Millionaire Shortbread

This by far, has to be one of my guiltiest of pleasures! It may take time and effort, but like all delicious things, it certainly is worth every second.

§ Two packets of shortbread biscuits (2 packets for 6 people)

§ Two large slabs of Milk Chocolate

§ One tin of condensed milk (you can buy caramel but it doesn’t taste quite the

same as making your own!

§ Cream

§ Boil the condensed milk for three hours in boiling water, making sure the

water is covering the tin

§ Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs and pour into a bowl

§ Add two tablespoons of salted butter into the crumbs and place in the

microwave for one minute or until the butter has melted.

§ Mix the melted butter and crumbs together until slightly wet (Don’t add too

much butter otherwise the crumb mixture will not bake in the oven.

§ Spoon the crumbs and butter into a tin and press down with the back of a

tablespoon

METHOD

When the condensed milk has boiled for 3 hours take it off the stove and allow it to cool for at least half an hour.

Place the tin of shortbread in the oven on 180 degrees and bake until golden

and brown (only needs about 10 – 15 minutes).

Once the base is ready, pop into the fridge until the base cools.

Take the biscuit base out of the fridge and using a spatula, spread the caramel all over the biscuit base and place back in the fridge.

Take the two slabs of chocolate and put into a glass bowl into the microwave on high for 1 minute. When you take out the chocolate, you will see it has begun to melt slightly.

Pour a tablespoon of cream into the chocolate and mix slowly until the cream and chocolate have combined to make a lovely, shiny ganache. Keep popping back into the microwave for short bursts of 10 seconds to continue to melt the chocolate. You may need to add a bit more cream and a little milk. You do not want to overheat the chocolate and cream otherwise it can separate. (This process takes a bit of time, but it is worth it!) Once the mixture is shiny and glossy, it’s ready!

Take the biscuit base and caramel out of the fridge and using a spatula spread the chocolate all over the caramel which should be cool.

Place back into the fridge to set and then after about ten minutes, cut into squares and get ready to eat!!!

Yours in writing

Muchichili Safari House, Lower Zambezi

Muchichili Safari House is an experience in its own category.

With the worldwide pandemic of Covid-19, knocking on our doors and entering without permission, like an eery, creepy stranger that caused more anxiety and fear than ever before, it was hard to escape from the daily banter of Covid-19 that was on our lips, literally and metaphorically speaking, 24/7!

In March 2020, the world was still coming to terms with the fact that this would be a disease that more than likely would be contained to a few countries here and there, but for the most part, we could all get on with our lives; how wrong we were!

Communities of people around the world were being told what to do and when to do it. It was binding and bonding in many ways as we were all experiencing exactly the same chaos at exactly the same time, but after a few months, we were over it and yearned for our freedom! Even on the coldest day in the coldest climate, the thought of running barefoot in the rain seemed very appealing.

We finally had the greenlight to book a weekend away with very good friends for three nights at the wonderful Muchichili Safari House. The house sleeps 10 and is set alongside the mighty Zambezi River, with its force of nature being experienced right there. There are at five double rooms, each with its own shower and two of the showers are situated outside, and you can experience either a warm hot shower at sunrise or sunset.

On arrival you are met by the wonderful staff who will make your stay an unforgettable experience. It is self-catering, but all meals are cooked for you and all washing up is done for you. Absolute Bliss!

You can hire a boat for either a sunset cruise or for a day of fishing. There are walking trails and canoes that can be hired as well.

Take a look for yourself at the video. The possibilities are endless!

Being a Mum and a Few Tips

Our children have the ability to teach us so many life lessons.

Far too often our own fears get in the way and this can obstruct our children’s journey.

Allowing them to use their imagination will help to develop these fundamental lessons as well as help them to grow in character.

Allowing them the choice of making a fort with your furniture, playing in the mud or dancing in the rain will enhance their self-esteem.

My Daughters, Nicola at 7 years & Kristy at 9 years

Turgwe River Camp, Humani - A Very Special Place

Fun In The Mud!

Jess & Ash

Kristy, Cari, Nikki, Ash and at the back Jess...My Daughters and Nieces

Allowing their imagination to run wild, will increase their confidence, which in turn will increase their trust in you and give them the safety net of having you support them from the wings of their own life’s production.

Why not join in on the adventure too. You could learn something new!

In this day and age, parenting is not for the fainthearted; you have to have your wits about you as well as being able to enjoy the journey.

I have two daughters who are in their twenties now, but I am and will always be their Mum. I am at that stage with both of them, you know the part between letting them go slowly and still being able to jump right in when they need me.

The following list is a short list I have given both my girls when they choose their potential life partners.

• Are they kind to their Mum?

• Do they like animals

• Do they like children

• Are they kind to the waiter at the Wimpy, bar, restaurant?

• What kind of friends do they surround themselves with

My reasoning for the above is simple;

If a potential partner shows all of the above character traits, they are guaranteed to be an all-round, good person.

Call it intuition, call it years of experience but I have found the check list above has certainly helped me when making decisions regarding my daughters.

Yours in writing