It’s been one year . . . one year since this little chap entered the world and stole my heart . . . one year since he went from this to this . . .
(ok, so this was a month or so ago . . . but you can see how he's changed)
In one year he has learnt to chatter, to sing, to dance and wave, to clap his hands and stick his finger up at you (meant to be his thumb, but not quite got it right) in one year he has learnt to sit, pull him self up and stand, to play and charm everyone he meets. In one year he has learnt to feed himself, to open cupboard doors and to turn the pages of a book (as well as rip them) to shake his head and wink with both eyes, to blow raspberries and to kiss and cuddle.
He loves bananas, being tickled and watching the birds. He loves music and dropping food for the dogs.
He hates his feet under the covers and getting dressed.
and I can't imagine life without him x
Leek and potato soup is my favourite so I was really looking forward to this and with fresh home made rolls it was yummy.
LEEK, ONION AND POTATO SOUP
4 large leeks
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped small
50g (2oz) butter
850ml (1 1/2 pints) light chicken stock or water
275ml (10 fl oz) milk
salt and pepper
1 1/2 tbsp chives or parsley
2 tbsp cream or top of milk
- Trim off the tops and roots of the leeks and discard the tough outer later. Split them in half length ways and slice them up finely. Wash them thoroughly in two or three changes of water. Drain well.
- In a large thick-based saucepan gently melt the butter, then add the leeks, potatoes and onion, stirring them all around with a wooden spoon so they get a nice coating of butter. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and let the vegetables sweat over a low heat for about 15 minutes.
- Add the stock and milk, bring to simmering point, put the lid back on and let the soup simmer very gently for a further 20 minutes or until the vegetables are very soft. If you have the heat too high, the milk may cause it to boil over.
- You can either put the whole lot into a liquidiser and blend to a puree, or else press it through a sieve.
- Return the soup to the saucepan and reheat gently, tasting to check the seasoning, and stirring in the snipped chives and adding a swirl of cream just before serving.
I am so behind in sharing my weekly recipes, so have decided not to stress and just put them on here when I can :/
COTTAGE PIE
(serves 6)
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
750g (1lb 10oz) minced beef
2 carrots, peeled and diced
115g (4oz) chestnut mushrooms, chopped
150ml (5fl oz) red wine
30g (1oz) plain flour
300ml (10fl oz) beef stock
1 tbsp redcurrant jelly
1 tbsp Worcester sauce
2 tsp fresh thyme
for the topping
900g (2lb) potatoes
30g (1oz) butter, plus extra knob for the surface
about 4 tbsp hot milk
salt and pepper
- Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onions and fry until starting to brown. Put in the mince and brown, then add the carrots, celery and mushrooms and fry for 1 minute. Pour in the wine and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes over a high heat until reduced by about two-thirds. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the stock until thickened. Mix in the redcurrant jelly, worcester sauce and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook, cover with lid, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, make the toping: cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well in a colander, then return to the pan and mash. Pre-heat the oven to 200C (fan 180C/400F/Gas 6)
- Taste the meat mixture for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Spoon into a large baking dish.
- When the meat has cooled slightly, spread the mashed potato on top, making swirling patterns over the surface with a fork. Dot the top with the extra knob of butter, then bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potato is golden and the meat bubbling.
This was totally delicious . . . loved every bite :) I didn't put the red wine in though.
First the boat . . . I managed to get another Denby Gypsy item for my collection . . . this time a gravy boat/jug . . . It didn't come with the saucer like some of them do, but it's in perfect condition and I love it.
it was only £3.99 which I think is a total bargain :)
and next the car . . .
this time for Billy-boy
Steve found it on facebook, only used a couple of times and only £60
It can be remote controlled by an adult and then when Billy is old enough he can drive it, it plays music and you can also plug an MP3 player in. The lights all flash and it should last him till he is about 5 years old. And he L O V E S it :)