Things We Love

We can live for 100 years, but after all the material things we accumulate in our lives maybe only a few hold the greatest meaning. In a fire we'd save our children, pets, family photographs.
In our life we acquire books, cds, clothes, pictures. But I bet there's only a handful of things you have had for years, and now can't part with and couldn't lose.

A friend of mine has been selling stuff recently, but surprised to find one thing used daily that was as odd but as simple as could be and couldn't part with.

I bought the bookmark at the top of the page for friend who I know reads and, hopefully as much as the book might be read- the bookmark will survive to the next book and next book. I hope so.
Bookmark by http://www.sherieann-jewellery.co.uk/

Lego

Incredible that these are made from Lego.

For many more examples, and an excuse to while away a half hour- look here

Spinach and Cheese Lasagne

>1 or 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
>2tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
>2 x 400g cans Chopped Tomatoes
>6 basil leaves, plus extra to serve (optional)
>1 level tsp sugar
>125g Lasagne Sheets
>½ bunch spring onions, trimmed and sliced
>2 x 160g bags Baby Spinach Leaves
>2 x 250g pots ricotta cheese
>25g mature Cheddar, grated
>25g fresh breadcrumbs

Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5. Cook the garlic in 1tbsp of the oil for 1 minute. Add the chopped tomatoes, basil and sugar and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes or until reduced by half. Season.


Prepare Lasagne sheets according to directions.

Cook the spring onions in the remaining oil in a frying pan. Add the spinach and cook until it has wilted – don’t worry if it seems too much at first, it will shrink right down. Tip into a bowl and stir in the ricotta. Season.

Lightly grease an ovenproof dish. Spread half the tomato sauce in the base and cover with a single layer of lasagne, cutting it to fit with scissors.

Spread a third of the ricotta and spinach on top. Layer up in the following order – lasagne, ricotta, lasagne, ricotta, lasagne and the rest of the tomato sauce.

Mix the breadcrumbs with the grated cheese and sprinkle on top. Bake for 25 minutes.

(recipe from Asda)

Greek Lamb Burgers with Spinach and Red Onion Salad

1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 1/3 pounds ground lamb

• 4 hamburger buns or small ciabatta rolls

• 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 1/3 cups crumbled feta cheese
• 4 1/4-inch-thick red onion slices
• 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar


Mix first 4 ingredients and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in medium bowl; mix in lamb. Shape into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Cook patties in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 4 minutes per side for medium.

Toast buns until golden, about 2 minutes. Top each bun bottom with burger. Toss spinach, feta, onion, vinegar, and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in bowl. Place salad atop burgers. Cover with bun tops, pressing firmly to compact.

Butternut Soup

You can halve quantities exactly and will serve 4

2 medium butternuts
1 apple
2 medium onions
4 tablespoons butter
1 ¼ tsp medium curry powder
4 tblsp flour
Pinch ground nutmeg
2 chicken stock cubes
3 cups boiling water
2 cups milk
1 ½ tsp salt

1. Peel, seed and dice butternuts. Peel core and chop apple. Peel onions and chop roughly.
2. In large saucepan sauté the chopped onions in butter. Add curry powder and fry mixture lightly. Add butternut and apple and sauté the mixture for a while. Add the flour and nutmeg and fry.
3. Dissolve chicken cubes in boiling water. Add the stock together with the milk, add salt to butternut mixture.
4. Boil with lid on over moderate heat until the butternut pieces soft. Stir mixture occasionally.
5. Puree or blend till smooth. The colour of the soup should be deep yellow and texture creamy. Serve hot.

Easy Chocolate Mousse

5 oz bar dairy milk chocolate, 1 oz butter, 2 level tsp instant coffee, 4 medium eggs, separated

Break up chocolate and add with butter to bowl over hot water to melt.
Once melted add coffee and egg yolks.

Beat egg whites till stiff and fold in chocolate mixture gently.

Spoon into glasses or small bowls-- this serves 4

Refrigerate till more set.

Told you it was easy!

Round Crystal Chandelier

Round Crystal Brass Chandelier.

Available in 3 sizes

Small 30cm £325.00

Medium 45cm £450.00

Large 60cm £750.00

includes delivery mainland UK, bulbs not included

Sizes

Small £325.00 Medium £450.00 Large £750.00