Tuesday, December 08, 2015

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 1/3rd 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. 



31 comments:

  1. Excellent advice.
    Thank you.

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    1. You're welcome, EC....meet you when it rains next...clothes optional.

      Thanks for popping. :)

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  2. I needed this tonight!

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    1. Good! I'm glad it helps, Sandie. I think we all need some lighthearted fun in our lives at present. Enjoy the cake! Enjoy the dance! Let the wind blow through your hair! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  3. If you had been Julia Gillard's speech writer, she would still be in office! Perhaps by now you would have secured a government post as Minister of Internal Affairs! The only trouble with living life to the full is it makes you tired and you need a break.

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    1. Thank God I wasn't Gillard's speech writer. I can't stand the woman or her politics! And I'm glad she's no longer in office! Then again, I could've really stuffed her up even further if I'd written her speeches! Hehehehe!

      Thanks for dropping by, Yorkie. :)

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  4. Oh what fun to all those things...great. let's go for it.

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    1. Yep! I think it's time, Margaret!

      Thanks for popping in. :)

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  5. Lee - what decadence in those recipes. But when food is
    concerned I can become VERY DECADENT!
    Loved you comment on "brains". Thankfully you don't mince words.
    Ah poor Julia - well she was born in "Pommy Land" as was "Shirt Front" Abbott!!! Such a pity we will have to pay them until the "Great Reaper" removes them from this planet.

    Coming back on my recent trip to vineyards etc. of the Hunter (POKOLBIN), the pilot was a real wag - told his passengers of height of plane, temperature outside, speed etc etc. Strongly advised that no-one open a door the outside temperature at 29,000 feet was minus 35 Celsius and we just might freeze - ha ha.
    It is good to have a pilot who can advise.
    Also he flew the plane FAST - arrived BNE - 5 minutes after leaving NTL - thanks to daylight saving, which I want up here - bugger dear old Flo and the departed Joh.
    You are to be commended on such an informative, no bars hold blog.
    Cheers
    Colin

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    1. Daylight saving is the last thing I want, Colin! No way, Jose! I've never been for it.

      We disagree on a couple of issues, Colin. I, for one, don't dislike Abbott. He may not have been as eloquent as some others, but I think he was unfairly and unjustly pounced upon by those of left and green leanings...just my opinion...which, of course, I'm allowed to have...as you are yours. :)

      Pokolbin produce some very nice wines. I hope you managed to bring some back with you. If weight was an issue all you had to do was discard your clothes...those in your suitcase I mean!! It sounds like you not only had a nice visit south but a good flight back as well.

      Thank you for your generous comments...and for coming by. Don't forget to hang up your suit...unless, of course, you hocked it before returning north! :)

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    2. The suit came back with me. Too bloody expensive to leave down south!
      No wines back in may baggage - wines are heavy.
      Ah it is good to be able to disagree on some subjects and not grab for guns!
      Cheers
      Colin

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    3. 'Tis true! :)

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  6. "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."

    I have a story I'm reluctant to share, but I'll write about it tomorrow.

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  7. This reminds me of something I saw a few years ago, a couple in Rundle Mall with signs around their necks, "Free Hugs". They gave/got quite a few, including one from me.

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    1. Good on you, River. Hugs should be free; freely given and freely received.

      Narcissism, self-absorption, greed, envy and arrogance are the priorities in the lives of far too man - alltruism, goodwill, caring and empathy are so easily pushed to the wayside...unfortunately.

      Thanks for coming by, River. :)

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  8. I only wish that I did not know how many calories are in chocolate cake!! That kind of ruins the fun of being decadent. Great post!

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    1. Naaaa....don't let those worry you, Annie! Everything is bad for us these days...and then next week it'll be good for us...and on and on! Enjoy the cake! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  9. I have hugged two people I hardly know in the past two weeks. They had a sad story and I thought they needed one. It did us both good. We have to reach out and touch others and share some love so the bad guys don't win.

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    1. That is for sure, Arleen, otherwise we will end up becoming our own worst enemy! We've forgotten how to do it. Sometimes we allow ourselves to come immune to caring...to sharing...and that's not good.

      Thanks for popping in. :)

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  10. I've been eating the chocolate (too much) lately - I've had a nasty cold, but somehow my appetite is intact. :)

    And my friend Barb's six year old granddaughter hugged me when I met her for the first time last Saturday. I told her, "I needed a hug! Thank you!"

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    1. Hey there Lynn...enjoy the chocolate. I hope your cold leaves you soon. Hugs from children are wonderful.

      Take care....thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. I am not watching so much news at present, I can't do anything and I think the world has always been a bad sad place if you look for the evidence - and also a wonderful place if you look for the evidence of that! You always offer such beautiful recipes. Maybe we should all set up a happy chocolate cake stand for a day and spread the joy :D

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    1. Same here, Jenny...I've cut down on how much news I watch, read and hear...it's far too distressing. And I'm not just referring to acts of terrorism...I refer to local, domestic criminal acts that are occurring daily...to many of them...unlawful break-ins and burglaries with violence; stabbings, shootings, bashings...it's all to much. It's gotten out of hand. There are too many idiots roaming around with no respect for others or for the property of others.

      I shed a few tears only a few moments ago upon hearing of the senseless stabbing of a man's pet labrador dog. The dog's owner discovered the horrific, pointless slaughter of his beloved six-year old pet when he arrived home from work late Wednesday afternoon. he dog had been trained as an airport sniffer dog, but had failed all his test, and soon became a household pet, one confined to its own yard and was a very placid, quiet dog)

      People have gone crazy everywhere!

      I'm with you...let's set up a chocolate cake stall...let's spread not only the chocolate ganache, but happiness, respect and thoughtfulness as well!

      We'll smother everyone with chocolate and laughter! That'll sort 'em out! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  12. Wonderful advice.

    I, too, will believe the way I believe.

    Never apologize for not blogging or reading. If it's a chore, it's not fun anymore. I welcome you when you stop by.

    Horses are such majestic animals. I feel where ever I see them...and they, as dogs do, simply seem to follow along. I love both the book and movie too. Yes, sad in many ways but beautiful in so many more.

    I am a blogaholic and a chocoholic so I understand addiction though mine are legal...so far.

    Have a blessed week. Thanks for visiting.

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    1. Hi Gail...Good for you! Be yourself...it's a good self to be! :)

      I don't know where this week has flown by to...it's obviously been in a hurry to get to its destination!

      Talking of chocolate...I might have to raid my fridge a little later!! Hehehehe!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  13. You are a breath of fresh air. That has to be one of my favourite posts for a long time. Where do I start?

    'Malefactors': what a wonderful word. How rarely is it heard these days?

    One of the plaques I have on my wall is 'Happiness is dancing naked in the warm rain'. Not something to be recommended on Lewis as a general rule. I'll say it here because no one I know on the Island is ever likely to see it but one summer night on the beach below the house in 2005 (I think) we took a midnight walk and it started to rain....

    I spent so much of my life being conservative (definitely with a small 'c') socially that it has been good becoming more senior and being able to shake off the overcoat of seriousness and kick over the traces.

    Ah well. It's after midnight and I've now been up for over 18 hours so that's about all for this comment.

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    1. Ahhh, Graham...there's nothing quite as liberating as dancing naked in the rain. It's like shrugging life's problems off your shoulders.

      I've done it often...and make no excuses...the feeling of exhilaration is worth every single drop of rain that falls on the body. And your hair and skin feels like silk afterwards. No amount of showering...no length of time spent under a shower or in a bath ever makes your skin and hair feel that way....heaven! :)

      Continue shaking off the overcoat...breathe the air of freedom deep into your lungs and soul.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  14. Yes, it's excellent advice. Love the recipe titles too!

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    1. G'day Pat...good to see you! Give Bertie a cuddle from me. Thanks for popping in. :)

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  15. How rich are those cakes?! I am currently drooling.

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    1. Ahhhh...it's good to drool once in a while, Susan...it's even better if we satisfy the drooling! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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