The new year

A huge apology for not being around as much of late. So many things have kept me away from blogging. My old oven dying and having to learn the new one. The pressure cooker also died, but now have a you beaut electric one, which I am also learning about.

Christmas was at our house this year and I did the full formal Christmas dinner, made special by using Ron's fabulous Apricot glaze on the turkey. Thank you The Merlin's Menu blog.

Now it is full steam ahead, getting ready for my 60th birthday party, which is themed 60's. Did a test run on the marque yesterday, and it will fit where we want it to go. Guest invites have been sent, food organised, tablecloths, plates, cutlery all got. I will be making my own cake, but keeping the design and flavour secret.

Photo of Chocolate and blackberry Torte made yesterday. Chocolate mouse at the bottom, blackberry compote and mascapone in the middle and fresh cream and a crumbled Flake on the top.

Wishing you all a properous NEW YEAR.

I am in love again.

With my new KITCHENAID ARTISAN.
After being a loyal friend for 38 years, my dear friend the Kenwood Chef decided that he had had enough. What to do? Buy another Kenwood or look at something else?
The forum I am an administrator on, (Violet's Pantry) are pretty well divided on this subject. Some prefer Kenwood and others love the KA.
So I did some more research and found all the wonderful colours it comes in. People said that I should get the pale pink one as my kitchen is mostly pink. But to be honest with you, to me that looked cheap.
The colour I decided on, is called Boysenberry. Hmmmm, yum.
This machine is so quiet! About half the noise of the Kenwood. And efficient. I had to cream butter until it was white, so on half speed, it managed this in under two minutes. WOW! And I could still hear the radio in the background. Ha ha.
My next post will be the cake I made, something I have never attempted before, a delicious Victoria Sponge. Stay tuned.

Vi's Pantry NO BLOG blog.

Over on Violet's Pantry forum, a certain person who goes under the username Emmcee (Gail) has started a blog. The link to it is down the bottom of this page.
V.P.W.D.H.A.B.B. BLOGSPOT. How funny is that?
Want to have a laugh? Then it is a must see.
But please leave a comment, as she has put a lot of hard work into this. (For our enjoyment)
Thank you, regards Sally.

NICE PEOPLE

I would like to give this award to the following girls, for just being NICE.
You have helped me no end with my blog, and not complained once when I ask silly questions, over and over again. I think I have got the hang of it now. LOL.

VICKY.. www.ahealthyappetite.blogspot.com/

BRENDA.. www.teandwheatenbread.blogspot.com/

GEORGE.. www.culinarytravelsofakitchengoddess.wordpress.com/

KERRY.. www.kerry-meandmythree.blogspot.com/

MARIA.. www.thegoddesskitchen.blogspot.com/

NICE matters very much to me....... THANK YOU.