Perks, perks, perks… and one for you, too!
So there’s been plenty of navel-gazing recently. A lot of of my favourite bloggers have thrown in the towel or taken a holiday. Thrifty‘s promised to be back in the new year, although you can still visit the Thriftyshop where you can buy yourself a pair of Thriftypants (come on, you know you want some). Wee Jen and Isitjustme took a break, but have both just made a triumphant comeback (yay!). A lot’s been said about why we do this weird online diary thing, and a lot of it for me is the feedback – having my own little ever-expanding gang of commenters around to chat, even when I’m alone up here in wild, windy Cavan.
It has to be said, though, there are other advantages - namely the perks. As you know, the kids got a brand new copy of Wall:E for the Wii from THQ when it first came out and it’s still one of their faves (thanks Alex!!) and at the moment I have a brand new, shiny and still rather warm off the press copy of a newly published cookbook on my desk: Cooks Academy Cookbook, by Vanessa Greenwood. I received it quite a while ago but have been subject to an embargo until now (I know, my first embargo! I’m so proud). And seeing as Gill and Macmillan took the time to send me a copy (hello Emily!) I thought I’d better give it a go. Actually, it’s rather good. The lady in question runs a cookery school and appears occasionally on the box too as a guest chef. The recipes are many and varied and there are nice little touches all the way through, explaining various cookery terms and giving hints on ingredients and substitutions. The photography is superb as well. I made a few recipes from the book, including the barbecue glazed chicken and some incredibly scrummy chocolate chip cookies, and they were excellent.
Oh, and is anyone else loving Rachel Allen’s new ‘Bake!’ (this week at 9pm on UKTVFood)? Hubby and I have both noticed that Rach has been ‘sexed up’ a bit, with a hint of cleavage and some new hair dos. Hubby also noted that she had ‘found the make-up bag’ and is looking rather hot, I think. And afterwards there’s a really cool programme on a maverick wedding cake company in the US. Worth a watch just for the amazing cakes they create.
Anyhoo, I’ve got a copy of the Cooks Academy Cookbook to give away, so if you’d like to receive it, email me here at English Towers and I’ll do something unscientific like drawing names out of a hat or whatever.
And if anyone else has any freebies for me, bring them on!
EDIT:
If you’re interested, Emily at Gill Macmillan has given me the following dates for upcoming cookery demonstrations:
Cooks Academy Cookbook: Recipes from the cookery school by Vanessa Greenwood
Saturday 11 October, Hughes & Hughes Bookshop on Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin @ 1.00pm.
Attendees will be given the opportunity to win a place on one of the school’s renowned courses on the day.
A Kitchen Year by Paula McIntyre
Friday 10 October, Centre for the Blind, Coleraine @ 7.00pm
Monday 13 October, Castleroe Primary School, Coleraine @ 7.00pm
Tuesday 21 October, Coleraine Rotary Club, Lodge Hotel, Coleraine @ 6.00pm
Friday 31 October, Castlecroft Market Centre, Ballymoney Council, Ballymoney @ 11am-1.00pm
Nah haven’t seen Rachel’s new programme but then you know she’s not my favourite person…hmmm…are there subtitles so I don’t have to hear her voice?! Mean, I know, sorry!
Well I NEVER win anything but I will enter anyway!
Nothing free as such, but I bet we could instigate a cookbook swap. How’s about it?
Hockeys: Ah, I DID wonder if she was looking a little porky when she sat down with the students to eat their cookies. Could explain a lot!
Jen: Et tu? I have to say I disagreed with her method for making pastry – awfully sticky with all that clingfilm. Cookbook swap you say? Howsabout that Ottolenghi one then hmmm?
Yours for a cuppa and a bun, Missus!
I’m a Dub too! Heya!!
I know it’s Hiberno-nordic but Goddamn! it aches my earholes…
Moon: I take it that was you and not Mrs M. She’s far to polite for such random insults. I don’t beg, they just come my way. Honest!!
Count me in! xx
Hmmm, are we noticing a trend? I obviously have a major problem with TV chefs!!!…must go ring my therapist….
The books by my bed are Spanish books but not cookery – the Spanish cookery are in the cupboard – still have my mum’s cookery book with my grandma’s recipes written in and my mum’s alongside – they are priceless and some of the recipes are really quite good with a few additions from me!!
100% agree on that Kate!!
Marriage is indeed working it’s magic on you Moon, if you’ve no time to proof read! Whatever could be more pressing that excellence of spelling and grammar?
Hmmm?
Kate: Oh I’d love to spend a few hours leafing through that lot – what a treasure trove! x
Moon: Don’t lie – it’s those sausage fingers combined with a total disregard for detail!
Moon: Ugh. Too much information already! x
I’d like to thank God, my parents, and of course my pals at English Towers!
I’m thrilled, thanks so much EM.x
