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Over the weekend I have made Mini Lemon Meringue Pies with my family.   I chose to make these as my Mum used to make a lemon meringue pie for family get togethers and special occasions.  Making mini lemon meringue pies was a good way to get the kids involved and added some fun to our weekend and also brought back some lovely childhood memories. Ingredients Pastry: 125g plain flour 55g chilled butter pinch of salt 2-3 tbsp of cold water For the lemon-curd filling: 150g caster sugar 30g cornflower 175ml water Zest and juice of 3 large unwaxed lemons 3 egg yolks For the meringue: 2 egg whites 100g caster sugar  

I chose to bake a boiled fruit cake that my Nan has been making for years.  It reminds me of visits to my grandparents on Sundays and always having a freshly baked fruit cake with our tea.  It was my Granddad's favourite. I always remember Nan being annoyed when it would come out crumbly.  Well as if by chance today is the first time mine has crumbled!  Still tastes as yummy though. When I moved out of home I decided I should have a go at baking and it was the first thing I really tried.  I decided I would make 8 Christmas cakes for family and friends (I won't be doing that again, the house smelt like fruit cake for weeks!).  All I did was add a few drops of brandy to the recipe. This time I have added a bit of Alison's Ginger Rum and it tastes even more amazing.  Even gets the thumbs up from the hubby!  Thanks Al!

Anzac Biscuits Anzac day, commemorated on the 25 th of April each year, is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that recognises and honours all Australian and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. During World War 1, the mothers, wives and girlfriends of the Australian soldiers were concerned for the nutritional value of food being supplied to the ‘diggers’ (soldiers).  Food was transported across the sea by the Merchant Navy in ships that did not contain refrigerated facilities, so any food sent had to remain edible for at least two months- this is when the Anzac Biscuit was invented. Anzac Biscuits are a big part of my identity and cultural heritage as my beautiful grandfather, William Henry Gell (serial number 224579) was a serving member of the Royal Australian Air Force.  On the 1 st of June 1943, aged 18, William enlisted in the RAAF.  After he completed his training, he was sen...

Double click on the triangle image in the right hand corner of the screen to see a link to see some great book titles to read during isolation. Women's hour recently recorded an interview with a lady who was reading out loud to her self isolating aunt, this may be something you would like to do for family members?

The British Queen’s handbag is a body language communication device It is used by her to relay secret and silent messages to her staff.  For example, if she is finished speaking to a guest she will move it from one arm to another and her aides will politely end the conversation, or if she wants to abruptly end a conversation she will put her bag on the ground. Armadillos have shells so hard they can deflect a bullet One poor Texan man learned this the hard way when he shot at an armadillo only to have the bullet ricochet off the indestructible beast, and back at him into his jaw!  The man was airlifted to hospital.  Amazingly, the armadillo just walked off unscathed. Dogs can learn up to 250 words and gestures The average intelligence of a dog is akin to that of a two-year-old human child. Koalas have unique fingerprints So do chimpanzees and gorillas. However koala fingerprints are so similar to human fingerprints that even the most seasone...

If you go down to Banstead woods today your in for a big suprise...A lion, a monster and an ever smiling Wellburn!