Ian Dowding
I am a member of my local u3a and we had Ian Dowding speaking to us, via Zoom, recently. Ian was the chef at The Hungry Monk and invented the world renowned Banoffee Pie.
We all had such a blast (Ian is such a lovely chap) that we asked him if he would teach us a few classes in real life, when we are able to do so - and he's going too! Bread is the subject of the first class in a couple of weeks, then if that all goes well, the next is fish. He intends to take us to a coastal fish supplier, off to his kitchen, cook up lots of fish, then we all eat it for lunch. I'm really looking forward to that!
Cooking Up A Storm
As part of my contribution to the u3a, I run a cooking class (well, what else would it be!) called Cooking Up A Storm. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month. For the last goodness knows how long, this has had to be via Zoom and although we talk foodie things, and generally catch up, it's not the same. But this time, we are going to convene in my kitchen, as we used to do, and make 3 or 4 recipes - can't wait!
The participants have requested Lebanese type recipes, and ideas for pasta, so I've got to decide what we are going to make today or tomorrow.
Coffee in the garden
Went for coffee with actual people this week! First time since I don't know how long. We were in a friends lovely garden and it was so nice to sit in the warm sunshine chatting about this and that with friends I've known now for 14 years or so, since we moved here.
They have a couple of fields and have got a few sheep, including Barry the lamb, who is more like a pet and came over to say hello. Not had coffee with a sheep before!
Our usual venue in a church coffee shop hasn't reopened yet, so it's proposed that we meet at Tottingworth farm shop, just up the road. It's a lovely place, and may well be tempting and expensive with all their lovely items!
An e-book
I have decided that I am going to publish Meal Plan 1 as an e-book. I am often asked about publishing a book and have looked into it. But if I self published a hard copy type book, the costs are pretty high and I wouldn't even cover the costs at £10 a copy. As I write about eating cheaply, this is deeply inappropriate.
So I've designed an e-book. The hardest part being that Meal Plan 1 was the first one I wrote, way back in 2013, and the recipes had no images, no recipe card and desperately needed re-writing. So I've had to cook and photograph many recipes, as well as rewriting the posts.
Still, nearly there now and I hope to publish it in the near future. It will probably be £2.99. If everything works out alright, I'll work my way through the other meal plans, and maybe do other collections of recipes as well.
There is always something new to learn when blogging, it's a great interest!
Insomnia
I am prone to insomnia and it is raging at the moment. On Tuesday night, we went to bed at 10pm, read until 11pm, I then listened to the radio, then tried to sleep until I gave up when the shipping forecast came on at 12:45. Was then up until 6am and when my husband came down for an early cup of tea before going back to bed, I had a shower, and then just carried on. Didn't get much sleep the next night either.
I've cut out the instant de-caff coffee I've been having in case the little caffeine in it is too much, I'm getting 8000-10,000 steps a day, which should be enough, and I don't nap in the daytime.
The only comfort is that at least I don't have to struggle in to work the next day!
Sweetcorn Fritters
Sweetcorn fritters are one of the recipes from Meal Plan One. Super simple and can be swapped around to be pea fritters with corn on the side, or with a jkt potato instead of wedges. At just 30p it's super cheap too.
I'm delighted that Meal Plan One still costs up, even 8 years later. It's £1.02 per person, per day, which could save you a packet, depending on where you are with your grocery budget.
An Easy Fruit Loaf
I made this easy fruit loaf recently as I didn't have any images of it and it is also in Meal Plan One. I'd forgotten just how easy and delicious it is. I stored it in an air tight tin, and it was still soft and wonderful 2 weeks later when my husband ate the last piece.
Need to get some more raisins now, that used up the last of them, and in fact you might be able to see that I had to use a few sultanas too to make up the weight!
Raisin Sandwich
This tasty morsel is a snack on an optional 8th day of Meal Plan One, using up most of the leftovers - yes, there are even leftovers.
For each person, spread 2 slices of wholemeal bread with butter, on both sides. Sprinkle over raisins and a little sugar, then pan fry until golden.
The loaf in the meal plan is wholemeal to help with fibre, but of course, you could use a white loaf if you prefer.
That's it for this time, do come and say hello on the Fantastically Frugal Food Facebook group, or the Sensational Slimming Sustenance group. I'd love to see you. Lots of useful tips, recipes and ideas. The nearly 17,000 membership are brilliant, brimming with talent.
And don't forget Thrifty Lesley, where there are 800+ recipes of fantastically frugal food and many weekly meal plans. And Cheap Family Recipes where you can find all kinds of delicious things that don't cost much with two family monthly meal plans.
I've also got a few YouTube videos up, not many yet, but I'm planning to do more. I've done a couple more, need to edit them now!
With all best wishes, until next time
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