Bird’s blog

Tonight was a meat fest as Alli ( the vege) could only get here in time for pud. So …. The star of the show was made the evening before – Chinese braised beef ( from Good Food mag). Flavours set to infuse for 24 hrs – yum!

A busy day at work and then parents evening – went well which is always a bonus! Time for a quick coffee before settling down to the task.

As Alli was only coming for pud I thought it only fair that I did something decent rather that my usual quick ice cream & fruit or fail-safe Eton mess. Nigella came to the rescue with Glitzy choc puds topped with crunchie.

Trying to be seasonal I went for a starter of celeriac remoulade courtesy of Nigel Slater off the tinternet – thanks Nige! Served with ham. The Chinese beef was accompanied by braised bok choi & rice. All very nice & mucho appreciatoed by the birds which is always very satisfying.
Great conversation and ripples of laughter and everyone seemed happy upon departure. I’m knackered – but it was worth it – as always!!! :)

Oh no . .we have no hot water

I have been gladly torn away from abusing a broken boiler to cook the birds a slap up dinner. These days I like to see them as my little white lab rats.

This week’s experiment, “Chicken cooked in Sherry vinegar and Tarragon sauce” was delicious although in my view, less of the vinegar and more of the sherry. I do enjoy the odd sherry of a lunch time. . . (is that allowed?)

Alli arrived after the chicken but snacked on boiled quails eggs dipped in crushed cumin seeds and salt, there is something so pleasing about shelling these mini speckled eggs.

Dessert’s “Fried apples with brown sugar and crème fraiche” became apple mush, due to my son objecting to his mother diverting her attentions, but still tasted great.

Today, I’m wondering how I can slip a sherry tasting into forthcoming festivities? And, how long will my family last without becoming a health hazard with no hot water?

The grim reality is terrifying; I may be forced to take part in excercise just to get a shower.

Sorry no pics this week, will try harder next time.

The Holy Bible - Henk cooked, Alli blogged!

Wheat-feast at the ready - Sally's on holiday!


'The Holy Bible', otherwise known as the Good Housekeeping Vegetarian Cook Book, makes a regular appearance on these nights; easy and tasty veg fayre which the birds all approve of.

Tonight Henk's main course, taken from the hallowed pages of  the holy book, was a spicy filo, spinach and lentil pie served with a selection of salads - clean plates all round and Anna asked for, and got, more! Or check out this recipe for Halloumi & Pepper Bruschetta - it's a Good Housekeeping original!

We had already noshed our way through halloumi, sun-dried tomatoes and chilli flake-topped bruschetta for our starter - don't think this was taken from 'The Holy Bible', more of a Henk creation.


It was the school holidays, so talking went on after midnight and surprisingly we didn't all turn into toads, mice or pumpkins! We save that one for Halloween...


Happy noshing and 'Bless you'....


Alli x