Alex Cross Must Die opening line: On that mid-November Monday morning, after nearly three years of careful planning, the forty-eight-year-old man donned latex gloves and scanned the rental-car agreement one last time. My blurb: Detectives Cross and Sampson are being pulled in two directions. There is a killer out there, murdering people seemingly at random. … Continue reading Alex Cross Must Die, James Patterson
November 2023 In My Kitchen
November 2023 was full of emotions as war waged on in Gaza and Israeli hostages were released. It seems to have been the main focus for many people I know. No-one wants to see innocent lives lost or changed forever, and I can share that many tears were shed while I watched things unfold. I … Continue reading November 2023 In My Kitchen
Tante Teun B&B, Naaldwijk
Ronald and Martine are the amazing hosts at Tante Teun B&B, situated in Naaldwijk, close to The Hook of Holland. Mark, Eva, Dave and I spent a night in the area. I chose this particular B&B as their breakfasts looked amazing, and catered to vegetarians. Our rooms at Tante Teun All three rooms are … Continue reading Tante Teun B&B, Naaldwijk
Stufato Di Melanzane
Stufato Di Melanzane is an eggplant stew using what I would consider traditional Sicilian ingredients. I would usually steer away from recipes that have cooked sulatanas in them but I love using aubergines in different ways. This made a generous portion which was used not only for lunch, but with pasta for supper. Head straight … Continue reading Stufato Di Melanzane
The Secret, Lee Child
The Secret opening lines: Keith Bridgeman was alone in his room when he closed his eyes. The morning medical rounds were over. My blurb: It is 1992 and Jack Reacher is on active duty in the Military Police. He is called to form part of a task force put together to figure out who is … Continue reading The Secret, Lee Child
Banana Bars
As much as I love bananas, I did not love these banana bars. I think you have to be a fan of very ripe bananas to enjoy them. And if you are, this is the perfect recipe for you. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Banana Bars ♥ Ten years ago, a fellow … Continue reading Banana Bars
Parmigiana Bianca Di Zucchini
When I saw the recipe for Parmigiana Bianca Di Zucchini on Frank's blog I knew I had to make it. Frank said to cut the zucchini into 2-3cm thick slices in his original post (it has since been changed), but I ignored that and used his words very thinly to guide what I did. Head … Continue reading Parmigiana Bianca Di Zucchini
Ginger Chocolate Mousse
I am a huge fan of ginger and have a slice of it in my morning smoothie every day. I also love the combination with chocolate in desserts. So, for my birthday this year, I made ginger chocolate mousse to end the meal. Everyone loved it, and I even sent some home with Bev for … Continue reading Ginger Chocolate Mousse
Lamb Meatballs
As most of you will know, I am a huge fan of Mediterranean flavours. Using this as inspiration, I made lamb meatballs. They have olives and basil and whereas they might not be traditionally Greek, I served them with mint hummus. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Lamb Meatballs ♥ I became a … Continue reading Lamb Meatballs
Mint Hummus
I had some lamb mince which I used to make meatballs, and served them with this mint hummus in pita breads, for lunch. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Mint Hummus ♥ I don't think we ever go overseas without some crisis happening in the days before we leave. One year a truck … Continue reading Mint Hummus
Double Ginger Cake
Ginger forms part of my daily diet as I have a generous slice of it in my morning smoothie. I love the depth of flavour this spice adds to savoury dishes, and adore it in desserts. So, when Sherry posted her recipe for a double ginger cake, I printed it out straight away. And made … Continue reading Double Ginger Cake
Coconut Sugar Frosting
I am so impatient when making icing for my cakes so it always splits. I have to make a note that the next time I frost a cake I must use my stand mixer. And I must use the slowest speed. Regardless of the look, this coconut sugar frosting was the perfect topping for the … Continue reading Coconut Sugar Frosting
October 2023 Showcasing In My Kitchen
October 2023 will forever go down as the month that divided the world. A terrorist group slaughtered innocent people, because of their beliefs. Had this happened anywhere else in the world I feel everyone would say the terrorists were in the wrong. But because it is about Israel and Jews, this is not the case. … Continue reading October 2023 Showcasing In My Kitchen
Onwards, Karen Dudley
Onwards is about letting go and staying tethered. When Karen Dudley closed her iconic restaurant, The Kitchen, in Woodstock, Cape Town, there were tears all over for the beloved establishment. Since then, Karen has found that connection does not necessarily reside only in bricks and mortar. She has found that she can carry that deliciousness … Continue reading Onwards, Karen Dudley
Obsessed, James Patterson
Obsessed opening lines: The NYPD boat lurched and I almost slipped on the deck. The waves made a monotonous slapping sound against the boat's hull, like an uneven drumbeat, as we cut through the choppy water. My blurb: Michael Bennett has been tasked with searching for a missing girl, and not just any missing girl, … Continue reading Obsessed, James Patterson
Melanzane Alla Siciliana
My heart longs to live on a small island off the coast of Sicily. Ortigia reminds me of Venice, without the canals. The streets are narrow, the atmosphere in the piazza amazing, and it is beautiful. Every morning we walked to the market, and bought fresh produce for that day. You buy what you need, … Continue reading Melanzane Alla Siciliana
Linguine Alla Vongole
Linguine Alla Vongole has to be one of Dave's favourite pasta dishes. I have never made this for him because I am not a huge fan. I love clams, and I love pasta, but, the dish is too finicky for me. Well, that is what I thought until I made this at home. There were … Continue reading Linguine Alla Vongole
The Bookbinder Of Jericho, Pip Williams
The Bookbinder Of Jericho opening lines: Scraps. That's all I got. Fragments that made no sense without the words before or the words after. My blurb: Peggy knows that her job is to bind the books, not read them. But that is her heart's desire. To be able to read, and to study. However, she … Continue reading The Bookbinder Of Jericho, Pip Williams
Japanese Mayonnaise
I have never found a good reason to buy Japanese Mayonnaise. It is so expensive and not a necessity in my opinion. But I am in the process of testing recipes, and one of them calls for a small amount of kewpie mayonnaise. I decided it would be prudent to make my own. It really … Continue reading Japanese Mayonnaise
Fig Biscuits
I often state on my blog I will adapt a recipe and make it again. However, this seldom happens as other recipes hit the top of the pile. But I loved the dough from my garibaldi biscuits and as soon as the craving hit, I made these fig biscuits. They were delicious and proved how … Continue reading Fig Biscuits