THE WAY TO A MAN'S HEART

I have a cookbook, entitled, "The way to a man's heart", leaving the second part of "Is Through His Stomach".  Of course, this may be considered totally sexist nowadays, and I will no doubt be reprimanded by someone!  It is filled with recipes from 'all over' from a variety of people.  Although I do not use many recipes from the book, the title has always made me smile.  

I apologise, in advance, for those who are not into the culinary aspect of life, but this has been 'one of those weeks', where I love the fact my 'adoptees' still measure in pounds and ounces, feet and inches, and gallons!  Also, they have this fantastic gizmo, (which I believe is also used in Australia,) called a 'cup'.  Forgive my facetiousness, the but the 'cup' is just about the most brilliant of all inventions.  If the electronic scale is not able to be plugged in due to a power cut, we have the 'cup'.  Of course, we would not be able to use the electric oven to cook, but the 'cup' is still a favourite for me!

Producing the batch of scones for the roofers was a fairly easy task, and one very worthwhile.  "Miss Tracie" I heard at the end of the day, "Where do we put the dish?"  I asked if they enjoyed the contents. "Oh yes, ma'am.  They were real good.  We are here all week!"  I took that to be a sign that they would be interested in being fed again, and that was my plan.  Having been through a nightmare with the rains and flooding at the beginning of July, work on my unit had been delayed.  Feminine wiles are still alive and well!  It was more of a gesture of goodwill, rather than a bribe!

Another 'meet and greet' had been won, and Timothy Howls was the star!  Tim Lopez, from the 'Plain White T's', is his name, but he has branched out on his own and adopted a name that he feels suits him!  Lopez in latin is wolf, and what does a wolf do?  I did not want to say 'scavenge' so I kept my mouth closed.  The barbeque was excellent, and I broke with protocol and asked for seconds.  A (almost silent) gasp went round the room, but it took no time at all for everyone to follow suit.  One of the songs sang was "I don't drink anymore!" with a chorus of "But I don't drink any less!"  which reminded me of a story my dad told me, about a bus driver who told him that he rarely has more than three pints a night!  However, he always had the three pints a night!  I told the story as I took part in the 'greet' part, and my accent produced another conversation.  

Sausage rolls are usually kept for special occasions.  The batch of puff pastry I had made, did not really seem to be a success, but apparently it was one of the best batches I had made.  Of course, the roofers were unaware of my suspected failure, and seemed to think they were something rather wonderful.  The pan was put back in my car port, presumably for another treat.

Despite having had a totally different life to what I was used to, and to what I could ever imagine, I am still at my happiest when creating in the kitchen.  I have a greater variety of goods with which to work and a little more in my pocket with which to acquire.  Interestingly enough, the rumours that English food is very bland, has been quashed, to a degree.  Shepherds Pie and trifle are on menus in the 'English Pub' many of which pop up all over, as well as some other restaurants.  However, the British Roast is not as easy to find.  

One of my daughter's friend was undergoing an operation, and had asked for help with meals, for her husband and son, and indeed herself, as she would not be able to cook.  Obviously, her husband did not get the memo about the modern day man!  I have no objection to taking care of my man, and do not reprimand those who feel the same.  I have had this conversation before!  However, I digress.  I offered a couple of meals.  The same friend had indicated that she had heard about how bland English food can be.  She had sampled a much loved salad, and had commented, and I quote, "It tastes like rice, corn and mayonnaise!"  I told her that is exactly what it is, and she said, "Well I heard British Food was bland!" (I told her perhaps she should not use 'British', but 'English', as I am sure the Irish and Scots would have something to say; not sure about the Welsh!)  She then added that, perhaps, I should add some seasoning  I responded that it was much loved because it was quite plain!  The chicken Kiev that was sent was, apparently, "Quite good!"  'Quite', over here, actually means, 'Very' or as near as!  What a compliment, and why was she surprised?  Apparently, she was dreading the meal after the salad incident.  She is nothing if not blunt, and having known her for a while, I am not offended!

My roof was completed, and it appears the word had been passed around to "Make sure" all was perfect, and my patio had been cleaned up beyond my expectations, as was my car port!  I am not saying that they were not as judicious with the other residents, but it appears there had been reports of a little mess!

I may seem to be a little over zealous about my achievements in the kitchen, but being able to offer a modicum of different makes me smile, especially as my Home Economics teacher told my mother, during a 'parents' evening', and again, I quote, "Tracie, a good cook will never make!"  (Yes, exclamation mark was insinuated!)  I think we all have a teacher that we would like to 'revisit'!

"The way to a man's heart", sits on my counter, as the lemon drizzle cake recipe is probably the best.  Adding the strawberry coulis makes it into a 'proper' dessert!  Making the cake, I realised that the recipe was, indeed American, and I had been using the English tablespoon to measure the milk that was needed, rather than the American, which is on the same ring as the cups!  However, the cake has never been a disaster, and I shall continue with my modification.  

Despite being contrary some, (yes some,) of the time, and refusing to succumb to the language when I do not have to, I have embraced the American way of life with a passion.  I am a guest here, and will never be an 'American' as I was not born here.  I will remain English, forever, despite my demographics.  As mentioned, numerous times, I do enjoy my life here and the opportunities it offers. My daughter, just the other day, messaged me that she was 'living the dream' she had seen a friend of mine live with her children.  All the 'over the top' activities during festivals and seasons.  I will remain English in my cooking (with some exceptions, which I can always adapt) and in my language and accent, but embracing the culture on a grander scale is inevitable, and so it should be if I wish to remain!  I should adapt to my surroundings, rather than my surroundings adapting to me, but I will always remain "The Englishwoman" to my friends, neighbours and acquaintances! 

I promise not to be too culinary for a while, and shall get back to the general routine of life, in what I hope will be a not to be too long a wait for ......... another story!