MARIE'S MUSES

What a lovely week we have had weather wise, and yesterday was no exception. This morning looks like it is shaping up to be a fine day as well, although the sky has a bit of a reddish glow to it and we all know what that means, “Red sky at morning, Sailor’s take warning,” or at least that is what my mother always said. Well, we’re not sailors and there isn’t a boat in sight so I guess we can ignore that one? (famous last words? I hope not!) I have noticed though that the days are indeed getting shorter, once again. It is not quite as light out when I awake at five in the morning, and it is starting to get dark a bit earlier in the evening as well. There is also a definite chill in the air in the mornings , although it does warm up very quickly once the day gets going.

I’ve had a busy week at work this week. As they are away I’ve been busy cleaning and sorting out the larder. I discovered an infestation of weevils earlier this week, at least I think that’s what they are. A very small reddish beetle thing and yesterday I discovered it can fly. They’ve been into all the cereals and grains etc. I’ve had to pitch out the whole lot and will have to replace them all from scratch … all the cornmeal, flour, cereal, rice, pasta, you name it. They’ve been in to everything! I hoovered all the shelves really well and scrubbed them and then last night when I went over to feed the dogs ….dang it! They’re still flying around! I sprayed some insecticide in there this time though! I could see them all running for cover … the word “Raid” their last word, spouting from their little insect lips as their lives flashed in front of their little insect eyes … or at least I hope it is their last! I shall go over and Hoover them up again this afternoon! What a nuisance!

We are having some friends over to dinner tonight. The Bishop and his wife, from our church. This will be the first time we have had them over together. Donna has been here before to one of my cooking club evenings. It will be nice to have them here as a couple. Todd and the Bishop work closely with each other at church as Todd is one of his counsellors and so they are used to spending lots of time  in deep concentration and organization, so this will be an opportunity for them to spend some time together just relaxing and having fun. I am not sure what I am going to cook yet, but I had better figure it out soon, as I am off to the grocery store as soon as Todd gets up and about!

We shall have to tape the Baby Ballroom Dancers tonight! We watched the first of the series last week and we both so totally enjoyed it. It was lovely to watch the youngsters dancing their way into our hearts! So young and so talented. I thought they were wonderful. I can’t wait to see them again and to watch the finals next Saturday night! I used to take ballroom dancing, but I can tell you I was never near as good as they are! They must have to spend hours practicing! It is so rare that you get a piece of television so entertaining and clean nowadays! No swearing, sex or violence here, just lovely entertainment! They could stand to put a lot more of it on the telly!

For dessert yesterday I made a delicious Chocolate Mousse Tart. Pat and Peter both really enjoyed it, and I promised her that I would post the recipe pronto, so Pat, this is for you!

Serves 8

Not only is this sinfully moreish, but it’s also relatively easy to put together. I’d call it a dawdle! There’s no real cooking involved here. I think this will become a fast favourite with anyone who tries it!

200g packet of butter shortbread biscuits

100g unsalted butter

1 TBS golden syrup or honey

100g bar of good quality dark chocolate (use one with a high cacao content, at least 70%)

100g bar of good quality milk chocolate

1 tsp pure vanilla essence

2 TBS of icing sugar, plus more for dusting

200ml of whipping or double cream

Give the biscuits a whir in the food processor, until they are quite broken down. You don’t want them too fine, but you don’t want big chunks of biscuit in them either. (You can also do this by putting them into in a zip lock food bag and giving them a good bash with the rolling pin!) Put the crumbs into a bowl. Melt the butter with the syrup or honey in the microwave and stir it into the crumbs, mixing it until they are all mixed together well. Pat the mixture onto the bottoms and a bit up the sides of a 12 X 36 cm rectangular loose bottomed tart tin or a 23 cm round one. Put it into the fridge to chill while you are making the filling.

Break all the chocolate into bits in a large bowl and melt it in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes on high. Check it after about a minute and a half, giving it a stir. You may not need any longer than that, depending on how strong your microwave is. Stir in the vanilla essence and then sift in the icing sugar. Mix it in well. You will think it is going solid on you, but it isn’t. Whip the cream just until it holds it’s shape and then fold it into the melted chocolate mixture. Spoon it into the prepared crust and smooth the top. Place the tart in the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours or up to two days.

About half an hour before serving, remove the tart from the fridge. Let it sit and then remove the sides of the tin and place the tart onto aflat plate. Dust with icing sugar and then serve. You can serve it with a little bit of crème fraiche dabbed on top or a scoop of ice cream on the side. Delicious!