Mission plan

One week, one girl, one narrowboat. Can I do it? I think probably not, but I will give it my best shot and see how far I can get!

Teasing me

Following on from the post I wrote last night, the weather decided to tease me this morning. There is something magical about waking up in the open countryside surrounded by mist lingering over the water, the view enhanced by the crisp smell of winter fast approaching. The dew drops on the roof of the boat looked like last winter's morning ice and there was an alomst eerie feeling about the stillness and calm. The only sounds breaking the silence were the birds in the trees and an odd plane overhead. I wish that I hadn't broken my phone last week, or I would have taken some pictures.

I am really looking forward to the mission ahead now, cruising as the sun rises and discovering uncharted territory.

The DADDY of all boating missions

OK....so things have changed a little in my life. I'm still working in Rugby at the moment and living anywhere within a 30-40 minute drive of work, but not for much longer. A new challenge awaits, and is located very close to my sweetheart in Sheffield. Winter is fast approaching, and I am moored 103 locks from where I want to be. With only weekends to move the boat and a hectic social calendar, things are looking tricky to say the least.

According to canalplan, I am 9 days away from my beau. 5 free weekends, assuming that rain, snow, ice and tides are on my side. Or a week off work and a fairly hefty mission. Hmmmm.

Sitting by the fire this evening with the smell of burning wood in the air and a crisp wintry feeling beginning to develop outside reminds me of all that I love about boating. What I would give to leave immediately and begin the epic mission North!

I raise my glass to the mission ahead,

B
x

Thought of the day - wise words

When I was a teenager, I remember my Grandad once telling me "You can please all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time".

So true, no matter how damn hard you try some days!

Gordon Ramsay's sticky lemon chicken with champ

Tasty. Yummy. Good eats. Make some!

Dhokla - Gujarati chilli cake

Made this last night, and it tasted pretty good - not unlike the bought version that Nathan bought me recently which prompted me to try and make my own. Savoury chilli cake - yum! Also pretty good for making on the boat, as the only fresh ingredient is the chilli. Traditionally eaten as a snack with a cup of tea.

1 cup Besan (Gram flour)
1/2 cup Water
2 tbsp Lemon juice
1 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
1/2 tsp Turmeric
2 tbsp Sugar
Thinely sliced Chillies
few Curry leaves
Salt to taste


In a bowl seive the besan flour and mix 1 tbs lemonjuice, green chillies, turmeric, baking powder, salt , sugar and 1/2 cup water to make a batter of semi liquid consistency.

Boil water in a wide bottomed pan and place a wire mesh upside down. The water level should be below the wire mesh top. Grease a baking pan and pour the mixture into it.

Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook in its own steam for 15-20 minutes. Check for the doneness by inserting a clean toothpick, The Dhokla’s are done when the toothpick comes out clean. Remove the Dhokla pan from the steaming water carefully and let it cool for 3-4 minutes. Put the pan upside down on a clean plate and cut it into squares.

For seasoning, heat the oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, curry leaves and chillies cut lengthwise. When the mustard seeds start to splutter, remove the pan from the heat and add 1 tsp lemon juice and 1/2 tsp sugar. Mix well.

Spread the seasoning on the Dhokla’s and serve with Tamarind Chutney and Coriander chutney.

Home sweet home

Some days, I just love living on the canal. Like last Monday night, for example, when this was the view from my roof.