download

When I was at school, we used to hold debates. Someone would speak and everyone would politely listen without interrupting, even if they totally disagreed with what was being said. Then someone else would reply. But now everyone interrupts. Guests can’t finish a sentence without the interviewer butting in.

I don’t get involved with online groups. I prefer to speak to people I know. But yesterday I put a comment on our local group about how I’ve been thinking about how the stats have probably altered. Although coronavirus is a terrible thing, there must be less deaths from flu, in car accidents, etc.

You wouldn’t believe some of the vicious replies I had! Then my comment was deleted.

I’d been having the same discussion with friends online and it was civilised and interesting. And we also discussed how crime has probably decreased. But of course they’re all intelligent and polite. I don’t know these local people and don’t want to. But it upset me.

I’ve been horrified by some of the nasty replies that I’ve read on some sites, often with spelling mistakes as they’ve obviously been slapped out without any thoughts or reading through, possibly after several drinks. Surely everyone is entitled to their opinion, and of course not everyone will agree with them. But they have the right to speak  without being attacked or beaten down by Trolls – otherwise we’d still believe that the world is flat! Why are some people so angry all the time?

I suppose they feel safe hiding behind their computers. But do think before attacking people. There’s no need for it. You don’t know if they’re disabled, depressed or ill. They might have made a comment because they’re bored or lonely at home, and wanting to start a sensible conversation with the outside world. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything!

Coronavirus

Garlic flower buds

PICKLED WILD GARLIC

There’s wild garlic everywhere now. https://b-c-ing-u.com/countries/coping-with-coronavirus-15-more-cheap-recipes/ I mentioned that you can pickle the flower buds in my article above. Well I’ve now tried it and it’s a great success, highly recommended!

Pick some garlic buds and wash them well (especially if dog walkers frequent that area)

I put them in a clean jar with a small amount of pickling spice, and topped it up with malt vinegar.

Coronavirus

Pickled buds

The buds float to the top of the jar, so tip the jar upside down and shake it if necessary.

They’re tasty even after a couple of days.

Coronavirus

Stroganoff

STROGANOFF

This is a popular dish in Germany. It’s usually made with beef or pork, but I don’t see why you couldn’t use any meat that you have.

I made mine with pork, left over from a roast. And I adapted the ingredients.

A chopped onion.

Chopped mushrooms

Chopped cooked meat.

Oil

I also added a chopped pepper, a chopped carrot, peas & sweetcorn.

Parsley

Seasoning

SAUCE

a lump of butter

1 oz flour

1 tblsp tomato puree

1 tsp nutmeg

Stock or water

150ml sour cream or yoghurt. I like sour cream.

It’s all easy to make.

Saute onion, pepper, mushrooms & the meat. Then add anything else that you want to add. Stir.

Make the sauce by melting the butter, stirring in the  flour, & cook for a minute, then add the tomato puree, nutmeg, water or stock. Bring to the boil.

Stir into the Stroganoff and stir well. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until you need it.

Add the sour cream or yoghurt & parsley and bring back to the boil.

Serve with potatoes or rice.