My Easy Homemade Soda Bread.

My Easy Homemade Soda Bread.

There is nothing I love more than freshly baked, homemade bread. But making your own bread can be time consuming. That’s why most days I make soda bread. It’s easy to make, quick and darn right yummy.

For special occasions, I add dried fruit and or nuts. Mixed herbs and/ or, sundried tomatoes and olives.

If you want the bread to be dairy free, you can substitute the milk with soy or almond milk.

 Easy Homemade Soda Bread

Makes 1 loaf

350g plain flour      1 teaspoon salt      1 teaspoon baking

Soda (bicarbonate of soda)      300 ml milk     

1       tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

1.     Preheat your oven to 220C / 200C fan / gas mark 7 / 425F. Dust a baking tray with a little plain flour.

2.     Put the measured milk into a bowl or cup and then add the lemon juice or vinegar and stir into the milk to make it curdle.

3.     In a mixing bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together thoroughly. Add the soured milk, and stir to combine.

4.     Keep stirring until the ingredients come together as a dough, then knead together to form a ball.

5.     Place the ball of dough on the baking tray and cut a deep cross in the centre. This helps the centre of the bread to cook properly.

6.     Cook for around 30 minutes until golden brown. Tapping the bottom, you should hear a hollow sound, this means the bread is cooked.

Valerie Travels- Where you can indulge yourself in the wonderful heritage of India.

Planning or would love to travel to India?

Then look no further. Valerie Travels, has been organising trips and tours around India since 2000.  Valerie Travels offer trips and tour packages with a private guide and private car, to: Taj Mahal, Golden Triangle, Pink city Jaipur, Golden Temple, Jodpur, Udaipur, Shimla, Mumbai and Goa.

Golden Triangle 3 nts, 4 days Package Tour

This tour can be done for 3 nights 4 or 4 nights 5 days or 6 nights 7 days. It will include a private guide and a private car.

First choice for all travellers, relevantly called “Golden Triangle”, consists three most beautiful and charming places of India - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

This tour takes you sightseeing of New and Old Delhi, Agra, Early Morning Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife.

Visit to the Red Fort - the rusty and majestic red-sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna. (If time Permits)

Then to the Pink City of India. Sightseeing to Amber - the old capital of Jaipur rulers. Sightseeing tour of Jaipur including Maharaja's Museum and Jai Singh's Astronomical Observatory and Hawa Mahal.

Varanasi & Ganga Package Tour

North India

This tour can be done for 2 nights 3 days or 3 nights 4 days. It will include a private guide and a private car.

Being a picturesque city, Varanasi is thronged by numerous tourists every year. This city of India is also known as one of the popular tourist destinations that boost tourism in India. 

The city is famous for its rich culture that is carried on since centuries and followed by generations. Get a whole new feeling and ultimate touring experience by taking a trip to Varanasi & Ganga.

Golden Temple, Amritsar & Wagah Border 2 nts, 3 days Package Tour

North India

This tour can be done for 2 nights 3 days or 3 nights 4 days. It will include a private guide and a private car.

This tour will take you across Sightseeing of Jalianwala bagh and Wagah Border (Changing of Guard ceremony). Later half, Sightseeing of the Golden temple of Amritsar.

Udaipur & Jodhpur/ Jaipur 4 nts, 5 days Package Tour

North India

This tour will include a private guide and a private car.

When it comes to architecture and sightseeing, Jodhpur and Udaipur are equal in awesomeness. If you were planning to club Jodhpur and Udaipur in the same trip, this would be an interesting itinerary for you. The itinerary covers Jodhpur and Udaipur in four nights and five days. The trip starts and ends in Udaipur and allocated two days in Udaipur and Jodhpur, each.

Chandigarh, Shimla, Manali 5 nts, 6 days Package Tour

North India

This tour will include a private guide and a private car.

This tour can also be clubbed with Agra, Delhi or Amritsar as per your choice

At approximately 380kms from Delhi, the easy journey to Shimla can be accomplished in less than 6 hours. Although one can take up road to reach Shimla, the ‘Toy Train’ journey from Kalka can be an exotic voyage. The train passes through number of incredible tunnels and bridges before finally completing its 96kms run.

Manali beckons adventure, the constricted sheet of thrill swathes almost everything that exists here. A premier skiing destination of India, this splendid hill station is located approximately 39kms away from Kullu. The lavish green meadows, snow-clad mountains, gentle winds and quaint settlements mark the benign beauty of Manali.

Ranthanboore Tiger Safari 3 nts, 4 days Package Tour

North India

This tour can also be done either 2 nts, 3 days or 3 nts, 4 days or it can either be clubbed with Golden Triangle or Taj package

Ranthambore National Park is a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, northern India. It is a former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. Its landmarks include the imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on a hilltop, and the Ganesh Mandir temple. Also in the park, Padam Talao Lake is known for its abundance of water lilies.

Ranthambore National Park has a combination of dry tropical forests, rocky terrain, lakes, streams, and grassy meadows, with more than 539 flowering plant species.

Ajanta Ellora Caves 5 nts 6 days Package tour

Mumbai Tour

The Ajanta Caves are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India.

This tour will be by car and will take you to an Evening Visit to the 5 Star Taj Heritage Property for a High Tea or Dinner... at your cost, City Tour of Mumbai + Dharavi Slum Tour, than to Aurangabad to the caves.

Mumbai 2 nt, 3 days package tour with slum, Dhobi Ghat & evening tea at Taj

Mumbai Tour

This tour can be done 1 night 2 days or 2 nights 3 days. It will include a private guide and a private car.

Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial centre, it's India's largest city. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city's also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry.

In this tour we will take you across Gateway of India, Chor bazaar· Victoria Terminal,  Hanging garden, Dhobi Ghat, High Court, Mani Bhavan. (*entry fee applicable), Prince of Wales Museum. (*entry fee applicable), Mumbai University, Marine Drive.  Evening Visit to the 5 Star Taj Heritage Property for a High Tea or Dinner... (At your own cost) And next day Dharavi Slum Tour... 

Elephanta caves or Bollywood tour is extra cost.

Dudhsagar Waterfall Trip & Spice Farm Goa

Goa day trips

Dudhsagar Falls literally translates to “sea of milk” owing to its milky white colour. Amidst the Mollem National Park or rather the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary you will find the majestic and stunningly flowing Dudhsagar Falls. A spectacular view of the Mandovi River spouting down from the steep side of the mountain from over 1017 feet.

The Jeep will take you to the bottom of Dudhsagar waterfalls site through the famous Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary in South Goa, there you can swim and only play & love the elephants, there are monkey also around which you can treat.

Crocodile Trip (2hrs Trip)

Goa day trips

Cruising along the back waters of the Zuari River. A chance to see some of Goa’s exotic bird life as well as the Indian Mugger Crocodile which lurks along the river banks. 

The Cumbarjua canal near Panaji that links the Zuari and Mandovi rivers is a thriving place for mugger crocodiles. Crocodile watching in Goa is a unique experience. The carnivore is spotted in the dense mangrove of Cumbarjua. 

Crocodile watching in Goa is something you are sure to remember with great delight for a long time to come. Our Cruise - Boats have all Modern Amenities which includes Modern Toilet and Life Safety Equipment’s.

Bangalore Mysore 3 nts, 4 days Package Tour

South India

This tour is for 5 nights 6 days or 3 nights 4 days & it will include a private guide and a private car.

‍5N/6D : 2N MYSORE / 2N OOTY / 1N BANGALORE
WE will take you across Srirangapatna (Dariya Daulat Bagh, Gumbaz, Tippu Fort and Temple) and Bird Sanctuary, Evening to Maharaja Palace and Brindavan Garden, Chamundi Hill, Big Bull, St.Philomina’s Church, Jagan Mohan Palace and Mysore Zoo & Mysore Palace tour to see the Palace lit up. (All in Mysore)

Than to proceed to visit Ooty Lake, Rose Garden and Botanical Garden. Coonoor by train from Ooty to Coonoor Sight Seeing (Sim’s Park, Lam’s Rock, Dolphin Nose, Tea Factory and Tea Gardens) and Doddabetta Peak. Then to Vidhanasaudha and ISKON Temple, Lalbagh, Museum and Cubbon Park in Bangalore.

Contact:

To check for the best deals for a trip or to enquire for a detailed itinerary contact me, Valerie:
Call: +91 76288 96491
Email: valerierodrigues76@yahoo.com

Website:  https://www.valerietravelsgoa.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pg/Valerie-Travels-Goa-And-India-Tours-And-Packages-2068402310096313/posts/

Lunchtime Review – Husna Dine family restaurant Panjim Goa

MR R and I have frequently passed Husna Dine. Obviously a popular place, as always seeing people coming and going. So it will come as no surprise, Husna Dine has been on my- to review list, for some time.

Husna Dine, is a small, simple restaurant, but I always say, I’m not bothered about plush surroundings as long as the food is good. And it was.

Upstairs, there is an air conditioned section.

The menus covers a wide selection: Indian Chicken, Mutton, North Indian, Seafood, Goan South Indian, Tandoori and snacks. All reasonable priced.

What we ordered:

Veg Diwani Handi, Bhendi Masala, Rice and 2 Roti

Veg Diwani Handi Rupees 160/£1.85/$2.59/€2.33

Oh my goodness, this was a never ending bowl of sheer delight. A rich creamy curry made with cashew paste, onions, tomatoes and cream. A sweet and mild taste.

Bhendi Masala Rupees 160/£1.85/$2.59/€2.33

Boy this was darn good. The tangy gravy lifted sweetness of the okra

Rice Rupees 40/£0.46/$0.56/€0.50

Roti Rupees 15/£0. 17/$0.21/€019 Great rotis.

Ample size portions for two and value for money.

THE SCORES:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 3/5 

STAFF SERVICE 5/5

HYGIENE 3.5/5 I only give this score as the restaurant was a worn, almost certainly from the amount of customers passing through. But as far as food wise, i.e. cutlery, food and staff I found no issues.    

FOOD 5/5 5/5  

OVERALL SCORE 4.2 Red Hot chillies 

Would I go again? Oh yes, now on my places to eat in Panjim list.

Husna Dine family restaurant

EL-Dorado Plaza

Municipality Market

Panjim

Goa

Showcasing: Melange Writing Duo- Ken Hicks and Anne Rothman- Hicks’s - Jane Larson series of mystery/thriller novels.

So I have something really special for you today. The Melange Books, unique writing team of, Anne Rothman- Hicks and Ken Hicks.

So how did it all begin?

Back in 1969, Anne was a graduate at Bryn Mawr College and Ken a student at Haverford College. Their writing partnership began here, when they joined in an independent study class to write a children's book.  

Anne and Ken married in 1971 and in addition to bringing up three children, together have written about twenty books:

 Theft of the Shroud, a novel; Starfinder, a non-fiction book about the stars for children; a series of books on individual names for children (for example Michael's Book, Elizabeth's Book, John's Book, Jennifer's Book, David's Book, Amy's Book); and, most recently, Kate and the Kid, Praise Her, Praise Diana, Mind Me, Milady, and Weave A Murderous Web, (four adult novels in all), two middle reader/tween novels, Things Are Not What They Seem and Remembering Thomas; and a series for young readers, Stone Faces, Brownstone Faces, and Splotch.

In 2016, Melange Books published the first in the Jane Larson series of mystery/thriller novels: Praise Her, Praise Diana. Since then, they have gone on to write two more:  Mind Me, Milady and Weave a Murderous Web.

Their latest novel in the Jane Larson series, Killer Soulmate, will be released by Melange Books 24/9/2019

Praise Her, Praise Diana  contains adult content

by Anne Rothman-Hicks & Ken Hicks

Call it life imitating art—author Maggie Edwards publishes a chapter of a book detailing seduction, murder and castration by a protagonist named Diana, and suddenly a woman code-named Diana begins to mimic her actions in real time. Women who have been abused find Diana to be an inspirational figure, and begin to fight back in her name. Soon violence erupting throughout New York City threatens to spiral out of control. As the police try desperately to identify Diana, Maggie's high-powered lawyer, Jane Larson, finds herself at the center of an investigation that threatens to upend the entire world around her.

Genres: Contemporary  Thriller

Heat Level: 3 flames

Boiling  Sensual, yet more explicit love scenes, and the language may be more graphic and direct.

BUY EBOOKS 

Amazon Kindle 

Smashwords 

Nook

Weave a Murderous Web

by Anne Rothman-Hicks & Ken Hicks

No good deed goes unpunished. When Jane Larson—a hot-shot litigator for a large firm in New York City—helps out a friend, she is sucked into the unfamiliar world of divorce and child support.

Jane's discovery of the deadbeat dad’s hidden assets soon unravels a web of lies, drugs, and murder that keeps getting more dangerous.

Soon, Jane is involved in a high stakes race to recover a missing suitcase of cash and catch the murderer before she becomes the next victim.

Genres

Mystery Thriller

Heat Level: 3 flames

Boiling  Sensual, yet more explicit love scenes, and the language may be more graphic and direct.

BUY EBOOKS

Amazon Kindle 

Smashwords 

Nook

Mind Me, Milady

by Anne Rothman-Hicks & Ken Hicks

Jane Larson is an attorney on the Upper East Side of New York City, and the Gentleman Rapist has chosen her to receive his calls announcing each conquest. He also reminds her in chilling terms that he will one day twist his wire around her throat and bend her to his will.

Jane has professional and personal problems of her own, but she is forced to try to catch this monster when he stalks her newest client. Susan is a sweet young woman who cannot remember large time periods of her past and who has dreams about a prior life in which she was raped. Soon, the Gentleman escalates to murder, and Jane wonders if he was involved in Susan’s forgotten past, or if Susan is simply a means to get to Jane. Either way, Jane is caught in the deadly game of stopping the Gentleman before another woman feels the wire at her throat and hears his sinister whisper to Mind Me, Milad.

Genres

Mystery Thriller

Heat Level: 3 flames

Boiling  Sensual, yet more explicit love scenes, and the language may be more graphic and direct.

BUY EBOOKS

Amazon Kindle 

Smashwords 

iBooks

Follow Anne and Ken Hicks

Website: http://www.randh71productions.com/page1.php

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/Kenneth-Hicks-and-Anne-Rothman-Hicks/622272714477979

Apologies for a typo on my last blog.

   

   I have to apologise for making an error on the recipe for my Homemade Chapatis.

It should be 125g grams of flour.

This has now been rectified

Sorry for any inconvenience.

                   Jo 😍

Jo’s Poached Chicken Breast with Okra and Tomato Stew Served with Homemade Chapatis

JO’S Poached Chicken Breast with Okra and Tomato Stew

Serves 2

This is a great, healthy mid-week meal, and great favourite in the Rawson house.

Poached chicken breast, smothered in a medium spicy, tomato and coconut gravy. Served with homemade Chapatis to mop up that beautiful gravy

1.     Cook two chicken breast in water, in a slow cooker for 3 hours on low.

2.     Forty minutes before chicken is ready, make the Chapatis as they need to rest. (see recipe at the end)

While proving make the okra and tomato stew as follows:    

 Okra and Tomato Stew

1tsp olive oil      1/2Tsp black mustard seeds      1/2Tsp cumin seeds

1 onion thinly sliced      1 green chilli deseeded and finely chopped      1Tsp garlic and ginger paste      200g chopped okra      good pinch of salt         1/4Tsp Turmeric powder      3Tsp coriander powder     

1/4-1/2Tsp Kashmiri paprika      250g chopped fresh tomatoes      1/2Tbsp tomato puree      Another good pinch of salt      ¼ Cup water    2Tbsp coconut milk powder     1/2 cup of water

                 

1.     Heat the oil over a medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the mustard and cumin seeds until they start to pop.

2.     Add the onion, chilli, garlic and ginger paste. (Take care when adding the paste, sometimes it spits back.) Fry until the onions are translucent.

3.     Add the okra and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally checking that the heat is not too high. You can now start rolling out your Chapatis.

4.     Add the spices, tomatoes, salt and water and stir gently. Then add the coconut powder and remaining water. Stir gently, cover and cook for another 5 minutes.  Or until the tomatoes are soft and sauce thickened. Cook the Chapatis.

5.     Take the chicken out of the slow cooker, place on plate and smother with the okra and tomato. Serve with my homemade Chapatis.  

    

Homemade Chapatis  

Serves 2

125g plain flour      1/2Tsp salt      100ml water      oil for greasing

1.     Place the flour and salt in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Gradually add the water. A little at a time, and mix to form a soft supple dough.

2.     Knead the dough on a lightly floured work surface for 10 minutes and then cover the dough and leave in a cool place for 30 minutes.

3.     Knead again and then divide into four pieces.

4.     Roll out each piece of dough, with a Rolling pin on a lightly floured work surface. You want them reasonably thin, otherwise they will not puff up.

5.     Grease a heavy based frying pan (or griddle) with a little oil over a moderate heat. Add one chapati at a time, pressing down firmly with a fish slice. You will see the dough start to blister and puff up. Turn and repeat on the other side. Place inside a clean tea towel to keep warm and soft. Repeat with all the other pieces of dough.

IF YOU WANT TO BE NAUGHTY! THEN BRUSH EACH CHAPATI WITH MELTED BUTTER/ OR GARLIC BUTTER, BEFORE SERVING.   

    

Interview 2- With Indi author Nancy Pennick

Welcome back to the second part of my interview with Author Nancy Pennick.

“Let me get this right. You have written YA, Historical Romance and now not only do you have a new Romantic Suspense series, The Secret Billionaire Society, you are publishing yourself? Wow! How is that working for you?

“Lots of work and research, but fun. I belong to some Indie Facebook groups and the people are very helpful. My son does the covers, my cousin is my editor and my husband is my final proof reader.”  

“I have to ask. What has your experience been like as a new Indie Author? Bruises, Highlights, and lessons?”

“Lessons: If you do nothing, your books sit and languish amongst the millions out there. You can’t write a book without knowing how to market. As I stated above, the Facebook groups for Indie Authors are super helpful. The lesson is to get great advice and follow it. I have the Secret Billionaire Society in Kindle Unlimited, exclusive to Amazon, a good recommendation. Amazon offers advertising for their books, too.
Bruises: Many times I have asked myself, “Why am I doing this?” after no sales for a period of time or a bad review. I want to bang my head against a wall, cry or give up. But I think a lot of authors feel this way at one time or another. Then I walk away or take a deep breath and dive back in again.
Highlights: Whenever I get a glowing review? Makes my day. I sell one book? Celebrate. Someone you don’t know says your book is great or contacts you to let you know they bought your book? Priceless.”

  “What is your advice to Indie Authors?”

“Fear holds you back. Be fearless. There is lots of free advice out there so take advantage. You don’t have to spend money. But! You do have to spend a little if you want your book to be seen.”

“Do you do book tours?”

“I have done blog interviews on-line. The Barnes and Noble in my hometown has been kind to me, offering me spots when they have a Young Adult weekend or when I debut a new book.”

“What has been the best compliment from your readers/fans?”

“The best compliment is when a reader describes my characters as I see them, flaws and all.  I like to find fresh storylines for genres and hope to keep the reader engaged so when they mention that in a review, I know I accomplished my mission.”

“Going back to The Secret Billionaire Society, you already have two books out, Chase and Nash. Is there another book, coming soon?”
“Yes, thanks for asking! Beau Book 4, Gabe Book 5 and Kade Book 6 are still in the writing process.”

“Nancy, I have to say, I really enjoyed talking with you today. As an author myself, wow! I find you a great inspiration. Is there anything you would like to say to my readers or your fans?”

“Keep reading. Use the library. Support authors you love. And read to the little ones. Instill the love of books at an early age.”

“Which just leaves me to say, keep reading this blog to learn more about The Secret Billionaire Society.

The Secret Billionaire Society

Chase: The Secret Billionaire Society Book 1   Kindle Edition 

by Nancy Pennick

Six billionaires. One unforgettable birthday bash. Now their livelihoods are in the hands of a stranger.

Serious Chase Young is chosen first by this ominous, never seen Smith and goes from billionaire to pilot for a small airline in a day. Unable to use money to fix the problem, he’s tasked to dig deeper into the airline’s problems. Chase never expects to meet Grace Edison, the owner’s daughter, and immediately wants her in his life. Undercover, Chase can’t tell Grace the truth. Never one to back down, he accepts the challenge ahead of him, win Grace and save her father’s company.

This romantic suspense book can be read as a standalone.

                    mybook.to/Chasebook1

Nash: The Secret Billionaire Society Book 2   Kindle Edition

by Nancy Pennick

Six billionaires. One unforgettable birthday bash. Now their livelihoods are in the hands of a stranger.

Easy-going Nash Gill is the second of the Society to receive his mission. Upset he won’t go undercover like his friend, Chase, he accepts the challenge half-heartily. Vanessa, Nash’s ex, works with him at Gill’s gym. He’d rather spend time winning her back instead of flying to Pittsburgh to help a high school teacher fulfill his dream and back to hire the other assignment in Miami. Tasked with aiding these two men, he finds juggling them complicated and turns to Vanessa for help. Unaware of the danger which lies ahead, Nash’s desire for a mission impossible role comes true, and he now regrets ever wishing for one.

This can be read as a standalone.

                                      mybook.to/Nash

Finn: The Secret Billionaire Society Book 3   Kindle Edition 

by Nancy Pennick (Author

Six billionaires. One unforgettable birthday bash. Now their livelihoods are in the hands of a stranger.

Golden boy Finn Larsson is the third of the Society chosen by the ominous, never-seen Smith for assignment. Sent to a sparsely populated area of California, he’s tasked to save the Wilde’s ranch and amusement park from ruin. Upon his arrival, his gut reaction is to quit. After learning more from the elderly couple who own the land and run the park, he suggests they get a lawyer and file for bankruptcy or sell the property. Enter Charlotte Wilde, their lawyer daughter, from L.A. One look, and Finn is smitten. Save the Wildes becomes his motto.

This is a standalone read.

          ( Release date August 15) 

              getbook.at/finn

Follow Nancy

Website: http://nancypennick.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancypennickauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/npennick