Sunday, 21 July 2024

Seared Scallops And Wilted Greens And Chorizo






Ingredients 
Scallops for how ever many guests.
A bag of curly kale which will serve 4 nicely.
For 3 people I used 7 slices of chorizo diced.
Oil
Knob of unsalted butter.






Method 

Slice the kale into thin pieces and the leaves into larger strips. Heat a large, deep pan to medium-high.  Add the chorizo a cook 3-4 minutes.

Then add the onions( shallots would also work) and cook until soft for 3 more minutes.

Then the garlic or shallots  is added cook until softened for 3 minutes.


Cook another 4-5 minutes before adding the leaves. Toss until wilted over the heat. Add the soy sauce (if you want) then season , you might find it will be salty enough already , keep warm.

A fishmonger had already removed the foots off the scallop ( or is that feet!)

Next add the oil to the pan and swirl it around. When it starts to smoke, quickly add the scallops.  Cook on high for about 1-2 minutes.

Flip the scallops and add the butter.  Spoon the butter over the scallops as they cook another 1-2 minutes. Serve over warm greens.



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Friday, 19 July 2024

Sorry I can't love you

Sorry I can not love you.


Sorry I can not love you in the way that you want , I wanted to but my heart just isn't in it , I feel remorse at that I have already cheated on another. It was never my intention to stray but you caught my eye with your film star looks complete with smouldering dark features. You were smooth and you spread yourself around , you didn't say a lot but you didn't have to.


You tried to emulate my first love by being strong you only needed to be strong in small measures , you took my breath away. Every time I tasted your love my heart was crying for my old love you had me torn. How could you do this to me ?


They say flattery is the sincerest form of compliment.


I am odds with my self.


Last time we were together I chocked on my emotions.


The taste of you upon my lips tingle me in all sorts of way.


This is goodbye.


Please don't try to contact me.



And please don't try to get into my shopping basket again.


Sorry Vegemite I can't commit to you, Marmite has my heart and soul.








Wednesday, 17 July 2024

Easy Beef Cannelloni




Easy Beef Cannelloni
Easy Beef Cannelloni 




With Valentine's Day creeping up on us ( I know it's the same date every year) I wanted a simple recipe that was easy to prepare and one that I could tick off as having achieved some culinary. I've still not attempted my baking nemesis that of the Victoria sponge cake , no idea why but it fills me with dread. Back to the Valentine's Day as lovers cannot survive on cake alone shame though a great big crying same.

Ingredients

500 g of mince 
1 tub of ricotta 
1-2 cloves of garlic 
1 jar of passata
Mixed herbs to suit
Grated Parmesan
Cannelloni tubes
Grated mozzarella


Method 

Preheat the oven to 200 c / gas Mark 6


  1. Heat the some oil in a pan and brown the mince, with the garlic, onion and dried herbs. Next add the tub of ricotta and half of the jar of passata cooked, stir in 4 tablespoons of parmesan ,then set aside to cool.
  2. The best bit is rather fiddly and can get messy ! perhaps you could share this but after all sharing is caring. Fill the tubes with the mixture it does take time so ideal whilst listening to some love power ballads.
  3. As you or someone else ( hopefully) fills the tubes place them with a square dish once all the tubes are filled then pour the rest of the pass over the tubes and sprinkle some grated mozzarella over the top.
  4. Place in the oven for around 40 minutes ( making any adjustments for a fan assisted oven)

Fuss free Beef Cannelloni




Then serve with a simple salad.


Beef Cannelloni






Twice Baked Cornbeef Hash With Smashed Garlic Cheese Potato Crush

It’s a lazy day here and it’s a scramble in the cupboard s and the battle with a tin of Cornbeef .I still wish I didn’t have to battle in these modern times with a tin of Cornbeef!


Ingredients 

Tin of Cornbeef 

Smashed potatoes 

Garlic powder to suit 

Grated cheese 

Chopped carrot s

Peas 

A cup of stock


Method 


Smash up the Cornbeef add in peas and carrots 

Add in a cup of stock bake in oven for 20 minutes on 200 c

In the meantime cook some potatoes add in butter garlic and grated cheese .Mix with Cornbeef and whack back in oven for about 40 minutes on 200c





Tuesday, 9 July 2024

Just Doing What You Can Self Help

No longer I am saying “ I can’t do this “ instead I am saying “ I am doing what I can “
Then if it’s not good enough then tough , there’s a culture of trying to do all you can . Stop ad it’s one mind loop that you don’t want to be on for the rest of your life.

If someone says “ I should know X Y Z then I refer them to paragraph one ( not literally but it is blooming tempting )

In a world that never stops, we are often caught in the whirlwind of endless to-do lists and unattainable perfection. We strive for the extraordinary, chase the impossible, and often find ourselves falling short of our own expectations. But what if the secret to a fulfilling life isn't in doing it all, but in mastering the art of doing what you can?


The Power of Small Steps

Imagine standing at the base of a mountain, looking up at the peak. The journey seems daunting, perhaps even impossible. But every mountain is climbed one step at a time. Each small step, each modest achievement, brings you closer to the summit. This is the essence of doing what you can.

Instead of focusing on the entire journey, concentrate on the next step. Break down your goals into manageable tasks. Whether it’s writing a novel, starting a business, or simply organizing your home, tackle it one piece at a time. Celebrate each small victory, for they collectively pave the way to greater success.

Embrace Your Limits

Contrary to popular belief, acknowledging your limits is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of wisdom and self-awareness. Understanding what you can realistically achieve allows you to set practical goals and avoid burnout. It’s about recognizing that you are human, with finite energy and resources.

By embracing your limits, you can focus your efforts where they matter most. Prioritize tasks that align with your values and passions. Let go of the unnecessary and the overwhelming. In doing so, you’ll find that you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible, simply because you’re no longer weighed down by the unrealistic.

The Gift of Grace

Life is unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can go awry. When things don’t go as expected, it’s essential to give yourself grace. Forgive your missteps and learn from them. Understand that perfection is an illusion and that the beauty of life often lies in its imperfections.

Grant yourself the kindness you would offer a dear friend. Be gentle with your self-criticism and generous with your self-praise. Remember that doing what you can is enough. You are enough.

Mindfulness in Action

Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool for living a balanced life. By being present in each moment, you can fully engage with the task at hand. This focus not only enhances your productivity but also brings a sense of peace and satisfaction.

When you are mindful, you are more attuned to your needs and capacities. You can better gauge when to push forward and when to take a step back. This awareness ensures that your efforts are sustainable and that you remain in harmony with yourself and your surroundings.

The Ripple Effect

When you adopt the art of doing what you can, you inspire those around you. Your balanced approach to life can motivate others to reevaluate their own frenzied pace. By setting an example, you contribute to a culture that values well-being over relentless striving.

Remember, your actions create ripples in the lives of others. By doing what you can, you not only improve your own life but also positively impact those around you. It’s a subtle yet profound way to make a difference.


In conclusion, the art of doing what you can is a practice of self-compassion, realistic goal-setting, and mindful living. It’s about finding joy in the journey and peace in the present. As you navigate the complexities of life, remember that your worth is not measured by your achievements but by your authenticity and effort.

So, take a deep breath, embrace your limits, and take that next step. You are exactly where you need to be, and what you can do is more than enough.


As Claire I’m 

Exploring life’s intricate tapestry, one thread at a time.