Holidays

I'm taking a couple of weeks off the blog over Christmas and new year. I'll be back in January with lots of new projects.

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

Today is the first Saturday in a long time with no family or friends round to help. There's still lots to do but Nico took a fall last week - luckily nothing was broken and he recovered well but we did slow things down a little this week.

Tuesday was the big xmas party at baby gym. All three groups went together - Isabella's group being the youngest. It was fun to see her watching the big kids in amazement. I'm really glad we've been able to keep going to group throughout the move.

We also had catch ups with our other mummy and baby friends. We went Christmas shopping in town and got a little more into the spirit of things.

Just now we are focusing on things we have to get done before we fly on Tuesday - anything else is a bonus.

Christmas

My favourite Christmas movie...

Six months!

Somehow, our little girl is six months old today. Just as everyone warns you, it really does fly by. Isabella has changed our lives and we are loving it. Here are some of the things I want to remember from these first precious months.

• That little giggle when we play peekaboo.
• How she eats - eagerly when she likes something and not so when it's new, but equally cute either way.
• How friendly she is with everyone.
• The way she bounces and tries to stand up.
• Her reaction to funny noises and faces.
• The fact that she can't crawl yet but eagerly pushes herself along if she wants to get somewhere.
• Bathtime - or any interaction with water.
• The way she talks to our cat, Pete and how they gang up on us on a morning.
• Our struggles with hats, gloves, coats and suits even though it's cold out.
• Her grip on everything from my hair to the drawstrings on my jumper.
• Her new teeth.
• The way she hugs her sheep.
• How she fights of sleep when she has her night milk.
• Her lack of fear.
• Storytime and her starting to remember bits.

I'm so sorry it's flying by but I'm also excited for the next six months too.

Christmas has arrived

Later than ever before, our Christmas tree is finally up!!  It's been a decidedly unchristmassy year. We've been so busy with the move and rushing around to get ready for England. Many people said not to bother this year but it's Isabella's first Christmas and while she may not remember I would.

So the tree is up, the presents wrapped and under it and various other decorations round about. Now we are ready to celebrate.

Tape Wallet

Following on from my bag last week, I made this little wallet with the fabric tape, using the instructions from the kit. 

It's not perfect and I'm not sure I'll use it but I enjoyed the process and got some more practice with that tricky tape.

It was a fun little project and I'll keep my eye out for future Tchibo projects.

Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Bacon
• Gouda cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Sprouts
• Garlic butter

Instructions:

1. Cut the chicken breast almost in half lengthways.
2. Place the gouda into the chicken.
3. Wrap three bacon rashers around each breast.
4. Add salt and pepper and wrap in foil.
5. Put into the oven for around thirty minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, cook the sprouts. Drain them and coat in the butter.

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

The weeks are just flying by now. Highlights this week include:

• Getting the living room painted and bringing our beds over from the flat.
• Getting the xmas cards finished and sent out.
• A vert early but good baby group at 8.30!
• Watching Pete meet a neighbouring ginger cat.
• Meeting some of our human neighbours.
• Bringing over and filling the bookcases.
• Lots of Isabella smiles and giggles despite her first tooth breaking through!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

30 things - Start a Savings Plan

This week Isabella and I visited the local bank to set her up a savings account. I want her to be much more financially competent than I am so it makes sense to start early.

While we were there, I finally set up my own savings account. Obviously, I don't get the same benefits as Isabella but it still felt good to finally do something. My main financial goal is still to blitz my debt but at the same time, I can start putting a little aside.

There's something nice about doing something with your child, it's like a second chance and I'm loving it!

A goodbye

Even though it's been spread over a month, this move seems to have progressed rather quickly which is good in a way because I tend to get over-emotional but I just wanted to take a moment to remember what our old flat meant to us in the style of Rachel Jeffcoat.

This is the living room where we've spent so many cosy evenings, enjoyed many game nights, received many guests. It's where our Christmas tree stood for the last three years, where we skyped with friends and family to share news big and small. From this room we saw birds and squirrels up close. This is the room I was sat in when labour started and the first room we brought our baby girl into.

In this kitchen we cooked so many meals together, tried lots of new recipes and learned to live gluten-free.

In this bathroom I discovered I was pregnant!

Here in this bedroom, we brought our 'practice baby' cat home and waited for him to come out of his cage and accept us. This is where he woke us up like Simon's cat many mornings. This is where Nico proposed, where I told him I was pregnant and where our sweet baby girl slept for her first weeks.

This is the office where we both brought work home.

This room started out as a guest room, and we had many people stay there, it became something of a storeroom for our ever shrinking kitchen, then a nursery for tomato plants before finally being the nursery for our little girl - the scene of night feeds and smiley mornings.

Finally, our balconies where plants grew, kebabs were barbecued, quiet time was enjoyed and storks were spotted overhead.

This is the first place we called 'ours', home to our family of two, then three, then four. It's a home I'll never forget but now it's on to new experiences and hopefully lots more wonderful memories like these.

Girl Power

Becoming a homeowner has led to me trying several new things over the last month or so, and while none of those things were on my lists, it's been quite empowering.

Before the move, I had never painted a room before. I've now painted six with help from family. I've learned how to prepare the room and how to clear up afterwards too.  First it has made me very grateful for all the times my dad painted our rooms growing up - thanks Dad! (I'm afraid Isabella may be doing her own when she gets bored of yellow.) It also makes me wonder how my grandad did this as a job. I'm exhausted each Saturday when we are done.

My favourite new thing was building the above log fire. To be honest, I'm a little afraid of things like that and normally leave them to my chemistry teacher husband but he taught me how to do it this week and I felt quite proud of myself.

I'm sure there will be many more things to learn over the next few years as we get the house done and work on the garden and I'm really looking forward to it!

Recipe: Hollandaise Sauce

Ingredients:

• Butter
• 3 egg yolks
• Salt and pepper
• Water
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter.
2. Whisk the eggs and add the seasoning, water and lemon juice.
3. Gradually add the butter, mixing constantly.
4. When the sauce thickens, pour over your meal. (We eat it with fish and broccoli.)

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

We've had a busy week here. After getting the keys last Friday, we got straight to work on Saturday cleaning, painting and making minor repairs. The kitchen is up and running. 

We camped on the floor in front of the fire on Saturday night which was fun and let us get to work early on Sunday. 

All week we have been driving forward and backward between the house and flat with boxes.

Today family are coming over again to help us paint and clean and hopefully bring our beds over so we can sleep more comfortably after a day's work.

Routines

One of the exciting things about buying  house for me, is starting new family routines and traditions with Isabella. It's already been really nice having breakfast together in the kitchen on a morning with radio and no television.

Something else I want to start next week is reading Isabella a bedtime story. I know she doesn't understand yet but it's never too early to start.

If we manage to get unpacked in time, I'm looking forward to finding a new spot for our Christmas tree and seeing Isabella's reaction to Christmas time.

Also, I'd like to do something as a family on a Friday night. Both Nico and I have fond family memories of marking the start of the weekend.

What family traditions mean the most to you?

Currently...

...packing and unpacking boxes like a machine.
...painting walls.
...enjoying being a homeowner.
...getting cosy in front of the log fire.
...watching Isabella enjoy her advent calendar.
...camping at the new house.
...feeling grateful for helping hands.
...trying to get ready for Christmas.
...being ready for a break.
...drinking hot lemon.
...discovering our new town.

Tape Bag

In amongst moving, painting and unpacking, I managed to fit in this quick little Tchibo project.

It's a bag made from fabric tape. It was a fun and quick project. I don't know what I'll use it for yet but I enjoyed making something again.

I've done Tchibo projects before and I love how simple the instructions are to follow and how nice they look at the end.

There's a little wallet in this kit too so I'm looking forward to that.

December Goals

• Move house.
• Enjoy Christmas with family in England.
• Catch my breath!

Recipe: Mushrooms in Butter

Ingredients:

• Mushrooms
• Butter
• Onions
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Marjoran
• Salt and Pepper
• Bread to serve and dip

Instructions:

1. Fry the mushrooms, onion and garlic in the butter.
2. Add the spices and seasoning.
3. Enjoy!

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

Good morning!

We've had a great week here.  There were a couple of quiet days in between but here are the highlights:

• Gran turned 91 on Monday, that's an achievement in itself these days! She had a quiet celebration dinner with my mum - she doesn't go in for big parties but she did enjoy it.
• Baby group was a hit again, I love that it's a bit different every week but we always start and finish with the same songs. It's always nice to have the exchange with other mums.
• We got the car fixed. It was a bit expensive for a highlight but at least we are safer on the road again.
• I had a couple of medical check ups and everything is looking much better - touch wood. I'm feeling better right now too.
• We had a lovely catch up with our friends Aynur and Mira. This is always a highlight for me. Next time it will be at the xmas market which opened this week.
• Isabella is becoming more and more mobile. It's great to see but also scary how fast she can move! We'll be baby proofing before xmas.
• And the big one...WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!! We finally got the keys last night. Obviously things have been in motion for a while but I didn't want to jinx it. Now it's offcial and we are heading over there this weekend to clean and paint so be prepared for lots of house updates!

Have a great weekend!

Christmas Cards - Round Four

It's the last one, I promise.

For the latest round of cards, I experimented with my Christmas paper stock and some 3D sticky tabs. I think these ones look a little more traditional and the tabs stop the cards from looking too flat and boring.

I also used more red cards this time which felt extra seasonal.

Of course I need  few more cards still but I plan to use some of the same techniques again. I'm still enjoying working in mini-batches after bedtime so I'll be keeping that up too.

Thanksgiving

While Thanksgiving is an American holiday and I'm not American or living in America, it is one of the holidays I almost wish we did celebrate as it's always good to be grateful. So today I'm thinking of all the things I am grateful for this year.

• Our beautiful baby girl and her safe arrival in the world.
• An amazing, patient husband.
• Wonderful family and friends.
• My job and fantastic colleagues.
• Good health.
• My gran making it to her 91st birthday this week.
• Our cat, Pete.
• So much time for crafting fun.
• Sunshine and trips we've made.
• Our car.

There are probably lots more things I can't think of right now but I am very grateful that we got through this very eventful year healthy and happy.

November Goals Review

• Sort out the christening guests - done!
• 3 of my 30 things - 1 done, may get another done this weekend, watch this space.
• Clear out my wardrobe - done!
• Start on the Christmas presents - done!
• Zumba once per week - done!

The most successful month for a while - roll on December!

Christmas Cards - Round Three!

The latest round of card making was a bit of a mix of techniques as I sorted through what card stock I have left over. I finished using those stick ons, used some of my German text stickers and dipped into my paper stock. 

My favourite is that stripy one and I'm going to experiment with the paper some more tonight. 

I'm really enjoying working with these small batches after bedtime instead of pressuring myself to do them all at once. It helps me come up with fresh ideas and not get so bored.

Food Links

We haven't tried any new recipes this week so I'm sharing some of my favourite foody links from around the web today.

Another colitis patient with lots of handy tips and recipes.

I really want to try these soon since they are in season.

A dessert that's been on my wishlist for a while.

Another approach I'm looking into.

A gluten free snack to try.

Another seasonal recipe making my mouth water.

I love Sarah's Kitchen Globetrotter series.

Combining two of my favourite flavours.

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

What a week!  It has absolutely flown by.

We notched up 12000 steps on the pedometer on Monday when Isabella and I took our first tram ride into Bremen for some shopping, breakfast and coffee with some friends. The weather was so nice we sat outside in the market square for coffee. I think that's a first for November. It's always great to meet up with mum friends and swap tips. We may be on to a new place for family swimming.

Tuesday was our second week at baby gym. This week we had mirrors and a rocker for playtime as well as the songs and advice round. Isabella was very curious again with so many other babies.

Our quiet day was Wednesday. We were home getting jobs done. 

We had lunch with a friend on Thursday before heading to school for the Christmas market. It was great to catch up with colleagues and pupils. I can't believe how fast the kids change! It was a bit too much for Isabella but she slept well afterwards.

Friday was another day of chores and getting bits and bobs done.

The christening is all planned - godparents, flights and accommodation for guests. I've started Christmas gift shopping and I'm on track with getting back into zumba (not that Isabella is happy about that).  All in all, a productive week.

Christmas Cards - Round Two

Tonight I got around to a little more card making. I wanted to continue on the simple theme - especially since I'm squeezing in this craft time after baby bed time.

I found this Christmas themed washi tape at Idee on Monday and used it to make some cards in the same style as the October and November birhday cards.

When I'd finished, I felt like there was something missing so I dug through my supplies and added some little green Christmas tree stamps which matched the tape.

Christmas Cards - Round One

Yesterday, I started work on this year's Christmas cards. I've been making them myself for a few years now and while I plan to try a new technique later, for the first ones, I stuck to something tried and tested.

I really like these stick on details. They are easy to work with and you can make the cards as minimalistic or as busy as you like. As you can see, I go for the more simplistic look.

The colour theme is always the same for me - green, red and cream. Those colours are Christmas for me.

Looking forward to trying some different ideas next week too. 

Crochet Winter Hat

While I was shopping for Christmas card stock on Monday, I stumbled across a display of hat crochet kits and bought a simple one.

With the help of a few youtube videos and a patient husband, I had this one done in a day and a half.

I love the colour and the hat is wonderfully warm. I'm looking forward to wearing it lots this season and making some more too.

If you are interested, you can find this kit and others here.

Reading Review

Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving

This is a book I never would have picked up had it not been on the BBC top 100 list and it took some getting into but it really was worth it.

This is Owen Meany's life story told from the point of view of his best friend. There are lots of twists and it's actually quite funny. The charcters are so well written and the story very compelling. It kept me guessing right to the end.

Disgrace - Jussi Adler-Olson

This is the second book in the department Q series and it was another good, fast read. As with lots of the Scandanavian crime novels, there was a complex plot with well formed characters.  The main detective is quite the underdog but it's also easy to identify with him. Again, I'm really looking forward to the next of these.

Dune - Frank Herbert

Again, not a book that would normally find its way onto my radar but one of the top 100 and I'm glad I read it.  Sci-fi is not my go to genre and it took me a while to get into this one because of the new jargon and unfamiliar names that took a while to recognize and get used to. (I later discovered a glossary at the back of the book.)

Dune is the now almost 'typical' story of a race war,set on the planet Arrakis.  Considering when the book was written though, this must have been one of the earlier versions of such a story. It is very cleverly written and the politics could be applied to a number of real world settings.

The characters weren't as enjoyable for me in this book but the story made up for that.  I'd still say this was a book for sci-fi fans more than anything.

Recipe: Cottage Pie

Ingredients:

• 500g potatoes
• 1 leek
• 1 onion
• 250g mince
• 4 carrots
• Mushrooms
• Tomato puree
• Worcester sauce
• Stock
• Salt and pepper
• Milk
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes for fifteen minutes, draining the water and adding the leek for the last two minutes.
2. Meanwhile, brown the onion and mince for five minutes.
3. Add the carrots and mushrooms followed by the puree, worcester sauce, stock and seasoning. Simmer for fifteen minutes before transfering to an oven dish.
4. Mash the potatoes with the milk and cream cheese and cover the sauce. Grate the cheese on top.
5. Bake for twenty minutes.

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

Things were fairly quiet around here this week. Nico was back at work and apart from Baby Gym, Isabella had no appointments. 

We got back into a slight routine but one thing I'm learning quickly is that routines never really last long with babies. Our main change this week has been a new high chair which has made it easier to feed Isabella and sometimes easier to do chores while she's awake, depending on her mood.

I'm even making a slow start with other projects, clearing out my wardrobe and Christmas shopping. Little and often seems to be the key there.

Next week could be hectic with the car being repaired, coffee with a friend, baby gym, lunch with a friend and the autumn market at school as well as our usual 'routine'.  Have a good one!

Link Round Up

Some of the sites catching my attention lately:

Planning to make these soon.

Brought a tear to my eye.

Something to make me pick up my needles again.

Still loving these essays.

Future sewing project...and this.

Constantly finding life inspiration here.

How many of these have you read?

Started the Christmas shopping this week.

Clearing Out

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While I wish I had Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe, I don't have the space or the finances. I cleared out my wardrobe last year but have been thinking about doing it again for a long time.

I finally got around to it this week and probably got rid of about a quarter of it. Despite several previous attempts, there were things in there that I wore aged 18, and probably never again since. There were also plenty of things that didn't fit.

I tried to follow a few rules:

• out goes anything that doesn't fit.
• out goes anything to grubby/overwashed to wear any more.
• out goes anything I wouldn't wear any more

I have been on a spending diet when it comes to clothes ever since I moved to Germany so many of the clothes are older and I often forget what's in there. While I'm still a way off, I plan to keep cutting down until I can wear anything I put my hand on.  

Apart from the obvious space saving and time saving, there is something very therapeutic about a clearout. I am looking forward to much more clearing out.

Currently...

...dreaming about the near future.
...filling boxes.
...enjoying baby giggles.
...feeling refreshed.
...watching birds on the balcony.
...socialising with other mummies.
...preparing for some fun family events.
...clearing out my closet.
...eating healthily again.
...cosying up on these dark nights.
...making plans for a quieter but fun 2015!

Baby Gym

This morning, Isabella and I went to our first baby gym! I wasn't at all sure what to expect but it was really good. It was more of a play group in that we started and finished with songs - I sang in public for the first time ever...and in German!

We had an introduction round and the leader explained about baby development. There was also time for questions and answers. 

There were seven babies there, all at a very similar age and development. Isabella was curious as ever and there were some sympathy tears again - as with baby massage. There were giggles too though when we were doing the actions to some of the songs.

I can't wait to see how the group develops and how it helps Isabella. It was really great to mix with other parents and babies - something we should do more of.

We're already looking forward to next week!

Recipe: Stuffed Pumpkin

Ingredients:

• 1 pumpkin
• Olive oil
• 250g mince
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3tbsp tomato purree
• 1 red pepper
• Salt, pepper, chilli, coriander, parsley

Instructions:

1. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and place face up in a baking dish in the oven at 200℃ for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, brown the mince, add the onion and garlic for five minutes before adding the tomato puree, red pepper and spices.
3. Remove the pumpkin from the oven and fill both halves with the mince mixture before returning it to the oven for half an hour.

Weekly Wisdom

The Saturday Update

Not a lot to report here. We had a nice quiet week, getting lots done around the flat and binge watching Boston Legal.

Last night we had a lovely meal with friends in their lovely new flat in Bremen. It was lovely to see them again and have an evening out with Isabella.

Next week Nico is back at work and Isabella and I will be attending baby gym. I'll be continuing work on this month's goals and seeing more friends.

Starting to feel like Christmas...

October Project Life

I really enjoyed this project again this month. We were pretty busy so it is quite photo heavy.

This month, instead of printing all the photos I like and trying to fit them in, I planned out the spread and cropped some photos to make them fit. Unfortunately, this meant that some quality was lost but it did mean I could experiment with filters too.

At the end, I added a square insert for our Harz trip and I love the look. Embelishments from the Seafoam kit and tourist information.

Harz Photos

As I talked about on Saturday, we had  couple of days in the Harz last week. Here are some photos from the trip.

The view from our flat

On the walk up to the castle

Arriving at Wernigerode castle

On the castle tour

An impressive building

The view of the Brocken

Walking to the top of the hill

A sneaky break with my extra six kilos

Finding our way

Looking back down on the castle

Beautiful view

Amazing light in the forest...

...and shadows

The smallest house

Love these little streets

November Goals

First up a review of my October goals:

• Plan Isabella's christening - we have a date! Just the guests and food to plan.
• Repot the lemon and avocado plants - done!
• 3 of my 30 things - 2 done, still on track.
• Clear out my wardrobe - not yet done - see November.
• Start planning for Christmas - plans made, action to start in November.
• Put out the Autumn decorations - done!

Now my November goals:

• Sort out the christening guests.
• 3 of my 30 things.
• Clear out my wardrobe.
• Start on the Christmas presents.
• Zumba once per week.

Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin
• Onions
• 500ml stock
• Fried onion pieces
• Spices

Instructions:

1. Chop the onions and pumpkin and roast for about 40 minutes at 180℃.
2. Transfer the pieces to a pan with the stock and spice to taste. Bring to the boil and simmer for 40-60 minutes.
3. Top with tge onion pieces.

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

We had a wonderful relaxing week.

We spent the first half in Wernigerode in the Harz. It was our first family break and quieter than usual with a four month old, but just what we needed.

On our full day, we walked up to the castle, took the tour and had a coffee before walking back to the car. We had amazing weather and Isabella was brilliant in the baby carrier for so long. 

We bought some Harz walking passes where you can collect stamps on different hikes and we can't wait to start filling them on our next trip.

After the busy year it was very relaxing to be away and have some quiet time together.

We spent the second half of the week with Nico's family to celebrate his mum's birthday. It's always great to see Isabella with family and she was crazily excited for those two days.

Now we are home again for a quiet second week of holidays, enjoying some quiet time at home getting bits and bobs done.

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

Short update this week. Dad was with us until Tuesday - we were sorry to see him go but it will soon be Christmas and there will be plenty of visits next year too.

Wednesday and Thursday were pretty regular days - I'm finding it harder to find time for crafting since Isabella is more aware and demanding at this age.

On Friday we had a lovely afternoon with a friend and her one-month-old baby girl. It was lovely to meet her little baby and catch up. Can't wait until the girls are old enough for real play dates.

Next week we are away for our first family trip and then visiting family. I'm really looking forward to the break.

November Birthday Cards

Again this month I used the tape for the birthday cards. I'm finding it really good for cards for men.  For some reason though - I always find myself making men's cards with straight tape while mixing it up for the ladies...

I'm considering it for Christmas this year too...we'll see.

30 Things - Cook a Family Dinner

As you may have guessed from this week's recipe, I did a roast chicken on Sunday while Dad was here. It was my first ever roast and apart from not having perfect timing, I think it went very well.

We got the chicken from the new butcher we found for just 2.99 and Nico helped me with the spices, sauce and advice.

Looking forward to lots more family dinners.

Rainy Day Activities

This is the view from our flat this morning. I'm busy with my to do list anyway (as far as being indoors allows) but I thought I'd share some ideas for what to do when you're stuck inside.

• Play a board game or cards.
• Do a jigsaw.
• Ring a friend - I'll be catching up with my gran today.
• Write a letter.
• Get crafty! Painting, sewing, knitting...
• Have a hot bath.
• Experiment in the kitchen. Try to make something from your cupboard ingredients (saves shopping in the rain).
• Have a clearout - that wardrobe is still on my list.
• Read a good book.
• Watch a film.

The possibilities are endless. I'm off to get cracking!

Dad's Visit

We've had a lovely week with grandad here. It was another quiet visit - we'll plan more trips and walks next time dad. The weather was a bit hit and miss but the main thing is that dad and Isabella got lots of time together. 

Last time dad was here, Isabella was just a couple of days old so there was a huge difference this time. Not only has she grown a lot but she's much more aware and playful now. She loved having grandad here.

We had one day out in Bremen and grandad bought Isabella her first swimming costume and armbands - can't wait to try them out! We also had a lovely lunch at Dean and David's again.

Looking forward to the next visit already!

Recipe:Roast Chicken Dinner

Ingredients:

• A whole chicken
• Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme
• Olive oil
• Beer (optional)
• Onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• Stock
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Honey
• Green beans
• Butter
• Cream
• Sauce thickener
• Smoked salt

Instructions:

1. Clean the chicken and place it in a roasting tin.
2. Mix the spices and oil and use it to rub the chicken, inside and out. Reserve some of the mix and the beer to baste the chicken later.
3. Put the stock in the bottom of the roasting tin.
4. Put the garlic and onion inside the chicken. Tie the legs with string.
5. Roast the chicken at 175℃ for 90 minutes, turning half way through and basting regularly.
6. Boil the potatoes for thirty minutes. Coat with oil and salt before adding them to the roasting tin when turning the chicken. The fluid from the chicken should run clear.
7. Cook the vegetables in time to serve it all together. Add butter and the smoked salt to the green beans and honey to the carrots.
8. Reserve the stock from the tin and add the cream and thickener to make the sauce.