Saturday 1 July 2017

Saturday

Well another month bites the dust and we are into July and still no sign of me moving.   I am just trying not to think about it.

My day out yesterday made a pleasant change and did me a lot of good.   We were unable to go our usual way past the Ribblehead viaduct because the road was closed so we had to go and return on the same Sedbergh road.

Lunch, as usual in Avanti, was perfection.   I had prawn and chorizo risotto - the others had blackened salmon, Caesar salad and plaice with Mediterranean vegetables and potatoes.   Their standard of cooking is marvellous.

This morning I did several jobs really early - taking a load of old towels and an old duvet to the tip was the first.   Did you know that duvets go into Landfill?   I thought this was sad when I think of all the homeless people there are.   But of course they would not wish to cart a duvet around with them.   Then Tess and I had a walk, although it is so windy that I found walking difficult, so it was only a short walk today.  Several items went to the Charity Shop and then it was on to the Village Hall for the Coffee Morning.   Finally home for a lunch of salmon steak with Jersey potatoes and  mixed vegetables, followed by fresh strawberries and coconut yoghourt.

Has anyone else in the UK noticed just how long the strawberry season has gone on this year and just how absolutely delicious the strawberries have been?

This afternoon the lady who is swopping homes with me came round and we went over one or two points and took out the tape measure to one or two alcoves.   Now we are just impatient to get on with the job.

Another walk with Tess ensued, then tea and now settling down for the evening to sew up the jumper I have been knitting.

For tea I tried to replicate a recipe my mother used to make when I was small - a sandwich spread which she always called 'mock crab' (although I can't for the life of me think why.)  I cooked and finely chopped onion in butter and then added some chopped tomatoes and cooked those.   Then  put in a lot of grated cheese.  When the cheese had melted I poured in a beaten egg and immediately took the pan off the heat and stirred the mixture until it was cooked.   Then I left it to get cold. It was my best attempt yet but I still haven't got it to taste as I remember it.   Does anyone have a recipe which fits this description?  Maybe the cheese wasn't strong enough.

Well, tomorrow is another day - dare I hope that the move will take place in July?

17 comments:

Rachel Phillips said...

The strawberry season here in Norfolk only starts now.

angryparsnip said...

This spread sounds so delicious.
Your outings always sound so nice.

cheers, parsnip and thehamish

Terry said...

Hope the move goes through soon.

Anonymous said...

Interested in your attempts to recreate mock crab I looked it up on the net.
One of the wartime ingredients had dried egg in it so I wondered if your mother used that.
An old Regulo cookery book might have a good recipe too.
I continue to be amazed by your courage and determination.
I do hope your move goes ahead soon.
Did you say that you are swapping homes with someone?
We are enjoying the strawberry glut too! Sue

Mac n' Janet said...

Hope you get get your move settled, frustrating to be neither here nor there.

Living Alone in Your 60's said...

It's certainly been a good year for strawberries. It's amazing how quickly this year is going. I hope your move gets sorted.

Joanne Noragon said...

I guess the move is at least up to the lane. It will happen. Happy and prosperous July to you.

Karen Noonan said...

Hi Pat,
I hope this is what you are looking for.
In Australia it's called Mock Duck.
2 medium tomatoes, 1tablespoon butter,1 small onion grated, salt and pepper, pinch of mixed herbs,1 teaspoon sugar, 1egg, 2 tablespoons of grated cheese.
Peel and chop tomatoes, melt butter and fry onion until lightly browned, add tomatoes, salt, pepper, herbs and sugar. Cook until tender. Beat egg and add with cheese to mixture, stir over gentle heat until thickened.
This makes sufficient for 4 serves, as you are like me and cook for one, the recipe could be halved.

Derek Faulkner said...

I am always fascinated by and envious of, how well that you eat, whether it's out somewhere or at home. You really do seem to keep to a good standard of food and well done I say.
Strawberries have been amazing for some weeks now, not only larger but sweeter and also in Kent, we are feasting on an ample supply of lovely, dark red and juicy, Kent cherries, I love them.

thelma said...

Delicious sweet strawberries, though I still love them with a heaped spoonful of sugar to crunch with, and that favourite of course, scrunched up meringue with chopped strawberries and cream. I liked that wartime recipe must try it one day.

Jules said...

Strawberries have been extra delicious this year and it's good to see the raspberries are beginning to ripen. It must be the better weather we've been experiencing.
I really hope the move isn't too far off. X

The Weaver of Grass said...

Karen - thank you for that recipe. I went to your blog to answer it but find you only read rather than put on posts so am thanking you here.

You talk about my strength and resilience. It is a facade - underneath I am not
being so strong but I just have to keep going - there is no alternative. Friends are pulling me along and helping me through it - I couldn't manage without them.

Once I have used up my 'mock crab' I shall try Karen's 'mock duck' and see it if works better. Of course, remembering the taste for seventy years might well have enhanced it in my memory.

Thanks to everyone.

Heather said...

Your lunches out sound delicious as does your teatime spread. Reading your reply to Karen's comment, I think you are strong and resilient without realising it. It takes strength to cope even when you don't want to, or think you can't. I do hope you will be settled soon. I might just manage it in September now we are back to square one. Hoping for a miracle!

The Weaver of Grass said...

Heather - you are in much the same position as me - the only difference is that you lost Dick a little bit earlier. I wish we lived nearer then at least we could have a cup of coffee together now and again.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

My own strawberry patch here has produced more than I can ever use. Your meals when you eat out, always sound so wonderful. You must have some great restaurants, not the usual "something and fries" we get around here. -Jenn

GillyK said...

My Mum used to make 'mock crab' as well, and it was delicious. I'll try and find her recipe book and let you know how it compares.

Stuart said...

A spot of mustard would pick up that sandwich filling.