A client rang to vent her frustration, she somehow knew I wouldn’t fail her with amused understanding. She had half prepared everything for ‘her wanna be chef’ to subsequently load, into an electric crock pot which would be left on all day and ready for their Valentine supper a deux upon her return. Worth mentioning they are not renown as a cohesive unit or mind melding collaboration.

She was then set for a crack of dawn departure, a long journey in rotten weather and a gruelling day in court. The prospect of a warm hearty meal was rich and poignant punctuation, definitely something to look forward to, she duly left and by agreement, left a Valentine card and billet-doux for the c hef du jour, her note that read along the lines of:-

Pot on, put all this in, give it a stir, lid on, then just leave to cook. Speak later x

A creature of awkwardness and nervy preoccupation ‘her chef’ took the initiative and called to confirm and reassure that all was duly chopped, in the pot, the slow cooker working and supper was on course and thanked her for her valentine card.

The hands free telephone line in her car wasn’t good, particularly with Norwegian Wood playing loudly (this couldn’t possibly be turned down or off), their dialogue unusually cheery and positive nonetheless.

“Oh that’s great, lovely”! He noted the upward lilt to her tone.

“Is there any thing else I can put in”? He asked, seemingly keen to please, though still a tad fogged by past pressures.

“Well, maybe add a couple of bay leaves, but sounds like it’s all fine”.

“Ok, well I’m sure I can do that”.

“Great, just one or two then” she intercepted his enthusiasm.

“Ok, well I’m sure even I can manage that” his perky retort.

“See you later Valentine”

“Ok, great”!

“Bye”!

“Bye”.

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.

.

Uplifted, he poured two glasses of Bailies Irish liqueur into their beef bourgignon….

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Hendricks Gin and Tonic Frozen Floral Fantasy

2 cups Lemon sorbet

150 ml gin

150 ml feverfew tonic or similar

½ teaspoon of rosewater, ½ teaspoon of orange flower water, splosh of Cointreau – no more or it will be like a tarts handbag.

Make a juniper sugar dust to edge the glass, blitz 8-10 juniper berries with 2 tables spoons of white sugar. Dip the edges of the glasses in lemon juice and then the fragrant juniper sugar to frost the edges of the glasses. Sugar that smells like gin can’t be bad? Whizz all except the tonic water briefly in a food processor (or bash the bejabers out of it in a poly bag with a rollin’ pin as a good alternative). As the motor is running pour in half the effervescent tonic which will whoosh everywhere if you do it too quickly (who knew?) This subtle floral fantasy Gin and Tonic is out of this world. Adorn with rose petals, top with the remaining tonic water as desired. Happy Valentines Day and thank you for the pleasure of your company.

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