Carole's Chatter: August 2015

Monday, 31 August 2015

Scary but one for the commonplace book

Carrie Anne by The Hollies

Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play
Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play

The Hollies named themselves in honour of the legendary Buddy Holly. They were a British band around the same time as The Beatles.

I don't know why they weren't as famous because these boys could really sing! Their most popular number was Bus Stop. But for me Carrie Anne was the best – done in 1967. Those were the days!

For a blast of the sweet Hollies, visit this YouTube clip.

Sunday, 30 August 2015

A bit of ex post facto rationalisation here, I think!

Chicken Casserole with a new spice – Hing Chicken

I called this chicken dish Hing Chicken in honour of my newest spice Asafoetida (which is also known as Hing). I went to some trouble (and mileage) to source this spice in an effort to substitute for the flavours of onion/garlic. And while it didn't taste exactly the same, it was a pleasant surprise.

I took some short cuts which I don't recommend to you. But sometimes needs must.

I have a nice casserole dish that you can also put on the hob. So while the oven was heating up to a low/moderate temperature I fried off some spices in a little oil. The spices I used were cayenne pepper, turmeric, ground coriander, cumin and a very small pinch of asafoetida. Don't get put off by the smell of this spice – it adds a nice savoury note when fried off.

I then added some frozen chicken thighs (you should defrost them first!) , a small tin of tomato pulp, a tablespoon of grated ginger, a teaspoon of salt, 2 bay leaves and half a teaspoon of sugar (to balance out the tomato a bit). I also included ½ cup of beef broth (but chicken stock would be better).

Then into the oven for about 3 hours – I tested the chicken with a meat thermometer to double check it was cooked. Just before serving this with rice add some chopped spring onion tops (the green top parts of scallions) and some fresh basil.

Saturday, 29 August 2015

Or so they say!

Chateau Cheverny – Loire Valley, France

We finally found Chateau Cheverny after the Gps took us to every entrance but the correct one. This is a large and well organised chateau. Definitely worth a visit. Entry cost for chateau and gardens E9.50 each.

You find Chateau Cherveny quite near Blois. It was one of the first stately homes to open to the public in 1922. The estate has been in the same family for more than 6 centuries except for a couple of occasions - the King's mistress Diane de Poitiers bought it to live in while supervising renovations to her chateau at Chaumont sur Loire. Finally the family bought it back. The family still live in the chateau.

One of the distinguishing features of this chateau is the quantity of original furniture in the chateau. Some very impressive pieces.

The dining room. Neo-renaissance style monumental fireplace gilded in fine gold and topped by a bust of King Henri IV.

Nursery with the first rocking horses from the time of Napoleon III. Very rare cradle empire style in Mahogany.Very bold wallpaper and curtains.

Bridal chamber with 1994 wedding dress of the Marquise. You can see the back of the dress in the mirror. Beautiful Louis XVI dressing table.

Petit salon - full size portrait 2 Empire cherry wood sofas and a Louis XV wing chair.

The grand Salon - 18th century harp by Erard - still in working condition. On either side of mirror a Titian and a Raphael painting.

The library - First Empire furniture - 2000 books

We had a late lunch in the Salon de The in the Orangerie - very large room - fake gilt chairs a bit twee. We had 2 baguettine - one pizza and one chicken - actually quite nice plus I had a beer (Heineken) and the better half had an orange juice. Total cost E19.50. The orangery was used to keep the orange trees under shelter in winter. Some of the French art collection, including the Mona Lisa, was stored here during WWII

I hope you enjoyed this instalment from our trip to France last year. I certainly enjoy recalling it!

Friday, 28 August 2015

The concept of Giggle Water appeals!

Food on Friday: Drinks

This week the theme is Drinks – hot, cold, with or without alcohol! Just add any and all drinks you'd like to share.

To add your drinks, just put the name of the drink together with your blog name/name into the first Mr Linky box you will find below. Then paste the url for your post about it into the second box.

I'll be pinning the dishes to this Pinboard which will make it easy for you to check out all the drinks at a glance and choose which posts to visit.

Have loads of fun!