Victoria Sponge and Lamb Burgers!

Bit of a random entry here, but there we go!! Have got a day off work today to look after the kids but the weather is terrible again so we are stuck at home this afternoon. We have just made a Victoria sponge to kill the boredom and it reminded me to post something about Victoria Sponges! I am not a big fan of baking (I've never had a sweet tooth luckily) but the first time I attempted a proper cake was after much nagging from my two little girls to make a cake for their Daddy on his birthday. I dug out Delia and ploughed on but unfortunately there was great disappointment. It just didn't work.
I was fairly traumatized by my ability to mess up a Delia recipe (only once before done with a homemade chili with chunks of beef in?) but was relieved the next day at work when my friend Lolly Finnear agreed with me and advised if ever attempting a Victoria Sponge again, reach for the Nigella "How to Eat".
I've never looked back - Nigella's is perfect - just off for a slice in a minute!

Lamb Burgers
Just a quick comment on ready-made lamb burgers. I normally make my own, but when pushed, it is handy to pick some up ready made. I have discovered Tesco's Finest lamb burgers (not cheap - I think they might be around £3.88 for 2??) but they are completely scrumptious! They are big, juicy, tasty and really a meal on their own with a bun and a bit of salad. Thoroughly recommended and the kids love them.
Being clever (or so I thought!) last time I was in Asda I noticed they had lamb burgers (Extra Special) at 2 packets of 2 for £5. Bargain - much cheaper than Tesco but sadly they were disappointing - my daughter thought too sweet (we checked - they had red current jelly in), a bit dry and a bit rubbery. Won't be buying them again! Never mind!

The cake is calling...

Summer Dinner Party Ideas

Wimbledon has been and gone, England are playing Australia in the Ashes, and it's raining, so that must mean only one thing - Summer's here!

The arrival of summer also allows us to fire up the barbeque and invite friends round for a summer party, but rather than serving up the same old frozen beef-burgers and burnt sausages, why not go a little further and set a higher standard this year.

Take a look at our Summer Dinner Party Menu Ideas to get you thinking. If you have any further ideas, why not add your comments at the foot of this post.

Ring up your friends, mix up some Pimms and have fun.

Oh and if it rains, remember - it's only water!