Help... It's time for change!!!

Mint1955

Wow Anne Marie thank you. You just had me scuttle to the cupboard under the stairs and yes that's the same book someone gave me as a welcome present back in 2009 that I had forgotten about. Food for thought excuse the pun lol

Are you local?

Anne_Marie_2

Mint1955 wrote: »

Wow Anne Marie thank you. You just had me scuttle to the cupboard under the stairs and yes that's the same book someone gave me as a welcome present back in 2009 that I had forgotten about. Food for thought excuse the pun lol

Are you local?

Glad to be of help in reminding you about the cookbook, and yes I live in north Cyprus. What a lovely gift you have, it's worth trying out some of the recipes. If I can be of any help to you, give me a shout.

Mint1955

Today I didn't think too much about it I just bought some Koftas from my new local supermarket and then opened the cupboards and fridge and pulled together rice with leftover peas and sweet corn and mushrooms and courgette done in garlic butter. Very tasty and used up bits and pieces. But the best bit I didn't care if it didn't go together etc I just cooked it.

Fabulous walks today and a drive to the end of the island.

Anne_Marie_2

Well done Mint....when you are living here, you can have a bash at making your own. For shopping, I find Erulku to be the cheapest, with a good supply of fresh fruit and vegetables. Tend to do a big shop there every now and then.

Mint1955

So this may be a two pronged diary for a while as we have the settling into living in a more OS way in North Cyprus due to shopping constraints and also the want to eat better and enjoy our time by slowing down more versus the back in the UK business of clearing and selling up everything etc etc.

A friend sent me a link to look up the sale prices of houses which at first when I put my postcode in was interesting to see what all the neighbours paid etc. I panicked as our house when we bought in 2004 isn't listed!!!!!

Job 1 when I get back is to check this out with Solicitor/land registry so that if there is an anomaly from our sale back then that got overlooked it doesn't impact this time at the last minute etc.

Apparently those UK pesky homebuyers reports that were in the news for a while are no longer required just an energy report which can be done fairly quickly for about £65.

The house there doesn't need any work as we did do some decorating etc before we left it so just a tidy as stepson moved out while we were here so his room may need sorting. We will need to dress the spare /junk room as step daughter took her bed and furniture so it's just boxes and rubbish in there but I am sure I can borrow enough to make it look ok. But their carpets are a bit rubbish though so may just get them replaced.

Dreading the de cluttering and selling as it's not worth transporting stuff here due to cost. Mind you heavy suitcases and excess luggage will be the way to go for the basics that we can't leave behind.

Mint1955

Food diliema....
Fajitas I usually buy a box with everything in. I am fine wraps are plentiful, chicken and veg filling sorted but the packet of spices for the chicken now I am lost?

Anyone have a quick fix with not too many jars of spices to buy. I can add as I go along I guess.

As for tacos with mince I may never have my fav meal again as I haven't seen them here at all ;-)

Anne_Marie_2

Mint1955 wrote: »

Anyone have a quick fix with not too many jars of spices to buy. I can add as I go along I guess.

Mix is easy, chilli flakes or powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder/granules, ground black pepper and salt. Make up a batch with a teaspoon of each spice....you can always vary later on to get it right for you. (I tend to add more chilli flakes as I like a good kick!)

Mint1955 wrote: »

As for tacos with mince I may never have my fav meal again as I haven't seen them here at all ;-)

Oh yes you can. Just buy the smaller wraps that you get here....you can get them in Tempo and Erulku definitely. Here's the instructions on how to make Tacos.
http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/3_diy_tortilla_tricks_how_to_make_your_own_taco_shells_taco_bowls_and_tortilla_chips

Mint1955

Omg I am completely overwhelmed thank you so much this is definitely an eye opener and so easy to do.

For the mix can I make up in bulk (mini bulk, not sack loads lol) and keep in an old jar so it's ready for other days?

Next job sort a folder on desk top to copy and paste these things as they come up so I can find them easily. I have in the past kept the URL but find when I go back to it I find it's gone so need to copy the whole article etc.

Beautiful day here today and the will to work is lacking but with only two weeks left we need to get a move on. Don't want to go far as one builder is scraping the cracks in readiness for the outside render being replaced and painted and the other guy Is due to put in all the glass panels outside between the railings.

Wood has been ordered and is being delivered tomorrow or Wednesday so that's another task sorted we just need to get the builder to make the cover. Mind you what a ton of logs looks like and the space needed is a work in progress lol I hope the shock of it isn't too much size wise for the space we have in mind!!!

NewShadow

Mint1955 wrote: »

Does anyone have an easy but ingredient simple biscuit or tray bake recipe that I can use but that can be frozen so I have something quick to defrost if people come for coffee. It really does need micro easy instructions lol

Sorry its late, but these seem what you're looking for?

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4672/freezer-biscuits

Anne_Marie_2

Mint1955 wrote: »

Omg I am completely overwhelmed thank you so much this is definitely an eye opener and so easy to do.

For the mix can I make up in bulk (mini bulk, not sack loads lol) and keep in an old jar so it's ready for other days?

Absolutely make in mini bulk in a jar. I'd try it out first though to make sure it's right for you, then when you get it right, you can make up a bulk batch.
Re my original post .....please don't add 1 tsp salt....I'd actually just add if needed when cooking. You can also add 1 tsp oregano to the mix too...I'd forgotten about that one earlier. (You can buy it N Cyprus dried, but it's often labelled as thyme for some strange reason). The other thing is that powdered garlic gets totally unusable, goes brick hard, although might be fine in a mix. The granules are a bit better, otherwise use fresh or easy garlic or paste, but then you'd have to add them when cooking, not to your dried powder mix.

Don't worry about your ton of wood, shouldn't take up too much space. Having it covered is essential, it's also a good idea to have some kind of raised platform under the wood if you can, if the ground is likely to get wet. I'm no expert on wood burning fires, as I don't have one, but need logs for my outside oven. Wet wood is not good, it smokes like mad, as I have discovered. Thank goodness it was outside and not in the house!