BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND…

 

 

 

I hear tell there was a lot of hot air floating around at the Glasgow Climate Summit a few weeks ago when old Joe “Bidin’-His-Time” Biden met up with Camilla, Charlie’s other half.  What a blast!  It’s reported he left a lasting impression.  Having missed out on the explosive history-making moment, Charlie must have been off in a corner upwind somewhere, out of sight, away from the draft, sneaking a wee dram or two of Scotch, leaving Camilla to cop the thundering blow on her own.

At least, the poor old cattle were let off the hook for a change.  For once they were not held responsible for the increase in methane emissions.  The cows and bulls were grazing around on the bonnie green banks of Loch Lomond trying/failing to disguise their giggles, relieved and glad the blame had been lifted from their shoulders.

Who knows…perhaps, prior to the Summit, Joe Blow had been biding his time in Chicago, the Windy City, and had learned as few tricks in how to entertain the crowd.

Not sure which way the wind was blowing, shaking her head, Greta What’s-Her-Name, humorlessly, as is her wont, declared all the hot air floating about proved she was right as always (or as she always believes)…“blah-blah-blah”…yada, yada, yada.  Turning away in disgust, Greta was terrified if she smiled the wind would change at that very minute, and she’d be stuck with a smile on her face, and that would never do, would it?

The little Swedish blowhard believes it was appropriate Bob Dylan received the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish literature prize that’s awarded annually.  The excellent, informative documentary “Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese” certainly would’ve helped in making the decision as would, of course, “Blowin’ in the Wind”.  The brilliant documentary is suggested viewing, in my opinion. 

As expected, already I’ve watched the documentary twice.  How could I not? Dylan played an integral part in my teenage and early adulthood years.  However, I didn’t always abide by his advice.  For instance… “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right “.  Times were a-changing.  Just like a woman, I believed further thought was necessary. There were times, finding shelter from the storm was important, too. 

Ageless Rod Stewart, with his new song, “One More Time”, could be suggesting I watch the Rolling Thunder Revue doco again.  Stewart’s lively performance on “The Graham Norton Show” made me want to watch the Highgate lad’s highly enjoyable segment more than once.  So, of course, I did.  At time of writing I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve watched it. Just as I can guarantee Christmas is around the corner, I can guarantee the number of viewings will multiply.  Rod’s mischievous nature, cheeky glint in his eyes, and wild, unruly hair are impossible to ignore. His agility for a person of his age is to be admired and envied.  I certainly couldn’t match it, although I couldn’t help moving along with him, my way these days, while I watched him sing and swing in his latest performance.

Once upon a time, in years of yore, I was a permanent fixture up rocking on the dance floor, whatever, whichever floor…wherever the floor may have been…when the music began rolling.  Oh! How I loved to dance…and dance I did!

Each time I listen to Roderick David Stewart’s new single, the urge takes hold; the years disappear, proving one more time is not enough, and age is just a number…no matter the number.

It’s like that when it comes to chocolate, isn’t it?  Just one more bit… just one more…and another.  Wow! Have you noticed they’re making chocolate blocks smaller these days?   

 

Colourful Chocolate Truffles: Melt 3c semi-sweet choc chips, 400g condensed milk, and 1tbs vanilla until smooth. Chill choc mixture 1hr until slightly firm. Portion mixture using a two teaspoon measure scoop to keep truffles even in size; fold into balls; then roll in Hundreds & Thousands to coat. Place on paper-lined baking sheet; chill hour or so to set.

Chocolate Christmas Pudding: Mix 150g S.R. flour, 3  eggs, 175g butter, 175g sugar, 30g cocoa, 1tsp baking powder, 1tsp vanilla, and 50g melted dark chocolate together in a metal bowl. Bake in oven 45mins at 170°C. Release cake from mould upside down; coat in a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread. Using 3 large packets of Maltesers, cover whole cake with them. Melt 400g white chocolate; pour over top of cake, letting it drip down the sides. Place 2 mint leaves on top and 3 glacé cherries; serve in slices.

Christmas Brownies: Preheat oven 180C; line 30x20cm tin with baking paper. Gently heat 30ml brandy; add 100g dried cranberries; leave to soak. Melt 300g dark chocolate and 200g butter in a bowl over pan of simmering water. Stir gently until smooth; set aside to cool slightly. In bowl, whisk together 4 eggs and 300g muscovado sugar until pale and fluffy. Whisk the chocolate and butter mix into the eggs; gently fold in 200g plain flour, 1tsp mixed spice, 100g roughly-chopped pecans, cranberries and brandy until fully incorporated. Pour into prepared tin; smooth surface; bake for 25-30mins, or until the brownie is firm to the touch. Leave to cool in tin for 10 minutes; then place on a wire rack until cooled completely. Once cool, cut into squares and dust the tops with icing sugar.