Babotie

this is my sisters recipe for babotie and as you can see each has their own version.
 I usually don't cook the ground beef before so cook the whole thing a lot longer like 1 hour.
I also add about 2 tablespoons sugar with the curry and vinegar

Cunard cruise 2012

Cunard cruise out of Athens

We left home on time and yet ended up sort of rushing all the way onto the plane. not too badly though.

Flight not bad Mark had gotten us on the right hand side so sleeping was a bit easier, but I couldn't find the eye mask so was hassled by flickering of the Tv screens in front of us. Got to Frankfurt and got a stamp in my passport. Had a couple hours to burn. Did a painting and they had free coffee and such. Then onto Rome.  The guy in Houston had put us in different rows for some odd reason but I got to switch  and joined Mark . Sat next to a German man from Heidelberg hee hee the original Heidelberg. He was very nice and was going to Rome on business but had lived in Houston for a while back in the day. Arrived did the get the bags trick . Then onto the plane for Athens both coming into Rome and leaving for Athens we had to catch a bus to the plane and climb on board.  Got to Athens and decided to catch the train. Was not really a hassle and saved us a bunch. Was sort of fun. Girls on one side of us and boys on the other almost like an invisible line. Got to Athens after a line change and walked the few blocks to the hotel. Was tired but still had to go up to the roof to see the acropolis and send messages. Awesome sight. My one toe attacked the other so it is very sore should have put a bandaid on when first noticed it.

Off to bed. Slept well and Mark woke me too soon. But up we got and had a lovely breakfast. Good buffet and they had both hot and cold and good coffee and Greek Yogurt with honey. Tastes like whipped topping almost. With a gorgeous view of the acropolis from the dining room.

Then off the two blocks to the acropolis and up we began. Man it is high and I kept  looking at this old dog who seemed to think he needed to escort us up there. Made me feel if he could so could I.  So much to see and all amazing. We started to see the temples and such and I kept thinking Lord did this just drive you crazy seeing all this effort for nothing essentially. Then we took massive amounts of photos of it and the views from up there. It is quite amazing. They are working and excavating and all the stones and stuff have numbers or markers it is quite interesting. The day we were there they were doing GPS stuff with a balloon over the place with a camera hanging from it. It is all very beautiful and huge. They light the whole thing up at night which looks amazing. Took some pictures of the life size replicas in the metro station of the man and horses that were on the frieze.  Dogs and cats all over the place.

Then we went down the other side to Monistriaki  via the agora. Bought bottled water there cheaper than anywhere 35c each amazing. Walked around the agora and saw the other temple.  And the church which is tiny but gorgeous and being restored. fabulous inside and out both. Then off to stroll and found another little church that was totally covered in art I mean every square inch. They had a small stall and table with stuff for sale inside which made me think of Jesus and His getting really angry at the tables in the temple.

There are olive trees all over it is awesome and they seemed ripe And dropping and the birds were eating them.

Found the flea market by accident and strolled it. Then up through the square to Starbucks for coffee and then off again. Found  the nice regular shops. Then  across and through the Plaka.  Bought some olive wood ornaments. glad I did I almost waited for Israel which won't happen now.

Bought lunch of a sandwich and some spinach pie which was lovely in a flaky pastry and went to nap.

Back again and buying stuff, a dress for me, the cheaper version, and a scarf silk painted from the South African guy. had seen it before lunch but wanted to check out prices he was 8 e and others were up to 17e.  Some paintings of the different islands we are supposed to go to. And a pendant And some soap for David and Naph. Couldn't find the jacket I wanted at  good price so have to see or make it. Really cool but very expensive. It is like the one from buyaka but much longer and they wrap it a few ways.  Then we had dinner in the Plaka at a lovely restaurant had Greek salad and a plate of three soflakia  chicken, pork, and veal pita bread and statsiki  sauce yum.

Went back to the hotel and crashed. Really tired. Woke at 3am for A bit then back to sleep till 8am. Then up breakfast packed and back on the train. Quick change of stations and off to the port. I told Mark I was earning my scarf with the taxi savings.

Got a taxi in Piraes to the port. Learning to say hello yassa and thank you efgaristo .

Lady at the ship from South Africa need to send her the biltong recipe.

Not too bad getting on but they have cancelled Israel I am very sad but determined to enjoy this to the fullest and deal with that later. They did rocket Jerusalem yesterday so guess it is for the good

Food good had pate and beef with horseradish and branson pickle, smoked fish and bread pudding and trifle so far tea lousy as usual hee hee but they have oval tine and hot cHocolate and coffee and hot milk so you can make a latte.

Popped in at cruise critic to meet folks met some we had met in line hee hee that were supposed to be leading a group in Jerusalem so oh shucks for them.  Met a couple in line from California Debbie and Jerry and we keep seeing them around the ship. He fell off his bike oops was an emt and in law enforcement now retired. She works for AAA

Heard they may have classes to make the masks and hats for the ascot balls that would be fun. Pat is our stateroom attendant from the Philipines. The cases arrived and I unpacked before Mark got back from listening to the strings group. Had to not only take the life jacket to drill but put it on as well. bathroom very tiny even for a ship definitely can't get two of us in there at all unless one is in the shower. Toiletries great though bottles wonderful will have to save a few. Bed bigger than the hotels thou so that is good . In the hotel we would crash if we turned over.

Almost time to go dress for dinner. Cunard seems fun except when they put on the soccer in the lovely  quiet lounge we had found.

 Dinner our busboy is Alfred and Geronimo is our waiter. Service fabulous, had Thai spring rolls for starter then guinea fowl then chocolate very rich and cheese plate. Mark had shrimp then Thai spring roll and then pasta but went back to the shrimp and then Creme brûlée  now waiting for the show front row as usual. Tomorrow is Mykonos .

Woke at 4am hungry. Couldn't go back to sleep so at 6 I got up and went to the lido for a cuppa met Jack and we talked for about an hour then he went to wake his Mary and I did a drawing although I had forgotten my glasses so was a bit tricky. Went back to the room at about 7.20 and saw Debbie and Jerry on the way. Got dressed and off to breakfast.

And there I was back in primary school (elementary school for some of you) as I fell and grazed my knee and hands trying to get on the shuttle as there was a small step I didn't see

Well Mykonos was fun. We caught the shuttle bus to the town . We strolled  the shore front and Were amazed at the number of cats. Then we found the one tiny church open so went in. It was about 10 x 10 feet with a few icons and a dome and 5 chairs all odd and a small bench. Very cute almost like a doll house. It was the only one we saw with the blue dome. Mykonos is known for the windmills and the red domes on their churches. Not sure why. The houses are the traditional blue and white. With some red ones. The house is white washed and has blue or red doors and shutters and loads of pots of flowers very pretty. The stairs often don't have hand rails or sides scare the willies out of me to think of going up with something in your hands

We wandered all the back alleys and found a store with real oil paintings and bought a small one. Got my knitted jacket and the sheet of how to wear it. In purple

Wore out so came back for lunch and a nap.

Then tea and a quick look around outside.

Tonight is the black and white ball.  Am wearing my blue with the white stripe, it is the best I can do and I added a Black shawl

Mark looks cute in his suit. met a few South African staff today. One in the breakfast place and one in the pursers but he says there are a bunch down there. It is also the show night tonight and the Cunard ball

Wore. My blue dress and had fun show was gorgeous. Jerry and Debbie joined us in the front row

Up early off to breakfast and then out and about. We walked Izmir and saw loads of stuff. Especially tea being delivered around and about. Cups abandoned we saw the schools  then found the market. It is. Rabbit warren but fun. Got a gorgeous bunch of scarves and stuff. Found a bridal store and bought a veil. Bought the veil and hat combo and love it wore it to lunch and had folks laugh and comment. Bought some table mats and some hand towels with embroidery on them. Got some mini dolls and bought a cup spoon and saucer. Bought a shawl in gold sequins for $6 and one guy was very helpful and gave us his card. Took pictures of a few folks one lady making bread out in the open. Bought a stylish poncho for also $6 I was his first $ customer of his new shop

Got back had lunch and then nap. Then getting dressed when we got the call. Would we like to eat at the captains table of course we said yes and had the safety officer David Hudson and Tara the captains secretary then the magic show. Saw the singers and some dancers on the way out and said hi and how much we love the shows.

 Well today is Rhodes. So off we go to see the old walled city. It looks great from up here. Very old castle style and has a castle in it. Went out And got in at the first gate in the walls. Found a church ruin and took some pictures. Then strolled all around found a lady sewing in her doorway and asked and took her picture. Also got one of a lady at her carpet loom. Bought 3 paintings and then saw one  of the Parthenon so got that too. Bought a runner for on the mantle. Got another shawl and am wearing it tonight.

Walked the back roads of the old city in almost all directions then went out and along the outside of the wall.  was fun but a bit scary at times as the guard rail was very low And the moat very deep. views gorgeous though. Came back in through the double moat by the castle. Saw the mosque and clock tower.

And got great pictures. Walked our feet flat. Came back and slept after lunch. Desserts are very good and so very bad. The nap was very serious 2 hours but we often don't get to bed till 1am. And then up early to go see. We have actually decided on this ship we would do better with early dinner. That way we could get both shows if we liked.  Had tea and had fruit cake which was good. Took a few minutes to paint today and painted the windmill right by the ship. Was fun had a guy come discuss about painting was fun.

Asked to be moved to early dinner and went up to eat in the lido.

Tonight is the singers and dancers show the hotel one was great. Sat on the front and Debbie and Jerry joined us.

Today is Antalya and so we got up had breakfast and got the shuttle into town. Hmmm not  too much to see we walked along the top and took some pictures then walked through the bazaar and back on the shuttle back to the ship. Had lunch and nap and then I went to paint did the view out the window which was lovely misty clouds on mountains and a marina. Had early dinner with Sheila and Nigel then off to the show

The show tonight is the Swarovski crystal violin guy ok.

Today is Limassol and we got the shuttle and off we went. Walked around saw the castle from outside and strolled a bit downtown in the old section. Bought a belt and a few things then painted a bit of the old olive tree while waiting for the show to begin. Didn't stay as it was too crowded. First time this cruise we have felt crowded. Came back had lunch and nap and then painting again. Finished the olive tree and did a bit of the port. Had tea and then went to get ready for dinner. Went to Lido food better as it is Thanksgiving and we don't like turkey. Had prime rib instead and pecan pie yum.

Now off to the show the broadway guy. Not as good as I had hoped he uses force instead of melody with his singing.  Tired so off to bed.

A day at sea and relaxation whoo hoo. Woke early had breakfast then I went and painted my nails and then painted a picture. Mark is working in the cabin.  Then I went to the camera talk and it was not as good as hoped for. Then lunch and nap. Then off to paint. Finished the Mykonos painting then had dinner in lido Is the dancers tonight. Went to show and it was grand they cancelled Egypt so we stayed for the second show. The captain sounded like the queen when he made the announcement. They ran out of Horlicks  tonight boo hoo.

So a sea day tomorrow then Santorini the next day. Mark found out the Jerusalem guys names Alex and Jim.

A slow sea day took a second photography class and then painted a picture of the Acropolis. Then lunch and off to nap. Then we did the photo essay of the ship. Off to dinner and now the show. 4 ever. We are told we will have short day tomorrow in Santorini and then do an overnighter in Malta they seem to be intent on stealing part if not all of the ports I most wanted.

The show was great same as last time.

Santorini well we were up and out early had to go to the queens room for tender tickets saw Jerry and Debbie, tendered in and caught the cable car e4 each, at the top we went to the bus station and caught the local bus to Oia about 20 minutes away. It is gorgeous so glad we did the bus trip, took bunches of pictures I think Mark said 700 each. Amazing. Then back on the bus and back to Fira. Saw some good stuff there but not enough time to really go see. But glad we went to Oia. Back on board and off to dinner.  The show is the comedian who hassled some folks and they fought right back which was quite funny in itself.

Sort of sea day  so I painted some again  finished the Acropolis and then did one of  Santorini  as we get to Malta this evening. They did open the crew decks out front for us coming into port which was fun.  Saw a gondola with a motor and the cutest buildings right in the wharf. Then off to Lido dinner. Saw Jerry and Debbie and they are going out with Peter and Liz so invited us and off we went to explore the town. The steep road was a trip with the hop on hop off guys trying to tempt us with e2 for the trip. then the stairs nearly killed me. Was great. Christmas  lights all over. lovely buildings.  Had hot chocolate and found out where the hot spot was for tomorrow. Back onboard  and off to bed.

Got up early had breakfast and off to town again no euros, so need to get money. Found a jeweler selling Maltese crosses and bargained to get them for everything I had at the time. Almost what he was asking so he said fine. Went to st Paul's shipwreck church and some fun buildings. Got money and went back to the Christmas store. Then found a flea market that is regular stuff for the locals and such. Walked some more and got Christmas mince pies from Marks and Spencer's after a major up and over trick in the shop going over a bridge across an alley, kind of fun.  Came back exhausted but painted the cute buildings right after lunch. Had a nap now off to dinner and the dancers show .show was lovely stayed for both. Went to the chocolate extravaganza and had some and took pictures.

Today was supposed to be Naples but it is too windy gusts of up to 50 knots he just said so no Naples. Probably a wobbly day at sea. Well we decided it was spa day then and had a massage now I have poofy hair hee hee.  Took a nap it is a bit rough right now so not that much fun but hey it is day 11 or 12 depends on how you count it.

A lump of significance or not

There was this earache, and then this lump at the back of my throat, and well off to the doc right? Abscess, she says, have a course of antibiotics, and then when it didn’t go, try that again. Then, Ok now ENT, who stuck her fingers in there and felt it and says hmmm maybe not, go for an MRI it seems like a tumor. So 1 MRI later, she says, hmm go see the cancer docs, although I don’t think it is cancer. SO we took a bit to think and talk and make decisions, before emotions are raging. SO off to see doc Zafereo and his group. His young lady comes in and says, with this cancer they usually do radiation instead of surgery. (I had decided I am not that brave to have radiation in my head thanks) so said, Hmm I don’t think so, I really don’t want to do radiation in my head. Poor lady was somewhat astounded. She says ‘but that is better than surgery,’ “nope says I, I don’t think so.’  Next she says, he will probably put a camera up your nose and take a biopsy. Shame she really was miss cheerful wasn’t she. Anyway, He then arrives and says, hmm doesn’t look like cancer. So we usually go in and take it out.  I said good, I was spanked as a kid and prefer the  bad stuff to be gotten over and done with, none of this time out for weeks and weeks thanks. They were all too young and just stared at me. Somehow I liked that better. Then he wants a CT scan and some other tests and yes still wants the blood doctors tests done.  He also checked the lump on the back of my neck and says he will check the MRI as well but thinks it is nothing.
So Wed afternoon I am off to the blood doc. He is super nice and his lady gets all the 7 or so bottles of blood not too badly with only one stick whoo hoo and a butterfly at that. The Blood doc is very thorough and does a serious overall exam as well as the chat and says see you next week for more blood and where was that MRI done. Here says I, good says he I think I will check it out. Cool another pair of eyes never hurt.
The weirdest part is miss worry wart is calm the whole way through this. I have been pretty calm and sassy. But the amazing part is God. A few years ago He started teaching me that there is a greater picture and that I only see as if through a doors peep hole and so I think what I see is all there is, but there is still a whole universe to be had past my view. He also taught me, He can use anything even yuck stuff for His glory. The book : It’s not about me. By Max Lucado showed me a whole new idea and world of thought. Then there is the music. Scott Kripayne’s Sometimes He calms the storm. It says sometimes He calms the storm and other times He hold us close and lets the winds and waves go wild and calms His child. SO I learned to pray Lord please calm the storm or calm your child Knowing He will hold me tight through it. Then Toby Mac’s I was made to love you. Wow that too ministered big time and still does.
Then the bible studies Breaking free learning that God can take it away or take you through it. And Psalms both by Beth Moore. About God holding you inside His hand, Like a precious jewel He might hold tightly to. Then back to the music Kerrie Roberts song No matter what. And  Mercy me’s album coming up to breathe with songs like Praise you in this storm and coming up to breathe itself. When I look back back there, I asked God to show me how to get closer to Him and what I could do for Him, rather than the usual what will God do for me. This has been a way longer journey than I ever imagined, when I think about it. They say this is a slow growing tumor so I wonder? And No not for a minute do I think God gave it to me but He may have allowed it, knowing the course I was taking and what I would learn in the meantime. Then more of Beth Moore’s studies Ester, James and a whole lot more. Then the book Captivating by John and Staci Eldrige, then the song Tell me once again who I am to you. By Jason Gray.
Way back in the day and I mean way back, I had a few dreams that came true and then there was one that kind of scared me and didn’t come true and quite frankly I was grateful. I dreamed I was on a bus with a lot of other folks who were in as much trouble as I was. It was not clear exactly why we were there but our faith in God was about to be challenged in fact to the point of death in some cases. We were taken from the bus and put into rooms and almost everything was taken from us but I somehow managed to keep a bible. (Made me think all I get to take into surgery is my faith) Anyway the testing began and was no fun, some was painful and at times very painful, yet was never really clear and concise what the pain was about, just the impression of dealing with pain and being asked do you still believe in Your God. I awoke never finding out how far it eventually went, but having a clear word from God that I was faithful through it. I am wondering has this portion of my life been like a semester and this is the test. Will I put into practice all I have learned. I hope so. Another thing I have been impressed with was that God may allow us to go through these things as a way to get His word and love to the folks in these hospitals. In other words they might never go to church so God brings them His love and worship (through our worship music and attitude and maybe words written from His bible surrounding us to comfort us and thus showing others His love).
 SO I am asking God to use this anyway He can, anytime He wants, now or later. I am also asking Him to hold me close and help me through it as best I can. Maybe that is why so far when I get anxious and sad or worry I go to His word and His songs and fill my tank with His love and knowledge of His caring. Please pray with me that He will keep me strong in faith and do whatever will give Him the most glory through this mess I find myself in. I might die somewhere in this and I know that. In fact there are many places along the journey I could die, and yet I do not have any fear of dying itself. I am afraid of the getting dead through pain part, yet even that is not terrifying anymore. I know there will be pain and lots of it, yet I am calm about that too. ( I can only take Tylenol for pain, no heavy hitters). I can’t explain it. I know it has to be God. I am OK with them using me as a donor in fact I would love that if they can and I believe it is on my driver license but Mark and the kids know. In fact I wondered if I should ask if I can nominate who gets what or at least credit for some organs so they can get bumped up the list. I mean I have 2 friends waiting for kidneys and one for a heart. So I guess all this to say Please pray for me on this journey and pray I am aware of things I could do to reflect God and His love at every turn. If I die I will see you in heaven and if you aren’t sure you are going you had better ask someone or me cos I sure don’t want to miss you when I am there. Someone said Hell is locked from the inside as those inside choose to stay there. Please don’t make that choice.

elephant tree

to go along with my weird post on mushroom circles
I was driving along and stooped at a light. I looked at the tree next to me and went oh my stars, that looks like an eye. So I whipped out my trusty camera and took this quick shot.
 As I framed it it seemed the branch on the left hand side sort of looks like an elephant trunk
so here is my seeing tree

Then we were at church and a Turkey vulture came to visit so here he is too

This has been an odd week for natural occurrences it seems as a hawk had lunch on my roof this weekend as well and left his mess for me to clean up. He surely needs better manners

Well that's all the weird news for this week

some new art

Mary's jam tart

Mary's jam tart

Sunday, July 22, 2012

10:00 AM

1 cup flour

1 cup coconut

3 Tablespoons sugar

Pinch of salt

100gram of Margarine

Rub margarine into dry ingredients

Press into pie pan (you can save a bit for sprinkling on top)

Stir jam of choice in bottle to make it easier to spread and spread a generous amount on the pie base

Sprinkle saved base over top

Bake at 300 for 45 minutes

PS I find 3/4 of each enough for a pyrex pie plate

Icing recipe/ frosting recipe

Carol's Icing recipe

Saturday, July 21, 2012

11:42 AM

2 pounds Powdered sugar (icing sugar)

1/2 cup hot water

1 1/2 cups crisco (lard)

1 teaspoon flavoring like vanilla or crème bouquet

Pinch of salt

Beat all together till light and fluffy

Butter flavored crisco will make light yellow frosting and 1/2 butter and half regular will make cream

Meringues

Meringues

Thursday, July 19, 2012

10:16 AM

1 egg white

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 Tablespoons boiling water

8oz castor sugar (can use American regular sugar)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking powder

Put sugar, viegar and water in bowl

Add egg white and whip till thick

Add vanilla and baking powder

Beat 1 minute

Pipe onto baking sheet

Place in oven warmed to 350 and switch oven off

Check back in about an hour

Fruit cake

Fruit cake

Thursday, July 19, 2012

10:03 AM

1 pound  fruit I use a mixture of glace' and raisins both regular and golden

1 cup water

3/4 cup sugar 1 stick of margarine or butter

Place the above in a large pot and bring to the boil

Boil 5 minutes

While cooling add spices

4 ml of cinnamon

Pinch of nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon mixed spice

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon instant coffee

Add 2 well beaten eggs

Add

 chopped nuts or peanut butter about 1 heaped tablespoon

2 cups of flour

1 teaspoon Bicarbonate

 You can add cherries and nuts without changing the other quantities

 Bake @300 for about an hour or till skewer comes out clean

Remove from oven and pour over it 2 capfuls of brandy if you like while still hot

Aunt Cynthia's cheese puffs

Aunt Cynthia’s cheese puffs

2 cups flour

3 ½ teaspoons baking powder

Pinch salt

1 teaspoon powdered mustard (prepared is fine too)

1 tablespoon sugar

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups grated cheese

Mix together in a bowl, then in separate bowl, mix

1 egg

3 Tablespoons oil

1 ½ cups of milk

Together now “cut it into” the dry ingredients by pouring it in the center and using a smooth blade knife (butter knife) cut through and turn the dough over till it is mixed. Don’t overmix or you will “kill” the baking powder

Spoon into mini muffin pans and bake 400 * for about 7-8 minutes till lightly golden may take a bit longer if your muffin pans are bigger

Banana Bread

Banana bread

3 ripe bananas

1/3 cup oil

2/3 cups of sugar

Mix above well in large bowl

Add

2 eggs

½ cup chopped nuts or 2 heaped tablespoons peanut butter

1 cup flour  (your choice)

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Pinch of salt

Bake in loaf pan at 375 degrees about 45 minutes till golden and cake tester comes out clean

Rain

Rain

We have been having a lot of rain of late. Almost as if there is a tropical storm hanging around. I am not complaining mind you, as we need the rain and it mostly doesn’t bother me much except when a thunder clap goes off right next to my house and I jump, oh what 6 -8 inches in the air. But still we are being blessed and it is fun. Well yesterday I walked to the mail boxes at the end of the street as usual and boy was it busy everyone was out and about in the few bits of sunshine we were having.

Firstly (about that jumping thing I mentioned well) I was strolling past my neighbor’s house and suddenly there was a huge rustle right next to me. I looked at the tree and there sat Mr. Woodpecker in all his splendor. His plume was bright red and he just sat there and looked at me, even when I spoke to him he just hopped around in much the same place, turning his head to get a better view. Perhaps he was wondering why my hair was so boring and white.

 Then the squirrels were out and about and also not in too much of a hurry or scurry to escape my approach, almost as if the weather had them drugged into a false sense of complacency. I almost tripped over a butterfly, who was ambling along, about a foot above the path and seemed to be following the path ahead of me. Made me think of that line in the movie with Meg Ryan about the butterfly getting on the subway and getting off at Sachs to buy a hat. ( from you’ve got mail)

Then I saw soooo many birds and they were all calling and chirping and making a huge racket, it was wonderful.

A few days ago I did see the hawks and the squirrel dancing down by the mail boxes. I saw the hawk swoop and thought, oops there goes a squirrel, but no. the hawk missed and returned to it’s perch in a low branch to watch. Then it tried again and this time the squirrel reared up and actually sort of attacked the hawk and it backed down and went back to its perch.  That was when I noticed a second hawk. He squirrel made a mad dash for the tree and they both chased it around the trunk as t scurried up and into the thicker part of the tree that they can’t get into. I was really amazed and thought, wow I would never have thought the squirrel could win that one. Maybe it is because I am suspecting that is the enchanted clearing.

Well it is where the mushroom circle was last week. I mean I wonder why they always grow in a circle. Have no real clue but have noticed it often. Actually there is a mushroom circle in my neighbor’s yard right now. The one down the road and this one too have something in common. They seem to develop on one side thicker and larger than the other and I wonder is this a class difference like living on the wrong side of the circle?

Well it is that time of day and the thunder storm is rolling past my window chatting away and periodically scarring the whillies out of me. I am glad the guys came to mow today and managed to get it done in the sunshine window.

 Well hoping your summer is as fun as mine

Milk tart

Milk tart

I cheat and use a pie shell already made like Pillsbury roll out and bake

Bake the pie shell empty and then fill with the following mixture

4 Tablespoons sugar

1 pint of milk (2 cups)

3Tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with a small amount of cold milk to a thin paste

Pinch of salt

2 Tablespoons of butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs separated and beat the whites like for meringues. Beat yolks separately

Bring the milk and butter and salt to a boil stir in the vanilla and sugar then remove from heat and add the yolks and then the cornstarch stirring all the time. It should thicken almost immediately if not return to the heat and stir on low till it thickens. Then fold in the egg whites and pour into the pie shell. Sprinkle with cinnamon and cool. Keep refrigerated till you serve it. Best served same day.