We went to get the tree today. I wanted to get it last weekend but Mr thought that it might be dead by Christmas. Looking at the weather this morning (pouring rain) I wish we had got it last weekend!
I'm very tired indeed today. I went to the work Christmas masked ball last night held at the Thistle Hotel in Brighton - very posh it was too! I don't usually 'do' work parties because I don't drink and it can be a tedious to watching people get absolutely wasted. I really enjoyed myself though. I got all dolled up in 1940s style clothes and makeup (I'm really into the retro look). I wish I had a picture but unfortunately my camera ran out of battery! When I look hideous you can guarantee there will be a picture of me but when I actually make an effort no picture! Oh well, there was a photo booth so hopefully I'll be able to get a picture from that and show you. On the plus side I got chauffeured from my house to the hotel, free drinks all night and a three course meal so I didn't have to spend any money at all!
I can't wait to sit in front of the fire snuggled up in my eiderdown watching Strictly Come Dancing.I have been tagged by the lovely Happy Loves Rosie - she has a truly beautiful house, probably the closest to my taste so she is a real inspiration for me! Happy has tagged me to show my favourite holiday recipe.
Mine is spicy ribs with roasted butternut squash. As it happens I am having that for dinner tonight!
Ingredients
Rack of pork ribs
Rib marinade
- Ground cumin seeds (3 tsp)
- 2 bay leaves (finely chopped)
- Rosemary (chopped)
- Zest of 1 orange plus juice
- Half a bottle of cheap balsamic vinegar
- 6-7 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Half a bottle of tomato ketchup
- 2 heaped tsp of smoked paprika
- Star anise
- Salt and pepper to season
Mix these ingredients together in a bowl. Place ribs into baking tray, cover in marinade, then cover the tray with foil and put in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Place baking tray (as above) in an oven preheated to 200 degrees (15 mins) then turn down to 180 degrees for another 45 minutes.
Butternut squash - Chop the butternut squash into cubes - taking out the seeds but leaving the skin.
- Sprinkle with Worcester sauce and chili flakes
- Put in the oven with the ribs for the last 30 mins.
Bon appetite! I just love butternut squash, it reminds me of winter and Christmas. I will update the post with some pictures later on. :-)
I now have to tag 7 people:
A Thrifty Mrs
At home with Mel Mel
Mary Poppins
Vintage, pretty and shabby
The fairy glade
Vintage lifestyle
Vintage home
I have also been given an award by the lovely MelMel, thank you my dear! :-) You are so kind and thoughtful!
I would also like to pass this on to the above people because I love reading all of your blogs. A while ago I commented on Kelly's lovely mirror and asked her where she got her floral transfers from. She very kindly said she would send me some. Sure enough, a package arrived the next day containing loads of transfers, I was gobsmacked! In the new year, when I have a bit more time, I hope to be able to use some of these gorgeous transfers for my projects.
