On making mincemeat of it – part 1

Every year, I make a load of mincemeat, for myself, my family, and anyone else who wants some. Every year, I make it up as I go along, and no one’s complained yet. This is part 1 of the recipe – insofar as it can be called a recipe – for 2015. *** A word […]

On white Toblerone

Awesome stuff. *** DB’s folks came back from their holiday this week*. They are firm believers in bringing back presents. I am apparently difficult to buy I’ve-been-on-holiday presents for. I don’t drink (much), smoke or wear perfume (much). Last time, I got a fridge magnet with very small photos of the island on – like […]

On blisters (and carrots)

I’m used to getting blisters at work. The sort caused by touching glass before its had a chance to cool down properly. I’m not used to getting blisters from washing carrots… Edit (3rd Nov): Squeaky clean 🙂

On compost heaps and Peruvian chickens

“Wherever you go, you can collect all kinds of plants to take home for your compost heap, unless you’re really busy doing other stuff – like looking after Peruvian chickens* for example.” – The Voice of Authority in my dream. Apparently dreams are your brain’s way of processing what happens during the day. Sometimes, when […]

On life, post-Elimination…

So. It’s about time I wrote about what happened. I spent 4 weeks semi-religiously following The Rules, writing down what I ate and waiting for the magic moment when I felt full of energy and free from problems. I also spent an inordinate amount of time upsetting people with my presence. I’m not sure what […]

On birthday food

This is the cake from the inside: This is the tray of potatoes, carrots, onions and, most importantly, parsnips ready for roasting: They were SO very good, the steak was a little bit unnecessary – but who turns down a steak when they’re offered one??! It was a very good steak too. Here are the […]

On improvisations on a swede

I found a swede in my local supermarket last week. That is a big deal here in Berlin where people generally don’t eat them. Anyway, I didn’t eat it last week because I wasn’t home in time to peel, chop, boil and mash it before my DB died of starvation. Yesterday was my chance. I […]

On winning and losing

I used to cook a lot. When I lived in a shared house I often cooked for everyone. When I lived by myself I lost some of my motivation, but when i cooked, it was with increased creativity and of a more experimental nature. Then I moved here. The DB is more a traditional than […]

On patience and pizza dough

I’m kneading pizza dough when DB walks into the kitchen… DB: Did you put herbs in that? Me: Yes DB: Then it’s not dirt after all… Me: ??!! – 2 minutes later – DB: Shall I turn the oven on? Me: Not yet, I haven’t finished kneading, and then it’s got to rise and I […]