Quick thoughts for 2007-12-25 (via Twitter)

  • Up to preheat the oven and prepare the goose. I’ve had to remove the legs so it fits, and covering the exposed flesh with foil is awkward. #
  • I feel less prepared for today than I remember from last year, my mind doesn’t feel too sharp. Time to give myself a good talking to. #
  • Time to clear down the surfaces and wash up, then get the giblet stock on. I can already hear the fat pouring out of the goose. #
  • Simmering stock is always a challenge on our hob, which really prefers to operate between gentle boil and a rollicking boil. #
  • Managed to borrow a sieve from a neighbour. Phew. #
  • Off to church, always nervewracking to leave the bird for such a long time. #
  • That’s the problem with wheels in your heels, you might come a cropper in a church aisle. #
  • Back to the goose now. I’m concerned that because the legs are off it won’t take as long to cook. Hopefully it’s not overdone. #
  • Moving on to the walnut, sausage and apple stuffing, cooked outside the goose. #
  • Stuffing is done, just not sure how long to cook it for. I’ve now hit a lull, which is unnerving me. Surely I should be frantic all morning? #
  • Moving on to the saffron roast potatoes… Saffron smells beautiful, but always grinds down to such a miniscule quantity. #
  • In summary, and I must note this in detail for next year: goose cooks quick with no legs, watch the timings on reheating, carrots take time. #
  • Happy Christmas everybody, a very Merry New Year. #
  • Self crisicism aside, the meal got thumbs up from my family, so I’m happy with that. Must. Write. Up. Notes. Night night. #

Quick thoughts for 2007-12-23 (via Twitter)

  • Heading to the butchers to pick up the goose. The rain yesterday has frozen on our lane, and every step involves a slip and lucky escape. #
  • The freeze last night seems to have caught Manchester council unawares, even pavements on major roads are treacherous. #
  • Remember kids, goose cooking time is 20 mins per lb plus 20 mins; and as always the juices must run clear when the bird is spiked. #
  • Apparently, Carolyn tells me, all these buildings are called "shops". It’s all very confusing and nothing has an Add to Cart button. #

Slow cooker chicken casserole recipe

I’m really enjoying my slow cooker at the moment, quick preparation and then the house fills with lovely cooking smells for hours. (My wife says it smells like her grandparents house when there’s something in the slow cooker.) This is a simple chicken casserole I knocked up the other day, slightly spiced with the chilli. Next time I’m under instructions to remove the skin, and use separate bones which can be removed before serving… then it’ll bump up the approval rating to 3 apparently.

Continue reading “Slow cooker chicken casserole recipe”

Quick thoughts for 2007-12-21 (via Twitter)

  • Secure deleting all my personal data from the rented laptop, which is taking ages. Wish I’d started last night, the courier is due today. #
  • Genius description: Ashen faced, disintegrating, infant suspending, not full shilling, struggling fairground owner, Michael Jackson… #
  • Radiohead received no money from pre-Rainbows albums digital sales, due to contractual wrinkles from the pre-digital age; similar to the WGA #
  • Happy Birthday @andrewdisley #
  • Radio 1 carol singers are The Cheshire Chord Company, who covered "I predict a riot" last year. Their cover of Amy W’s "Rehab" is genius. #
  • Off on a wife hunt. She’s somewhere in the northern quarter, drunk with her works party. #

Quick thoughts for 2007-12-18 (via Twitter)

  • Heading into town for the GeekUp Christmas meal. Very exciting. #
  • I’m glad to see that Radio 1 have rescinded their ill judged censorship of The Pogues masterpiece, Fairytale of New York. #
  • I’ve never noticed before, but Velvet play the sound of rushing water in their toilets. Nice touch. #

Quick thoughts for 2007-12-17 (via Twitter)

  • On an 85, which always feels like it takes ages on its roundabout route. Not sure how much of that is perception & how much is reality. #
  • Fantastic meal at The Leatherne Bottel on Sunday. Scallop & salmon with quails eggs, then pork belly followed by French and English cheeses. #
  • Hurrah for the staff at St Anne’s Square Starbucks who found and kept safe my credit card. God bless them every one, to put it seasonally. #