And a Happy New Year!
As you may or may not know, over the festive period (Xmas and New Years inclusive) I haven’t blogged. A combination of being that little bit busier and that little bit drunker than the norm meant writing, in whatever format was not my first thought. Add in the fact that both big days fell on a Wednesday, the day I usually post the blog, and, well, something had to give.
Something that turned out to be me.
But, it’s a brand new year, and a brand new me (Well, one out of two ain’t bad), and I’m back, baby! The blogger returns! (or possibly strikes back, you choose).
Humbug
So, I hear you ask, how did you Xmas go, Mr. Seated Perspective?
Well, it went well, thank you so very much for asking. Tina, my eternally effervescent wife, and I had a quiet Christmas, with just the two of us to feed on the big day, and free reign over the Xmas telly. (Doctor Who was a bit ‘meh’ for me, and Tina refused to watch Die Hard which I thought was a bit Bah Humbug). The food, however, was possibly the best I’ve done.
I’m only talking Xmas dinner here, you understand. My chicken and Chinese style 'dirty' rice still ranks, as does my steak and balsamic onions. This year, though, I think I produced the tastiest, most succulent turkey breast I ever have or possibly ever will. And it’s all thanks to overnight brining.
A Brine Time
This was something I’d see on a Youtube video and it was enough to pique my curiosity. In the end I gave in and translating American ‘cups’ to more familiar measurements, I prepared a brine of water, salt, sugar, and a few herbs and spices. This, once brought to a boil and cooled, was placed, along with the bird in the unplugged slow cooker to sit for 16 hours.
And my, what a difference it made.
After drying out, the bird was steam-roasted in the Ninja Speedi along with some carrots, ‘snips, and roasties (all cooked from raw) while some spiced red cabbage braised gently on the hob. The result was one of the nicest Xmas dinners I’ve ever had. Could it have been better? Of course it could. Did I forget the vegan pigs in blankets? I’ll leave that one down to your imagination
Ringing in The New
So, that was the food, what else? Well, there were gifts of course. Although Tina and I kept it to one modest gift each between us, the boxing Day meet up with family, among other socialisations, spread the joy of giving on both sides. Oh, and there was a snifter or two of Glúhwein and a glass or two of port, too. My customary bourbon? Well, that was kept in check for New Years Eve, although the last of the Champagne made a brief guest appearance either side of midnight, as Jools Holland and company entertained us.
And that, the customary post Xmas/pre-News Year meet up with friends for a ‘walk’ (between two pubs) aside, was it. End of story. All done for another year. The tree is down, the tinsel is away, and it’s time to concentrate on the next bit, which is what to do with the year ahead. For that, I’m afraid, you’ll just have to wait until next week, but...
Bring on 2025!
Until next time.
#
Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.
New Tales Of Old
Death Ship
Pestilence: Drabbles 1
Reaperman: Drabbles 3
The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu
Eldritch Investigations
Well, it went well, thank you so very much for asking. Tina, my eternally effervescent wife, and I had a quiet Christmas, with just the two of us to feed on the big day, and free reign over the Xmas telly. (Doctor Who was a bit ‘meh’ for me, and Tina refused to watch Die Hard which I thought was a bit Bah Humbug). The food, however, was possibly the best I’ve done.
I’m only talking Xmas dinner here, you understand. My chicken and Chinese style 'dirty' rice still ranks, as does my steak and balsamic onions. This year, though, I think I produced the tastiest, most succulent turkey breast I ever have or possibly ever will. And it’s all thanks to overnight brining.
A Brine Time
This was something I’d see on a Youtube video and it was enough to pique my curiosity. In the end I gave in and translating American ‘cups’ to more familiar measurements, I prepared a brine of water, salt, sugar, and a few herbs and spices. This, once brought to a boil and cooled, was placed, along with the bird in the unplugged slow cooker to sit for 16 hours.
And my, what a difference it made.
After drying out, the bird was steam-roasted in the Ninja Speedi along with some carrots, ‘snips, and roasties (all cooked from raw) while some spiced red cabbage braised gently on the hob. The result was one of the nicest Xmas dinners I’ve ever had. Could it have been better? Of course it could. Did I forget the vegan pigs in blankets? I’ll leave that one down to your imagination
Ringing in The New
So, that was the food, what else? Well, there were gifts of course. Although Tina and I kept it to one modest gift each between us, the boxing Day meet up with family, among other socialisations, spread the joy of giving on both sides. Oh, and there was a snifter or two of Glúhwein and a glass or two of port, too. My customary bourbon? Well, that was kept in check for New Years Eve, although the last of the Champagne made a brief guest appearance either side of midnight, as Jools Holland and company entertained us.
And that, the customary post Xmas/pre-News Year meet up with friends for a ‘walk’ (between two pubs) aside, was it. End of story. All done for another year. The tree is down, the tinsel is away, and it’s time to concentrate on the next bit, which is what to do with the year ahead. For that, I’m afraid, you’ll just have to wait until next week, but...
Bring on 2025!
Until next time.
#
Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.
New Tales Of Old
Death Ship
Pestilence: Drabbles 1
Reaperman: Drabbles 3
The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu
Eldritch Investigations
I can't believe you have not mentioned the rather tasty new years day roast dinner at mine. I am wounded.........
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