Family photos

This was taken in the days when photos were a big deal- expensive to buy, and dress code definitely applied. In this case the men are wearing bow ties- a present brought back from America by the grandparents in the mid back of the group. My Dad is on the far right, and Mum is 4 th from the left,next to Grandma.

The photo was given to me by Cousin Carol, who lives in Ireland (standing in the dark coat in the middle). Happy little Alan at the front has the brightest blue eyes you ever saw...

It would have to have been taken 53-54, going on the size of my eldest brother ( far right), and cousin Anne(second left).

Some more captured moments...

Brother Brian with Sharon, and children Sophie and John. Sophie is currently at school in America (California). John is in his final year at school in Melbourne.

And here is my friend, Luci's little boy. He is visiting family in Brazil.What happy times they are having! It is great to see these photos almost in real time, as it expresses moments in a holiday more vividly than a postcard or letter can. I hope grandparents and family have lovely days with him.

My friend Lindy has a birthday today. Happy Birthday! She brought some chocolate muffins the other day, and they were so tasty I asked her to share the recipe. I assure you that the slightly weird mix of ingredients work really well together! I would include a picture but we ate them all...

Chocolate Cake with Ganache
(Choc-ganache muffins)
Ingredients: Ganache:
1 1/2 cups spelt flour 100g dark chocolate
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup soy or almond milk
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch sea salt
120g silken tofu
3/4 cup soy milk
3/4 cup agave syrup
1/2 cup sunflower oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
For the ganache, place a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water. Allow it to get hot
then turn the heat off and place the chocolate in the bowl. Allow it to melt, then beat in
the soy milk. Refrigerate until firm. This can take at least an hour, so prep in advance.
In a bowl sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and soda together with the salt. Mix well.
In a food processor, blend the tofu, soy milk, agave syrup, oil and vanilla.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix to combine. Half-fill 12 greased muffin moulds (or use
paper patty pans), then place 1 tablespoon of the firm ganache on top. Top with more mixture
to almost fill the mould.
Bake at 180c (160ff) for 15 to 20 until they are firm to touch.



The recipe is from Janella Purcell's Good Chef Bad Chef T.V. Program.