Sticky Bottoms and Frilly Feet

I have finally defeated my nemesis - MACARONS. I spent last weekend working on my campaign to successful bake them. Saturday's lemon version were tasty, but ugly beyond belief not very pretty. Sunday's dark chocolate and raspberry variety were a beauty to behold complete with charming frilly feet. Their bottoms were sadly a little sticky, but nothing a couple of minutes longer in the oven wouldn't have solved, and did nothing to detract from how good they tasted and looked. I'm not sure whether my euphoria was as a result of their success or the sugar high from eating so many. Either way I know I need to try again very soon to ensure it wasn't a fluke.

Boy Food Friday

Boy Food Friday or #bff in Twitterspeak is quickly becoming an institution in our house. I think it started over Christmas and New Year, and there seems to be no going back. It basically means that on a Friday I cook a meal that the males in the house will love even more than the usual fare they are served. This often means chips. I should probably point out that Sunday night is also Chip Night chez Chui. I'm now starting to think that our diet is not as healthy as I thought. Tonight I made Nigel Slater's toad in the hole with onion gravy and peas. We are now all "stuffed as a puff" and can't even manage the millionaire's shortbread I also rustled up earlier in the week. Success!

Please note the pyjamas and dressing gowns. These are essential for #bff - we have a very strict dress code. Slippers are acceptable.