Sunday

One of the many views of Hyde Hall gardens I will probably be boring you with over the next week or so!

Good morning, everyone.  It looks as if we might be getting another very pleasant day today.  After my dire predictions early yesterday morning the skies cleared and we had the most beautiful autumnal day.  Clear blue skies, then some puffy clouds, plenty of sun, warm in the sun but a bit colder in the shade and Hyde Hall was a delight, as it always is.

We arrived there in time for lunch.  They do the most delicious home made soups and yesterday it was leek and potato, one of our favourites.  After we had polished off our lunch we strolled up to the top, around the gardens and back down again for a nosey around the shop.  I hadn't intended to buy anything but found 'The Jolly Christmas Postman' which I bought to share with my class.

Then it was home, James, for a cuppa and some tealoaf (or, in my case, an apple) before I got going on dinner.  It didn't, in fact, take very much trouble as I had already made the savoury mince and a cheese sauce is no hassle.  So I layered it all up and popped the lasagne in to cook slowly while I made a simple salad to go with it.  Some garlic bread finished off what proved to be a very acceptable dinner and I was lucky that there was enough lasagne left over for Monday lunch at school as both my guests had seconds!

After a very good night's sleep I came down this morning to an unpleasant surprise.  I can't get into the kitchen!  The door handle has jammed overnight, somehow, and I must wait until the 'handyman' of my guests wakes up and comes down to see if he can sort it or if we're in a bit of a fix.  As I result, I am absolutely dying for my usual mug of coffee, I want to get the preparations for the roast dinner started and I can't . . . I can't even set the table for breakfast.  Very annoying.  I have no idea why it's jammed, it has never shown signs of sticking before.

Ah well . . .

Saturday

Good morning weekend!  Yay.  I'm feeling nice and relaxed in the knowledge that the planning is done, the resources are more or less made, the menu for the weekend is all sorted (I have visitors) and the house is as clean as it's likely to get in term time!

Weather permitting, today my visitors plan to go to Hyde Hall.  It's pretty wet and cold out there right now but it might clear up.  I am umming and ahing as to whether to go with them - the cold has landed with an almighty thud, I have a bit of an upset tum and just wonder whether I would be more sensible to rest, given that work goes on and I really don't want to take any days off so close to consultation evenings.  We will see . . .

Yesterday was my performance management and I was thrilled to bits with what the head said.  I'll say no more except that I came home extremely happy!  Nice . . .

Thursday - and savoury mince

Here we are, more than half way through half term.  At the moment it's not raining but the forecast is dire and I doubt my friends will be able to do what they planned which is a visit to Hyde Hall.  You need dry weather for that really.  Sun can be optional, dry really isn't!

We managed to get into town yesterday afternoon in between showers, and now DG has most of his new school uniform.  Big changes and he looked so smart and adult!!!

The lasagne went down a real treat and I thought I'd post what passes for my recipe for the savoury mince that forms the basis of it.
You need some flavoursome mince (I used mixed beef and pork but you can use any kind really).  Also some chopped onion and chopped any or all of the following (depending on what you have in the house):  carrot, peppers, mushrooms (I use chestnut which don't go slimy and sloppy), sweet potato, celery, sweet corn, peas - oh, just about anything in the vegetable line really.  If you like it, in it can go.  Then I also use red lentils and oats which give flavour and texture/thickening.  The liquids are canned chopped tomatoes and/or passata, wine (red or white) and stock to match the meat and water.  Oh, and tomato puree.  Flavourings can be what you fancy but I usually use garlic puree, chilli puree, some soy sauce and some lea and perrins.  Herbs are bay, thyme and whatever else you fancy.
It sounds complicated but it isn't, it's just whatever is available and is certainly NOT in any way authentic Italian.  Authentic Clark, more like, but very tasty all the same..

Soften the veg that needs it in some oil.  Remove from the pan (I use my nice hob to oven pan) and fry the mince until browned all over, adding the garlic and chili and whatever else. 
Then add the softened veg and stir well.
Add the liquids, the remaining veg, the lentils and oats, any other seasonings and some salt and pepper.  Stir well.  Bring up to a simmer and then either simmer on the hob for ages or ditto in the oven, checking and stirring now and again.  Towards the end, add the tomato puree, adjust seasonings and add more water/stock, if the mixture is thick.  I prefer a more sloppy mixture for lasagne as the pasta soaks some liquid up and it can get quite dry otherwise.  Then use for whatever, it is very flexible.  I've used it for savoury crumble, cottage pie, pot pie, on pasta, on its own with mash and more veg, lasagne, of course, in a sort of hot 'pasty', etc.  It freezes well.

Actually, there are so many variables it's not so much a recipe, more a state of mind .