Saturday 2 March 2013

Saturday Snippets (6)


Have you ever read the side effects on the medication you happen to be taking?  It would be lovely to have 'nice' side effects.  All my medication has 'horrid' side effects.  I am very thankful at times for my sense of humour when trying to swallow them all.



Working in the kitchen the other day I realised what a dangerous place it could be.  Funny how it never occurred to me before.  Most of these are years old and very well used in food preparation.  Note the chopping boards.  Mostly purchased in eastern Europe.  Hmmm.  Do they know something that we don't know here in the UK?!



And I hope you see my French jam spoon.  Yes, I thought that would make you sit up and take notice.  Very good for stirring large quantities of jam so that you don't burn yourself.  



The other two spoons are of normal 'cake mixing' size.  So you can just imagine the 'burn' that jam spoon is capable of when used discerningly!

This recipe is totally non-fattening of course!  Now would I tell a fib?!!!!

Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding

This needs to be prepared at least 24 (and preferably 48) hours in advance!  Serve in small portions because it is very rich!

9 slices, each a quarter inch (5mm) thick, good quality white bread, 1 day old, taken from a large loaf
5oz (150g) dark continental chocolate with 75% cocoa solids
15 fl oz (425ml) whipping cream
4 tbspns dark rum
4oz (110g) caster sugar
3oz (75g) butter
A good pinch of cinnamon
3 large free range eggs

To serve:  Double cream, well chilled

You will also need a shallow ovenproof dish 7 x 9 ins (18 x 23 cms) base x 2ins (5 cms) deep, lightly buttered.

1   Begin by removing the crusts from the slices of bread, which should leave you with approx. 9 x 4 in (10 cm) squares.  So now cut each slice into 4 triangles.  Next place the chocolate, whipping cream, rum, sugar, butter and cinnamon in a bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, being careful not to let the bowl touch the water, then wait until the butter and chocolate have melted and the sugar has completely dissolved.  (If you are careful you can do this in your microwave - I do!)  Next remove the bowl from the heat and give it a really good stir to amalgamate all the ingredients.

2  Now in a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and then pour the chocolate mixture over them and whisk again very thoroughly to blend them together.

3   Then spoon about a half inch layer of the chocolate mixture into the base of the dish and arrange half the bread triangles over the chocolate in overlapping rows.  Now pour half the remaining chocolate mixture all over the bread as evenly as possible then arrange the rest of the triangles over that, finishing off with a layer of chocolate.  Use a fork to press the bread gently down so that it gets covered very evenly with the liquid as it cools.

4   Cover the dish with clingfilm and allow to stand at room temperature for 2 hours before transferring it to the f ridge for a minimum of 24 (but preferably 48) hours before cooking.  When you're ready to cook the pudding, pre-heat the oven to gas mark 4, 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).  Remove the clingfilm and bake in the oven on a high shelf for 30-35 minutes, by which time the top will be crunchy and the inside soft and squidgey.  Leave it to stand for 10 minutes before serving with well-chilled double cream poured over.



Saturday is the time for laundry and general cleaning duties.  Mostly I don't mind, but the untidiness gremlin seems to follow me around and by evening I sometimes wonder whether it was all worth it.  I tried to print the following out but ended up having to join two bits together, but I liked the joke so much (and identified with it) that I have included it regardless.  Hope you like it.



There is nothing like 'rose tinted spectacles'.  I am as guilty as anyone else of wearing them from time to time.  It's also weird how conversations I have with Starman, about seemingly insignificant things, have a habit of turning themselves around and biting me on the bum.

I soooo wish I hadn't drawn his attention to his horoscope yesterday, because it has gone to his head.  Ever had that 'bum tingling' sensation?  

And now I must finish.  His HOHiness is on the prowl and is making suggestions I had better not ignore.  See what I mean?  

I think I may have woken up a sleeping tiger.  Any more sage advice for a blonde airhead please Bas?!!!

And that's all for now folks...   oh help...!












33 comments:

  1. Love the recipe Ami! Thanks! I can't wait to try it.

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    1. Oh Bluey, it is soooo fattening and soooo gorgeous. Men just love it! Even those who don't normally eat much in the way of chocolate!

      Many hugs,

      Ami

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  2. You do know you are going to sabotage my diet with recipes like these. I am not nor will I ever be a domestic goddess. I'm much better at other things. haha

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    1. I am absolutely going to sabotage you diet Lady! You wait, I have others that are just, if not more, delicious and calorie rich!

      LIVE LIFE! LOVE LIFE!

      Many hugs,

      Ami

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  3. My family loves bread pudding, and in fact, recently my son an this new wife ordered a fancy one as their wedding dessert. I am going to make this asap and score some points with my family.
    Very nice post, my friend.
    Hugs to your and your prowling HoH.
    lillie
    I know you are attached to your jam spoon but that thing would be in the wood chipper at the next possible moment were it housed in this kitchen :D

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    1. This recipe came originally from a restaurant at Martha's Vineyard! When we have family get-togethers I make double the quantity. The secret is a long soak in the fridge. Don't be tempted to make it all the same day.

      I know where I am with a wooden spoon and a wooden spatula. Your use of a belt scares the pants off me literally - so I asked Ian to answer a few queries I have. I'm sure he'll think I'm one stupid person. But belts have never been a part of British culture, and there's so much I don't know about them. I, now, very rarely bruise with wood as Starman has learned to warm me up first. and although there is a bit of a deep-seated ache for most of the day, it is a 'good' ache and no damage is caused and my stress is gone, and any little issues are dealt with. LOL!

      But you can see the arsenal he has at his disposal if he should ever get it into his head to go for 'variety'!

      Many hugs,

      Ami

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  4. It looks like a wooden spoon mama with her two kids. :D

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    1. Yes, the one on the left was handmade in Poland. It is very thick compared with the other two. I think I would need a while to work up to something like that.... The jam spoon cannot be used OTK because it's too long (unless you have extra long arms I suppose) and so you need to be elsewhere! They leave funny red oval marks. Just saying.....

      Hugs, Ami

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  5. You've been on my Facebook page haven't you Ami! I swear those cartoons were on it last week before my internet went and cracked me up. Dang that recipe looks yummy...you are just determined to make sure I look like a blimp aren't you. ;)

    Burn all wood in your kitchen!

    Remember:
    Wood is no good,
    Leather is better,
    Feathers are best!

    Leather is stings worse than wood but doesn't hurt as deep.

    Blessings,
    Cat

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    1. FYI Here are translations for those in the US:

      Double cream is the British term for heavy or whipping cream in the US, but it is a little thicker than our whipping cream. It contains about 48% butterfat. If you live near a Wegmans or Whole Foods, there is a very good chance that you will be able to find imported (from England) double cream there. They are usually in a fridge near the cheese and not that close to the regular butter, milk and yogurt section. BTW, if you are interested in getting a better quality (single) cream, look for pasteurized (and not ultra-pasteurized) cream at places like Whole Foods

      Caster sugar is called ‘super-fine’ sugar in the US. It is a finer grind than granulated sugar but not as fine as powdered sugar (icing sugar for the UK). C&H makes something called "Baker's Sugar" which is the same thing. Most grocers that carry the granulated sugar from C&H usually (note usually) carry this as well.

      ;)
      Cat

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    2. How exciting - a two part reply! The recipe is yummy! And welcome to the blimp club!

      I know, I know, but you know what wood is going to feel like. And I don't know what leather feels like apart from our leather paddle with the wooden inner, and that feels pretty much like wood. Just believe me when I say that it'll take me a long time and a lot of persuasion to even pick up a belt or strap. And yes, I am curious, but I'm a wimp and a coward! I definitely agree with the use of feathers though! A very large ostrich feather would be wonderful. For other things too!!!!

      I never realised there were so many differences between English English and American English! Take note one and all! And clotted cream, from Devon and Cornwall (there is a lot of competition) is so thick you can stand a spoon up in it! You can't 'whip' single cream, but you can 'whip' whipping cream and double cream. Cat, I love you so much! I am really glad you are back on line - we have all missed you!

      Hugs

      Ami

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  6. Shiver....that arsenal! Too much for my tush!!

    I LOVE Bread Pudding. I am going to impress everyone at the next family gathering darling!

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    1. Yes but Minelle, I've only felt a few of the spoons. Those chopping boards were all made in Poland apart from the olive wood one which was made in Tunisia. They are just too reminiscent of paddles to my way of thinking! Which says what about the Brits?!!! I was only doing a survey! Sheesh! This is yellow canary speaking!

      Oh that pudding is to die for! It probably adds towards death of calorie overkill as well! Still, life's short! LOL LOL!

      Hugs, Ami

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  7. Wow Ami, what a collection! Starman has quite the choice LoL. I think you should burn it all pronto. Wood is not good!

    Love the vodaka joke. Unfortunately, given my OCD, I think the house would bug me, despite the vodaka induced haze.

    The recipe looks fantastic, thank you for sharing. Love bread and butter pudding!

    Hugs,
    Roz

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    1. But he never thinks about things in the same way as I do Roz. I've had five different warnings now in the last 24 hours coupled with "are you deliberately trying my patience" looks. They have ranged from a finger put to his lips, and a fork being tapped into the palm of his hand. But he is debilitated with yet another head cold, so I am planning on all danger having passed by the time he is well again!

      I'm in a sassy mood. Can you tell?!

      Hugs,

      Ami

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  8. My pms taste buds can't handle the recipe...I know my pms mouth wouldn't like the spoons!

    Ami as for the belt, I think it is in part a mind thing too. I find wood um, more effective :)

    Love willie

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    1. Oh? Don't you crave chocolate when you have PMS? I used to crave it no end. I wonder what it would be like to be spanked with chocolate? Just think of the connotations. You could eat the implements either before or after use. And if they melted on you, you could get a willing HOH to lick it all off! Now wouldn't that be nice?!

      And you, you little hussy, have most of the contents of your kitchen in your bedroom, so next time you grumble I shall post you a French jam spoon! And if I hear anyone else say that wood is more effective I shall jump madly up and down! The belt holds this morbid fascination for me - I just don't know how you all cope with it. Unless you all know something I don't of course, which wouldn't be that difficult.

      Hugs,

      Ami

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  9. How thoughtful of you to have so many toys for Sharman to help you with in the kitchen plus instructions on how to make a cake. Well done

    Bob

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    1. Bob! Welcome! I have tried to get to your blog but have been excluded. I will keep trying. Or, of course, it could have been someone else's blog, but no, I think Minelle directed me to yours. I am easily confused.

      I know. The list of toys in the kitchen is endless. But I don't think there's much elsewhere. Definitely no bath brush. But it is funny how you go through life looking at things quite differently.

      Hugs,

      Ami

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    2. LOLROF, don't I know it I can't go into Bed Bath and Beyond without running to the kitchen utensils, it's funny how Bobbie doesn't follow me there any more.

      Bob

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  10. My favorite medication was one supposed to help my breathing which stated in the warnings "may cause death" (not kidding) - but I am still here thank goodness - I don't read the warning labels anymore :-)

    recipe looks dangerously delicious for someone with a horrible sweet tooth and about 30 pounds to lose... :-)

    Hugs,Terps

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    1. Look Miss Dancing Muse - NEVER READ THE WARNINGS! It takes all the fun out of life! Especially the warning on your bottle! Good grief! LOL!

      The recipe is dangerous but orgasmic! Now wouldn't that be worth forgetting your 30lbs for?!

      Hugs,

      Ami

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    2. Well I suppose losing 35 lbs isn't any harder than losing 30...maybe I will give the recipe a try... :-)

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    3. Be a devil! You can blame it all on me - I don't care!

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  11. First, I have some scary wooden spoons. I am glad that my MM doesn't go reaching for them often, b/c I'd be in trouble.

    Second, every single pill I put in my mouth has terrible side effects. Even a supplement I'm trying right now to help with not getting uti's is making me bloated and miserable. GRRRR. I want some good side effects too.

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    1. I ensure that most of them stay in the kitchen Susie! Only one or two have every made it past the first step of the staircase!

      I so hate all these pills. I take one for one thing, then another for another, then another to get rid of the side effects from the first, and so it goes on! The only thing with good side effects is my HRT patch!

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  12. Ooh, I love the recipe, and I'm a big fan of vodka myself! ;)

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    1. Well, don't blame me if you have to hide your scales! Because after the winter we have just had, and last year's lack of a summer, I frankly don't give a damn!

      I must introduce you to Polish Bison vodka! And also vodka with cherry juice. Then there's 'hot vodka' for after skiing. Then there's......

      Hugs,

      Ami

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  13. Ami,
    Sweetie, this may be my favorite post of all time. You are all kinds of awesome. :)

    Hide some of those spoons, girlfriend!

    Elisa Xo

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    1. No I'm not. I'm a nut case through and through. But my sense of humour is catching, so watch out!

      Hugs,

      Ami

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  14. Oh wow ami that recipe is totally amazing!! I made it this morning and have decided seeing you kindly say its fat free All i need now is one of those huge spoons so I can shovel it in all the quicker!!! Then hide all evidence from himself!!! :-)

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  15. Hello and welcome!

    It is amazing - and as you say, totally fat free! LOL! I'm going to post yet another "to die for" pudding shortly. All in aid of good inter-country relations of course!

    Hope you all enjoyed it!

    Hugs,

    Ami

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