Cooks.

 We had Yorkshire pudding today - not easy gluten and dairy free. I expect everyone has a favourite recipe and sticks to it - if it ain't broke. But we use an adapted Delia Smith recipe to compensate for the lack of gluten and fat in non milks.

It's a bit the same with roast potatoes, do you boil them then shake them up a bit and put them in hot oil/fat? Or do you do the above then leave them to go cold before the hot oil/fat? Do you add flour? So many variations but I do think the one essential is to use either King Edward or Maris Piper potatoes and older/larger ones - we also leave the skins on as it adds to the texture and flavour.

Books

 Just over 150 years ago local county libraries were established. What a marvellous opportunity for anyone to learn and discover.

It is wonderful to see libraries thriving today and adapting to modern times. For youngsters there is Lego club, board games and coding club as well as the reading and rhyme time groups.

It allows us to try out new authors which gives the opportunity to reserve more or better still buy knowing they will be a worthwhile purchase.

Food, (not so) glorious food...

It is surprising what ingredients pop up in many different products.

For example barley malt extract. It crops up in cereals, 'Mars' bars, Horlicks, sauces.etc.

One has to be very careful when trying to avoid eating barley malt extract.

Webbed feet

 Another weather update but I think that it is worth noting.

During September we had three time the average rainfall. On just two days we did have the average September rainfall.

The only real surprise is that the water company hasn't introduced a hosepipe ban.

School petri dish

 Does it happen every year after children go back to school.

There is a swap of viruses and bouts of sickness amongst the children and kindly passed on to parents and anyone coming into contact with them.

It also happens at univeristies when students start or restart their terms and the dreadful and dangerous meningitis can be passed on.

Viruses are tiny and can cause so much trouble. I understand that they are a halfway life form, not quite alive but able to reproduce - destructively. Will there ever be a time when viruses do not exist?

Alidl

 Are you a Lidl or Aldi shopper or neither or both?

They are interesting shops and great value for the basics. The middle aisles are always interesting too.

Does anyone remember Tchibo in the UK? They were a great place to go to also. It was a shame that they didn't carry on in the UK.

For keeps or lent?

 Is it sacrelige to have pancakes outside of Shrove Tuesday?

Nope.

They are tasty any time of the year and can be savoury or sweet. They don't take long to make and cook but for such simple ingredients they taste so good. And even dairy free and gluten free are really great options.