Tag Archives: People

The Day of the Girl

by

International Day of the Girl Child

(All photos in this post are courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

For many years now I have been a supporter of Plan International, an independent development organization that promotes children’s rights and aims to end child poverty.

Plan has been calling for a UN day for girls for some years, and last December it was finally decided that today, October 11th, will from now on be the official UN “International Day of the Girl Child”.

Girls need to be given particular nurturing and support; in the past, too little attention has been drawn to the challenges faced by girls in developing countries.

Their role in the family can be a driving force, and if their rights are acknowledged, and if they are able to access education programmes, their influence can move mountains. They have the potential to teach – as mothers and sisters. And I am convinced that they have the potential to change injustices and prevent violence, to break down ancient taboos and end harmful cultural rituals, to open up society’s eyes to discrimination and the violation of human rights. By being empowered to participate in community processes and define their own futures, not only can they improve their own lives, but those of other members of their families, their communities, and indeed their countries. Their economic power must also finally be recognized.

I hope this day will be a step towards equality for girls everywhere.

If you have a couple of minutes, and you’d like to know more, take a look here at one of the links below.

http://plan-international.org/girls/day-of-the-girl.php?lang=en

http://plan-international.org/?set_language=en

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_the_Girl_Child

 Thanks for reading this – I realise it is a little different from my usual posts, but this was – IS – important to me!

 Have a lovely day!

Looking for Inspiration?

by

On my first blogging anniversary I decided t0 start highlighting some of the posts that I’ve been reading occasionally. Well, I’ve been inspired by fellow bloggers in my kitchen and my choice of reading material recently, and really must share some of my favourite posts with you.

First of all I made some of  this fantastic Apple and Cinnamon Chutney which I found on Frugal Feeding.

Frugal Feeding is one of my favourite food sites, as there are often spicy dishes such as curries, and other traditional British recipes. This chutney just jumped out of the page at me, since I had so many apples on my hands, and it looked so tasty…

And it is! The house smelt amazing while making it! Take a look at this fabulous site – even if you’re not looking for recipes, the author’s words will impress… his style of writing is so very British!

~~~

Then Verity at Crumpet Kitchen posted these Carrot and Ricotta Galettes. Yummy!

Verity is clearly a brilliant cook, and I’ve been tempted before by her delicious recipes; apricot tart, raspberry tiramisu, cranberry blondies… shall I go on?! The galettes were quick and easy, and very very tasty.

~~~

Next, Claire at Promenade Plantings recently visited Great Dixter gardens in the south of England.

(Great Dixter: Picture from Wikimedia Commons)

In this lovely post about the gardens, with some beautiful photos, she mentioned a book “Dear Gardener and Friend“; it is a collection of letters between the maker of the present gardens, Christopher Lloyd, and the famous gardener Beth Chatto. Now on my reading list, it is a record of their exchanges regarding plants, successful and less successful gardening experiments, and life in general. I’m glad Claire mentioned this book, as I think it will make excellent reading in the winter months to come!

~~~

Another inspiration recently was from Sarah at The Garden Deli. If you’re wondering what to do with your herbs before the frost gets them, take a look at this post for a red onion and thyme loaf.

A great idea, which I put into practice the other day, adapting it to what I had on hand… parsley, sage rosemary and thyme… (remember Scarborough Fair?) and making rolls instead of a loaf.

Scrummy!

Thanks to these bloggers for their wonderful posts!

Have YOU been inspired recently?

Apple Strudel

by

My German “Oma”, in fact my partner’s grandmother, was famous for her apple strudel… the creamy, crispy edges, the juicy filling, and the soft strudel dough would make your mouth water. She often made one for us for Sunday lunch, and this was an event to be looked forward to!

The recipe was never written down (there WAS no recipe!), and her instructions were often contradictory… so her secret touch remains elusive. I’ve tried before to make her strudel, and this time it came pretty near… I shall continue to strive to recreate those edges, but in the meantime this one is not only original, but is also an extremely tasty, appley, creamy delight. No soggy pastry, no nuts and raisins, no icing sugar topping or cinnamon flavouring, no custard or ice cream, and hardly any added sugar. No, this is pure strudel!

Mmmm!

Here’s the recipe:

Apple Strudel

For the dough, mix together 350g (2 and 3/4 cups) strong/bread flour, a pinch of salt, 3 tbsps vegetable oil, 125ml (1/2 cup) lukewarm water, and 1 egg. Knead for at least 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Divide into two pieces. Put in a clean bowl, brush with oil, cover, and leave in a warm place to rest for 30 minutes.

For the filling, mix 1kg (2 lbs) aromatic apples, peeled and thinly sliced, with 3 tbsps sugar and 1tsp cornflour.

Preheat the oven to 190°C, and butter a baking dish (36 x 18cm/14 x 7 in). Roll out each piece of dough to a 20cm/8 inch square. On a floured teacloth, continue to roll out the first one as thinly as possible, retaining the rectangular shape as far as possible, to about 45 x 30cm/18 x 12in. Put half the filling on the dough and spread almost to the edges. Brush edges with a little melted butter. Using the teacloth to help, roll up the dough and slide into the dish. Do the same with the second piece of dough, using the teacloth again. Brush with a little oil or melted butter.

Bake for 40-50 minutes… but now comes the most important part… every ten minutes or so, open the oven door and pour over a little cream! (I used 200ml altogether, which is 3/4 to 1 cup.) Don’t forget to breathe in deeply and sigh, each time you open the oven door! It smells so good!

Enjoy the pure apple flavour!