Sasha Distan

It has become winter here. All of a sudden, overnight on Sunday just past, it has become winter. We seem to have run out of seasons and are down to just two: winter (which is wet: containing mists and drips, slithers and chills but isn't particularly cold) and summer (which was short and absolutely sweltering). Yesterday, there seemed like nothing better to do than make the house smell warm and full of food. I made bread, a big loaf for us and a miniature one for my father, and while is was proving went back to the farm and gave Copper his dinner. My father even managed to call and say thank you, which is almost unheard of. And then, I made Minted Lamb Stew with Herby Dumplings, the recipe for which is below. It was delicious, succulent, and earned me extra kisses for the husband who declared the figure sat next to him on the sofa as "a single unit of best chef". I did well. Feeds four. For the stew: half a leg of lamb 5 large carrots a red onion 3 pints water 5th jar mint sauce 6 garlic cloves 3 tbsp gravy browning 3 tsp arrowroot Bone out the leg of lamb and place in a stock pot with the water. Simmer on low for 3 hours and discard the bone. Pour stock into a large casserole dish and whisk in the gravy browning Cube the lamb. Fry the pieces off in olive oil and transfer to the casserole dish. Add the mint sauce Place the casserole in a warm oven (150 degrees C, Gas Mark 5) for an hour or so. Cut the carrots into uneven trapezoid chunks. Fry using the pan the lamb was in, add the diced onion and saute gentle. Caramelize with a big knob of butter until glossy. Remove casserole dish from the oven, add garlic cloves whole and onion, carrots and frying pan juices. Stir and add salt and pepper. Put casserole back in oven for an hour-ish and turn up the temperature to 170. Mix the arrowroot with a small amount of water and stir into the casserole to thicken. For the dumplings: 200g plain flour salt and pepper 200g suet 4 tsp mixed herbs (I use a combination of rosemary and basil) Water to mix Mix the ingredients into a thick soft dough and coat you hands with flour to stop them sticking. Divide into 8 even sized dumplings. Place the dumplings on the stew and with the casserole lid half-off, place in the hot oven for another 30-40 mins. Serve with buttered kale and cold cider.

thanks very much! I am so glad you are enjoying the story and that you have left a review. Do come join us in the discussion forum, it's good fun.

“Hey Shas,” Kieran stretched as he stood in the doorway, the dogs milling around his feet. “Morning,” Shastan smiled to his orange juice, and then glanced up suddenly, “you’ve been out already?” “Yeah.” Kieran tore off his t-shirt and used it to wipe the sweat from his forehead and neck. “We went for a run.” “It’s only half seven now.” Shastan frowned looking at the dogs as they alternately dropped onto the cool stone tile floor or stuck their muzzles into the oversized steel water trough. Th

shamrock

side

are playing alliteration games now?

selflessly

bounce

that is good, isn't it? Bravo. I feel bad for him, for them both.

Multiple entries are bad for street cred, good for readers. I have 4 this week, my street cred is ruined.

schlag (stroke)

is that the same as telling lies?

Labrador

thanks ma.if you owned two teenage boys would you trust them with locks on their doors?

ooh, that's some strong hate there. I wouldn't like to be Alexander right now.I can tell you nothing, other than that they might be happy. Everything else is a secret.

we ain't ever gonna beat those damn maroon bastards at this rate. (yes, yes, I do actually love you all)

oh dear! deep ditch if it ended up around her ankles. poor thing. fire the mechanic.

tumblr

salivate

I can only throw and catch citrus fruit. hand me a tennis ball and all is lost.

the t-word?

Thanks guys. I just like to keep y'all updated on what I'm getting up to in the strange little pocket-dimension of my life.

I'm sorry sweetie. I'm sure you can always come and visit them though. Maybe we'll even put out a paperback edition so they can come live on your bookshelves.Luke heart was never really in the swim team, he'll cope without them.

I think he may now have learnt that after the second time.

thank you Joann. sexy and sweet is my favourite!