Monday, 18 July 2011
Deluxe lemon slices
Monday 18 July
I'm back, it has been some time since I wrote my blog and in fact it's very spooky as I made Deluxe lemon slices for my ladies afternoon tea (neighbours from Jedburgh) today. So that must be a sign as that was my last entry. B&B has been very busy and we have had some lovely people staying here - many from the UK and some from Australia and NZ. These included some great bikers who I plan to create a page for and will include on my next blog.
I have signed up for tripadvisor - daunting at first, but great to get some feedback from guests - check it out - just go and look at our website and click on the tripadvisor logo, or go to their site and search for us. It is bringing people to us - so a great result! More later ...
I have signed up for tripadvisor - daunting at first, but great to get some feedback from guests - check it out - just go and look at our website and click on the tripadvisor logo, or go to their site and search for us. It is bringing people to us - so a great result! More later ...
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Sizzling Tuesday 19 April
This recipe is a must do for Easter or anytime you like!! It's best consumed on the first and second days and will earn you extra cookery brownie points...
Deluxe lemon slice from High Tea at the Victoria Room
Makes 24 - 30 depending on size of squares,
Pastry
320g plain flour sifted
50g icing sugar
30g cornflour
Half tsp salt
250g unsalted butter at room temp (I used salted)
Filling
4 free range eggs lightly beaten
265g castor sugar
3 tbsp plain flour sifted
zest of 2 lemons
165 ml of lemon juice
85ml milk
Quarter tsp of salt
Icing sugar to dust
Preheat oven to 170 degrees C, or 340 degrees F, grease and line 12 x 8 in rectangular baking dish.
Use food processor to pulse all dry ingredients, add the butter and pulse till mixture resembles coarse meal.
Scatter the meal over the base of the tin and press firmly with slightly raised edges to hold in the filling. (The food processor part didn't work for me, would do it by hand next time - but it still all worked).
Refrigerate for 20 mins, then bake for 20 mins. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
Reduce oven to 150 degrees C or 300 degrees F.
For filling, whisk eggs, sugar and flour. Stir in juice, zest, milk and salt and mix up. Pour filling over warm crust and bake for another 15 - 20 mins. Cool completely, lift out and serve dusted with icing sugar.
Tip - use a hot knife to slice.
I will take a picture the next time I make it - totally scrumptious!!
Deluxe lemon slice from High Tea at the Victoria Room
Makes 24 - 30 depending on size of squares,
Pastry
320g plain flour sifted
50g icing sugar
30g cornflour
Half tsp salt
250g unsalted butter at room temp (I used salted)
Filling
4 free range eggs lightly beaten
265g castor sugar
3 tbsp plain flour sifted
zest of 2 lemons
165 ml of lemon juice
85ml milk
Quarter tsp of salt
Icing sugar to dust
Preheat oven to 170 degrees C, or 340 degrees F, grease and line 12 x 8 in rectangular baking dish.
Use food processor to pulse all dry ingredients, add the butter and pulse till mixture resembles coarse meal.
Scatter the meal over the base of the tin and press firmly with slightly raised edges to hold in the filling. (The food processor part didn't work for me, would do it by hand next time - but it still all worked).
Refrigerate for 20 mins, then bake for 20 mins. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
Reduce oven to 150 degrees C or 300 degrees F.
For filling, whisk eggs, sugar and flour. Stir in juice, zest, milk and salt and mix up. Pour filling over warm crust and bake for another 15 - 20 mins. Cool completely, lift out and serve dusted with icing sugar.
Tip - use a hot knife to slice.
I will take a picture the next time I make it - totally scrumptious!!
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Tuesday 12 April
I'm having great fun cleaning things with vinegar and water - this has been recommended by a number of people so I thought I would give it a go. Fill your spray bottle with 50/50 water and vinegar (I used malt vinegar). My previously smeary, velux windows are now all sparkly and clear - I used kitchen roll to apply and rub it off again, and followed this by giving the inside of the car the same treatment - once the smell of vinegar subsides you have a clean, dust free surface - great results!!
Monday, 4 April 2011
Monday 04 April
I'm back from Australia after a superb three weeks - more later with photos, and am just psychologically recovering from not having a broadband connection for over a week since I got back. Plusnet are blaming BT and BT are blaming Plusnet ho hum - life in the Borders of Scotland! I'm back on driving duties for the piano tuner and we are ticking along with the B&B, with some regular customers here for 3 nights at the weekend. We even had some while I was away, so thanks to those who mucked in to help.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
March birthdays and 2 sleeps to go!
Another glorious day in the Borders! I am trialling using some of my photos as birthday cards - bought a pack of plain white card from the large supermarket chain beginning with T - 99p for 8 A4 sheets. I can print my own photos on Kodak paper and they are really sharp. I will post up the birds one in our plum tree. This is me being super organised for the March birthdays, just haven't had time to find plain white A5 envelopes (is that half of A4 - I think so), so it's a brown buff envelope per card, nicely written so they don't get mistaken for a bill!
If you've been following the blog you will know why it is only 2 sleeps to go ...
If you've been following the blog you will know why it is only 2 sleeps to go ...
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Totally tropical Tuesday!
The day started with a frost which quickly turned into warm, lovely, much needed sunshine. My friend was over to undergo B&B training so that she can cover for me at the weekend when we have some guests here for 2 nights - what a star she is, and guess what! I showed her how to do 'full monty' (and No, I wasn't naked at the time) poached eggs.
As those of you who have read the wedding cake episodes will know it is normally me learning things from her in catering matters, so I was very chuffed to do it the opposite way round.
When we needed a break from me talking a lot (just a normal day then), we SAT OUTSIDE on the patio for our cup of tea and it is the 1ST MARCH, whoohoo and we were warm and cosy - what an absolute treat - of course, it meant that I got to condition my temple (body) for Sydney on Sunday!!
We followed this by a 4 mile quick pace walk around the Hassendean area - absolutely glorious and a real bonus to be able to be out in it. We still managed to find things to talk about and arrived home all refreshed and shattered (you know what I mean).
Only 3 sleeps to go till I start my journey, I've tried to book my seats online twice now and there is an error with the system, so will need to phone Quantas tomorrow to see what the story is. Noodles, chocolate, sports mixtures, various gifts from family members and wee surprises for Alex all laid on the bedroom floor with clothes alongside - must pack tomorrow ..............
As those of you who have read the wedding cake episodes will know it is normally me learning things from her in catering matters, so I was very chuffed to do it the opposite way round.
When we needed a break from me talking a lot (just a normal day then), we SAT OUTSIDE on the patio for our cup of tea and it is the 1ST MARCH, whoohoo and we were warm and cosy - what an absolute treat - of course, it meant that I got to condition my temple (body) for Sydney on Sunday!!
We followed this by a 4 mile quick pace walk around the Hassendean area - absolutely glorious and a real bonus to be able to be out in it. We still managed to find things to talk about and arrived home all refreshed and shattered (you know what I mean).
Only 3 sleeps to go till I start my journey, I've tried to book my seats online twice now and there is an error with the system, so will need to phone Quantas tomorrow to see what the story is. Noodles, chocolate, sports mixtures, various gifts from family members and wee surprises for Alex all laid on the bedroom floor with clothes alongside - must pack tomorrow ..............
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Wedding cake for 29th April 2011 - Episode 1
The journey thus far: Nigellas' traditional Christmas cake
Reason for making: Our very good friends Malcolm and Helen getting married after 30 + years together - wedding date 29 April to coincide with the Royal Wedding (will have to tape the other one!)
Tuesday - raisins, currants and cherries to soak in brandy - two types used as insufficient of one kind (hope this is allowed, Nigella didn't mention that happening!!)
Tuesday night - Visit Scotland lady in the house doing her overnight stay to assess our B&B operation
Wednesday - Tied up during the morning with said lady, then off to Jedburgh for lunch and chat with Ann (friend and ex neighbour), we researched going to London to the Tate gallery to see the watercolour exhibition and I fitted up a new mouse to her computer (She thought I was a very clever IT person), then over to June (another ex neighbour) for more chat and catch up. Then home for 20 mins, and then off to eat with Mum in the village of Denholm, followed by Community Council meeting at 7 pm - and who was remembering the fruit soaking for the wedding cake?? Certainly not me ...
Thursday - Off to Edinburgh with sister Sue to do a quick trip to John Lewis to change bras, have a coffee, drive to the M&S in the Gyle for long shorts for Australia and a pair or two of trousers. We were coaxed into buying meals for £10 which gave us £10 each off ladies clothing - has to be done, so £20 was saved on my purchases - great result. We enjoyed a wee panini for lunch and then went to Penicuik to see the conservatory Les is building for my brother Andrew. Am I giving the wedding cake any thought during all of this - NO not at all. See episode 2 - next post
Reason for making: Our very good friends Malcolm and Helen getting married after 30 + years together - wedding date 29 April to coincide with the Royal Wedding (will have to tape the other one!)
Tuesday - raisins, currants and cherries to soak in brandy - two types used as insufficient of one kind (hope this is allowed, Nigella didn't mention that happening!!)
Tuesday night - Visit Scotland lady in the house doing her overnight stay to assess our B&B operation
Wednesday - Tied up during the morning with said lady, then off to Jedburgh for lunch and chat with Ann (friend and ex neighbour), we researched going to London to the Tate gallery to see the watercolour exhibition and I fitted up a new mouse to her computer (She thought I was a very clever IT person), then over to June (another ex neighbour) for more chat and catch up. Then home for 20 mins, and then off to eat with Mum in the village of Denholm, followed by Community Council meeting at 7 pm - and who was remembering the fruit soaking for the wedding cake?? Certainly not me ...
Thursday - Off to Edinburgh with sister Sue to do a quick trip to John Lewis to change bras, have a coffee, drive to the M&S in the Gyle for long shorts for Australia and a pair or two of trousers. We were coaxed into buying meals for £10 which gave us £10 each off ladies clothing - has to be done, so £20 was saved on my purchases - great result. We enjoyed a wee panini for lunch and then went to Penicuik to see the conservatory Les is building for my brother Andrew. Am I giving the wedding cake any thought during all of this - NO not at all. See episode 2 - next post
Friday, 25 February 2011
Wedding cake journey - Episode 2
4 pm Thursday, arrived home and realised I need to get this wedding cake made!!
It seemed to take ages to prepare everything, with chopping up pecan nuts, sifting flour and chopped almonds through a sieve that seemed to be on a go-slow. The mixture got heavier and heavier and looked quite honestly 'not very nice' at one point. I soldiered on, wondering who did I think I was making a wedding cake when I have never made a fruit cake in my life before - that is a very good question.
By 5 pm the cake was in the oven, with special brown paper innards in the tin, and specially cut newspaper (double layer) round the outside tied with gold thread as I couldn't find any string - I think Nigella would be quite impressed with that.
Sue and Jeremy (sister and hubby) came to join us and we all ate our £10 meals for two from M&S, leaving the kitchen, which had the strong aroma of fruit cake merrily cooking away in it, at approx 7pm. At 8.23 to be precise I screamed "the cake" and could have wept at how burnt it looked. There were some pretty hard currants stuck on the top of it. What happened to all the layers of protective paper etc - ummmmm I just left it in the FAN oven too long and didn't allow for the fan element - So much to learn and so little time to do it in. See episode 3, promise the story will end soon, and there may even be a photo!!
It seemed to take ages to prepare everything, with chopping up pecan nuts, sifting flour and chopped almonds through a sieve that seemed to be on a go-slow. The mixture got heavier and heavier and looked quite honestly 'not very nice' at one point. I soldiered on, wondering who did I think I was making a wedding cake when I have never made a fruit cake in my life before - that is a very good question.
By 5 pm the cake was in the oven, with special brown paper innards in the tin, and specially cut newspaper (double layer) round the outside tied with gold thread as I couldn't find any string - I think Nigella would be quite impressed with that.
Sue and Jeremy (sister and hubby) came to join us and we all ate our £10 meals for two from M&S, leaving the kitchen, which had the strong aroma of fruit cake merrily cooking away in it, at approx 7pm. At 8.23 to be precise I screamed "the cake" and could have wept at how burnt it looked. There were some pretty hard currants stuck on the top of it. What happened to all the layers of protective paper etc - ummmmm I just left it in the FAN oven too long and didn't allow for the fan element - So much to learn and so little time to do it in. See episode 3, promise the story will end soon, and there may even be a photo!!
Wedding cake journey - Episode 3
Lovely Les (husband) was saying that you can't go wrong with fruit cakes - he must have made a few in his time (not), Sue was trying to reassure me it would be okay, by now I just saw the funny side and thought I would be starting again with Sue in close attendance and no movement away from the kitchen while it cooked.
Woke on Friday to give my wee cake some TLC, trimmed all the sides off, and tasted a bit and it somehow tasted of fruit cake, albeit a bit dry - more brandy required clearly coz I cooked the other stuff out... took a wee burnt bit sample to Sue, with the cake double wrapped in foil (coz Nigella said), and Sue pronounced it would be okay with marzipan and icing on, and liberal doses of brandy between now and 29 April.
So, we achieved a happy ending eventually, I think - the wedding is small and will only have 16 guests and they will only want small pieces and by the time I trim the top and the bottom too, they will only be getting a small piece!! Maybe I should just go to the bakers and order a sponge cake ...... I just wanted to do this special thing for our mates.
Think I will stick to drop scones and rocky road in the future - more my style .......
Woke on Friday to give my wee cake some TLC, trimmed all the sides off, and tasted a bit and it somehow tasted of fruit cake, albeit a bit dry - more brandy required clearly coz I cooked the other stuff out... took a wee burnt bit sample to Sue, with the cake double wrapped in foil (coz Nigella said), and Sue pronounced it would be okay with marzipan and icing on, and liberal doses of brandy between now and 29 April.
So, we achieved a happy ending eventually, I think - the wedding is small and will only have 16 guests and they will only want small pieces and by the time I trim the top and the bottom too, they will only be getting a small piece!! Maybe I should just go to the bakers and order a sponge cake ...... I just wanted to do this special thing for our mates.
Think I will stick to drop scones and rocky road in the future - more my style .......
Tuesday 22 February - where did that month go?
We had a few hours of real warm sunshine today - what a complete treat while it lasted, we are now back to rain! One of the targets this week is to make a wedding cake for some friends who tie the knot at the end of April. All of the ingredients are in Janets' larder and Sue (sister) showed me how to line a square tin professionally - what a range of talents she has - I would have just greased it and hoped for the best. She also tells me I have to wrap newspaper around the outside of the tin and tie it with string to stop the outside edges of the cake burning. Photos will follow through that journey.
Yesterday saw me driving Mark (piano tuner) to Berwick, Eyemouth, Burnmouth and back to Berwick. My entertainment for the day was visiting the loo in Tesco (new store with no coffee shop), walking along the pier to the lighthouse and running round it 3 times (Les doesn't believe that part!, but it IS true), reading and finishing my book, shopping and coffee in Morrisons, making phone calls, meeting and chatting to a lovely couple in Berwick (new customers) and a lady who I could have talked to all day in Burnmouth, helping ish to move an upright piano and a brilliant walk down the very steep hill to the sea at Burnmouth, and back up the rough road and even steeper hill at the other side. Took some photos on my mobile - will see what they are like ...
Yesterday saw me driving Mark (piano tuner) to Berwick, Eyemouth, Burnmouth and back to Berwick. My entertainment for the day was visiting the loo in Tesco (new store with no coffee shop), walking along the pier to the lighthouse and running round it 3 times (Les doesn't believe that part!, but it IS true), reading and finishing my book, shopping and coffee in Morrisons, making phone calls, meeting and chatting to a lovely couple in Berwick (new customers) and a lady who I could have talked to all day in Burnmouth, helping ish to move an upright piano and a brilliant walk down the very steep hill to the sea at Burnmouth, and back up the rough road and even steeper hill at the other side. Took some photos on my mobile - will see what they are like ...
Monday, 21 February 2011
Driving the piano man 21 Feb
Photo 1 - Berwick lighthouse on a dull, bitingly cold day
Photo 2 - A cute row of holiday lets in Burnmouth, I loved the colours and they brightened up a grey day
Photo 3 - The same pic from a different angle, the cottage at the end is for sale if anyone is interested!
Photo 4 - Boats in Burnmouth harbour
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Charity breakfast
We hosted a breakfast for four this morning (Helen, Syd, Eleanor and Anthony) - they bid for this in the Auction of Promises held last year to raise funds for the Ruberslaw Church roof in Denholm. They tucked in in a hearty fashion and kept us amused with their stories - great fun!
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Wednesday
What a busy day - sorting out cupboards, haircut for Sydney and a back massage for a very sore arm and shoulder (having to lay off swimming crawl as the pain is too much - and I had achieved my mile per session target!) maybe that's what did it. All this followed by an advanced driving session - will be sitting my test in April - feel ready to get it done now. Desperate to get outside this weekend and prepare our hard standing for motorbikes - then we can bring on the bikers!!
Monday, 7 February 2011
Snow threatening Monday
Weather report - very wild, windy and horizontal rain through the night, the river at the back is running extremely high, and now snowflakes in amongst the rain too.
Travel report - leaving soon to go to Edinburgh for an overnight before setting off for Fort William in the morning. We are visiting Heather and Nick at Dalcomera B&B near Ben Nevis - check out their website
http://www.dalcomera.co.uk/ Bec (my daughter) and Lauren (her friend) are going to see and experience the jewellery workshop and I am going to compare notes on running B&Bs.
Weekend report - very busy here with my brother and his wife, and my school friend from 1971 and her partner staying over, all topped off with various other visitors across the two days. Most of the hilarity was around the kitchen table - very cosy!
Travel report - leaving soon to go to Edinburgh for an overnight before setting off for Fort William in the morning. We are visiting Heather and Nick at Dalcomera B&B near Ben Nevis - check out their website
http://www.dalcomera.co.uk/ Bec (my daughter) and Lauren (her friend) are going to see and experience the jewellery workshop and I am going to compare notes on running B&Bs.
Weekend report - very busy here with my brother and his wife, and my school friend from 1971 and her partner staying over, all topped off with various other visitors across the two days. Most of the hilarity was around the kitchen table - very cosy!
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
District news and driving the piano man
District news done and dusted for this week for the Southern Reporter and the Hawick News (local papers), topics include the Boys Brigade coffee morning, Community Council summary of minutes of last meeting and the Police report for the local area.
Off to a meeting tonight to see which shifts I am picking up for driving Mark Fulcher, the piano tuner, who is registered blind. This is a great way to spend a day - driving Mark to his different appointments all over the Borders - he spends approx 1.5 hrs per piano. Sometimes I am asked in for a cup of tea, other times I read or go for long walks, or shopping or to a coffee shop. Mark is a character and knows all the routes in their intimate detail and will let me know if I take a wrong turn!
Off to a meeting tonight to see which shifts I am picking up for driving Mark Fulcher, the piano tuner, who is registered blind. This is a great way to spend a day - driving Mark to his different appointments all over the Borders - he spends approx 1.5 hrs per piano. Sometimes I am asked in for a cup of tea, other times I read or go for long walks, or shopping or to a coffee shop. Mark is a character and knows all the routes in their intimate detail and will let me know if I take a wrong turn!
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Sunday all day
After our swim in Jedburgh we had a leisurely start to the day with a late breakfast and the Sunday papers - this is an absolute treat and a rare thing! Woodburner is alight and we are settled for a peaceful day at home. Weather is damp and dreeck so no plans to do anything in that. We are busy recovering our breakfast room chairs - photo to follow. Les is in charge of the stapler and I'm in charge of fabric preparation. This is our beautiful curtain material which I bought second hand from a very posh house with very long windows - recycling at its best.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Playing with collages
I've just discovered the collage option in Picasa - and am very pleased with the results. I have offered to supply the local church with some of my photos for their Parish Magazines, and thought this was the best way to show some of what I have - see the results. I also aim to sell some of my prints in frames to guests in the summer.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Admin, admin, admin
Need to do all of this office stuff so I can focus on the fun stuff like going out to see friends and shopping for the holiday let - we will need an highly organised plan of action to turn the house round in one month (April) ready for holiday lets in May. This is all very exciting and feels like playing dolls houses when I was a kid! Swum 50 again this morning - feeling good.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Admin day today
After my 50 lengths this morning and aquarobics last night I am feeling very sporty and energetic - long may it continue! Today, it's time to update booking in forms, breakfast menus, registration forms etc for the B&B. My aim is to make it as simple as poss for the guests and simple and logical for us to deal with and monitor business going forward. I also have the literature from Cottages 4 You for the Jedburgh potential holiday let - must get reading ...
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Tourist information for B&B rooms
This was one of the targets for the day and mission was accomplished - which has prompted me to visit Jedburgh and Hawick tourist info centres tomorrow to check that they have our details - as we are paying the money now I need to know we are being promoted. We had our first email enquiry via Visit Scotland yesterday, whoohoo!!
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Cooking conquests
Made my first batch of chutney yesterday and I can confirm that it is delicious. Throw everything into the pot, boil and then simmer for 2 hours - very easy! Recipe below:
900g tomatoes, skins removed (drop in boiling water, leave for 30 seconds, then plunge into cold water)
225g onions, chopped
225 g raisins
225g caster sugar
600 ml malt vinegar
Makes 3 x 450g jars
Chop skinned tomatoes rougly, drop into a preserving pan, add raisins, onions and caster sugar. Pour vinegar in, bring to the boil, and then simmer for 2 hours uncovered. Put into warm sterilised jars. Seal with a wax disc and cellophane top.
900g tomatoes, skins removed (drop in boiling water, leave for 30 seconds, then plunge into cold water)
225g onions, chopped
225 g raisins
225g caster sugar
600 ml malt vinegar
Makes 3 x 450g jars
Chop skinned tomatoes rougly, drop into a preserving pan, add raisins, onions and caster sugar. Pour vinegar in, bring to the boil, and then simmer for 2 hours uncovered. Put into warm sterilised jars. Seal with a wax disc and cellophane top.
Monday, 17 January 2011
Outside calling!
Spring cleaning of guest bedrooms today - I love it when they are freshly prepared and the sun is shining through the windows and the superb view is in it's full glory. All done now, and the sun is calling me outside .. gotta go!
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Sunny Sunday 16 January
It's going to be a wood cutting day and stack up for the woodburner. Sun is shining and the rain has stopped. Outside duties are calling!
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Preparation for the 2011 season
Painting, decorating and cleaning all taking place to get the B&B ready for our first guests of the year on 28 and 29 January. We are also doing our research for turning our Jedburgh property into holiday lets as of May 2011 - both very excited about this development!
Another wet Saturday
Les and I took in a swim first thing in the morning - all part of the recovery programme after his knee operation, and I did my usual 30 lengths, aiming for sets of 40 next week, and back up to one mile by the following week. I'm doing a triathlon in May with a 400m swim, 13m cycle and a 4m run - so need to get training! I'm hoping to persuade Les to do the swim element.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Thursday
30 lengths of the pool to start the day, then more marketing for the B&B, followed by advanced driving concentrating on roundabouts and the system (technical term), then coffee at Lochcarron - what a great day and Bec came for tea too!
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