The other day, my son called me and asked me for details of his favourite Christmas pudding, that he and I used to make when he was little, as he was proposing making our puddings for when we go to Becca's for our very early family dinner later on in November. On this occasion, I couldnt help Mark with the recipe, as the particular book that it is in, was in my French kitchen. Soooo annoying, as we often find that odd things like that are in the wrong place!
Relaying this story to Clive a day later, he suggested I check out on Amazon to see if the book was still available secondhand...and amazingly I got the 1968 edition (I am getting VERY old!!). This edition has now arrived, and apart from the book, crammed inside it are handwritten recipes in a very elderly looking handwriting. The book was barely touched, in terms of use, so I was really pleased. My version in France was very well thumbed on all my favourite pages, with splashes and so on. So now I am ready to help Mark with all his favourite childhood recipes! No doubt he wont be asking again!
Our preferred version of Xmas pudding uses butter rather than suet, and no nuts, as I am not keen on them! But everybody seems to have a favourite way of doing things. On this trip to France, I had to bring with me, some Atora Suet and some Barley wine, for an English friend who needs them for her recipe....neither of which would I use!
As a family, for the past 30 years, we have always had a goose for our Christmas dinner...and because this year, there will only be Clive, myself and my Mum, I thought I would be able to tempt Clive with something else, more suitable in size for 3 people....but no, he would like Goose! So I am hoping we can find a smallish one from somewhere.....old habits die hard, dont they. And before you say it, a duck wont do! I already suggested that!
What are you all having?...I'd love to hear!
Just as the UK is being battered and soaked by heavy storms, we are enjoying very mild and calm days. I am spending my time trying to do some painting, and Clive has been working on the boat, getting it ready for next year.
Tonight we are off to meet some new friends! They phoned us recently to invite us to supper...purely on the strength that we are some of the very few Brits living in this small village. It will be very interesting to find out what they get up to down here, and to participate more fully in the area. They still have children at home, whereas ours are long gone, and so it will be lovely to have some young company....especially for Clive as these kids are very keen sailors!
My mother has been 'baby sitting' our cats at home in the UK, and by all accounts they are being well looked after. They are being 'fed on demand' rather than the usual more restricted offerings we give them! One of our cats, 'Jelly' is such a big boy, and weighs in at 24lbs....although he is not the biggest eater!
Tonight we shall also be watching X Factor...luckily we all have UK tv on satellite, so I am hoping the Lloyd doesnt get through, or the Jedwards, and that Oli and Danyl go through for next week!
We shall watch with interest. The only thing is, we cannot vote from France! Now how sad is that!
Back again soon!
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