NO REGRETS! LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

Live life to the fullest! That’s the message, loud and clear. It’s the theme of one of those mantras that are passed from one to another and onto thousands more via social media and email – (as shown above).

Sadly, too often we need reminding; particularly when the world seemingly becomes inundated with more and more stupid people acting out their callous evil acts; their wicked, immoral fantasies. Every day we're overwhelmed by stories of domestic violence, pointless street violence, soulless terrorism; senseless thuggery of every despicable description.   

Criminal bullies who misguidedly believe in their addled brains (I use the word "brains" loosely) that they rule the world; the streets; the suburbs; homes - in the false belief it’s their right to perpetrate harm on others    

Our world has become awash with twisted-minded malefactors who think they have the right call others who do not believe in their fairy tale “infidels” . They destroy because they are incapable of creating.  How foolish of them to force their beliefs, culture, way of life on others who do not believe in their foolishness! Like pesky blowflies their desire is to spread their maggots far and wide.   

I will believe in what I choose to believe in, not what I’m forced to believe in. If I choose not to believe in fairy tales, that is my choice. It's has nothing to do with anyone else; it is not their business nor is it their concern; or it shouldn't be. And I sure as hell don’t believe there are 72 virgins a-waiting up there – floating about somewhere. 

For goodness sake!  Wake up! There probably aren’t 72 virgins wandering around hereabouts...on solid ground! 

And don’t forget the law of gravity. Newton stated that any two bodies in the universe attract each other with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.  I guess that’s the cause of thunder, after all.  The coming together of two overweight bodies...those who didn’t win the reality TV show - “The Biggest Loser”!  Strike a light! Behave yourselves, you lot...there are people listening in to your antics!  Be discreet!

Deflated and exhausted beneath the burden of threatening dark clouds it’s easy to find one’s self bogged down in the slimy mire that continues to invade our world; pulled down by those trying to force us into their chaotic morass; trying to drag us down to their level of repugnant morbidity. 

The message I received via email and, in turn, forwarded on to others, and am now passing on to you, advises us to - “eat the damn chocolate cake”!  It’s the best advice I’ve received in a long time. I’m following it to the last crumb. It’s the icing on top of the cake I needed. 

The words of guidance also said to “walk in the rain”.  I’ll add a suggestion of my own - “let your hair down when doing so”. If you’re sans hair, let your bald pate be caressed by the precipitation.

Don’t just walk in the rain - dance in the rain, not only sans hair, but sans clothes if that floats your boat. Take my word for it, from experience, it is liberating!  However - a word of advice - ensure the neighbours are away when you do the latter – it might matter.

The quote continues its sage counsel - “go barefooted - splash in the puddles”...leave your gumboots at home. It will save having to clean them.

Also “ride with the windows down” - best done if riding in a car, of course.  In case you’ve not noticed, bicycles, motor bikes, scooters and horses don’t have windows.

I suggest you not ride with the windows down if you’re in a plane – the other passengers may not react quickly enough to grab your ankles; and they probably wouldn’t appreciate being dragged down along with you through said window...I’m just saying. 

The sagacious slogan says – “talk to strangers”.  I’m already guilty of doing so.

Many of the strangers I accost surely think I’m “that weird, eccentric old lady who lives on the hill”; but I don’t care because I am and I do. 

The message also said to - “hug someone”.  Well, I go as far as talking to strangers and smiling at all and sundry whether I know them or not, but I’d most likely get arrested if I started hugging everyone!  I think I’ll give that one a miss or, maybe, for the fun of it, I’ll give it a go.  I’ll try hugging each and every person I come across next time I’m out shopping at our local Supa IGA supermarket, if only to see the reactions I receive.  It could be interesting...and funny...to say the least!  Do they still serve only bread and water in jail? If that’s the case I’d better eat some more chocolate cake.

Another recommendation is to “laugh every chance you get”. I’m guilty of that, too. I receive a lot of strange looks each time I burst into gales of laughter when I’m out and about...by myself. 

The quote instructs us to “try new things”.

The staff at IGA didn’t take too kindly to my trying their range of new cheeses last week when I was cruising by the refrigerated section. In fact, Bronnie, one of IGA’s staff caught me in the act. She barked at me and ordered I leave the store immediately; but like a petulant child I stood my ground. Defiantly I told her I wasn’t budging, and that my intention was to eat my way through the store!

I’ve wiped “try new things” off the list.

The maxim offers counsel (note spelling - “counsel” not “council”) to take naps.  I don’t need prompting. I enjoy having a “Nana Nap” if and when the mood takes hold. Being refreshed helps in living life to the fullest with no regrets...

French Chocolate Cake: Preheat oven 190C. Generously butter 9-1/2 inch spring-form pan; sprinkle with a little sugar; tap out excess. Using 3/4c icing sugar, set aside 3tbs of it; place remaining icing sugar in saucepan with 280g chopped dark chocolate and 3/4c chopped, unsalted butter over low heat; melt and dissolve; remove from heat; stir in 2tsp vanilla; cool slightly. Beat 5 egg yolks into mix; beat each in well; stir in 1/4c sifted plain flour. Beat egg whites slowly until frothy; increase speed; add pinch of salt; beat until soft peaks form; sprinkle over the reserved icing sugar; beat whites until stiff and glossy. Beat 1/3^rd of whites into choc mixture; then fold in the remaining whites; pour into prepared pan; tap gently to release air bubbles. Bake, 35-45mins until well risen. Cool completely while making ganache; bring 1c heavy cream to boil over med-high heat; remove from heat; add 230g semi-sweet chopped chocolate; stir until melted and smooth; stir in 2tbs brandy or rum; beat in 2tbs softened, unsalted butter. Set aside 5-10mins. Pour the warm ganache over cake all at once; tilt to spread evenly on all surfaces Smooth with spatula; sprinkle with chopped pistachios or nuts of choice.

No Regrets Cheesecake: Press biscuit crust (made from chocolate ripple biscuits or chocolate wafers) onto base of 9-inch spring-form pan; bake at 232C 5mins. Beat 720g cream cheese and 1-1/4c sugar until smooth; add 240g sour cream and 2tsp vanilla; add 1/2c dark cocoa, 1tsp instant espresso and 2tbs plain flour; add 3 eggs, one at a time; stir gently to just blended; pour over base; bake at 230C 10mins; reduce heat to 120C; bake 40mins until still a bit jiggly in centre (the cake, not you); cool completely; remove from pan; drizzle over melted dark chocolate.

Chocolate Beet Cake – You Can’t Beat It! Preheat oven 176C (350F). Melt 85g dark chocolate over double boiler. In a bowl, whisk together 3 medium eggs, 300g sugar and 240ml sunflower oil; slowly add 300g cooked beetroot that have been pureed, the melted chocolate and 1tsp vanilla into the egg mixture; beat until just combined.  Sift 30g cocoa powder 200g plain flour, 1-1/2tsp baking soda and 1/4tsp salt; add to batter; fold until just combined; don’t overwork the batter. Grease a 10-inch cake pan; sprinkle with a little flour; tap out excess. Pour batter into pan; bake approx 30mins, or until inserted skewer comes out clean.  Make ganache while cake is cooking – place 250g dark chocolate, broken into pieces in bowl; heat 250ml heavy cream until it just starts to barely boil; pour hot cream over chocolate; whisk until it forms a smooth sauce. Cool cooked cake on rack; then pour the chocolate ganache over while ganache is still warm.  Let it set a little before serving.