Tuesday 26 May 2009

Bake Away The Stress...

Ok......... Ive had a lot on me mind of late.... got much 'stuff' going on in my life at the moment....and have got two maties that are facing a challenging struggle in life - one here in real life that will not make it to the end of that struggle - Im trying to make my shoulders as wide as I can to carry the extra load without it all tumbling down around me ears......

I have a very special cyber friend in my life who is starting on a hard journey in her life.... her strength and dignity has left me humbled and very ashamed of the whining person I sometimes can be..... she is the most beautiful person, with a soul that floats around and enriches everyone it touches.... I love her very dearly and a battle with her illness is just beginning.... she has enriched my life 10 fold since knowing her, she is an inspiration to all......

Anyways.....sigh..... there seems to be many folders piled on me shoulders this past month or so..... but I will suss and sort them, I will file things and work through each page and the times that I think will be hard, I will deal with as best I can, like I have had to all me life....... because compared to what my matie is facing, my worries is chicken shit...

So......... what does Mel do when she holds the world and all its worries on her shoulders......

She bakes LOL



First ya lightly brown minced beef and veggetables with an oxo cube and bits and bobs of whatever you have at hand...



Then ya scoop it all into ya most favourite oven dish, the green french one ya bought back from france all those years ago..



And whilst the meat and veggies are browning ya peel and boiled sweet potatoes and normal spuds...



Ya then mash the spuds together with loads of creamy butter and full milk with salt and pepper and mix in one of Janets fresh morning eggs (which when then baked in the oven will fluff the spuds up and make them light and scrummie)...



Ya spoon the mashed creamie spud mixture on top of the meat and veggies...



Sprinkled with grated mature cheddar and top with sliced tomatoes...



Ya then shove the lot in the oven and cook on gas 200 for 30 minutes until golden and crisp.... serve with steamed green veggies..... and bobs ya uncle... ya can feed an army of hungry lads...

This is our version of the shepherdless pie..... no shepherds were killed in the making of this pie..

Whilst thats in the oven, and ya still on stress level HIGH....



Ya make a huge crock pot full of spicy sausage, sweet potatoe and lentil thingie, which makes the whole house smell scrumous...

Then ya look around to see what else takes ya fancy.... and ya think how to use the rest of the sausages, which wasnt cheap to say the least, but then our sausages are to scrummie for words.... but of course I cant eat the pork ones, but somethings I make with lamb sausages..



So ya lightly brown the sausages and leeks and make up a grainy mustard sauce, which is just mustard, butter, milk, flour and parsley... ya mix it all up and bung in ya little favourite Portmerrion china pie dish...



Ya top with a quick and easy to make pastry lid.... find ya larry the lobster biscuit cutter and cut out a lobster with the spare pastry.... crimp the edges NOT using granmas false teeth LOL - make a few slits to let the steam out...



close up of larry the lobster biscuit cutter stoke pastry shape cutter lol



DaDaaaaaaaaaa one perfect leek and grainy mustard pie......



I love my larry the lobster biscuit cutter....

Then ya think, ya gotta have a pudding lmfao...... so whilst the kitchen is in a mess ya think I know what everyone will like.....



Banananana lol and pumpkin seed cake..... to use up the bananas of course...

and..



A lemon and a lime cake... to use up the lemons and limes right :)....

Then ya feel quilty that the kitchen is a mess and ya really need to be getting some more veggies in them lads and their maties......



So whilst the kitchen cant get any messier, you think what the hell, might as well make up a couple of beetroot and chocolate cakes..... ya know, to get them veggies in them lads....



of course one has to cut a slice to try, ya know, to make sure them there lads cant taste the beetroot in the cake......

then by the time ya have cooked ya stress away, the kitchens a mess and ya scream up the stairs..... SOMEONE HAD BETTER GET DOWN HERE AND CLEAN THIS MESS UP AND DO THE DISHWASHER....... which falls on deaf ears...... so ya make a huge mug of tea and go sit in the garden and watch ya chickens....... and ya think..... thats me..... all baked out, but stress free...... cos tomorrow is another day and another challenge...

So who wants to come to stay.......... I might not have much to offer, but ya sure wouldnt go hungry :)

More then enough boring twaddle for a very very late stressed out day.....cripes its 12.50am Wednesday morning......... yep, sure was a stressful day....

Love, thats all it takes.... not money, or wants, just love..... love those around ya..... please, near and far..

(((((((((Starr))))))))))) fanks, you know for why.. x

x

71 comments:

LadyStyx said...

Damn. Had to grab a snack for this one! That banana pumpkin seed bread looked delish!

Carol Woolum Roberts said...

Yum...I'm going to have to try that shepherdless pie...that looks wonderful. I'm growing beets in my garden, and may have to try the beetroot cake as well. I'm glad you have a wonderful outlet to relieve your stress...I'd be on a plane and come right over if I could...I'd love to share some tea in your garden, and all this wonderful food!! Hang in there as you are staying strong for your friends.

Elizabeth said...

OK, that shepherdless pie looks so freaking amazing...not sure I have the right bits and bobs around here but could probably manage...but will it be the same without a Janet egg??
I'd GLADLY clean up your kitchen for a meal like that.

Katrina said...

Oh, man--all of that stuff looks amazing!

Come be stressed out at my house. Pretty please?

Kirby said...

PioneerMarmy - wow, I'm gonna make that shephard pie of yours... but what the heck is oxo cube?

Charles Gramlich said...

You have made me seriuosly hungry.

Unknown said...

you wicked, wicked woman, causing me to have the munchies in the middle of the night...i mean, i already did have the munchies but you just pushed me over the edge and i'm staring at a packet of Pim's Raspberry Biscuits and they are calling out my name...

wicked...

Dumdad said...

Larry the lobster rocks!

This all looks so delicious. You ought to open your own restaurant - Chez Marmite or Toasty's Tavern or some such name.

Hope today is a stress-free day for you.

MarmiteToasty said...

~(((LadyStyx)))~ the banana bread is Mmmmm mmmmmm....xxxxxx

~((SilverValleyGirl)))~ I love beetroot with a passion, remember me twaddle post of me growing them lol.... dont come today cos its raining LOL....xxxxxx

~(((Elizabeth))))~ I cook from scratch every day.... so me kitchen is always a mess, so come over anytime LOL I'll get the washing up cloth ready LOL

~(((Katrina))))~ ok, I'll hop on an aeroplane expect me around teatime lol....xxxxxx

~((Kirby)))~ oh hus with the pioneer stuff.. its just proper home cooked grub - I dont know how to make any fancy stuff.. and oxo cube is a stock cube ya daft bat...xxxxx

~((((Charles))))~ I aint good at much in life, but I can cook basis soul foods :)....xxxxxx

~(((((((((((((Soul)))))))))))~ wicked is good LOL........ cos I make such huge dishes of grub there is always left overs in the fridge that me lads munch on in the middle of the night..... you should move in here and munch til ya hearts content :).....xxxxxxx

~((((Dumdad)))))~ I would LOVE to have a little B&B and do the food, but cant take on a venture like that on me own....

Im afraid Im in for a bit of a stess ride for a few months... life aye, its what we sign up for...xxxxxxx

Maggie May said...

Sorry to hear about the two friends. It does get to you after a while. Hang in there...

If I did all that cooking, it would add to the stress! I need to walk when I'm stressed& get out of the house. Your way of dealing with it is much more useful though & something at the end of it to eat!

I will make a veggie version of that Shepherd's pie
And I do like the way you combined sweet potato with ordinary potato. I have mixed sweet potato with swede and that is good too.
Those cakes look good enough to eat! LOL!

MarmiteToasty said...

~(((Maggie))))~ I also go for drives on me own when Im stressed, that way I can cry an no one knows lol I can often been found down the back lanes sitting in me car sobbing me heart out LOL....

I have loads of photos of me drives to destress but thought me post was long enough lol..... dont want that old Buff bloke moaning again about long posts lmfao.....xxxxxx

Mickle in NZ said...

Yay to Oxo cubes. Super yay to find another who relieves stress by cooking.

Beetroot and chocolate cake - yummmmmo.

Sending super care and huggles

Mickle

Akelamalu said...

Crikey Marmie what time did you get up this morning???? I love having a cooking and baking day - nothing quite like it for calming me down. All your recipes sound deeelish, I may have to give them a go!

Oh and I've tagged you for a meme as you're not busy. LOL (it's only a little one honest).xx

Deanna said...

(((((Mel)))) I'm sorry to hear about your friends. They are lucky to have you.
All that food! and your lads are so skinny. How is that possible? It all looks delicious.
Long drives and long walks (in addition to baking tons of stuff) is good therapy. I've been known to sob myself down a country road or two also. Wish I could come help eat some goodies and offer a shoulder....

Pamela said...

I'm interested in the beet cake. I've made pumpkin bread, and zucchini bread.

Neither have I mixed the potatoes together. Very interesting, indeed.

I can tell you're accustomed to feeding hungry males.

Jen said...

You and your friends are in my thoughts and prayers today.

All your food looks delicious. I think I'll try the shepherdless pie. My family would love it. I especially like the idea of mixing sweet potatoes and regular potatoes. Mmmm.

Anonymous said...

So okay My girl...where are the recipes for these scrumptious foods you tempt me with? As always your' food looks so yummy and as soon as you get here (you know...to open that "Bed & Breakfast" place) I'll be begging for you to cook for me. I love comfort food and friends breaking bread with me and sharing our woes and our joys and even just a quiet moments with our cups of tea.

Larry the Lobster pastry topper is too cool. He is such a handsome addition and Lobster is so my favorite food. I bet a lobster pie would be wonderful. I know you would save Larry but me...he'd go ito the pot and I'd say a nice "Grace" before I ate him. (S)

I hope things are working out for Ben and his trip...and I am rooting for your maties too...I say Godspeed to them and of course always to you and yours.

For me I can get some real comfort for my worries with baking too. I also take solo drives to my favorite river and sit on the river bank and let the tension ooze out of me whilst I am enjoying the water sounds, the sunshine and nature. The smell of dirt always reminds me that the world is bigger than me. I marvel at how it fits me in and is mostly a friendly place.

I am lucky that while I am on my mini river retreat I often get to see an eagle in flight and I feel the magic of that magnificent bird. My mind then allows me to feel like I am powerful and that I am strong and magnificent too. Sort of like I can soar the mountains. Know what I mean? I am such a sap for nature.

Lift your head and shoulders up Mel...you so deserve to live with joy. You bring so much to everyone around you...well maybe not to your twat neighbor...LMAO

You are so loved my friend I hope you find some comfort and happiness in the knowing of this.

By the by...If I can ever make it work I'll come and stay with you. Trouble is I'd just be one more burden to add to your already overloaded stew-pot of life and what with you cooking and baking like you do I'd never want to leave. Plus, after you took me to those lovely old pubs and I filled up on steak and ale I'd be a tipsy giggly old fool.

And my luck would be that, that twat next door would love me and he'd drive you even more batty. Still, we would have a mighty fine time of it before you sent me packing. LMAO

Love you Mel....Jolie

Elaine Denning said...

You make me laugh and cry and smile and shudder, all at once.

I know I don't know you Mel, but...jesus....you are so real to me.

Keep on being real, eh?

I feel your pain. x

Intense Guy said...

You have a wonderful place to escape to when the world loads you down. I would more then willingly do the dishwashing for ya. You might have to show me how once or twice but I can learn.

Hmm... Larry the Lobster gives me an idea....

Umm... where was I?

{{{{{ Marmy }}}}} I hope YOU and your maties feel as best they can soonest.

Cindy said...

Wow- all that stuff looks delicious! You cook when you're stressed- I clean.
I wish you didn't have to feel so stressed out, though, with all that's going on. I'm sure your friends appreciate all the love you feel for them and the fact that you are there for them. You are such an amazing person.

Kathleen... said...

Sitting in a doctor's office for my son's four hour allergy test....and you're making me h-u-n-g-r-y!!!

I LOVE your Tree of Life. =) Lots.

ChrisB said...

It's so hard to see people we are fond of suffer. I'm saying a prayer for your friends and I'm sure they are comforted by your support.

When can I come and stay-I think I could do justice to your excellent cooking and I'm good at clearing kitchens.

el chupacabra said...

marmi- a local blog to me with a post of something Brit-ish.
http://skattershooting.blogspot.com/2009/05/from-monday-chasing-cheese-down-hill.html

MarmiteToasty said...

~(((Mickle))))~ yep beetroot and chocolate cake is yummmo lol.....xxxxx

~(((((Ake)))))~ I aint sleeping, got so much on me mind, so Im up mega early..... and I need to put things in the freezer for 'you know when' if I do it.... its all up in the air at the moment...

Oh bugger, ya tagged me lmfao...xxxxxxxxxx

~((((Deanna))))~ I think it is I that is lucky to have those friends... not the other way round :)

Yep me lads are skinny thats cos they are extreme sports lads lol and they burn off way to many calories as to what I can shove down their throats lol.... I glad I have you as another 'sob me heart out down the back lanes whilst driving in me car' friend LOL.... I have a very difficult couple of months coming up starting Monday, I might share over the weekend if I have the guts...xxxxxxx

~(((Pamela))))~ oh I make a wicked courgette bread to :) zucchini is such a daft name for courgette LOL

oh try the sweet potatoe mix its scrummous..... yep, hungry lads and usually a couple of their maties, as you can note, me grub aint all posh and delicate lol..... I use HUGE dishes, enough to feed an army...xxxxxxx

~((((Jen))))~ fanks Jen, dont worry about me, but your prayers for me maties would be just the ticket....

Its a shepherdless pie cos its made with beef and not lamb :)....xxxxxxx

~((((Jolie)))))~ my dear friend.... I still need to email you about next week and whats going on......

do you think me grub would work in a B&B? Im so still seriously thinking about it...... I should just bite the bullet and get on an aeroplane and go for it right, before Im to dam old and decrepid.... and we will drink tea all day and eat shortbread LOL....

Say NO to eating larry the lobster.... and to be honest I wasnt that awestruck on the taste of lobster whilst in Maine.... well not larry anyways... I so wish I could of saved him lol all them doodles especially Sharkie must of thought I was right proper bonkers that day LOL

Bens awaiting his new passport and then we will see what can be done about getting him out there...

I to drive out a river, the Meon River..... water is so relaxing... I will take you to all the pubs if one day we get you over here, we will do a pub crawl LOL

I dont think I bring joy, I usually end up bring heartache and trouble to everyone...

know you are loved girl......xxxxxxxxx

~(((((Elaine)))))~ oh hush will ya, ya will have me in tears lol

I dont know how to be anyone but me, rough and raw and a shit speller LOL Im the same here in life as I am on Twaddle.... maybe just a little more private on Twaddle thats all.... I will keep just being me, I dont know and dont wanna be anyone else.... fank you.....xxxxxxxxx

~((((((((((((Intense))))))))))~ Im blessed with wonderful sobbing spots around here LOL....

I was gonna put up photos of the fields and the lanes etc but thought the post would be to long lol.... another time aye :)..... ((((Iggy))) fanks you....xxxxxxxxxx

~((((Cindy)))))~ well come and bloody clean here LOL.... I have so much going on, I just aint had the guts to share at the moment, with only but a few....

I feel humble with your words Cindy..... Im just like everyone else, I aint amazing, Im just 'me'....xxxxxx

~((((AnObiter))))~ welcome to the madhouse - say NO to doctors offices lol.... I'll send over a pie lol

Tree of life? what? where?...xxxxx

~(((((Crispy)))))~ yep, its breaking my heart cos there is nothing I can do but be a friend, is that enough? I dont know....

I'll feed anyone for doing the dishes or ironing or housework LOL....xxxxxxx

~(((((((((((Chupa))))))))))~ oh my I just read it... aint that just the funniest thing we have over here, me lads are thinking of going their next year to take part.... I feel broken limbs coming on lol...... and what? didnt ya like me cooking?.....xxxxxxxxx

Lisa said...

I'm heading out the door as I type!! Of course, I'm broke, so thumbing my way to you may take some time. Perhaps, I could borrow the cheering costume I proposed last time? Might get me more rides! Or scare everyone and I'll still be standing on the corner this time next week. Anyway, DON'T eat all that yummy food before I get there!!

basicliving@backtobasicliving.com said...

Thanks for the invite. I'm on my way. And I'm bringing Pico. He saw pictures of Janet and fell in love. He also saw that you feed your chickens chocolate cake, so that may have something do with his burning desire to visit..... But make no mistake. I'm coming for the tea and biscuits and a quiet seat in your garden. Oh, and a tour of the cathedral. Plus I want to jump on the trampoline. And I want to see your new shoes up close and personal.

Hang in there, Marmy. Remember, behind every cloud ...... there's a freaking thunder storm ;-)

(((((((hugs)))))))

Penny

... said...

Oh. My. God. It all looks AWESOME! I loves me some shepherds pie. The other stuff looks awesome as well. Want to be a live-in cook/nanny?

;-)

JeanC said...

Let's see, if I leave now I should be on your doorstep sometime tomorrow night :D Just gotta figure how I am going to smuggle myself onto planes and not get caught hehehehehe

Jeanie said...

O, Marmie! I'm STARVING!!!! I don't know which to try first - the unshephard pie, the yummy, yummy potato fluff thing, the mustard pie, the lemon cake, the OMG I have just gained 25 pounds!!!! Now that just sucks.

You named your cookie cutter. We must be related! And Larry the Lobster - too funny.

I love you! I've been trying to get Mechanic Man to think, since he doesn't want a cat, maybe chickens??? Two or three PET chickens. No eating the family pets.

JBelle said...

atta girl, Mel. atta girl. I am proud of you.

Unknown said...

My God! I had no idea you could cook so well!!! That first dish with the potatoes and tomatos on top looks to die for!!! It made me hungry. And that pie??? Holy Crap! How long did it take you to make all that?

You can cook for me any day, and I'll be damn happy to clean up after! Heck, I'd clean the whole house for that food!

MarmiteToasty said...

~(((Lisa)))~ start a walking journey and become famous LOL...... ya pimp wont like you hitching LOL....xxxxxxx

~((((BasicLiving)))))~ oh Janet is all shagged out at the moment by Marbel LMFAO.... tea and biscuits in me little back garden sounds devine darling lol.... well the storm is about to hit in about 3 days time.... Im holding me lightening conductor LOL....xxxxxx

~(((((Toadie)))))~ I would love to be your live in nanny, I could be like Mary Poppins, cor blimey gov LOL.....xxxxxx

~((((JeanC)))~ I'll met ya at the airport lol.... just say you need to get to Mels and they will let ya on :)..xxxxxxx

~((((JeanieS))))~ the unshephards pie is me lads and their maties favourite :) and that dish full looks little but its enough in there for 8 HUGE helpings..

I name everything LMFAO..... larry the lobster BISCUIT not cookie cutter is in honour of Larry the Lobster that I could not save whilst visiting Maine, you know, the one I hate to eat LOL.... RIP LARRY...

oh my, tell MMan that Mel says she approves of the chickens :)....xxxxxxxx

~(((((JBelle))))~ please dont be proud of me.... aint nuffin to be proud of....xxxxxxxxxx

~(((Bina))))~ course I cook ya daft cow lmfao..... notice I dont do no fancy stuff, just bog standard eat ya heart out grub :)... I cook for board and lodgings lmfao....... that way I could travel around america :)...xxxxxxxxx

buffalodick said...

Wow! That looked great! Me cook for you? you cook for me!

Anonymous said...

Ok, now I'm hungry! Yes, baking is therapeutic!

Anonymous said...

And I always thought the English knew little or nothing about food. I guess you laid that thought to rest. We had a hard time there as vegetarians though, not much to eat besides pickle and onion sandwiches.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, The Stickman. Sometimes I forget to sign my anonymous comments.

goatman said...

I'll be right over ;soon as I can outfit this canoe for the big pond.
Wonderful pics of the food. Makes my chicken soup tonight look like boiled shoes.

I am inspired!!!

Heff said...

VERY NICE. That pie crust topper was really cool !

MarmiteToasty said...

~(((((Buff)))))~ but my dear you, you are the master of cooks :).... mine, well, its just shoved in dishes and shoved in the oven LOL.... just bog standard filling soul food :)......xxxxxxxxx

~((((Yaya)))))~ welcome to the loonie bin :) - I do cook from scratch every day, but I just had a cooking morning LOL....xxxx

~(((((((((Stickman))))))))~ oh how loverly to see you here... oh hush with you doodle slagbagging off of our grub LMFAO...

Do you know that over here the choice of veggie options places to eat is taking over meateater joints.....

AND.... on our school dinner menus there is one healthy meat option and one healthy veggie option every single day.... and chips and pizza just on a tuesday :).... and kids aint allowed to take crisps or chocolate or biscuits to school as a snack it HAS to be fruit or something healthy.... and the infant schools give each child a piece of fruit during the day, and NO fizzy drinks, water only....

One day stickman you and wifey will come over and I will take you around and feed you well...

The spicy sausage and lentil thingie in me post i usually just do with out the sausage and I make a wicked veggie lasagna... and more often then not I make things with quorn.... so you would be mighty fine here.... we LOVE lentils in this house and I make loads of things with them..xxxxxxxxx

~(((((goatman))))))~ LOL@Canoe across the pond, now that I would love to see....

Covering Janets ears so she dont here you say 'chicken' soup.... on saying that we had homemade chicken curry tonight lol.... but I told Janet it was quorn pieces lol...

And hey, I dont make nuffin fancy, just bog standard easy stuff :)...xxxxxxx

~(((((Heff)))))~ hey you...aint larry the lobster crust loverly LOL... sometimes I use heart cutters or moose ones, I must have about 20 different ones :)....xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Dammit, I knew Heff was gonna beat me over here! Especially on a food post. Hi, I'm Wil, nice to meet you!

Wil Harrison.com

MarmiteToasty said...

~(((Wil)))~ hey you.... welcome :) Im Melody LOL....I spent a pleasant half hour on your blob whilst eating me dinner :) and I didnt puke once *ha

Dont be mislead by this slightly boring post :) scroll back for a mixture of rubbish LMAO...xxxxx

Lulda Casadaga said...

Just when things are going ok you get the word that someone who is close or someone you know and care about is going thru living hell. I am going thru a similar situation. My best friends cousin just got diagnosed with the Big C. The sad part is that her mother passed when she was young...this woman is 43 and has 2 kids! Doesn't make sense to me...:(

Ok, your food looks wonderful and delicious...I would never think to put choco with beetroot! LOL

I visited Port merrion and have one baking dish from there... :)
Hang in there sista!

Jackie said...

Loved the "cooking lessons"! Everything looks so delicious!! Since I'm partial to sweets, I would like a serving of the banana pumpkin seed bread, please!...lol

Kirby said...

PioneerMarmary - stock of what -Ox? I must have to look for beast of burden cube or somesuch thing... as there are no Ox Cubes here in the new world....lol

MarmiteToasty said...

~((((Lulda)))~ I wouldnt say ok, I would say ticking over lol... I care with such a passion to people I call 'friend' and it hurts to my core to see them having to go through shit things in life...

Oh beetroot and chocolate cake is just like using carrots in carrot cake and courgettes in courgette bread, it keeps it moist and soft and Mmmmmmmmmm ya dont really taste the beetroots, mores the shame cos beetroot I could eat everyday lol....

I have loads of port merrion and I love it all, use it all the time, I have noticed on some blobs when blobbers make cakes and one dish meals, they tend to use foil dishes and then lob them away LOL.... I always smile and think to meself, dam woman/bloke, just use a real dish and wash it up after... less waste etc...xxxxxxx

~(((Jackie))))~ we always have some sort of pudding after dinner in this house :).... and still me lads are as thin as pins lol....xxxxxx

~(((Kirby)))~ ya daft cow, oxo is the brand of stock cube and I'll tell you a secret, Im an oxo memorbelia nut :) I have loads of mightly old oxo bits and bobs.... you can get any oxo stock cube, beef chicken veggie curry herb italian... they have branched out now from just the red beef stock cube :).... there endeth your oxo cube lesson for today lol... send me your address and I will send you a mixture of oxo cubes you can spread the word in America LOL....like Im trying to spread marmite :)..xxxxx

BayviewBob said...

"Bits and Bobs"

You're scaring me. lol

MarmiteToasty said...

~((((Bayview)))~ oh my, I feel honoured to see you here... and yes be scared be very scared LOL I cook with whatevers at hand :)...xxxxx

Hit 40 said...

Oh my heavens!! I am glad that I finally clicked over from buffalodicks. Too funny.

I think you have 2 boys?? I also have 2 boys who play the sax and guitar. But... they sure can not jump on a trampoline like your boy!! CRAZY

I also like saying WTF!!! Excellent.

And the boys peeing on the fence are priceless!!! Plus, awesome pictures of your neighborhood. Too cool.

Hit 40 said...

Ok... I saw on your sidebar 4 boys!!! Got it!!

Wendy said...

Wait for me... I'm coming over!!! :)

Robin said...

Oh Mel, I'm sorry for whatever is giving you a heavy heart.

Cook away and look away toward the future.

Better days will come.....

Kirby said...

Yahoo me at kls908... I couldn't get info to load you email addy... I'll swap you the damn oxo cubes for something local here... thinking Sander's hot fudge - for making hot fudge sundaes.... very yummy.

green libertarian said...

normal potatoes?

Why you dissing on the two greatest US potato growing states, Idaho and Washington?

/shakes head

"Rude" I say.

xo

MarmiteToasty said...

~((((Hit40)))~ welcome to my part of the blobworld... yep 4 sons.... on me own, been a hell of a ride LOL

As regards the nippers and piddling on the fence, when ya gotta go ya gotta go lol....xxxxx

~((((Wendy))))~ welcome to you also :) - I'll set another place at the table lol....xxxxx

~((((Robin))))~ fanks matie, I'll maybe explain a little more tomorrow..... just a little blimp thats all.... I have no right to moan really, not when I think what others will be going through... so Im carrying that guilt to lol.....xxxxxxx

~(((Kirby))))~ I have no idea what Yahoo me means lmfao but my email addy is marmitetoasty@yahoo.com if that helps...... BUT, I will NOT be around from next week for a little while... so be quick with ya email...xxxxx

~(((((((Green)))))))~ my darling darling darling you..... oh shut it with you lot being the spud capital of the world, a spud is a spud is a spud LOL.... Shhhhh dont go telling Starr I said that lol you spudders seem to stick together like mash :).... HOW RUDE lol.... know you are so loved (((Green))))....xxxxx

Elizabeth said...

You have strong shoulders.... :) I hope your stress level comes down!!

You've made me hungry now. Excuse me while I go off for a snack...

MarmiteToasty said...

~(((Elizabeth))))~ yep they are wide and often carry way to much, but still, someone has to do it... and I know the levels will go up a little further seeing whats happening next week, before they peek and hopefully settle back down.....

Im always hungry but often dont eat what Ive made for the others and their friends, or one of me lads will turn up around dinner time so without saying I give him what would of been mine LOL.....xxxxxxx

Shawna said...

Mmmmmmmm what I woudln't do to live in your kitchen!

When I'm upset or have a lot to think about I usually do the dishes or take a shower. There's something about that water therapy, I swear!

MarmiteToasty said...

~((((Shawna))))~ welcome to the house of crazyness with all its crazy commenters lol :) - I'll fix you up a sleeping bag on our 10 foot kitchen pew LOL and I'll show you how to load the dishwasher :) - showers are good, but we aint got one of them in this here house yet lol...... just a big old huge bath...

I baked all that morning and drove for miles all afternoon, it was either that or loose me marbles completely....xxxxxxx

4 Life said...

Wow - suddenly I'm hungry!

Helena said...

The mixed spuds on their own looks amazing! This post is now responsible for tomorrow's lunch before Monday's diet begins!!

You do have amazing friends - and so do they!

xx

Anonymous said...

Sorry Marmie, but I don't eat things that I've never heard of before the age of 4. But don't worry, I don't think I'll be showing up at your doorstep this lifetime since I can't even get one number right on the lottery.

EastEndMom said...

For anyone who hasn't tried OXO cubes, you can order them from various online sources. They are the absolute best - buillion cubes can't touch 'em! Mel, I rarely comment but always enjoy reading. Here's hoping that your troubles ease somewhat. I'll bet you're an amazing & supportive friend IRL - and a hoot besides. Can you put us out of our misery & post some recipes - like the banana pumpkin seed bread & beet cake?

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen the name Green Lib in quite some time, good to hear from him. The Stickman. As for food, if we ever come back to your great country, we would come to your house for some very fine English cooking, vegetarian style. The Stickman

Anonymous said...

Get the kettle on for when I'm down your way, those cakes look so good,

Lovely post,

GG

MarmiteToasty said...

~((Playwright Chick)))~ Welcome - its not quite 10am here and Im already starving lol... xxxxxx

~(((((Lena)))))~ oh my goodness, tis you, tis really you ya stranger :) - we sometimes do the mixed spuds when we have bangers and mash.... see, Ive sorted out lunch for ya ...

and yes, I do have some wonderful friends.... I would like to think I am a good friend back...xxxxxxx

~(((((Frum Helen))))~ LOL@not eating things if ya never heard of em.... to bloody funny.. get your arse over here and I'll put your taste buds straight lol...xxxxx

~(((EastEndMom))))~ if they dont sell oxo cubes in american then thats it, I cant move there, it was gonna be bad enough with no muller fruit corners and marmite LOL... ok, next month maybe I will post me secret recipes :)...xxxxxxx

~((((Stickman))))))~ yes its always a pleasure to hear from MrG... oh Stickman I would treat you and wifey like a king and queen and cook you up a storm :)....xxxxxxx

~((((NotWaving)))~ Bunging the kettle on as I type lol..xxxxx

Flowerpot said...

I am STARVING now! You take care Marmiexxxx

MarmiteToasty said...

~(((Flowerpot))))~ Im gonna be well starving next week LOL... without my homecooked grub..xxxxxx

Toriz said...

It's amazing what can help with stress.

Deanna said...

Just popping in to leave you some hugs and love. Hope you are ok.

Huge Hugs.
Deanna

Anonymous said...

This is the very first time I've posted a comment on any blog, but I'm a world class blurker on Huckleberries and your blog. I noticed that you have made an occasional post in the last several weeks at HBO, but not here with an update. Hoping you are recovering OK. You have become one of my favorite people with your love of life and ability to deal with the curves it throws you.

MarmiteToasty said...

~(((Toriz))))~ well I could be smoking a spliff instead of baking I suppose lmfao......xxxxxxx

~(((((Deanna))))~ those hugs be they cyberhugs mean so much to me.... fanks.....xxxxxxx

~(((((((Anonymous)))))))~ oh my.... sorry I have not replied until now, only the email telling me someone had posted on twaddle only plopped into me inbox yesterday... how strange.....

Fank you so very very much for your kind words.... I feel honoured that you chose to do your first comment post on my Twaddle :)..... I also feel honoured that you enjoy my everyday rubbish LOL.... I to blurk a lot, specially lately, on Dingleberries site.... I need to get back in the 'groove' as the saying goes and get back to what I loved doing most, and that was leaving comments willy nilly on others blobs....... once again fanks, whomever you are........ OK, WHO THE BLOODY HELL ARE YA? lol...xxxxxx