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Barry
28-09-2026, 00:38
This is a new thread intended to replace "OK, What's for Lunch or Tea Today?". It will cover breakfast; second breakfast; mid-morning breaks; snacks; lunch; afternoon tea; dinner, and any other consumption of an edible comestible.
So it can be anything from a bag of pork scratchings to perhaps Beluga caviar with a Blanc de Blancs champagne. Or maybe a Mars bar to say French truffles with an aged Barolo wine.

Whatever it was, tell us all about it here.



I'll start things off with our breakfast at 07:00, consisting of a cup of Cameroon coffee made in a Mokka pot, with a bowl of Dorset Cereals 'Simply Nutty' muesli with a few raspberries thrown in. We then went off to visit a boot sale and came back for second breakfast at around 10:00 of toast with Tiptree medium-cut orange marmalade. Lunch was only a sandwich of Italian mortadella ham with cheese and tomato.
No afternoon tea today, but yesterday it was a cup of Assam tea with a pain au chocolat to eat.

Dinner at 19:15 was hard boiled eggs with Macédoine:


https://i.postimg.cc/wTBnByhf/20260927-185004-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Macédoine is a South Cameroon salad made from diced boiled potato, diced cooked carrot, onion, green peas and mayonaisse. In Cameroon it is made from vegetables fresh from the field, but here we had to make do with vegetable fresh from the greengrocer.

Dessert was a large naval orange, with a bottle of Peroni lager to drink.

Marco
29-09-2026, 09:08
Going out here for lunch later: https://wheatsheaf-cowshed.co.uk

I'll see if I can take some pics of the food:cool:

Marco.

Barry
29-09-2026, 09:49
Have a good lunch Marco.

Marco
29-09-2026, 10:16
Cheers, Barry. We're going to a garden centre in the Wirral, hence why we're out that way, and when in the area The Wheatsheaf is one of our favourite haunts:)

Marco.

Barry
29-09-2026, 12:53
Been a bit lax with posting on this new thread, having missed yesterday, I'll post now what I ate then.

Breakfast was my usual cup of Cameroonian coffee made in a Mokka pot, with a bowl of muesli with some strawberries thrown in for a change:


https://i.postimg.cc/rm1xYkFP/20260928-102520-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Lunch, around midday was a roast silver-side beef sandwich.


I then had to go into town to do a few errands, so for the afternoon break I went to our favourite cafe for an americano coffee and an almond and chocolate croissant:


https://i.postimg.cc/FRNVvR6W/20260928-155128-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Dinner was a sort of boeuf bourguignon, sans mushrooms and bacon, with rice and vegetables on the side:


https://i.postimg.cc/bYMSHrR5/20260919-200808-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

and washed down with a 2024 Château La Croix Saint-Michel, Montagne Saint-Émilion.

A large navel orange for dessert.

Marco
29-09-2026, 15:42
Nice, Barry:)

Coffee-wise, don't you like espressos or cappuccinos?

Marco.

Marco
29-09-2026, 16:38
From earlier... Today's lunch, inside the pub where we were eating, called the cowshed:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/i7cqaR.jpg


To start, I had the crab & lobster ravioli with a tomato & basil cream sauce:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/T8RC32.jpg


Del had the deep-fried pickles with paprika mayonnaise:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/T12hCf.jpg


For main, I had the braised beef Bourguignon with creamed mashed potatoes:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/NJYyhZ.jpg


Del had a warm superfood salad:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/wXhY9B.jpg


Lastly, I had an orange crème brûlée with chocolate shortbread:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/nRzAmu.jpg


Finishing off with a double espresso:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/OOnNWD.jpg

I had a pint of local real ale to drink and Del had a diet Coke, as she was driving.

Everything was lovely:)

Marco

User211
29-09-2026, 17:47
Last night's homemade cottage pie.

Very nice not made one for years.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260929/580ad53ff853a6cb76f24717f7ef73e5.jpg

Barry
29-09-2026, 18:10
From earlier... Today's lunch, inside the pub where we were eating, called the cowshed:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/i7cqaR.jpg


To start, I had the crab & lobster ravioli with a tomato & basil cream sauce:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/T8RC32.jpg


Del had the deep-fried pickles with paprika mayonnaise:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/T12hCf.jpg


For main, I had the braised beef Bourguignon with creamed mashed potatoes:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/NJYyhZ.jpg


Del had a warm superfood salad:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/wXhY9B.jpg


Lastly, I had an orange Crème Brûlée with chocolate shortbread:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/nRzAmu.jpg


Finishing off with a double espresso:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/OOnNWD.jpg

I had a pint of local rea5l ale to drink and Del had a Diet Coke, as she was driving.[/I]
Everything was lovely:)

Marco

All looks lovely Marco, save for the Crème Brûlée which I have never liked. Still suum cuique. :)

What was the name of the local real ale?

Barry
29-09-2026, 18:10
Last night's homemade cottage pie.

Very nice not made one for years.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260929/580ad53ff853a6cb76f24717f7ef73e5.jpg

Looks fine - love cottage pie!

Marco
29-09-2026, 18:16
All looks lovely Marco, save for the Crème Brûlée which I have never liked. Still suum cuique. :)

What was the name of the local real ale?

No worries... I suspect you feel the same about panna cotta?

I forget the name of the ale. They had a few, which the waiter read out, and I just chose one of them. I like blonde real ales:)

Marco.

Marco
29-09-2026, 18:19
Nice, Justers. I would've liked to have seen what it looked like whole:)

Marco.

User211
29-09-2026, 18:30
From earlier... Today's lunch, inside the pub where we were eating, called the cowshed:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/i7cqaR.jpg


To start, I had the crab & lobster ravioli with a tomato & basil cream sauce:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/T8RC32.jpg


Del had the deep-fried pickles with paprika mayonnaise:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/T12hCf.jpg


For main, I had the braised beef Bourguignon with creamed mashed potatoes:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/NJYyhZ.jpg


Del had a warm superfood salad:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/wXhY9B.jpg


Lastly, I had an orange Crème Brûlée with chocolate shortbread:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/nRzAmu.jpg


Finishing off with a double espresso:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/OOnNWD.jpg

I had a pint of local real ale to drink and Del had a Diet Coke, as she was driving.

Everything was lovely:)

MarcoLooks good love those small onions in bourguignon.


Tonight's make up something using what you have. Using a work colleague of my wife's home reared eggs, which are ace.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260929/fd47790235ab3fcf432aab0137acda51.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260929/aac4a332b7d6743b25244286c7335a1e.jpg

Marco
29-09-2026, 19:46
Nice, Justers. They look like great eggs - you can't beat it when they're as fresh as that:)

Marco.

User211
29-09-2026, 19:52
Nice, Justers. They look like great eggs - you can't beat it when they're as fresh as that:)

Marco.Indeed. We got them on the 23rd. Three pairs of different breeds and hence different colours.

This dude that has them only turns up once every couple of months.

But 30 odd years ago I knew a dude who used to sell me his for a paltry some. They were the best eggs I have ever eaten anywhere in my entire life. Just on another level egg. He used to feed his hens on cabbage.

Barry
29-09-2026, 20:00
Are they organic free range eggs Justin? We get our eggs from the local greengrocer. They are supplied from the farm every day and box them up in the shop.

Looking up Mari's Eggs on the web, they look to be very reasonably priced: certainly cheaper than what we pay here. Pop-up stalls selling through a 'charity box' system looks radical - ""Vive la revolution"! ;)

Barry
29-09-2026, 20:10
Breakfast was my usual coffee with two slices of toast. One with Wilkins Tiptree medium cut orange marmalade, the other with peanut butter and Marmite:


https://i.postimg.cc/WbynyWWW/20260929-113458-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


Lunch was a ham and cheese sandwich, and Dinner was sardine on rice with carrot, onion, and tomatoes in a chilli pesto sauce:


https://i.postimg.cc/KcdJYsbH/20260929-184003-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Marco
29-09-2026, 21:04
No worries... I suspect you feel the same about panna cotta and crème caramel?


Barry, did you miss this from earlier?:)

Marco.

Barry
29-09-2026, 23:18
Barry, did you miss this from earlier?:)

Marco.

I'm not keen on any custard dessert or similar, so that includes crème brûlée, crème caramel and panna cotta. I do like cheesecake (especially lemon cheesecake) and I do like choux pastry (a relatively recent conversion; before I would dismiss it as tasting like damp cardboard! :lol: ).

And I also like fruit pies: apple; rhubarb; gooseberry and steamed ginger, with some single cream; and will eat a small Christmas pudding with vanilla ice cream on the 25th.

But in general I prefer fresh fruit: oranges; mandarins; nectarines; pineapple; pears; plums; strawberries; raspberries, and 'crisp' apples (with a largely green-coloured skin, and Breaburn variety - but not "golden delicious", which have IMO no real taste at all!)

Marco
30-09-2026, 09:31
Interesting... I like any desserts that aren't too heavy, especially at a pub ir restaurant, with having two courses beforehand; normally I don't bother. I also like fruit pies, apple crumble being my favourite, with vanilla ice-cream or homemade custard..

I don't really class fresh fruit as a dessert. It's something I normally have either for breakfast, or a mid afternoon snack. In particular I love fruit salads that Del's marinated in some booze!:D

The booze bit (white wine) is an Italian thing, otherwise it's sugar and lemon, see here for macedonia: https://www.ciaoitalia.com/recipes/macedonia
Marco.

P.S What about tiramisu or zabaglione - do you like those?

Pigmy Pony
30-09-2026, 09:39
P.S What about tiramisu or zabaglione - do you like those?

Tiramisu - wasn't that invented to make the rest of the meal seem better? I've never heard anyone say anything nice about tiramisu.

Marco
30-09-2026, 09:58
What? It's a massive favourite in proper Italian restaurants and enjoyed in households everywhere!

Besides, I thought you'd have commented on my meal out yesterday:)

Marco.

User211
30-09-2026, 09:59
Are they organic free range eggs Justin? We get our eggs from the local greengrocer. They are supplied from the farm every day and box them up in the shop.

Looking up Mari's Eggs on the web, they look to be very reasonably priced: certainly cheaper than what we pay here. Pop-up stalls selling through a 'charity box' system looks radical - ""Vive la revolution"! ;)I don't know what you found Barry but they are not a commercial venture. They are organic.

Pigmy Pony
30-09-2026, 10:03
What? It's a massive favourite in proper Italian restaurants and enjoyed in Italian households everywhere!

Marco.

If you say so. But remember not everyone in the world is Italian :ner: For my part, I could eat it as I've never encountered a dessert I couldn't eat. But it would be way down my list.

Marco
30-09-2026, 10:12
Lol - just letting you know that it's a very popular dessert in restaurants, among Brits, so your comment about no-one having a good word to say about it is way off the mark.

Barry probably won't like it, though!:D

Marco.

Barry
30-09-2026, 10:45
I don't know what you found Barry but they are not a commercial venture. They are organic.

I just typed in "Mari's Eggs" into Google, along with the address as marked on the egg box you showed, and it came up with what I said: that they are a pop-up stall that ask for payment in cash which goes to the local community and charities.

If they are not a commercial venture, why have they gone to the trouble of having egg boxes printed as shown?

Barry
30-09-2026, 10:49
Lol - just letting you know that it's a very popular dessert in restaurants, among Brits, so your comment about no-one having a good word to say about it is way off the mark.

Barry probably won't like it, though!:D

Marco.

I have eaten both tiramisu and zabaglione; I don't dislike them but I wouldn't choose them if they were on the menu at a restaurant.

Basically, I don't really like things that are too sugary and sweet.

Marco
30-09-2026, 10:51
Ah, ok that's cool:)

If you like fruit, do you think you'd enjoy macedonia?

Marco.

User211
30-09-2026, 12:01
I just typed in "Mari's Eggs" into Google, along with the address as marked on the egg box you showed, and it came up with what I said: that they are a pop-up stall that ask for payment in cash which goes to the local community and charities.

If they are not a commercial venture, why have they gone to the trouble of having egg boxes printed as shown?I just asked my wife who got the eggs and that's what she said.

Fundamentally, though, she's kinda right.

"Ultimately, while it is legally and functionally a tiny commercial side-business, most locals and visitors would describe it as a traditional rural farm-gate stall rather than a mainstream "commercial venture."

Barry
30-09-2026, 12:24
Ah, ok that's cool:)

If you like fruit, do you think you'd enjoy macedonia?

Marco.

I have eaten baclava, but again I find them too sticky and sweet. The same with Turkish desserts, and possibly most other desserts available Muslim countries.


But to answer your question "do you think your would enjoy macedonia?" Well, I have never visited Macedonia, but have visited its neighbours: Greece, Albania, Kosova and Serbia, and Bulgaria, all of which I have enjoyed, so would most likely enjoy Macedonia.

To 'dilute' this thread drift, I can tell you the worse wine I have ever sampled was in Albania. It was indescribably bad.

Marco
30-09-2026, 12:54
I have eaten baclava, but again I find them too sticky and sweet. The same with Turkish desserts, and possibly most other desserts available Muslim countries.


But to answer your question "do you think your would enjoy macedonia?" Well, I have never visited Macedonia, but have visited its neighbours: Greece, Albania, Kosova and Serbia, and Bulgaria, all of which I have enjoyed, so would most likely enjoy Macedonia.

To 'dilute' this thread drift, I can tell you the worse wine I have ever sampled was in Albania. It was indescribably bad.

Macedonia: the Italian fruit salad... Did you not read my link, daftee?

Marco.

Barry
30-09-2026, 13:43
Can't you take a joke Marco? Yes of course I read your link; and if you had read my reply I have tasted something similar. People have different tastes in things, be it cars, watches, holiday destinations, music and food.

Sometimes you are just too literal, and your insistence that people reply to your posts is becoming tiresome.

Pigmy Pony
30-09-2026, 14:20
Lol - just letting you know that it's a very popular dessert in restaurants, among Brits, so your comment about no-one having a good word to say about it is way off the mark.

Barry probably won't like it, though!:D

Marco.

No, my comment was that I'd never heard anyone say anything nice about tiramisu... which for me is exactly on the mark - I've also never heard anyone say anything nice about Max Bygraves records, but I'm prepared to accept his fans are out there.

I can understand you defending tiramisu though, it's a bit like if someone told me David Bowie was shit.

Marco
30-09-2026, 14:27
No, my comment was that I'd never heard anyone say anything nice about tiramisu... which for me is exactly on the mark...


Well, you're wrong because it's a very popular dessert in Italian restaurants. TBH, I doubt you've ever had a good one. If you come round here sometime, I'll get Del to make one and bet you £20 you'll love it!


I can understand you defending tiramisu though, it's a bit like if someone told me David Bowie was shit.

I'm not defending Tiramisu; merely pointing out that your observation isn't factually correct.

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
30-09-2026, 14:28
I have eaten baclava

They recently banned the wearing of these in Nottingham city centre. No idea what they would taste like, probably sweaty chav.

Marco
30-09-2026, 14:31
Can't you take a joke Marco? Yes of course I read your link; and if you had read my reply I have tasted something similar. People have different tastes in things, be it cars, watches, holiday destinations, music and food.

Sometimes you are just too literal, and your instance that people reply to your posts is becoming tiresome.

Of course I can take a joke, but there were no smileys in your post to confirm it. If I ask a question I only consider it polite to expect a reply. That's what I do. You won't need to prompt me to answer any of your questions.

Marco.

Marco
30-09-2026, 14:35
They recently banned the wearing of these in Nottingham city centre. No idea what they would taste like, probably sweaty chav.

:lolsign:

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
30-09-2026, 14:57
Well, you're wrong because it's a very popular dessert in Italian restaurants. TBH, I doubt you've ever had a good one. If you come round here sometime, I'll get Del to make one and bet you £20 you'll love it!



I'm not defending Tiramisu; merely pointing out that your observation isn't factually correct.

Marco.

Well that sounds like a great way to enjoy some free nosh and get paid 20 quid to lie about not enjoying it!:D Might just take you up on that.

I recall you saying you don't like porridge. TBH I doubt you've ever had porridge done right. This involves the giant oats being rolled by a mangy dog scooting across them, then brought to the boil on a wood-fired Aga mixed with full fat milk from cows grazing in that little trapezoidal field on the outskirts of Oswestry.

Thinking about it, you probably have :)

Barry
30-09-2026, 16:08
Of course I can take a joke, but there were no smileys in your post to confirm it. If I ask a question I only consider it polite to expect a reply. That's what I do. You won't need to prompt me to answer any of your questions.

Marco.

You didn't reply to my post suggesting you and Del might be interested in reading of my travelling up and down the Dalmatian coast I posted here. Did you read it? ;)

Marco
30-09-2026, 16:31
Well that sounds like a great way to enjoy some free nosh and get paid 20 quid to lie about not enjoying it!:D Might just take you up on that.


We'll need to do it sometime then when I'm up for visitors:cool:

Marco.

Marco
30-09-2026, 16:33
You didn't reply to my post suggesting you and Del might be interested in reading of my travelling up and down the Dalmatian coast I posted here. Did you read it? ;)

What post?:hmm:

You mentioned it on the phone and subsequently PM'd me on the matter, and I followed your link, read your superb thread and sent the link to Del.

Marco.

Marco
30-09-2026, 18:44
For tonight's dinner... Sirloin steak in a red wine and mushroom sauce with vine tomatoes, green beans and roasties:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/a1KUjS.jpg

Marco.

User211
30-09-2026, 18:49
Snap(ish).https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260930/bac38f3f3ed0df8c12cd48859cd842e8.jpg

Marco
30-09-2026, 20:06
Nice, Justin. Did you do the steak on a griddle pan?:)

Marco.

User211
30-09-2026, 20:14
Nice, Justin. Did you do the steak on a griddle pan?:)

Marco.Cast iron one and a big cast iron weight on top of it. Very high heat. TBH given what I gave it and for how long I was expecting a more seared appearance. 4 mins a side.

Loadsa salt and black pepper coated in the virgin's best olive.

Gonna make some mango and pineapple hot sauce with those scotch bonnets tomoz. Picked those of my plant today.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260930/3553922923c6af152ea05d4e4258bc15.jpg

Pigmy Pony
30-09-2026, 20:35
For tonight's dinner... Sirloin steak in a red wine and mushroom sauce with vine tomatoes, green beans and roasties:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/a1KUjS.jpg

Marco.

Nothing there I couldn't eat, well I'd probably leave the twig holding the tomatoes together. And if I'm honest I'd choose Justin's new potatoes over them roasties.

Marco
30-09-2026, 20:56
Cast iron one and a big cast iron weight on top of it. Very high heat. TBH given what I gave it and for how long I was expecting a more seared appearance. 4 mins a side.

Loadsa salt and black pepper coated in the virgin's best olive.

Gonna make some mango and pineapple hot sauce with those scotch bonnets tomoz. Picked those of my plant today.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260930/3553922923c6af152ea05d4e4258bc15.jpg

Should be good!:cool:

Marco.

Marco
30-09-2026, 20:58
Nothing there I couldn't eat, well I'd probably leave the twig holding the tomatoes together. And if I'm honest I'd choose Justin's new potatoes over them roasties.

No worries... It's swings and roundabouts with the spuds:)

Marco.

Roy S
30-09-2026, 21:39
Beef

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260930/0a50af34bf78efab22968751ac3a45e0.jpg

Barry
30-09-2026, 22:10
For tonight's dinner... Sirloin steak in a red wine and mushroom sauce with vine tomatoes, green beans and roasties:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/a1KUjS.jpg

Marco.

I could happily eat all of that, though I would have made a black peppercorn and mushroom sauce. Also I would have partnered it with boiled new potatoes (Jersey Royal) as IMO you can only make decent roast potatoes if you are also roasting a joint of beef.

What was for pudding?

Pigmy Pony
01-10-2026, 07:34
I could happily eat all of that, though I would have made a black peppercorn and mushroom sauce. Also I would have partnered it with boiled new potatoes (Jersey Royal) as IMO you can only make decent roast potatoes if you are also roasting a joint of beef.

What was for pudding?

Jersey Royals. They're the ones I was thinking of :) I could eat them on their own, though I do tend to overdo it with the butter.

Marco
01-10-2026, 10:15
I could happily eat all of that, though I would have made a black peppercorn and mushroom sauce. Also I would have partnered it with boiled new potatoes (Jersey Royal) as IMO you can only make decent roast potatoes if you are also roasting a joint of beef.

What was for pudding?

Nothing, I was too full.

Cheers, mate. The problem with doing roasties, as you say with a roast, is that it makes them non-veggie, so Del can't eat them, and as accommodating as she is, I'm not going to ask her to make two sets of spuds just so I can have the meat juices:)

Besides, the roasties were infused in olive oil, garlic and rosemary, so not lacking in flavour at all.

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
01-10-2026, 10:57
Nothing, I was too full.

Cheers, mate. The problem with doing roasties, as you say with a roast, is that it makes them non-veggie, so Del can't eat them, and as accommodating as she is, I'm not going to ask her to make two sets of spuds just so I can have the meat juices:)

Besides, the roasties were infused in olive oil, garlic and rosemary, so not lacking in flavour at all.

Marco.

Too full for dessert? That's a shame. I have a separate pudding stomach, so it's never been a problem for me :)

You make a good case for the roasties, they sound fine. You guys are happy to make time for these things, but I could never be a veggie - too much faff for a lazy bones like me.

Barry
01-10-2026, 11:27
I have no doubt about the taste of the 'roasties', it is the crispy exterior that you can only get by roasting them in an oven that I was commenting on. If they were roasted in an oven that wasn't obvious in the photo.

Regardless, it all looked delicious. :)

Marco
01-10-2026, 13:06
Lol - they were roasted in an oven:)

In all this, regardless, I've got to make sure that Del is adequately catered for. That's why the likes of roast potatoes done in beef dripping, etc, are off the menu.

Marco.

Barry
01-10-2026, 13:22
Then it must be the fat that makes the difference. I don't think using olive oil can give you proper roast potatoes.

Marco
01-10-2026, 13:27
The olive oil is part of the marinade, Barry, along with garlic and rosemary (sea salt and black pepper) before the potatoes go into the oven - and proper they were:)

Marco.

Marco
01-10-2026, 13:29
Too full for dessert? That's a shame. I have a separate pudding stomach, so it's never been a problem for me :)

You make a good case for the roasties, they sound fine. You guys are happy to make time for these things, but I could never be a veggie - too much faff for a lazy bones like me.


I'm not really a pudding person - I like them but I can live without them.

There's no faff, mate. Del just easts the veggies (or pasta or rice) my meal comes with, and which would be there anyway, regardless if she was veggie or not. It's challenging sometimes though when we're out, as some of the options she's offered in restaurants are rarely up to the standard of the meat and fish dishes on the menu.

Marco.

Marco
01-10-2026, 17:25
Tonight's repast... Grilled lamb cutlets with a vegetable kebab and (more) roasties:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/xv2O9Y.jpg

Washed down with a Rioja Gran Reserva:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/6cPBXJ.jpg

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
01-10-2026, 17:32
Can vegetarians eat fish? Can they eat eggs? If not, that only leaves dairy. Beans and nuts are not 'complete' proteins, ie. containing all the essential amino acids... attending to these needs is what I mean by 'faff'. And we really need more protein as we get older.

No doubt my knowledge on this might be a bit out of date, with Del being more knowledgeable on this stuff, so I'm happy to be brought up to speed :)

Barry
01-10-2026, 17:58
Tonight's repast... Grilled lamb cutlets with a vegetable kebab and (more) roasties:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/xv2O9Y.jpg

Washed down with a Rioja Gran Reserva:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/6cPBXJ.jpg

Marco.

Those roasties look a lot better this time.

(I always find the wire mesh on those bottles of rioja annoying. ;) )

Barry
01-10-2026, 18:03
Can vegetarians eat fish? Can they eat eggs? If not, that only leaves dairy. Beans and nuts are not 'complete' proteins, ie. containing all the essential amino acids... attending to these needs is what I mean by 'faff'. And we really need more protein as we get older.

No doubt my knowledge on this might be a bit out of date, with Del being more knowledgeable on this stuff, so I'm happy to be brought up to speed :)

Vegetarians can eat fish and eggs, but those that eschew both on ethical grounds are called vegans. A vegan diet has to be supplemented to get all of the required vitamins and minerals to maintain health.

User211
01-10-2026, 18:21
I'll show you some proper roasties one day, Marco. No offense to Del as she is generally amazing, obviously.

Agree with Brian second batch look better.

My wife got given these duck eggs yesterday at the local shop. She seems to have become an egg magnet! The ducks arrived outside the shop a few months ago. They should try and sell them.

Paprika duck eggs, thick back bacon and toasted Hovis. Easy night wife is away ...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261001/1d08d56f5c362e9363fbe34f266b201c.jpg

Marco
01-10-2026, 18:38
Vegetarians can eat fish and eggs, but those that eschew both on ethical grounds are called vegans. A vegan diet has to be supplemented to get all of the required vitamins and minerals to maintain health.

True vegetarians don't eat fish, and Del's one of those; she eats eggs, though:)

She's not a vegan.

Marco.

Marco
01-10-2026, 18:40
I'll show you some proper roasties one day, Marco. No offense to Del as she is generally amazing, obviously.

Agree with Brian second batch look better.

My wife got given these duck eggs yesterday at the local shop. She seems to have become an egg magnet! The ducks arrived outside the shop a few months ago. They should try and sell them.

Paprika duck eggs, thick back bacon and toasted Hovis. Easy night wife is away ...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261001/1d08d56f5c362e9363fbe34f266b201c.jpg

Looks good... Btw, who's Brian?;)

Marco.

Marco
01-10-2026, 18:47
Can vegetarians eat fish? Can they eat eggs? If not, that only leaves dairy.

You're joking, right?:D

Don't forget pasta...

There are THOUSANDS of varieties of vegetables, much more than there are types of meat, and she loves them all. When you start growing things from seed, you realise the myriad of produce that's available, most of which doesn't reach the supermarkets.

Del's got a more varied diet than me!

Marco.

Barry
01-10-2026, 19:33
I'll show you some proper roasties one day, Marco. No offense to Del as she is generally amazing, obviously.

Agree with Brian second batch look better.

My wife got given these duck eggs yesterday at the local shop. She seems to have become an egg magnet! The ducks arrived outside the shop a few months ago. They should try and sell them.

Paprika duck eggs, thick back bacon and toasted Hovis. Easy night wife is away ...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261001/1d08d56f5c362e9363fbe34f266b201c.jpg

Looks tasty Justin,

It's the sort of thing I would knock up if alone.
Duck eggs are richer in taste compared with hen's eggs. They are also larger in size. I'm not that mad about them: even though they are readily available from our greengrocer.

Barry (not Brian ;) )

Pigmy Pony
01-10-2026, 19:42
You're joking, right?:D

Don't forget pasta...

There are THOUSANDS of varieties of vegetables, much more than there are types of meat, and she loves them all. When you start growing things from seed, you realise the myriad of produce that's available, most of which doesn't see the supermarkets.

Del's got a more varied diet than me!

Marco.

Of course I'm not joking, I'm referring to 'complete' proteins (as mentioned in the post you misread) :ner: As far as I'm aware, pasta doesn't have a lot of protein in it, neither do vegetables, no matter how varied the diet.

Del will have more idea about this than you do, and almost certainly more than me, so consultation with her could be educating for both of us :)

And I'm aware that for vegans it's even worse, they won't even have dairy.

Marco
01-10-2026, 19:47
Those roasties look a lot better this time.

(I always find the wire mesh on those bottles of rioja annoying. ;) )

Yes, they serve no useful purpose.

The roasties this time were more browned, but much of the issue last time was the camera angle.

As you've said in the past, the most important thing is the taste, and in that respect, I'd put Del's roast potatoes up against anyone's:)

Marco.

Marco
01-10-2026, 19:50
Of course I'm not joking, I'm referring to 'complete' proteins (as mentioned in the post you misread) :ner: As far as I'm aware, pasta doesn't have a lot of protein in it, neither do vegetables, no matter how varied the diet.

Del will have more idea about this than you do, and almost certainly more than me, so consultation with her could be educating for both of us :)

And I'm aware that for vegans it's even worse, they won't even have dairy.

She also gets her protein from nuts, tofu, lentils and pulses. Oh, and she's perfectly healthy;)

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
01-10-2026, 20:19
She also gets her protein from nuts, tofu, lentils and pulses. Oh, and she's perfectly healthy;)

Marco.

I'm sure she is, and long may that continue. I suppose my question is: do the above mentioned foods provide 'complete' protein (traditionally coming from animal sources)? I suspect they don't. Or are my thoughts on this outdated? And I'm directing the question to Del, I think as a non-vegetarian you're probably as clueless as me, no offence like :) As long as Del isn't having the same meals as you, but with the meat/fish removed, because that wouldn't be good enough.

Marco
01-10-2026, 20:29
I suppose my question is: do the above mentioned foods provide 'complete' protein (traditionally coming from animal sources)?


No idea what that is...


I suspect they don't.


Based on what evidence - are you a nutritionist?


As long as Del isn't having the same meals as you, but with the meat/fish removed, because that wouldn't be good enough.

No, it wouldn't, but that's not the case. She also eats all the other things I've mentioned above. She's not deficient in protein.

Why the concern, anyway?

Marco.

User211
01-10-2026, 21:19
Looks good... Btw, who's Brian?;)

Marco.Funny, I walked away from that post wondering if I had fucked up.

Apologies, Barry.

Pigmy Pony
01-10-2026, 22:28
Why the concern, anyway?

Marco.

No concern, just curiosity. Anyway, I no longer require an answer to my question, all the answers are there online.

I'm no nutritionist, though through the 70s and 80s I had some interest in sports nutrition. Then nutrition formed part of a sports therapy course I did, but that was a quarter of a century ago. I just wondered how much has changed since then - not much by the looks of it. Apart from perhaps the science around plant-based foods.

If my comments/questions are going to be met with suspicion I should perhaps stop. Because I'm not about to reply to all the posts/pics on here with ohyesthatlooksdelicioushowonearthdoyoufindthetime :nono: There's only so many times you can say that with sincerity.

Pigmy Pony
02-10-2026, 06:32
Porridge for breakfast. That's all, just porridge. Same as every morning. Not terribly exciting, but heart-healthy. And if it helps to keep me from, y'know, dying, it's probably worth it :)

Marco
02-10-2026, 10:12
No concern, just curiosity. Anyway, I no longer require an answer to my question, all the answers are there online.

I'm no nutritionist, though through the 70s and 80s I had some interest in sports nutrition. Then nutrition formed part of a sports therapy course I did, but that was a quarter of a century ago. I just wondered how much has changed since then - not much by the looks of it. Apart from perhaps the science around plant-based foods.

If my comments/questions are going to be met with suspicion I should perhaps stop. Because I'm not about to reply to all the posts/pics on here with ohyesthatlooksdelicioushowonearthdoyoufindthetime :nono: There's only so many times you can say that with sincerity.

The issue was that you seemed to be implying that my wife had a protein deficiency, without any evidence to back that up. I can assure you that's not the case and that she manages her (varied) diet very well.

Now that's been said, we can move on:)

Marco.

User211
02-10-2026, 12:58
Mango, Pineapple & Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce (with Coconut Cream)

Hot sauces are very easy to make. And extremely good.

That apple cider vinegar tastes excellent.

I can post the recipe if anyone wants it.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/c94ef78ab0c618e0aa0ecb790c2b4f8c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/93b9b53c3f7cdda73c23f73d98ab16ad.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/d66590d923324f0923eda3a77869aaa3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/fa2ad67939b2e318823a5551a66192ba.jpg

Marco
02-10-2026, 13:02
Me loikes hot sauces, and the ingredients in that one are right up my street:)

Marco.

Marco
02-10-2026, 13:41
Just a simple lunch... Some pâté and toast:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/W85klJ.png

Marco.

User211
02-10-2026, 13:47
Just a simple lunch... Some pâté and toast:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/W85klJ.png

Marco.If that's chicken liver that's also very easy to make. Love the stuff.

Just tasted that hot sauce now it's luke warm and it's incredible. 7 days in the fridge and it will be even better.

Marco
02-10-2026, 16:39
Chicken liver, yes... Good luck with the sauce:)

Marco.

User211
02-10-2026, 17:24
Smashed new potato, chorizo, back bacon, garlic, red and white onion, guacamole and vinegar pepper with hot sauce. Mari and Burford Brown eggs.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/195a4189c46d098dfbf6d282e4157d34.jpg

Marco
02-10-2026, 17:56
There's a lot going on there, dude! Did it all come together nicely?:)

Marco.

Marco
02-10-2026, 18:02
Tonight's dinner... Madras fish curry with peas:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/qrD1Mp.jpg

Marco.

User211
02-10-2026, 18:49
There's a lot going on there, dude! Did it all come together nicely?:)

Marco.I had seconds. It was really enjoyable and those vinegar peppers are a lot better than they were. Much better in a sandwich than there, though.

User211
02-10-2026, 18:50
Tonight's dinner... Madras fish curry with peas:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/qrD1Mp.jpg

Marco.Looks good but that's a powerful flavour for a fish, non?

Marco
02-10-2026, 19:13
I had seconds. It was really enjoyable and those vinegar peppers are a lot better than they were. Much better in a sandwich than there, though.

Cool... Vinegar peppers are a big Italian thing:)

Marco.

Marco
02-10-2026, 19:16
Looks good but that's a powerful flavour for a fish, non?

Indeed, but I like strong flavours (loads of Asian ingredients in the sauce) and it's pretty much how they'd have it in India:)

Marco.

Roy S
02-10-2026, 19:30
Wraps

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/52c43ae461b59fe44d4390a39b1db819.jpg

Marco
02-10-2026, 20:09
Are you still drinking that Jam Shed wine, Roy?:)

Marco.

Roy S
02-10-2026, 20:25
Are you still drinking that Jam Shed wine, Roy?:)

Marco.

Yes, I usually have a load up when either Asda, Morrisons or Tescos have their 25% off if you buy 6 bottles deal.

Marco
02-10-2026, 21:00
Nice one:cool:

Marco.

User211
02-10-2026, 21:51
Yes, I usually have a load up when either Asda, Morrisons or Tescos have their 25% off if you buy 6 bottles deal.Cool but that wine is just totally sugar loaded. I find it a little bit sickly it is so sweet.

I do agree it is budget friendly and pleasant. I did like it for a while. Until I realised the sugar content. Which is off the scale.

Roy S
03-10-2026, 02:36
Cool but that wine is just totally sugar loaded. I find it a little bit sickly it is so sweet.

I do agree it is budget friendly and pleasant. I did like it for a while. Until I realised the sugar content. Which is off the scale.


Thanks for pointing that out, the Shiraz seems to be the worst offender, I prefer the Malbec.

Barry
03-10-2026, 06:45
Cheap wine is always poor value for money. The bottling costs; duty; VAT; labelling; corks, stoppers or caps; shipping and storage are almost the same, regardless of end price.

So for example, in a £6 bottle of wine the contents are only worth about 50p. Whereas with a £15 bottle of wine, the contents are worth around £3.

Marco
03-10-2026, 09:35
All valid points... What did you have for dinner last night, Barry?:)

Marco.

Barry
03-10-2026, 10:12
All valid points... What did you have for dinner last night, Barry?:)

Marco.

We're in London at the moment and didn't want to cook, so a takeaway margarita pizza with some green vegetables on the side.

And a bottle of Gallo, White Grenache rose wine to drink.

Marco
03-10-2026, 11:09
Ah ok, cool...

Marco.

Roy S
03-10-2026, 12:37
And a bottle of Gallo, White Grenache rose wine to drink.

Steady Barry, that has more sugar in than a Jam Shed Malbec!

Barry
03-10-2026, 13:06
Steady Barry, that has more sugar in than a Jam Shed Malbec!

3.2g of sugar per 100ml. I bought it for my partner as she likes it, as she does the White Zinfandel (3.9g per 100ml). I also bought a bottle of their Pink Moscato, which has an even higher sugar content: 6.2g per 100ml! Think I'll give that one a miss. ;)

So yes, more sugar than a typical Malbec (about 1g per 100ml) and considerably more than my preferred choice of a decent Chablis (0.1g per 100ml).

Cheers!

Marco
03-10-2026, 13:28
Since she's had Covid, Del can only drink white wine, which means I'm the one left finishing the red:D

Marco.

Marco
03-10-2026, 13:32
For lunch... Spinach and ricotta ravioli with homemade tomato sauce:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/HaXfzZ.jpg

Marco.

Barry
03-10-2026, 14:15
For lunch... Spinach and ricotta ravioli with homemade tomato sauce:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/HaXfzZ.jpg

Marco.

Looks tasty - I love ravioli, and agree it is best with a home-made tomato sauce that doesn't have too much sugar in it. So definitely not Heinz! :lol:

Cotlake
03-10-2026, 15:16
Mango, Pineapple & Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce (with Coconut Cream)

Hot sauces are very easy to make. And extremely good.

That apple cider vinegar tastes excellent.

I can post the recipe if anyone wants it.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/c94ef78ab0c618e0aa0ecb790c2b4f8c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/93b9b53c3f7cdda73c23f73d98ab16ad.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/d66590d923324f0923eda3a77869aaa3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261002/fa2ad67939b2e318823a5551a66192ba.jpg

I’d very much like the recipe please, Justin.

Marco
03-10-2026, 16:18
Looks tasty - I love ravioli, and agree it is best with a home-made tomato sauce that doesn't have too much sugar in it. So definitely not Heinz! :lol:

Cheers, mate. It was tasty - and no Heinz in sight!

Marco.

Marco
03-10-2026, 16:58
Tonight's dinner... Homemade steak pie, mash and peas, with gravy:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/z7whhy.jpg

Marco.

Roy S
03-10-2026, 18:06
Spag

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261003/554fe816b04423066a58985bb3be3a71.jpg

User211
03-10-2026, 18:09
I’d very much like the recipe please, Justin.You really won't be disappointed. It's outstanding. If you do a teaspoon it tastes fabulously fruity then the scotch bonnet kicks in. If you like it so you literally can't eat a teaspoon, I'd probably go 80g on the bonnets.

"That is brilliant—switching to that specific OSU Apple Cider Vinegar (which is raw, unpasteurised, and blended with natural apple juice) is going to elevate this sauce even further.

Because it's apple cider vinegar blended with apple juice, it has a smoother, fruitier, and less aggressive acidity than standard white wine or white grape vinegar. It will complement the mango, pineapple, and coconut cream like a dream.

Here is the finalized recipe incorporating your new vinegar upgrade for a 0.5-liter batch:

Mango, Pineapple, Scotch Bonnet & OSU ACV Hot Sauce

Yields: approx. 500ml / 17oz

Ingredients

Fresh Pineapple: 200g, peeled, cored, and chopped.

Ripe Mango: 200g (about 1 medium mango), peeled, pitted, and chopped.

Fresh Scotch Bonnet Chilies: 40g, stems removed.

Apple Juice: 150ml

OSU Apple Cider Vinegar: 120ml (Giving you that amazing raw, unpasteurised apple depth).

Coconut Cream: 2 tablespoons (well stirred).

Salt: 1.5 teaspoons (9g).

Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water) for texture.

Instructions

Prep: Chop your pineapple, mango, and Scotch Bonnets (gloves on!).

Simmer: Combine the chopped pineapple, mango, Scotch Bonnets, apple juice, OSU Apple Cider Vinegar, coconut cream, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Soften: Turn the heat down to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until everything is completely tender.

Blend: Carefully transfer the hot mixture to your blender and blend on high until silky smooth and vibrant.

Thicken: Pour the sauce back into the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in your cornstarch slurry and let it bubble gently for about 1 minute until it reaches that perfect clinging consistency.

Bottle & Chill: Pour into a clean 500ml glass bottle or jar, let it cool, and seal it up.

Give it that mandatory one-week rest in the fridge so the "mother" in the OSU vinegar and the fruits can completely harmonize with the scotch bonnet heat. You are going to have an incredible batch on your hands!"

Marco
03-10-2026, 18:33
Spag

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261003/554fe816b04423066a58985bb3be3a71.jpg

Looks good, Roy:)

Marco.

Cotlake
03-10-2026, 19:07
Thanks for that, Justin. Much appreciated. I’ve already ordered the Osu apple cider vinegar, so will make a batch next week.


You really won't be disappointed. It's outstanding. If you do a teaspoon it tastes fabulously fruity then the scotch bonnet kicks in. If you like it so you literally can't eat a teaspoon, I'd probably go 80g on the bonnets.

"That is brilliant—switching to that specific OSU Apple Cider Vinegar (which is raw, unpasteurised, and blended with natural apple juice) is going to elevate this sauce even further.

Because it's apple cider vinegar blended with apple juice, it has a smoother, fruitier, and less aggressive acidity than standard white wine or white grape vinegar. It will complement the mango, pineapple, and coconut cream like a dream.

Roy S
03-10-2026, 20:22
Looks good, Roy:)

Marco.

Thanks (and that is parmesan)

User211
03-10-2026, 20:57
Thanks for that, Justin. Much appreciated. I’ve already ordered the Osu apple cider vinegar, so will make a batch next week.No probs. I actually used 48g of bonnets in the batch you saw, and 40g in the previous batch I made. Everything else was bang on that recipe. Bonnets vary in heat with the supermarket version at 40g being hotter than the 48g fresh off the plant I have.

If you follow that recipe exactly it instantly tastes amazing even when still warm. If you have a hand blender, just do it in the pan in the sink. The last batch I made took about a week in the fridge to get to its best. After that it just stayed the same. Be interesting to see how this does as it matures a bit.

User211
03-10-2026, 21:10
Thanks (and that is parmesan)I don't mind a bit of cheddar on a spag bol. Usually it's Grand Pardano but recently Parmesan as for some reason the price discrepancy isn't what it used to be. Unsure why.

Marco
04-10-2026, 06:46
Cheddar? {shudders...}

;)

Marco.

Roy S
04-10-2026, 09:12
I don't mind a bit of cheddar on a spag bol.

Even Red Leicester on occasion.

Marco
04-10-2026, 13:33
For lunch... Bucatini all' Amatriciana:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/PIPa5j.jpg

Marco.

Marco
04-10-2026, 19:20
Is no bugger eating anything today?;)

Anyway, for tonight's dinner... Tuscan-style pork chop, sautéed potatoes and selected veg:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/nZuYCT.jpg

Marco.

Marco
05-10-2026, 18:43
Tonight's tea... Chicken Tikka Chasni (invented in Glasgow, along with CTM, but this time stayed in Glasgow, as a classic Glasgow curry:eyebrows:):

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/Nc39pm.jpg

Marco.

Roy S
05-10-2026, 21:19
Bacon neggs

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261005/7a38cc7e0a377893fea33f1efbcfe014.jpg

User211
06-10-2026, 07:04
Bacon neggs

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261005/7a38cc7e0a377893fea33f1efbcfe014.jpgHardcore.

Marco
06-10-2026, 16:57
Tonight's dinner... Lemon sole with a white wine, lemon and caper sauce, with Jersey Royals and assorted greens:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/KUQhhC.jpg

Marco.

Roy S
06-10-2026, 19:00
Thai green curry

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261006/2ec36d06853bd733893040a51297603e.jpg

User211
06-10-2026, 19:58
Sainsbury's puff pastry puffs infinitely better than current Jus-Roll stuff does at less cost;)

"My mind is like a plastic bag that corresponds to all those ads.

My mind is like a switchboard with cross and tangled lines.

Contented with confusion that is plugged into my head."

Just classic Marianne Joan Elliott-Said lyrics considered whilst eating this for their pure excellence.

Listen to Germ Free Adolescents by X-Ray Spex for more information;)

My sister owns a home near to where she used to live which has an appropriate placard on it.

I just can't express enough emotion for how much I love what this album did at the time and even now to me in 2026.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261006/a96f3fd59d2b8d1deae196cf8608fc60.jpg

Marco
07-10-2026, 16:54
Breakfast this morning...

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/921/iu2DE1.jpg

You can't beat those Tiptree preserves!:)

Marco.

Marco
07-10-2026, 17:30
Tonight's tea... Welsh (local) pork chop in a peppercorn sauce with mushrooms, asparagus and onion rings:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/2prpms.jpg

Marco.

Roy S
07-10-2026, 17:46
Tonight's tea... Welsh (local) pork chop .

Loin? Very noice [emoji106]

Marco
07-10-2026, 17:59
Cheers, mate. I'll have to ask Del:)

Marco.

User211
07-10-2026, 18:03
Some mince lash up basically saved by the hot sauce I made a few posts back.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261007/aa0d7edb62a51abb0fe3f166dcd5c76f.jpg

Marco
07-10-2026, 18:44
Cheers, mate. I'll have to ask Del:)


Yes, loin.

Marco.

Roy S
07-10-2026, 23:05
Yes, loin.

Marco.

I’d be interested to know how it was cooked, just pan fried? I often end up with a bland tough dry chop when I try and cook this cut so tend to cook it in a sauce.

I guess getting your chops from a decent butcher helps.

Cheers.

Marco
08-10-2026, 08:34
Yeah, just pan fried. Defo butchers, dude - I can't eat supermarket meat, especially pork chops, as they're dry/tough as hell and tasteless!:)

Marco.

Marco
08-10-2026, 14:45
For lunch - just simple spaghetti in a tomato sauce:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/RJX5Ck.jpg

Marco.

Roy S
08-10-2026, 16:23
Chinese chicken curry

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261008/67db89bd22be1e434210bf352d4cb612.jpg

Marco
08-10-2026, 17:03
Looks nice, Roy. What's in the sauce?:)

Marco.

Marco
08-10-2026, 17:08
Just a light tea tonight... Pan-fried king prawns with dipping sauce:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/7SpVfK.jpg

Marco.

Roy S
08-10-2026, 17:17
Looks nice, Roy. What's in the sauce?:)

Marco.

I use a curry sauce mix called Mayflower.

Marco
08-10-2026, 18:29
Ah, from Iceland?

Marco.

Roy S
08-10-2026, 19:33
Ah, from Iceland?

Marco.

Yes, they do a mild one a hot one and a Chinese one, not the most authentic of curries but quite tasty.

Marco
08-10-2026, 19:58
Cool:)

Marco.

Marco
09-10-2026, 17:17
Tonight's dinner... Grilled lamb cutlets with homemade mint sauce, dauphinoise potatoes and assorted veg:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/i7Qjwm.jpg

Marco.

User211
10-10-2026, 11:20
Cutlets look nicely incinerated which IMHO is essential here.

Got me a small lamb joint for tomoz.

Marco
10-10-2026, 11:28
Nice one, mate. Is it from the online butcher?

Yeah, you gotta sear the fat, render it down, so it's nice and crispy on the bone... 'Sloppy seconds' won't do!

Marco.

User211
10-10-2026, 11:52
No I didn't do that online order when I worked out how expensive that meat actually is compared to supermarket prices.

I may do it sometime when I am feeling a bit more spendy...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261010/209756807252262fe30e413951b71b0f.jpg

Marco
10-10-2026, 13:22
No worries - that should be nice... How are you cooking it, and what will you serve it with?:)

Marco.

User211
10-10-2026, 16:04
Undefined at present.

Marco
10-10-2026, 17:00
Lol... I guess we'll see it in a pic tomorrow?

Marco.

Marco
10-10-2026, 17:06
Tonight's scran... Del's homemade sweet & sour chicken, Hong Kong-style, with Jasmine rice:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/EwLKcU.jpg

Marco.

Marco
11-10-2026, 09:50
Going out here later for Sunday lunch: https://www.thesweeneyhotel.com/

I'll see if I can take some pics of the food:)

Marco.

Roy S
11-10-2026, 13:04
Tonight's scran... Del's homemade sweet & sour chicken, Hong Kong-style.

What makes it ‘hong kong style’?

Alex_UK
11-10-2026, 14:53
Is there a name for a main meal eaten mid afternoon, like Brunch is a cross between breakfast and lunch? Logistically we needed to eat this afternoon, too late for lunch, too early for dinner, it’s not tea because well, it’s not, so we’ll call it Dunch. Gammon with a lot of stuff, went down very well. :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261011/e500f04fe4f86000f08843596c5bba4c.jpg

Roy S
11-10-2026, 14:53
Pork belly

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261011/5a17cbee3a43f75823ff0455e1b158ad.jpg

Marco
11-10-2026, 18:18
What makes it ‘hong kong style’?

Hi Roy, the way the chicken is cooked, as opposed to Cantonese style:)

Marco.

Marco
11-10-2026, 18:21
Is there a name for a main meal eaten mid afternoon, like Brunch is a cross between breakfast and lunch? Logistically we needed to eat this afternoon, too late for lunch, too early for dinner, it’s not tea because well, it’s not, so we’ll call it Dunch. Gammon with a lot of stuff, went down very well. :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261011/e500f04fe4f86000f08843596c5bba4c.jpg

Good plateful of grub there... You must have a good appetite, much like your kids! We had a late lunch too; 3.30pm. It's one of those funny times, as you say.

Marco.

Marco
11-10-2026, 18:23
Pork belly

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261011/5a17cbee3a43f75823ff0455e1b158ad.jpg

Nice caramelisation on the pork belly, and those are good looking roasties:)

Marco.

User211
11-10-2026, 18:31
That lamb was excellent - it doesn't really get much better. Very little fat, too.

Extra virgin olive oil par boiled and shaken roasties. Gravy with a myriad of different ingredients.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261011/0b61372f307a70475e558754748cf049.jpg

Marco
11-10-2026, 18:49
Going out here later for Sunday lunch: https://www.thesweeneyhotel.com/

I'll see if I can take some pics of the food:)

Marco.

We couldn't get a free table until 3.30pm, so we were both starving!

Every other bugger had gone when we arrived:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/EWoEVa.jpg

Del had to start, fried artichokes with a herb mayonnaise:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/tnVNZi.jpg

I had seabass goujons with tartare sauce:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/53L6Kx.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po53L6Kxj)

For main, Del had a carrot and parsnip nut roast, with roast potatoes, seasonal veg and vegan gravy:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/of6SUE.jpg

And I had roast porchetta (pork, but a nicer cut than norm - very succulent) with roast potatoes, gravy, and apple sauce. We shared some cauliflower cheese:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/leOlAO.jpg

For pudding Del had maple and pecan nut cheesecake:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/OxXA75.jpg

And I had apple and pear crumble with custard (pic taken before custard was poured):

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/seB1Ye.jpg

Everything was excellent:cool:

Marco.

Marco
11-10-2026, 18:55
That lamb was excellent - it doesn't really get much better. Very little fat, too.

Extra virgin olive oil par boiled and shaken roasties. Gravy with a myriad of different ingredients.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261011/0b61372f307a70475e558754748cf049.jpg

Top notch, Justers. Roasties look great. Good to know you can still find quality meat in a supermarket - but it would be good as it's Welsh!;)

Only slight criticism is the 'out of a jar' mint sauce. It tastes so much better, dude, made from fresh mint leaves, and it's piss easy to do.

Marco.

User211
11-10-2026, 19:11
I always used to make it from garden mint when I used to live with my parents. Had this ace roller to cut the mint up with.

TBH I just couldn't be arsed - doing that was enough effort.

Marco
11-10-2026, 19:49
Yeah, I suspected as much:)

Any thoughts on my lunch out earlier?

Marco.

User211
11-10-2026, 20:27
Not really apart from I hate parsnips. Food looks nice enough. Regular haunt or first time there?

Marco
11-10-2026, 20:33
First time. It's somewhere I'd wanted to try for a while, but hadn't got round to it, and it's only 30 mins from home:)

Marco.

Marco
12-10-2026, 17:49
Tonight's dinner... Pan-fried pork chop with a cider, mustard and caper sauce, green beans, heritage carrots and sautéed potatoes:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/wOevF6.jpg

Marco.

User211
12-10-2026, 18:54
Random slop prior to a Van Morrison gig.

Don't ask me what it all was - too complicated. All ace, though, despite really odd combinations of ingredients.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261012/50c9d019006ed739f1451c164440fb9f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261012/d03604098850f390b0b1634532f8ad38.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261012/82d1c7b3168b61d337576ba228d811e7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261012/b77c7449f3a3325ac910fa9693f18eab.jpg

User211
12-10-2026, 19:32
Really not a fan. Wife wanted to go.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261012/2b70a166f9cc65f75403b56ce3d53db1.jpg

Marco
12-10-2026, 20:10
Still a good night out though, with your good ladeee:)

Yes, some of those food combos look 'interesting' to say the least....

Marco.

User211
12-10-2026, 20:49
When I saw the menu I nearly made her cancel it.

Then I thought this looks so obscure it has to be good.

Right decision.

https://bristolbeacon.org/plan-your-visit/eat-drink/colonnade/

Marco
12-10-2026, 21:34
Looks like an interesting place:)

Marco.

Marco
13-10-2026, 13:52
Afternoon tea (Darjeeling) on antique bone China:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/yP2vf3.jpg

Marco.

Marco
13-10-2026, 16:51
For dinner tonight... Local Welsh lamb, from our butcher, with gravy, roasties and assorted veg:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/Gomuu1.jpg

Marco.

User211
13-10-2026, 18:25
Crying out for home made mint sauce.

Touche!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261013/bc27f7b3049c83f38cc25fb5dac0ffeb.jpg

Marco
13-10-2026, 20:46
Crying out for home made mint sauce.

Touche!


Lolz...

Your bangers look tasty.

Marco.

Marco
14-10-2026, 17:02
Tonight's tea... Pan-fried chicken breast in a white wine, lemon and parsley sauce with croquette potatoes and greens:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/wAMDrb.jpg

Marco.

Roy S
14-10-2026, 20:50
Penne and some garlic bread I found lurking in the back of the freezer and my new bells and whistles air fryer with my old one looking sorry for itself.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261014/111fe0948a139f280376a7ceefa94dca.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261014/aad1853c373d4312649aebb45195bc14.jpg

Pigmy Pony
14-10-2026, 22:16
Our Ninja air fryer must be higher spec, as it has the same knob as McIntosh amplifiers :)

Marco
15-10-2026, 10:17
I wish I liked how those things look...

Are they all plastic?

Marco.

Roy S
15-10-2026, 10:31
I wish I liked how those things look...

Are they all plastic?

Marco.

To be fair most cookers wouldn't win any beauty contests and just parts of the outer shell are plastic otherwise they'd melt ;)

Barry
15-10-2026, 10:48
Our Ninja air fryer must be higher spec, as it has the same knob as McIntosh amplifiers :)

Does that mean the fan sounds better? Our (no name) air fryer has two knobs; none of that digital nonsense for us. ;)

Marco
15-10-2026, 10:57
To be fair most cookers wouldn't win any beauty contests and just parts of the outer shell are plastic otherwise they'd melt ;)

Lol... It's the outer shell that concerns me. In our bespoke designed kitchen, how things look matters - and those Ninjas would be an eyesore.

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
15-10-2026, 12:19
Does that mean the fan sounds better? Our (no name) air fryer has two knobs; none of that digital nonsense for us. ;)

:( I wanted one with two knobs. But Anita decided we didn't need any more knobs in the house (looking pointedly at me).

You say your air fryer is a no-name brand. You could give it a name yourself though. Like Nobby Styles :)

Roy S
15-10-2026, 12:27
Lol... It's the outer shell that concerns me. In our bespoke designed kitchen, how things look matters - and those Ninjas would be an eyesore.

Marco.

You might just put them away in a cupboard as you would a saucepan?

Other than that you’ll have to wait until these are available.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261015/fda2cf475f281ed5734155b6a9b23a69.jpg

Marco
15-10-2026, 13:34
Lol, that's more like it!

Marco (hates plastic tat).

Marco
15-10-2026, 16:58
Tonight's tea... Had two double cutlets to finish off from the butcher, so had them tonight, this time with homemade mint sauce, Justers;), boiled new potatoes, cavolo nero and assorted veg:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq70/924/IMMkZz.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/HXgXLe.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/922/iP7SDc.jpg

Marco.

User211
15-10-2026, 18:04
Rockin' Minty Marco Cutlets!

Sourdough stick with Marmite, homemade vinegar peppers and scotch bonnet sauce, black pepper, raw onion and organic toms plus ev oil.

And a pint of full cream milk.

I still am really impressed with those vinegar peppers in a sandwich. It's the only environment they seem to work in.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261015/90c99596241f1a8025cb4f152f8ff9f1.jpg

Marco
15-10-2026, 19:53
Looks good, dude:)

Marco.

Roy S
16-10-2026, 14:57
Afternoon snack

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261016/457bc942a70be1b70ce7dec42f542296.jpg

Marco
16-10-2026, 16:31
What is it - corned beef and mustard?

Marco.

Roy S
16-10-2026, 16:36
What is it - corned beef and mustard?

Marco.

Piccalilli

Marco
16-10-2026, 17:17
Tonight's tea... Chargrilled sirloin steak with vine tomatoes and mushrooms in a cream, brandy and peppercorn sauce:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/PxYWet.jpg

Marco.

User211
16-10-2026, 19:22
Nice one bruv.

But it's a hifi forum.

Get Del to knock up some ace circuits for dinner.

Via the power of the lash!

Kidding, of course.

Marco
16-10-2026, 20:20
Lol - what are you like?:D

Marco.

Roy S
16-10-2026, 20:31
More lamb

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261016/3c75fca8f76f140fa5183d63756f3b9f.jpg

Marco
17-10-2026, 09:12
Are those lamb ribs, Roy?

Marco.

Alex_UK
17-10-2026, 12:31
Chicken and bacon sub for Will’s lunch.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261017/a2a532d3003660c670293c4df82866c4.jpg

He likes jalapeños, apparently I don’t put enough in.

Let’s see if there’s enough today, sunshine!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261017/2442e414f8c98477b3ef90bf7998cdea.jpg

Roy S
17-10-2026, 12:47
Are those lamb ribs, Roy?

Marco.

Yes, sold as lamb breast in a slab I cut them smaller to cook better and render out more fat, I like 'em crispy.

Marco
17-10-2026, 13:29
Nice one, they looked good:)

Marco.

Marco
17-10-2026, 13:31
Chicken and bacon sub for Will’s lunch.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261017/a2a532d3003660c670293c4df82866c4.jpg

He likes jalapeños, apparently I don’t put enough in.

Let’s see if there’s enough today, sunshine!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261017/2442e414f8c98477b3ef90bf7998cdea.jpg

Haha... He'll be best friends with the toilet pan!

Marco.

Alex_UK
17-10-2026, 13:59
Haha... He'll be best friends with the toilet pan!

Marco.

Ever since they were little kids when they have something with a bit of heat to eat I always sing or play that classic Johnny Cash song… :lol:

(He said it was fine, let’s see how it is tomorrow morning!)

User211
17-10-2026, 16:33
If you're worried about being forced fed folic acid, it's not mandated in 00 pasta flour, which also just happens to make excellent bread.

Very high hydration with fresh baker's yeast (which freezes well but they never tell you that), two tablespoons of sesame oil and about 7g of sea salt. Nothing else.

Turned into probably the best sausage sandwich I have ever eaten. Mr Organic ketchup, jalapenos and Grey Poupon Dijon mustard.

Fabulous, even though I say so myself.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261017/75ca2b458032bbd82ebb01a4a46c01a9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261017/4a1c4d1d0529eea86cdef0d62bbed380.jpg

Marco
17-10-2026, 16:44
Ever since they were little kids when they have something with a bit of heat to eat I always sing or play that classic Johnny Cash song… :lol:

(He said it was fine, let’s see how it is tomorrow morning!)

:lolsign:

Marco.

Marco
17-10-2026, 16:47
If you're worried about being forced fed folic acid, it's not mandated in 00 pasta flour, which also just happens to make excellent bread.

Very high hydration with fresh baker's yeast (which freezes well but they never tell you that), two tablespoons of sesame oil and about 7g of sea salt. Nothing else.

Turned into probably the best sausage sandwich I have ever eaten. Mr Organic ketchup, jalapenos and Grey Poupon Dijon mustard.

Fabulous, even though I say so myself.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261017/75ca2b458032bbd82ebb01a4a46c01a9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20261017/4a1c4d1d0529eea86cdef0d62bbed380.jpg

Excellent stuff, Justers. I was wondering when you'd get back to making your loaves again! Sausegas, she look goooooood...

Dunno how folks can eat those softie 'pan' loaves from the supermarket - REAL bread has a crust:exactly:

Marco.

User211
17-10-2026, 17:01
The crust slice is always the best on a loaf like that as per the first pic. Really crisp, crunchy and flaky too.

Marco
17-10-2026, 17:18
It's exactly my kind of bread, mate:)

Marco.

Marco
17-10-2026, 17:23
Tonight's tea... Saltimbocca alla Romana [chicken breast wrapped in sage and Parma ham, cooked in a sauce made from Marsala wine] with sautéed potatoes and assorted veg:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq70/924/kZEprF.jpg

Marco.

User211
17-10-2026, 18:03
Sage. Underused I reckon. It's ace stuff.

Which reminds me I need some as I am gonna try and do that roast butternut squash pasta I had before the Van The Man gig by complete guesswork as to how they made it.

Marco
17-10-2026, 19:00
Yeah, sage goes well with so many things; it's one of our go-to herbs, along with rosemary, thyme and basil - all from our own produce.

Good luck with the pasta dish!:cool:

Marco.