I've made a mashed potato and onion bake to serve with a shop bought steak and kidney pie (Morrison's in store baker does make a fine pie) and to accompany the pie and flash mash some buttered sprouts ( switching back to butter on account of not believing everything I read in the papers about butter being bad for you) and, for added moisture, a jug of tangy gravy (thickened beef oxo with marjoram,Worcestershire sauce and plenty of seasoning.
For dessert, a sunken Orange Syrup cake (used way too much baking powder so instead of a nice rise I got a sad plunge) It tastes the same, heavenly.

I made some choco chip muffins for Mark's birthday and, for Rob's dad, a big batch of spiced hazelnut Coburg buns. The original recipe called for flaked almonds but I'd run out so had to fall back of my favourite nuts. Hazel.
As it was a birthday treat I wrapped them in a blue flowered napkin then straight into a pink gingham cake tin. Trevor saw the funny side.
Returning to Mark's foodie presents I gave him a lime jelly made with lemonade and apple and pear squash and studded with green seedless grapes. For added fun it was set in an old glass storage jar complete with bright green lid.
He freaked!
But he's bright and brave kid, he'll get over it and get to know that I mean no harm.

It was Mark's 15th birthday yesterday (Saturday) and we, that's the lad himself, his ma and pa, the grandparents and I had a yummy dinner at The Royal Oak pub, simple homey decor with beams and fire, and the food was to rave about.
I plumped for Atlantic cod and chips, mushy peas on the side, and for pud a Brioche Summer Pudding with cream.
A half pint of Bombardier beer added to the excellence.

Breadmaking next week...