Mizmoe

It just hasn´t been a good month so far and signs are it will not improve.

I am having to travel to the UK as soon as my passport comes through, (or an emergency passport if that doesn´t). That means a flight to Madrid, trip to British Embassy (or so I am told) and from there a flight to the UK. Not looking forward to it as I will be on my own. My mother who is 88 years old is having “tests”, not sure what for but she has asked to see me. She would not do that without cause as she is a “tough cookie”. Somehow I have an awful feeling about this. Just hope she holds on until after I arrive in the UK.

Some good news would be okay right now, but that isn´t to be … Lisa has made 4 friends (very good friends) since her arrival in Spain, 2 died, and now one has been hurt in a car accident. Jinx, or not? On top of that a friend in the USA has had a stroke and is lucky to be alive. This man is in his early 30s!

I don´t want to know what is around the corner for me. Right now burying my head in the sand sounds good.

I have been thinking about my cat today, mainly as she died yesterday after 18 years of happy life. She was evil, bad tempered and at times quite nasty. Why did I love her? She had “guts” and I admire that in anything, particularly the female of the species.

The funniest memory was when Geraldine (our hampster and very much like Kypa in temperament) was exercising in her roller ball, Kypa approached the ball with a view to disposing of said smelly rodent. The hampster looked at Kypa and rolled the ball aggressively towards her, the cat backed off and ended up jumping onto the sofa after being chased around the room for several minutes, with me laughing. Kypa did not like being laughed at.

Kypa loved to kill anything smaller than herself, particularly spiders. In our last house in the UK, we had a “colony” of very large hairy spiders that were very aggressive. Kypa chased one, it ended with myself, daughter and Kipper all stood on the sofa seeking refuge after being chased around the living room by the spider. Kypa never bothered a spider again.

We found Kypa on 23 August 1990 after our first visit to Cala D´or, with her sister Pepe. They bother had cat flu, had been abandoned. Kypa approached and though I loved her from the first, my favourite was Pepe, she was so pretty and feminine. She fitted onto my hand, but I backed off when she arched her back and hissed, allowing my daughter to pick her up. This attitude to me continued throughout her life. She loved my father and daughter much more than me. Pepe wasn´t as strong as Kypa and died of the cat flu, the vet managed to save Kypa but said she would not live long and would always be thin. He was right on the latter.

My doctors were horrified when I arrived at the Oncology Department for my final treatment to see a couple of long scratches on my arm, red and sore. When I explained that my cat had scratched me they insisted on treating said wound. It healed, no ill effects, but I understand it could have been nasty. Better to be born lucky than rich!

She gave me many years of happy memories, too numerous to mention and for that I will always be grateful to her.

I love swordfish, but the only way I have ever eaten it was baked and served with plain boiled potatoes, salad or vegetables on the side. This dish is a little different, but I think I still prefer swordfish cooked the way I first had it in Fuengirola. I am told that it is nice served simply with a mixed salad and rice cook in stock with garlic and herbs!

Serves 2 people

2 pieces of swordfish
3 to 4 tbsp olive oil
Sauce:-
3 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 shallots, skinned and chopped
Sea salt and pepper
Oil/garlic mixture:-
1 small clove of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp white breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp oregano (leaves only)
Juice of half a small lemon

2 tomatoes, halved

Place the swordfish onto a plate
Drizzle with olive oil
Leave to marinate for about 10 minutes

Sauce - heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan, add the parsley, basil, shallots and seasoning - put to one side until the onion is cooked

Put the crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, oregano and lemon juice into a bowl, mix to combine then adding seasoning to taste

Wash the tomatoes, cut in half around the equator then place onto a baking tray and cover with the oil and garlic mixture
Place on the middle shelf of a preheated oven set to 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 10 minutes (or to taste, I like them with a little bit of bite left in them rathern than “squashy”)
Swordfish - place the fish onto a hot griddle and cook until golden brown on both sides, adding more olive oil if required (I prefer it baked in the oven)
Place the fish onto a serving platter, circle with the tomatoes and drizzle with the sauce and garnish
Serve with salad leaves and plain boiled new potatoes

I have been looking for a good (ie to suit my taste) recipe for Sweet and Sour. In the end I gave up, put the cookery books away and looked through my old scrap book of recipes scribbled out and altered over the years. Much to my annoyance, this is the only one I could find, so try it if you want, but it is to suit my taste, so it may not suit yours. I like arrowroot as a thickener for this dish rather than cornflour as it makes the sauce look “pretty”, but care must be taken you don´t overcook the arrowroot as it will go thin again! The original recipe was for just plain oil, ordinary olive oil if you must, but I have changed it to groundnut oil, mainly because it doesn´t add it´s own flavour to the finished dish! I tried it with tomato frito instead of tomato ketchup - it was not too good, didn´t look right, a bit too “red”, could have been the peppers in the tomato frito. I also tried picked garlic, not my best idea!

2 tbsp groundnut oil
4 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
Pineapple juice from an 11 oz can of pineapple chunks or rings (in juice! not syrup)
Use 5.5 oz pineapple - chop finely
1/2 cup of tomato ketchup
1/2 cup of soft light brown sugar
1/2 cup of red wine vinegar (or white if you prefer)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp chilli powder
Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place 2 level tbsp cornflour into a bowl and mix to a paste with 1/2 cup cold water
Place the oil in a medium saucepan set over a medium heat
Add the prepared onions and garlic, sweat until opaque
Add the finely chopped pineapple and cook (stirring) for one minute
Then stir in the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar and Worcestershire sauce
When combined, bring up to the boil while stirring (do not allow the mixture to burn - a heat diffuser may help)
When it reaches boiling point add the chilli and turn the heat down to a simmer
Leave to cook very slowly (ie simmer) for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
Remove from heat and taste to check seasoning, adding salt/pepper to taste (if required - I don´t think it is necessary to add either salt or pepper)
To thicken the sauce turn the heat up to medium and return the pan to the heat
Whisk in the cornflour paste again then add (slowly while stirring the sauce continuously), continue cooking until the sauce has thickened to suit your taste

If keeping for the storecupboard, leave to cool before refrigerating, alternatively use immediately with egg noodles and fried pork or chicken strips (quickly stir fry the latter, add some thinly sliced vegetables also, ie baby sweetcorn, snow peas, onion and whatever else you fancy throwing in), remove from heat, add sauce and noodles, serve and enjoy

The electricity went off over the whole of the Barrio day before yesterday and we knew that there were serious problems when we heard the police, fire engines and ambulances rushing somewhere close. We have now been told that it was the next Barrio along, two young boys - one 9 years old and one a year older had been killed. The younger brother had been playing with the electricity cables and his older brother had tried to get him down. The youngest died immediately, the other at hospital.

It has been sadness all around today, 15th July would have been the 90th anniversary of my Father´s birth, and then I was told that my cat had died during the night. When we came out to Spain we left her in the UK as we were told she would not survive the journey as she was too old and frail, 18 months on after adopting one young kitten, then two abandoned litters of kittens she has finally died - she would have been 18 at the beginning of August. The boyfriend of my daughter lost his mother one year ago today! On top of all that, my mother, who is 88 years old and lives in the UK is very unwell. Never rains but it pours!

No good news today I am afraid, other than we have been offered a town house and an unfurnished apartment. We just have to make a decision on where to live.

Right now I just cannot be bothered so am leaving it to my daughter.

We went to the beach for a swim and although my daughter is a strong swimmer, she was caught at what I can only describe as tides coming in from two directions, the centre of which caused her to be dragged back into the sea with each wave, one step forward, two back. She eventually managed to get out of the sea but the struggle left her exhausted.

On an even more serious note the lifeguard on this beach in Alicante strolled past and did not offer to help even though she was obviously struggling and in danger. He was too busy admiring his own profile.

On the way to the beach an African ran past carrying a large holdall, one policeman was chasing him on … well not sure what they are but it has two wheels and a motor and handlebars, and the police person stands on them, these were followed closely by two policecars. Did they catch him … I think so. No doubt he either selling illegal goods of some kind or had stolen something. It is an unfortunate fact of life that there are many “beach sellers” in this area, not just blacks but also Gitanos. On the beach take care to ensure any valuables are safe, if you go swimming, leave someone in charge. Be on the lookout at all times and always say no if approached. Make sure that the man who has approached you (or woman) does not have a partner who intends robbing you while you are otherwise engaged.

I never cease to be amazed at the vindictiveness of some people, in this case a friend who took it upon herself to cause problems and spread rumours. That is … one British friend and one Spanish woman who had been considered a potential friend, had it not been for her jealousy and rumour mongering!

• You just love eating pickled garlic (and pickled baby figs)
• Both sugar and Leche Condensada are normal in a very very small coffee
• Adding fanta orange, still lemon drink, or even cola to red wine is acceptable, especially lunch times
• You are surprised when the Spanish workman, ie electrician/plumber/decorator turns up on time, usually he doesn´t bother to turn up at all
• You don´t go to any office at around 11 am as this is the time (about) for the staff to disappear for breakfast at the local cafe or have a 30 minute ciggy break
• You don´t shout at people who use your car bumper to help them when trying to park in a very tight spot
• When you live in the mountains of Granada, thunder storms while it is snowing are normal
• You think it’s okay to comment on every-one’s appearance or to openly stare at strangers who wonder into your Barrio
• You are amazed when Spanish TV breaks for adverts last less than half an hour, especially just before the end of films
• You forget to say please when asking for things after all it is implied in your tone of voice
• You eat lunch around 2 to 3 pm, never have your evening meal before 9.30 pm
• You know that there is little point in going shopping after 2 pm, just take a siesta until 5 pm (or sometimes 6 pm) when the shops re-open
• You expect beer to be ice-cold and won´t accpet anything else
• You like to dunk cakes in horchata for a lovely late breakfast
• On Fiesta mornings and Sundays, you have breakfast just before going to bed rather than after you get up
• Blonde women from northern Europe actually think their name is rubia
• You can eat up to 5 times a day - first breakfast, followed by second breakfast around 11.00, almuerzo, merienda, cena - and you don´t put on any weight
• You answer the phone by saying ¿Diga? or just “Yes” and finish the call by just hanging up
• You prefer UHT milk and think the Brits who say they sell “fresh milk like at home” are just slightly mad
• You cannot understand why anyone would want to continue living in the United Kingdom
• It is normal for young men (sometimes older men) to be chased down the street by a load of stampeding bulls
• A small brandy on a morning with your coffee before work is normal and a beer with second breakfast followed by a “chaser”, some liqueur or other (lemon and some sort of herbal drinks seems common)
• You actually enjoy Spanish tele

Yet another bad night caused by a certain person´s inability to control his moods. He just cannot help himself. This time his excuse was that he had diarrhoea, well this is Spain and if you insist on using water from the tap to make ice cubes, then you only have yourself to blame.

The weather was supposed to be cooler today and tomorrow, but it isn´t, at least not much.

As I do not seem to be able to cope with the heat we have decided to visit Galicia and other provinces on Spain´s Atlantic coastline. Funny that we looked forward to being warm and now we yearn for the changing seasons and cold weather. We were both born in the winter when the weather was especially cold, with lots and snow and frost. Funny, the things you long for from the old country - stormforce winds and driving rain like we experienced in Scotland, snow and frost (makes the air so fresh), thunder and lightning.

So here goes with the advice - if you are older and thinking of moving to Spain for the climate and pace of life, think again very seriously about the area. The Costas may appeal, but can you cope with the heat, not just during the day but at night. Aircon is okay, but bad for the environment. Many older people (myself included) find they are unable to cope with the heat of summer, especially in July and August, though here in Alicante June was also very hot, in the 40s for a week, or so.

One thing I definitely don´t miss is the “nanny state”. And why do I feel our freedoms are being eroded?

This isn´t a traditional pork pie but it is quite nice. Play around with the ingredients, ie spices and herbs, to taste).

1 lb lean pork - trim and cut into ½” cubes
4 slices streaky smoked bacon - remove rind and chop
7 oz peeled potato cut into 1/2″ cubes
1 garlic clove - peel and chop finely
1.5 tsp fresh chopped thyme and parsley (leaves only)
.25 tsp of ground allspice (or quantity to taste)
1 tbsp of chicken stock
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the glaze - 1 small egg, lightly beaten

6 oz shortcrust pastry
7″ flan tin with sloping sides
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and place a baking sheet in the centre

Put the meat and bacon into the mixing bowl
Add remaining ingredients, mix then season and mix thoroughly
Divide the pastry in half and roll out one piece, line the baking tin
Spoon the mixture evenly over the pastry case
Dampen the edges then roll out the second piece pastry
Fit over the filling, seal well
Make a small cross in the centre of the pie lid
Brush with beaten egg
Place on the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes
Reduce the temperature to 180° Celsius
Bake for about 45 minutes or until the pastry is a light golden brown and the meat thoroughly cooked
If the pastry browns too much, cover with either greaseproof paper or foil
Remove from the oven and leave the pie to cool before serving with a mixed salad

This is a lovely traditional cold soup, you can vary the amounts of tomatoes/cucumber depending on your personal tastes, just try small amounts until you get the right quantities for you. The soup must be served very very cold!

3 lbs 4 oz good quality red tomatoes - skin, peel, deseed and chop
1 small Spanish onion - peel and chop
1 green pepper - remove seeds and chop
3 cloves of garlic (or less if you prefer)
1 small (or half a large) cucumber - skin and chop (of leave skin on if you prefer)
1 small bread roll - tear into pieces and soak in cold water
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp good quality white wine
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
Sea salt
Cold Water (I put it in the freezer for a short while before preparing the dish)

Use either a food processor or blender, alternatively use a mouli

Prepare all the vegetables and dispose of the skin, pips etc
Blend, sieve into a large bowl
Squeeze the water out of the bread and add it to the vegetable mixture
Add the olive oil, white wine and vinegar, season with salt to taste, then blend well
Taste and add water (amount will depend on whether it is to be served in a soup dish with a spoon or in a glass to drink)
Chill very thoroughly before serving

Garnish for soup served in bowls - retain a little of the cucumber, deseeded tomato and green pepper (finely chopped), plus a hardboiled egg (chopped)

I also add freshly ground black pepper (to taste) as for me the pepper enhances the taste of tomato and I love tomatoes