National Braai Weekend

Hi All

It seems that I have been away for an eternity, it is sure good to be back though and must add that my weekend was a good mixture between family time and friends time.

It all started with the beginning of the school holidays, Rhys loves his holidays(which kid doesn't), so after school on Friday Rhys was off to his buddy, Preston's farm for a bit of a play date.

So naturally I was on course from 12pm and told Rhys that Davida and I would fetch him later. Golf was good, had a fair round and a couple of brandy's afterwards while waiting for Davida to finish work. We finally arrived at Preston's farm just before sunset, the kids were having great fun so Tameran offered some drinks which we gladly accepted and had a sun downer. Even though one is only 20kms from Town, the air is so clean and everything is so quite. If any of my friends want to donate an acre or two to me they are most welcome to do so.

Saturday morning yours truly is off to play in the RED CROSS Charity Day, nothing like having a Brandy and Coke at 9.30am to kick start your morning, thanks Georgie. As per usual it was a hot, long and thirsty day, I did not make many points but must feel a little sorry for Clarey, he had a shocker. We had a couple of drinks during the rugby, well done to South Africa when the phone call came in, the traffic police are on the prowl and will be doing a Drink and Drive Blitz for the remainder of the weekend. The club was empty within the hour, the roads deserted with everyone watching the rest of the days sport at home. Two chaps that I know were caught and spent the night in jail, good luck for the court trials gents.

Sunday morning, MATCH DAY, Manchester United vs. Chelsea make or break for both teams. Off to Mr. Piggs place for a late lunch early dinner and to watch the duel unfold. Trevor's brother Andre and his family were up for the weekend so it was a nice little crowd. Trevor and I have this thing going by way of when our teams are playing, he provides a bottle of Blue Sambuca and I provide the Red. So, imagine what the first little drink was? The Reds won, of course, and I think Trevor was a little upset because he kept on trying to sneak off to bed( He hardly had many drinks though....). The food was great, we had a pork roast and a beef roast accompanied by Lulu's roast baby potatoes and a salad by Davida.

Monday, a public holiday, National Heritage(braai) Day saw the family doing some gardening and swimming, just generally relaxing. I was told that Mr. Pigg had a hangover of epic proportions and did not even come out of his bedroom until he had to go to work today. Anyway I made a lovely dinner which I am going to share with you as today's recipe, it is good to be back and posting so please drop me a comment or two about your weekend. Trevor and I are playing squash a little later.

Have A Good One.

Gary's Lamb Liver and Bubble 'n Squeak

Serves 6

Lamb Liver in Neck Fat

We have a tradition here in South Africa whereby we take the whole lambs liver a wrap it in the neck fat and then braai(BBQ) or roast it i n the oven. If you cannot get the neck fat then the plain lambs liver is fine.

1 whole lambs liver

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp paprika

Coarse Sea Salt

Fresh Ground black Pepper

Mix paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl. P

Place lamb liver in a roasting pan and cover with oil and Worcestershire sauce. Add spice and ensure liver is coated well.

Place in oven on 180 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes. Remove and keep juice to one side for gravy.

Slice liver into cubes, then add gravy and simmer until gravy has thickened, serve with Bubble 'n Squeak.

Liver Gravy

Make 200ml of beef stock, add juices from liver and simmer in pan. Mix 1 tsp of Mazena(corn flour) with cold water +/- 15ml before adding to gravy mix. Once added to gravy simmer till the gravy starts to thicken the add to the livers.

Bubble 'n Squeak

Serves 6

6 large potatoes

1 Cabbage

1 large onion

2 tsp crushed garlic

1/2 cup fresh basil

Olive oil

1 Tbsp Beef stock powder

Salt and pepper

• Cut potatoes with skins on into slices, cut potato in half then slice long ways
• Slice onion into rings
• Place potatoes and onions into roasting pan
• Sprinkle beef stock powder over potato and onion
• Drizzle olive oil over potatoes and onion until all parts are covered
• Add salt and pepper to taste
• Place in oven at 180 degrees Celsius until soft and slightly brown
• In a large frying pan add 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Cut cabbage into thin slices
• Add cabbage to heated oil
• During frying add garlic
• When cabbage is almost cooked add basil
• When cooked remove from heat

When potato is ready, add cabbage to roasting pan and mix well, add a little more salt and pepper and serve with lambs liver. ENJOY

PS. If you have cholesterol problems take 2 pills instead of 1.