Window on George

Ready within 10 minutes, just in time for Dancing With The Stars! Heat oil in a wok or frying pan.   I use my AMC pan. Chop - 2 cloves of garlic Slice   - a few brown mushrooms Cut    -  a tomato into wedges Add to hot oil and stir-fry for a few minutes. Add greens:  I used pea leaves.  But any Chinese greens will do. Add fresh, cooked medium thick noodles. Condiments: a few squirts oyster sauce, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce and some soy sauce. Combine and mix well. Add a little bit of water if too dry. Dish up in your most beautiful bowl  and eat with chop sticks in front of the telly.

Watercress Soup: A Healthy Beginning | A Tiger in the Kitchen : I bought a bunch of watercress in my local street market yesterday, and with the first real cold spell of winter, thought about a warm, nourishing soup. I found this recipe, and decided to substitute the Chinese ingredients for Middle Eastern ones which I received as a Christmas gift. So, instead of Chinese red dates and apricot kernels, which are interchangeable with slivered almonds, I used the divine almond-stuffed dates from Dubai.    Found pig tail bones!  And used the gammon stock that I had frozen. I left the gently simmering soup to go downstairs for a few minutes.   When I returned to the flat, the most heavenly aroma greeted me.   I'm always amazed at the stunning flavours and smells produced by a simple Chinese dish. The pork was literally falling off the bone, and was infused with the sweetness of the dates.   The almond flakes provided a crunchy texture, which balanced pe...

I met Johnelle many moons ago. We were both at university in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It was called UPE (The Univ of PE) then. It is now named after South Africa and the Eastern Cape's most beloved son: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. We became instant friends, and after a few years, sisters-in-law! Now, this Christmas, 35 years, and 3 husbands, 5 children, many boyfriends and a few lovers later, the two of us were re-united as simply old friends again. We talked through Christmas Eve till Boxing Day. We drank coffee, wine and champagne. We ate cheesecake, brandy tart and chocolates. We slept till 10 o' clock in the morning. It was like being a student again, just without the angst and naivety. Johnelle, your visit was like The Gift of the Magi. Thank You!

Flannel Flowers 2 January 2012 Some old favourites, mixed with unique and rare flowers I've never seen before. I hope that is indicative of what 2012 has in store for me!

Boxing Day Taiwan My first Christmas without both my son and my daughter I fled to the mountains. On my way home, and I handed in the films for development. The camera shop guy was glued to the television. He mumbled and pointed to the counter. I thought he was rather rude. Until I realised what he was staring at. Tsunami Count not what is lost, but what is left.