A Remedy in Time by Jennifer Macaire (#BlogTour + giveaway to win a $25 Amazon gift certificate)

 

"To avoid culture shock and undue influence on the future, anyone sent back was absolutely forbidden to come into contact with Palaeolithic people, so our mission consisted of getting samples, filming the animals, and - most importnatly - avoiding contact with the other humans".

A Remedy in Time by Jennifer Macaire is a science-fiction/time travel novel. It's a fast-paced, edgy and atmospheric read that will absorb you from the very first pages.

The plotline moves from the "present" (3377) to the last Ice Age. A deadly virus is taking over the world. It is a new type of typhus which can infect animals as well as humans. It does not respond to any typhus treatments, and starts to ravage the continent. Scientists call its clinical signs and symptoms disturbing. The death rate is 100%. To better understand the transmission dynamics, the team is going back as far as possible in time to get samples.

Robin Johnson, a researcher for the Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies at the Tempus University time travel lab is one of the chosen for the trip back in time to observe the sabre-toothed tigers who went extinct very quickly, and the Center wants Robin to identify the reason. She has a hypothesis "that the disease came from the last ice age and was now making a comeback, aided by global warming". 

Robin's travel partner Donnell is not happy to have her on the trip because, according to him, she's untrained and untried, and has a history of mental condition. Most of her adolescence Robin spent in a "juvenile facility for the mentally ill". 

When Donnell dies an agonising death as soon as they arrive to the Ice Age, the signal is sent back to the present to bring in a rescue team. Waiting for them to arrive, Robin has to survive in the unknown terrain, surrounded by vicious prehistoric creatures.

Death stalks her at every step. She nearly drowns, and is rescued by the caveman. His name is Yah. 

"Our communication was limited to names, the numbers one and two, and that was it. We couldn't convey emotions, ideas, or the past and the future. We were in the here and now, and only a tenuous bond held us together. I thought he probably stayed with me from a sort of clan instinct".

Not only Yah is Robin's saviour, it appears that he might have a solution to finding a vaccine. His family died from the typhus-77, but he survived, and his blood is full of antibodies. In the hands of unscrupulous pharma companies, his blood would be worth a fortune. Robin is intent to hide Yah before the rescue team arrives. While Robin hopes to find the cure for the deadly virus, the rescue team members have their own agenda. 

"I had one day to find out what Jake (Robin's love interest) knew, two days to think of a plan fpr getting Yah back to his cave and hidden, and one  week to help find the vaccine that would save millions". Quite a resolution to make!

Will Robin be able to stay alive and stop the virus at its source?

This is a story of contrasts, from the fascinating wild life and habitats of the Ice Age and the customs and ways of cavemen, to the sci-fi vision of the future with its spectacular technology as well as the bleak apocalyptic world on the verge of self-destruction.

The new technology, described in the novel in great detail, is exciting. I wish we had the personal medical devices like medbot.

This novel has certain parallels with the current pandemic, and the discussions on the origins of the virus, whether it's a fluke of nature or a man-made product.

A Remedy in Time is a dark, nail-shredding, gripping read. You don't know which characters you can trust. And you will never expect a shocker of a twist at the end. Compulsive reading!

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Remedy-Time-favourite-timeslip-ALEXANDER-ebook/dp/B08H7X6RL9/

https://www.amazon.com/Remedy-Time-favourite-timeslip-ALEXANDER-ebook/dp/B08H7X6RL9/

https://www.headline.co.uk/titles/jennifer-macaire/a-remedy-in-time/9781786157911/

Author Bio – Jennifer Macaire lives in France with her husband, three children, & various dogs & horses. She loves chocolate, biking, & reading. She grew up in upstate New York, Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. She graduated from St. Peter and Paul high school in St. Thomas and moved to NYC where she modeled for five years for Elite. She went to France and met her husband at the polo club. All that is true. But she mostly likes to make up stories.

Social Media Links –

https://twitter.com/jennifermacaire

https://www.facebook.com/TempusU

 

This post is part of the blog tour.

Many thanks to Jennifer Macaire and Rachel's Random Resources for my NetGalley ARC. 

If you like the sound of this book, don't forget to enter the giveaway to win a $25 Amazon gift certificate, to buy A Remedy in Time or any book you fancy.

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Photo diary: week 2, 2021: project 365

 As I'm reading Grace Dent's wise piece of writing in today's Guardian, I nod my head in agreement. With all the current restrictions and higher levels of intolerance around, you almost feel that you have to walk purposefully and not stop and admire a rushing river, or a red kite soaring in the skies, as if it is against the rules. She asks, "How long outdoors is acceptable until your need for fresh air is deemed wanton?" 

Many people are carrying their anger. Today Eddie and I were walking home, and stopped in the street to catch a Pokemon or two outside one of the Pokestops. We checked that we didn't block the way, in fact, it was absolutely empty, and no-one around, we are very careful with social distancing. Then a car pulled by next to us, the guy has angrily pointed a finger at us. I thought, he might have a delivery for the house we were standing next to, so moved us further along the street. But no, he then just drove on without getting out. What the heck was all that about? 

The levels of river Windrush are quite high this week, though the muddy path through the flood fields is passable.

My brother sent me the picture of their new cat. A couple of years ago they lost their elderly cat, who was 16 or 17 years old, and who was a dear member of the family. 

He is a beauty, isn't he?!

Homeschooling is better structured this time. Children have two Zoom sessions per day, and can discuss any issues with the teachers. They are also happy to see their mates and wave to them.

It's nice that they are also encouraged to have exercise and a walk every day, when possible. Eddie and I have a brisk walk around the block, getting some fresh air for half an hour around lunchtime.

This week I published two book reviews, including for Children's Fate by Carolyn Hughes. I have been playing with photo props. This is historical novel set during the times of the Black Death. It's a fasciating story, but has potential triggers (death during the pandemic). You can also win a £15 amazon voucher to spend on any book you want (or chocolate).

Homeschooling is not fun, so I'm finding my "entertainment" ad hoc. When Eddie is using the laptop, I might open the Pokemon app on the iphone.

The other day, when they had a Zoom session, one of the class mates kept saying she had a question. When the teacher let her talk, she said her dog wanted to say Hi to the class. Of course, it did.

After that, Eddie and I kept saying things to each other like, My Pokemon wants to say Hi to the class.

We haven't had any bread left, and I didn't fancy going out shopping, so decided to try a new bread recipe from Nigella - for an old-fashioned sandwich loaf, made with soured milk. Apparently, Nigella's recipe is a twist on Dan Lepard's bread made with buttermilk.

I'm not a confident bread-baker. I could never pass the test for bread-making on GBBO. This recipe is pretty easy to follow, doesn't require much kneading, and the result is very tasty. I'm going to bake it again.

What else is "newsworthy"? Eddie and I watched the first two episodes of WandaVision on Disney+. From what I've seen on Twitter, most people are raving about it. I found it rather bizarre - cringe at times. But I will watch the next episode on Friday. If you enjoy series like Bewitched, then it might appeal to you.

Today's bit of excitement was going to Sainsbury's and buying new slippers for Eddie with my groceries. It might be considered a non-essential indulgence, but the slippers he's been wearing, look utterly shredded on the soles, and were destined for the bin. 

I also bought a couple of books - CatKid Comic Club and Dear Child by Romy Hausmann. The reviews of this thriller are very encourgaing, if you want to know more, read the review of Dear Child on Coffee and Books blog.

Sadly, it will have to wait until I have a chance to read it, as I have a huge stash of books for reviewing, looking at me solemnly and tutting at me for buying more books.

The article which I enjoyed today is Grace Dent's "Sweet treats..." in Feast (The Guardian). It so resonated with me. It's a poignant piece, which shows we're all hanging there, and little treats save the day. And we should never underestimate little escapes, even if it means lingering by the chocolate aisle or looking at the books at Sainsbury's.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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Children's Fate by Carolyn Hughes (#BlogTour + £15/$15/€15 Amazon gift card giveaway)

 

"He'd said her pottage was delicious, though she wasn't sure he meant it. After drinking a few mazers of wine, he'd cocked his head. "What a delightful little wife you'd make," he said and, reaching for her, drew her onto his lap and kissed her. She'd been so thrilled, yet she was sure he was just teasing.

She'd never be his wife.

Yet she'd settle for being his leman. She wondered if, one day, he might take her away from Mistress Brouderer's, but it was a vain imagining, for the witch would surely never let her go".

Children's Fate by Carolyn Hughes is the fourth Meonbridge Chronicle, an absorbing tale set in England in 1360, eleven years since the Black Death. It swept like a wildfire across Europe; on average, 35-40% people died from the plague, and in some villages and towns, the toll was even higher - 80-90%. 

It's been six years since Emma Ward and her children fled their home in Meonbridge to move to Winchester. She hopes to have a better life in town, as there is lots of work, and they could make a new start. It's true that Emma herself succeeded in finding a decent job in becoming a weaver, which she could not have done in a rural setting. She's got enough money to buy her elder daughter Bea an apprenticeship with Mistress Brouderer.

Sixteen-year-old Bea is an apprentice to Sibylla Brouderer, who charges parents of her apprentices for their daughters' training. Sibylla has lost all her family in the first wave of the plague. She had survived "in a strange world, emptier of people, in which women had more chance to make a mark in their own right". And while embroidery is a decent job, Sibylla's running a more lucrative job on the side, prostituting her young wards to the willing menfolk of the town.

Bea is wilful and vivacious, and has hopes of succeeding in this world. According to her mistress, she has a great potential and would bring in good money. Bea is a vulnerable teenager, exploited by her immoral mistress and men who pay for her services.

Bea is confused. On one hand, she is ashamed of her new "job", and cannot confide in her mother or sister. On the other hand, she enjoys the attentions of rich and handsome Riccardo Marchant. She is also happy with the money and gifts she receives. 

"Bea battled with her feelings. It was clear she'd been tricked into Riccardo's bed, first by her mistress, then by the man himself. She should be angry as well as sahamed, somehow, she wasn't either. Or not much".

And when Riccardo compliments her and hints that she would make a good wife, she is happy to be deluded. It still rings true. Centuries pass, but women are willing to be duped by men's smooth talk.

When Emma hears the rumours about Mistress Brouderer, she is shocked and bewildered. She blames herself for her daughter's misfortune. She often regrets her decision to leave Meonbridge, though she convinces herself that she is building a new, more prosperous life for herself and her children. Yet, at what cost? Bea is in grave danger. Her youngest, Bart, is a little thug, who runs wild in the streets of the town and keeps dangerous company with the thieves. Only middle child, Ami, seems to be doing well, working as a servant in the merchant's household.

Emma's heart is breaking and she takes a decision of taking her children back to Meonbridge, away from the sins of the city. At first, Bea doesn't suspect her mother's motives, she is pleased to see her old friends and get new admirers. Soon enough she struggles to get into the rhythm and hardship of rural life. She is now used to higher standards of living. Missing her rich lover and their cosy arrangement, Bea escapes back to the city.

When the plague returns to Winchester, Bea flees back to her village, only she is not welcome any longer. 

Hatred born out of fear erupts into violence. Emma has to choose between her children and re-think her own position in the village. These are scary, challenging times for everyone involved. Will she be able to defend her daughter, or does she need to make a heartbreaking choice?

As mentioned above, Children's Fate is the fourth book in the Meonbridge Chronicles series. Though it reads as a standalone, I found it a bit confusing to start with. There are many female characters, pregnant or with children, and I had to check out the list of characters several times to understand who is who. Some of the plotlines and life stories of the main characters which appeared in the previous books, are mentioned in this novel, and make you want to discover the world of Meonbridge. I would love to read the series from the first book, and get acquianted with the main protagonists better.

I remember reading years ago an article in one of the history magazines about what it was to be a parent in the middle ages. From what I recollect, there were two schools of thought on the matter, one of them being that parents in those days were pragmatic about their children's deaths, as the rate of childhood mortality was very high. Women had one child after another, and not many of the infants survived. There was another school of thought though, that not all parents were philosophical about their children's demise, and many of them were destroyed with grief. 

Children's Fate made me think about it. It was not a comfortable reading at times. Some scenes in the novel will make you feel like someone's ripped your heart out. 

With the current pandemic, you can draw parallels with the pestilence of the middle ages, both ultimately sweeping across the world with the cruel natural selection of the human species.

The novel is deeply researched. It transports you to another time and place, and shines a light into the 14th C England's social and cultural history.

Eileen Power talks in Medieval Women that "medieval industry was open to women and they played a by no means inconsiderable part in it. There was hardly a craft in which we do not find women. They were butchers, chandlers, ironmongers, net-makers, shoe-makers, glovers, girdlers, haberdashers, purse-makers, cap-makers, skinners, bookbinders, gilders, painters, silk-weavers and embroiderers, spicers, smiths and goldsmiths, among many other trades".

It's fascinating to see the wide range of jobs and positions which women were involved in in the aftermath of the Black Death, from Emma and Mariota who are weavers to Lady de Bohun who's the "lord" of Meonbridge after the death of her husband, from Sibylla Brouderer, embroideress and procuress, to Eleanor who inherited her father's flock of sheep. Some of the widowed women re-marry, while some prefer to stay independent and rely on their own labour for income.

Children's Fate is not a prettified, bucolic fantasy from the days of Ye Olde England, and damsels in distress, saved by lovable rogues. This is an honest, harsh account of what it was like to be a woman in the Middle Ages, what options you had and what choices you had to make in order to survive.

This review is part of the blog tour.

Purchase Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Childrens-Fate-Meonbridge-Chronicle-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B08LZLW9S1

US - https://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Fate-Meonbridge-Chronicle-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B08LZLW9S1

 

Many thanks to Carolyn Hughes, Riverdown and Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of the book!

If you like the sound of this book, scroll down to enter a giveaway to win an Amazon voucher to spend on The Meonbridge Chronicle or any other book of your choice.

Author Bio – 

CAROLYN HUGHES was born in London, but has lived most of her life in Hampshire. After completing a degree in Classics and English, she started her working life as a computer programmer, in those days a very new profession. But it was when she discovered technical authoring that she knew she had found her vocation. She spent the next few decades writing and editing all sorts of material, some fascinating, some dull, for a wide variety of clients, including an international hotel group, medical instrument manufacturers and the government.

She has written creatively for most of her adult life, but it was not until her children grew up and flew the nest several years ago that writing historical fiction took centre stage in her life. She has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Portsmouth University and a PhD from the University of Southampton.

Children’s Fate is the fourth novel in the MEONBRIDGE CHRONICLES series. A fifth novel is under way.

You can connect with Carolyn through her website www.carolynhughesauthor.com and social media:

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: CarolynHughesAuthor

Twitter: @writingcalliope

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2hs2rrX

 

Giveaway to Win a $15 / £15 / €15 Amazon Gift Card (Open Internationally)

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The Mystery of Montague House by Emma Davies

"Only that it has something of a reputation locally. The former owner mysteriously vanished years ago and has never been found, depsite an extensive police enquiry... I know Montague House because of its historical significance, but most folk know it as the place where strange lights are seen at night, where things move around even though no one lives here, that kind of thing".

It so happened, that I was reading The Mystery of Montague House by Emma Davies during one the the most anxious episodes of our lives. My elder son has tested positive for the dreaded virus, and I believe I've had it too, though it was asymptomaic for me. I was totally flattened, and could only just about get up to make a cup of tea and then plop myself down back in bed. Christmas time would have been totally miserable, if not for books and kindness of friends who kept sending messages of support and leaving gifts outside the front door.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy Noir and gritty crime stories, but at times I feel I need a break from gore and violence in books. Cozy (or cosy) mysteries satisfy my taste for crime fiction, without making me feel too alarmed or leaving sleepless after finishing a book. I love the locations like quaint villages, manor houses or castles, a choice of amateur or accidental detectives, and a good portion of gentle humour. If there's a four-legged friend introduced into the story, it's even better. 

The Mystery of Montague House (out on 14 January) is a classic cozy mystery, with a paranormal twist. And an adorable canine protagonist - a basset hound called Hamish. 

Back in November I took part in the cover reveal for this book (you can read about the author and see the cover at The Mystery of Montague House post), and was happy to receive an advance copy of the mystery. 

Andie Summer is a Finder of Things. She has an innate ability to "read" the ground, looking for clues. She is not your standard paranormal/psychic detective, she is quite pragmatic, almost playing down her own abilities. Yet she can see and sense things which can only be described as supernatural. 

Police is well aware of her talents, in fact, "most of her work came via established contacts on the police force". 

One day Andie's approached by the mysterious Mr Mayfair, who wants to hire her to investigate the possibility of the hidden treasure at Montague House, "a rather large country property that sits in the small village of Much Marden, not far from Hereford".. As Mr Mayfair discloses in confidence, "It isn't actually me who wishes to engage you, but rather a client of mine. A client from the governmnet legal department." Andie feels there's something fishy about her new employer, but she is down on her last few tins of baked beans, and the case sounds promising.

The last owner of the house Frank Maynard died, leaving no heirs - all his estate has to be examined and disposed of. His father Peter Maynard, a famous physicist and a deeply private man, disappeared many years ago. "He was an old man, admittedly, but despite a thorough police investigation, neither he, nor his body, was ever found". 

The house has been preserved by Frank like a museum - "everything exactly as it was when his father was alive. Almost as if he expected him to come home".

On arrival to Montague House, Andie meets Clodagh Wynter. She seems an opposite of spontaneous Andie - rather uptight, formal and on edge. She knows of the manor house's reputation, but doesn't seem to be bothered by the rumours of ghostly shenanigans. She prides herself at being good at her job, valuying and cataloguing the contents of the house, hoping to find a priceless painting or rare manuscript. 

She does not believe in ghosts. But when strange happenings start to manifest themselves in the house, it is clear that someone or something is not happy with Clodagh and Andie's presence in the house. 

The ladies are alarmed and terrified. Rather than leave the property, Andie makes up her mind, "...now I'm angry. And when I get angry, my bloody-minded streak kicks in, so I'm going to be like a dog with a bone until I find out how this happened. And why... First we have to acknowledge why we're both here - which is to find some sort of "treasure" that local rumour has it is somewhere in or around the house. Then we also have to acknowledge that if someone is trying to scare us, a reasonable assumption would be that we're not the only ones looking for it... we have to do two things - find the treasure and this other party".

Montague House is the perfect setting for the classic mystery game like Cluedo. There are plenty of rooms to roam about, grand stairs, inner courtyard and hidden tunnels. 

Clodagh and Andie have to pool together their detective skills to solve the mystery of the house. They will need all their intelligence and imagination, plus lots of chocolate biscuits and bacon sandwiches to work out the puzzle of Montague House.

They are assisted in their search by sweet Hamish. He's more of a psychological support rather than a defender. "And the dog of course, let's not forget about the dog, who, as far as Clodagh could see, was going to be of no use at all unless they wanted something drooled all over."

I enjoyed this cosy mystery; the first adventure of the most unlikely detective duo has a great potential for a new series. I loved the description of the manor house, with its wonderful library and hidden passageways. 

It is entertaining, light-hearted, and if the books with gruesome murders are not your cuppa tea, then cosies/cozies like The Mystery of Montague House will allow you to escape from the rather anxiety-ridden reality. 

Buckle up, and read into the early hours in one sitting! 

Many thanks to Emma Davies for my e-copy of the book!

Sainsbury's Degustabox (December 2020)

 This was supposed to be one of the last blog posts for 2020, but December passed in a blur. I spent many days in bed, being weak and dizzy. All our Christmas plans were cancelled, and though I made a bit of an effort to cook something simple for Christmas, it was so tiring, I was back in bed for the next few days. Friends helped with shopping for essentials, as well as treats.

I was grateful to have extra snacks for my guys, courtesy of Degustabox food delivery.

Last Degustabox of the year was created in partnership with Sainsbury's - it includes a selection of products, all of which you can find at Sainsbury's (though they are not exclusive to this supermarket).

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I probably wouldn't have tried otherwise.

Each time the monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I ave a £3 off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when you place an order.

What did we find in Sainsbury's Degustabox?

Tony's Chocolonely is my younger son's current favourite brand of chocolate. And I agree with him, it is tasty. Tony's Chocolonely Caramel Sea Salt (£1.35 for a small bar) didn't last long. The brand is on a mission to make all chocolate 100% slave free (an inspiring decision, Nestle, take note!). 

Nexba Pineapple Soft Drink 1 litre (£1.25) is a sugar free soft drink. It contains no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, no fructose, it's non-GMO, all natural, low calorie and 100% vegan. It is surprisingly non-sweet, not what you'd expect from similar soft drinks. Very drinkable on its own, it's also lovely in a white wine spritzer (that is, if you're not doing the Dry January).

Clwb Tropica Tropical IPA (£2) is the UK's no.1 Tropical IPA. It's hailed as a non-alcoholic party in a can. It offers an interesting combination of hops and tropical fruit like pineapples, mango, passionfruit and peaches. It tastes like a shandy, though not as sweet.

Dash Water Peach (£1.25) is a healthy soft drink. Real, wonky fruit is infused into fresh spring water to create a lovely refreshing drink that contains 0 sugar, 0 sweetener and 0 calories. I'd say it's more of a summer drink, served with ice, and ideally served in the garden on a warm evening.

Good Earth Tea Ginger, Turmeric & Lemon Tea (£2.75) is a herbal tea. Last month I drank gallons of herbal teas, mostly ginger-flavoured. Ginger, Turmeric & Lemon tea is a lovely combination of flavours, zingy and refreshing.

LEON Aioli (£2.50) is a vegan garlic-flavoured mayonnaise. It is rich and creamy, slightly vinegary, and is made with rapeseed oil and aquafaba (chickpea liquid) instead of eggs. Perfect for anyone who follows Veganuary or has an egg allergy. 

Nutritional information: 565kcal, 58.7g fat and 8.1g sugar per 100g.

Odyssea Aubergine Meze Dip (£2.15) is a premium dip that doesn't need to be kept in the fridge before opening. It's based on a traditional Greek recipe. If you like aubergines (and I am a big fan), then you will enjoy this smoky, thick dip, which is silky smooth in texture. Great both for dipping and spreading, it's a delicious addition to grazing boards or meze platters. 

You can also add a couple of spoonfuls, when making an omelette. 

A handy standby to have in a pantry for a quick and easy meal. It is vegan-friendly. Made with roasted aubergines, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and parsley without added nasties.

Peter's Yard Sourdough Bites (£2) are made using the signature sourdough starter that's slowly fermented for 16 hours. Peter's Yard make the best crispbreads and crackers for cheese. They combine the Swedish tradition with British craft. 

Crafted from Shipton Mill flour, the sourdough bites are baked and richly flavoured with soured cream from West Country frams and British-grown chives.

Nutritional information: 98kcal per 26g serving, baked not fried, made with natural ingredients, low in saturated fat, a good source of fibre and suitable for vegetarians.

Pipers crisps (£1.20 for 40g bag or £2.50 for 150g bag) are made from the finest British potatoes for quality and seasoned with carefully sourced unique flavourings for a great taste.

Great as a sharing snack for a movie night on the sofa, or when you're entertaining (do you remember the days when we used to have guests?).

There were two flavours to choose from - Atlas Mountains Wild Thyme & Rosemary and Lye Cross Cheddar & Onion crisps, both delicious.

Capsicana Mexican Tomato and Chipotle Tinga Cooking Paste (£1.30) is the latest addition to Capsicana range of Latin American flavours. It's based on the dish Chicken Tinga, a classic shredded chicken dish ooriginally from the state of Puebla. It's smoky in flavour, with a promise of just enough heat from the chipotle. It could also work with fajitas, BBQ, marinades and more.

You can discover delicious recipes and cooking tips at capsicana.co.uk or @capsicana on Instagram.

Brave Roasted Chickpeas Sea Salt, Dark Choc or Sweet Chilli (£1) are moreish roasted chickpeas, wonderfully crunchy and seasoned with all-natural flavours. They remind me of the roasted chickpeas you can buy from vendors in the streets of Italian towns. 

They are also packed with protein, high in fibre and completely vegan. And the packaging is recyclable.

We received a Sweet Chilli-flavoured pack, and enjoyed the crunchy texture and a little heat.

The Curators Cocoa Caramel Peanuts (£1.20) is another tasty plant-based snack. Lightly caramelised peanuts are dusted with cocoa powder and a pinch of salt.

They are gluten free, a source of fibre, contain 7g protein and only 191kcal per pack.

Crab Salad with Apple

 

Oh, all those plans I had, to spend Christmas with our friends aka the childcare bubble, and have some semblance of normality. I have bought plenty of food to please all tastes and diets (gluten free, vegetarian, meat eaters). But as they say, man proposes, God disposes. On the last day of school our son got poorly, and a few days later we discovered he tested positive and we all needed to self-isolate.

We informed our friends, and I felt rather guilty that they had to change their plans accordingly, and would need to buy and prepare their own Christmas meal. 

I had to re-think what to do with some of the foods. The turkey crown went in the freezer. I did cook a small ham for our boys at Christmas and also a nut roast, plus lots of veggies for grown-ups, but didn't bother with the cranberry sauce or any side dishes like pigs in blankets or stuffing. 

On the original menu I was planning to do a big platter with blini as a starter - with smoked salmon and crab meat, as well as vegetarian "scampi" and pickled carrots. The crab meat tin has been sitting in the fridge for several weeks, and finally I decided to make a crab salad with it. It is similar to the Soviet crab salad, though in the days of my childhood we rarely had access to the crab meat (you had to live somewhere nearby the sea to get access to this product, or be a member of the apparatchik's family), and used the seafood sticks, which of course, are anything but crab meat. 

For this quick and easy recipe you will need:

100g crab meat (or seafood sticks)

1 small apple, grated or finely chopped

2 hard-boiled eggs, grated or finely chopped

60g hard cheese (like Emmental), grated or cubed

1 small carrot, cooked and chopped finely

1 medium potato, cooked and chopped

3tbsp aioli with garlic (or garlic mayo)

juice of 1/2 small lime

lettuce, to serve in

First, cook a potato and carrot in slightly salted water. Peel and chot finely. Hard-boil a couple of eggs. Once cold, grate them.

In a big mixing bowl, mix together grated eggs, potato, carrot, crab meat, grated cheese. Add the aioli and lime juice, and mix well. 

If you don't have aioli, mayonnaise (with/out garlic) will do, and lime could be substituted with lemon juice. 

Season with salt and a bit of pepper.

Spoon the crab salad into salad leaves to serve.

There are several variations on the theme. Some cooks prefer to use rice rather than potato. Many add several tablespoons of tinned sweetcorn.

It's a lovely, quite light old-fashioned salad.

I have googled what could be a vegetarian/vegan substitute for crab meat, and apparently, it is a shredded jackfruit, palm or artichoke hearts. I haven't tried them as a crab meat substitute, so cannot vouch for how much the flavour is altered. I love artichokes in oil, and often use them in salads, but the taste is very distinct, and nothing like seafood. I guess, you just need to re-think the whole concept.

In this recipe I used Leon Aioli, which was one of the products from the latest Degustabox. This garlic mayo has been the heart of LEON restaurant menus since 2004. This mayo is made with aquafaba (chickpea stock) instead of eggs, and happens to be vegan. To be honest, if I didn't know it is made without eggs, I wouldn't have guessed. So, if you're doing a Veganuary (which I don't), and are looking for great subs for family favourites, this mayo is very creamy and tasty.

Photo diary: mid-December to January 2021, project 365

 It's been almost a month since my last blog post was published. You might have been too busy to notice, or maybe you did wonder what's happened. The second half of December passed in a blur. My older boy tested positive on the last day of school. It looked like he had a cold, with a mild cough and temperature, and the school has provided us with a free test. A few days later, to our shock, the notifications started pinging on my phone that he has tested positive, and we all need to go into self-isolation.

At that point, I was going into a panic mode, anxious about my son, that he might need to go to the hospital, which due to the nature of his disability, he would never understand. I couldn't sleep with worry. Thankfully, he had it in a mild form. Then I caught some sort of lurgy, I haven't done the test, so nothing's been confirmed either way. I spent the next couple of weeks mostly in bed, feeling totally flattened. 

I was also very worried about how we're going to manage with the food shopping. We obviously couldn't go out, and getting a delivery slot nowadays is like winning a lottery, especially around Christmas time.

The NHS people kept calling, just to check if we stayed at home. We did. There was no help offered whatsoever, basically you're left to cope on your own. Criticise Russia what you like, but if you are sick, you get a home visit from the GP, and if you test positive, you get free medication.

Our friends rallied around us, doing shopping for us and leaving bags outside. We had Christmas gifts dropped off by the door as well. I am most grateful for their help and kindess at that difficult time.

And before all the virus drama, I was scrolling through Twitter at bedtime, when I spotted an announcement from The Guardian that John Le Carré died. We were very saddened by the news. My husband and I have been big fans for many years, and have known him personally. My husband was a young academic, when he met David for the first time in the 1990s. 

I remember our stay at David and Jane's guest cottage in Cornwall many years ago, when we were newly married. We had the cottage all to ourselves, with the kitchen and wine rack to our full disposal. Late one evening, there was a knock on the door, and David comes in, bringing more wine, just in case we've run out of it. It makes me smile thinking of that. 

David had this amazing talent of being a great listener, he would ask you questions and listen to what you had to say, as if you were the most important person in the world. And he was a wonderful storyteller as well, and a good actor. 

We visited them many times, first with little Sasha, later with Eddie as well, when we stayed in Cornwall. They were incredibly kind and attentive to Sasha. When a world-famous writer cares about your child with a disability, you never forget this kindness.

I was looking through the old photos of our trips to Cornwall, when I came across this snap, taken on our visit to Le Carré's house with my in-laws. This was in 2009. Sasha loved their extensive gardens and roamed free there. Cherished memories.

If you have access to TLS, you might want to read my husband's article Beyond the Cold War.

It's hard to imagine we will never hear David's beautiful voice again.

The last week of school was still full of hope that we might spend Christmas with our bubble. I bought food to please both vegetarians and meat eaters. Little did I know that by the end of the week, all our plans would be cancelled. 

Eddie had a Christmas jumper day at school and wore his festive stormtropper jumper.

A frosty morning in the flood fields...

The teddy bears of Witney had a Christmas-themed window display, but the teddies looked sad, perhaps they were also thinking of better days.

I don't buy chestnuts throughout the year, but at Christmas time do fancy some roast chestnuts. Though the home ones never taste the same as those roasted on big metal trays outdoors, like you see in the streets of Italian towns.

On Christmas day I made an effort of getting out of bed to cook a simple lunch. We had a small ham in marmalade glaze for the boys, and a nut roast for vegetarians, plus plenty of veggies. It was a bit sad, but at least we were together, and slowly gaining strength.

We watched the Queen's speech, and I thought she also looked sad. My brother who watched her speech on Youtube, said she appeared wise and dignified.

I insisted that Eddie should eat at least one sprout. He hates sprouts. I love them, and would happily eat the lot. I always liked them, even as a child. At that time we could only buy them in packs of mixed frozen vegetables from Poland. And I would sneakily take them out of the freezer and eat icy cold. OK, I might have been a weird child.

On Boxing day I cooked a risotto, with a splash of champagne. We opened the bottle the day before, but we really don't drink much. I think we still have half a bottle in the fridge, I bet it's all gone flat now.

Every Christmas I buy a box of Fazer Finlandia jelly fruits from Lakeland. For some stupid reason they're only available at Christmas. They are soooo good, truly the best jelly fruits ever.

You can get them on amazon, but they cost an arm and a leg there.

A few days before new year's eve our town was on the flood alert. The flood fields and the streets nearby were actually flooded, and you could see the sandbags outside the doors in the town centre, nearby the bridge over the Windrush. 

That's the picture my husband has taken for me. I bet the people who live in that house by the river were very worried. 

It has become a tradition for me that I call my brother on new year's eve, when the clock strikes midnight their time. He turns the camera towards the TV, when the Kremlin chimes go Boom! We hold the champagne flutes up and wish each other a happy new year! This is a screenshot from our conversation.

Typically my Mum would be spending the evening/night with my brother and his family, but this year my Mum was on her own. I called her, of course, but she's a Luddite, when it comes to technology, so we cannot see each other.

For four days ClassicFM were running their Ultimate Hall of Fame to mark the 25th chart countdown. I listened to it, on and off, with great pleasure, and was delighted that Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.2 won the 1st place. I tweeted to them, and they RTed my tweet. That made my day.

I was still feeling too weak to venture outside, but my husband did take our boys for a walk, and took a photo of the manger outside St Mary's Church.

I might have not been blogging but I have read several books for the forthcoming book blogs and reviews. The Mystery of Montague House by Emma Davies is a cosy mystery, with a supernatural twist (check out my review on the 14th of January, the day of the publication of the book).

The other day when Eddie and I looked in the garden from the bedroom window, we spotted this tree surgeon, balancing precariously among the branches. It makes me sad to see big trees cut down.

Our snowy morning was a bit of a disappointment. There was not even snow enough to build a snowman. By afternoon it has all melted.

Homeschooling is not much fun, though it's better organised this lockdown in comparison to the first one. Kids have a Zoom meeting with their teacher at 9.20am and 2.30pm, when they can discuss any issues and report on the work done.

During the holidays, as we were stuck at home, Eddie has been reading a lot, and also doing some art projects. This is a competition entry for Pokemon magazine.

If you've managed to read until the very end of this long post, I give you a big virtual hug. Hope I won't disappear for another month.

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