Vermin and Very Nice Shortbread

This week there is an intruder in my paradise. When I was clearing up in the evening I heard a very noisy mouse under my cooker. My initial thought was just to shut the kitchen door and run but I made myself remove the lower drawer and have a look. That cheeky rodent has been munching the insulation between the double oven.

Now, I have to confess that this is the second time that I have seen evidence of this furry burglar - the first time there were only teeth marks in my tea-lights under the sink and I decided to be all hippy about it. Mistake:

Now look at my non-hippy solution:

No more nocturnal nibbling for him.

Worrying mouse facts:
If you can fit a pencil in to a gap, a mouse can get through.
When you start to exterminate them, they instinctively increase their breeding.
Not all of them own holiday resorts.

 

Caramel Shortbread

There may be a bit a messing about for this recipe but it is truly delicious and these quantities make plenty for a week of treats with your coffee.

The Base.

200g plain flour

150g finely crushed digestives

150g butter

75g caster sugar

Mix the crushed digestives with the flour and rub in the butter.  Stir in the sugar and then press in to your baking trays. 

I use two tins, 7.5" x 8.5", lined with baking paper.

Bake at 160 degrees for 15 to 20 min until just golden at the edges.  Put aside to cool.

The caramel.

1 tin (397g) condensed milk

175g butter

175g caster sugar

4 tbsp golden syrup

Heat together in a pan until the butter has melted and the sugar dissolved and

then allow to bubble for about 10 minutes, stirring all the time. 

The mixture will darken and thicken slightly.

Pour on to the cooled shortbread.

The top

300g of nice chocolate

Buttons for decoration. (Optional)

Once the caramel has cooled and set, melt the chocolate and pour over the top.  Leave to rest in the fridge until completely hard and then slice in to small squares.  Luscious.

Around the Grounds

This is a great week for sowing sweet peas.  Soak the lovely round seeds over night and then sow in nice deep flowerpots and water thoroughly. They will be fine in an unheated greenhouse or cool porch.

Funny of the Week

Men need accessories too.

http://youtu.be/YBdymtyXt8Y