Toward the end of Sunday service, the Minister asked, "How many of you have forgiven your enemies?"

80% held up their hands.

The Minister then repeated his question.
All responded this time, except one small elderly lady.

"Mrs. Neely, are you not willing to forgive your enemies?"
"I don't have any," she replied, smiling sweetly.

"Mrs. Neely, that is very unusual. How old are you?"
"Ninety-eight," she replied.
"Oh, Mrs. Neely, would you please come down in front & tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years & not have an enemy in the world?"
The little sweetheart of a lady tottered down the aisle, faced the congregation, and said: "I've outlived the bitches."

Snow

Welcome Molly and Tyrone!

Our latest addtions to 'animal farm',and a most original Christmas presents - Molly and Tyrone - a couple of pigeons - named after the infamous Molly of Coronation Street and her hubby! We haven't dared let them out as they may not find their way home in the snow, or even recognise the place once the snow has melted!

Tapenade

Tapenade

250g/10ozs. black olives - stone them yourselves for extra flavour - tedious yes, but worth the effort
50g/2 ozs. anchovy fillets
1 tablsp. capers
2 cloves garlic, crushed
15g/1/2 oz. basil, chopped
zest and juice of 1 lemon
200ml/12 tablsp. extra virgin olive oil

In a food processor, whiz together the olives, the anchovies and the capers.
Add garlic, basil, lemon zest and juice, then the oil.
Season with pepper.


(NOTE: the tapenade will keep for up to one month in the fridge and can be served on crostinis)

Preserved Lemons

2 lemons, scrubbed and cut lengthways into 8
75g coarse sea salt
125ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
125ml extra-virgin olive oil

In a bowl, toss lemon wedges, salt and juice. Mix well. Transfer to a 500ml glass container with a non-metal mid. ( a Kilner jar is the business)
Close container and leave at room temp. for a week, shaking daily to distribute the salt and juices evenly.

To store: Add olive oil to cover and store in fridge for up to 6 months.

Quarante Quatre '44'

Fragrant and fruity, served as a digestif or with white wine, as a aperitif,'Quarante Quatre'is one of my local recipés which, once tasted, is frequently requested!
And the good news is that, at 47 days to go to Christmas (!!!) you can make it now and serve to guests at your festive table or offer it as an original Christmas gift.

You will need:

1 litre of Calvados/clear eau-de-vie or Vokda
1 orange
44 sugar lumps
44 cloves or
44 coffee grains (I use both!)

and 44 days of patience!

Pour the Calvados into a large Kilner jar with 44 sugar lumps and 44 coffee grains or ...... if you’ve opted for cloves....
Stick the 44 cloves into an orange and add to jar.
Wait at least 44 days before tasting.
Quarante quatre will, however, keep for centuries in the Kilner jar but once it's all gone you may like to try a vingt-deux...
Add some white wine to the Kilner jar, leaving the orange in the jar, and leave for, yes, you've guesses it - 22 days!!
Santé...

Into The West

The Wild West (of Ireland) - a beautiful and enchanting place!