h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm going out straight from work tonight so to ensure it's not too long a day for my dog I've taken a half day holiday.

How wonderful a morning without plans is. I got up at 8am, which is a wonderfully civilised time to get out of bed. I cranked up the heating to 17 and spent 20 minutes on-line checking emails & whatever while the dog had a mooch in the garden, then cooked up beans, mushrooms & egg on toast for breakfast.

After breakfast I took the dog for a walk. I took his ball & chukkit so he got a good run to help make up for the fact he'll only get 10 minutes when I get home tonight. I don't feel bad about this because in general I'm an antisocial creature and the times I leave him for a social event are few & far between.

It's a beautiful morning out there. It's really, really cold, the grass is white & crunchy, the sky is blue with white clouds and it's very still. I thoroughly enjoyed my walk, although I now realise I need some thermal socks to go in my wellies as my toes are frozen solid . Days like this make me happy to be alive, the air's so fresh and crisp and there's not a trace of grey to be found.

I now have a couple of hours to mooch round before heading out for what will probably be a pleasant and quicker than usual drive to work. Then tonight I'm going to a tapas bar called Byzantium in Kings Heath, meeting the people who used to make up the bustling accounts department of 10+ years ago. We've all kept in touch and meet up once or twice a year, which is lovely (and just the right amount of social pressure for me ). The last time we met up was in March, actually at the same place, so there'll be lots to talk about.

I feel very today.

Deb

Sounds good.

Mushrooms, beans, and egg on toast?

Forget the toasty stuff...tapas mmmmmm

Tapas are good, too, and quite varied. Don't you need tiny little plates for them, though? I have plenty, by the way.

Sounds good indeed - I like the sound of that breakfast too

I hope you had a good evening

[Amy P]

The tapas were extremely delicious. One of my favourite dishes was chicken liver in sherry, I ordered that one as no-one else had. Oh yum. Also the patatas alioli (or something) -

And the company was fab, we're such old friends that it's effortless even when we haven't seen each other since March.

Deb

"patatas alioli (or something) "

Is that garlicky potatoes?

Yes, it seemed to be crispy sautéed potato cubes in a garlicky sauce. Oh my goodness

Deb

Ooh! Chicken livers in sherry sauce - that's my favourite tapa, too!

They sound tasty, that's for sure.

I don't think I've had liver in the last twenty years....

I've never had chicken liver before, only chicken liver pate, and these were so tender they were practically pate

Deb

On the other hand, tenderness can be a problem. Brussels sprouts are okay raw, but even a little cooking can make them soft and disgusting . Unless you marinate them in lemon juice.

They are as delicious as chestnuts if you simply boil them till they're still firm, but not al dente. Make sure there's enough salt in the water. Pour them into a colander and pour really cold water immediately after. They turn a lovely colour and lose their yukky taste. Warm them up again in a little butter or just steam.

At Christmas serve with half the amount again of green grapes or chestnuts, mixed together when re-heating.

Roll on Christmas and chestnuts!

The only time I enjoyed them was when my sister-in-law marinated them in orange juice or lemon juice.

Was that before or after cooking? I am quite intrigued and willing to try that out this year - so please elaborate!

I'm a big fan of Brussels sprouts I even eat them when it's not Christmas

Deb

I like Brussels Sprouts, too - cooked just right, they are delicious, and my dad's home grown ones are even better

I laughed at my online shopping last month, though - I ordered 100g of sprouts, and was a bit confused when it said 4 on the bill, but just assumed that would mean 4 scoops of loose sprouts. No, it was just 4 huge sprouts... They went a bit soft inside when they were cooked, but not too bad.