little ones are 100% now

mardatha I use Ainsley Harriets recipe for mince pie pastry (The only thing of his I do as I can't stand the man) It includes ground almonds and grated orange zest and it is really very good. DS1, who normally doesn't eat that much of my cooking, turned his nose up at Mr Kipling's finest mince pies as they weren't mine. I really fell over in shock.

Today has been a nothing day, one of those days when nothing gets done and nothing seems worth making any effort. I was going to bake something but then couldn't be bothered, I was going to go out, but a friend said she was going to pop round and then didn't have the time. I did post my brother's birthday card and even that 5 minute walk had me coughing enough to heave and feel like I was going to cough up a lung I am now trying to think of something to make for dinner and am coming up blank. Hopefully tomorrow will better and something will get done.

I'd better go and see if I can find something to feed everyone. Today I just want to phone for a takeaway and be done with it.

Take care xxxxxxx

maryb

I find it's as easy to make mince pies as buy them because they inevitably get bashed coming home. If you're getting cutters Mar, you're best off getting a set of three because it's easiest to use the biggest size to cut the circles to line the tins, then use a smaller size for the lids

Main reason I have always made them even when insanely busy (like one year working until midnight on 23 December because a deal 'had' to close before Christmas only, of course, we were still working on it in January GRRR) is because I like my pastry thinner than shop pies. And I like a slightly crunchy top which I do by brushing the top with milk and sprinkling ordinary granulated sugar on.

I've just made mincemeat today so can't wait for mince pies. Despite the claims of TV cooks I'm not sure homemade mincemeat is that much nicer although I do like lots more candied peel than you usually get - and of course, brandy, but there's nothing to stop you adding that to shop bought. But I had lots of dried hanging around and it's a good way to use it up. After Christmas I make little mincemeat sandwiches with white bread and use those as the base for a bread and butter pudding. OMG that is soooo good.

savingqueen

just having a quick 5 min coffee break before start dinner. forgot to bake my loaves and they have been proving so llong they are spilling out of the tins like bread lava - going to re-shape and bung in oven and cross fingers will be ok or will have to be inventive for packed lunches tomorrow without bread.

SDG sorry you are feeling so ill - please order a takeaway and enjoy it - you have Official OS Toughie Permission - forms have been stamped and signed so go for it! Indian, Chinese, Pizza, Fish and Chips or something posher Thai maybe?

sq:)

Hardup_Hester

Thanks for the soup recipes Pop.
I've been asked to make some goodies for a Christmas themed coffee morning, so I will be making mince pies, love the idea of a crumble topping Mrs LW.
We're being greedy here, we have 2 sorts of flooding, but it's still a couple of streets away.
Hester