Viva La Difference chat & forums.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 38 (view)

Viva La Difference Posted: 3/30/2009 3:58:06 AM
cooking from the one country whose food is considered the worst in the world... thats the funniest thing ive heard for a ong time and from an american as well

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 37 (view)

Viva La Difference Posted: 3/30/2009 3:55:22 AM
from the one country whose food is considered the worst in the world... Thats the funniest thing ive heard for a long time and from an american

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 28 (view)

Viva La Difference Posted: 3/28/2009 6:38:17 AM
Funny you should mention water. We have a tea here in the UK called Yourkshire Tea. For every different water authority and supply, the tea leaves are blended to suit the different water so the tea tastes the same. No other tea supplier does this, do you have that on your side of the pond ?

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 1 (view)

Cornish Pasties Posted: 3/28/2009 6:27:29 AM
From Cornwall UK Ingredients for short crust pastry 1lb plain flour 1/2 lb either lard hard margarine or butter or a combination of these pinch of salt cold water to mix (see measure conversions for more information) Method Rub the fat into the flour but not too finely. I sometimes cut the fat into small lumps. Add the salt and then start adding the water gradually until it works together into a ball without being sticky. Put aside in a cool place. Ingredients for filling 3/4 lb beef, not stewing beef raw potato raw swede (also known as rutabaga or yellow/swedish turnip small onion salt and pepper a walnut sized piece of butter Method Cut the steak into small pieces but do not mince. Slice potato and swede into thin, small pieces about half an inch across. Chop onion finely. Dust the work surface with flour. Roll out the pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a small plate cut out circles . Moisten the edge with milk or water and support half of the pastry nearest to you over the rolling pin . On the other half, put a small layer of prepared vegetables then a layer of beef . Repeat this once but be careful not to have too much filling which would cause the pastry to burst during the cooking process . Sprinkle sparingly with salt and pepper then add a small bit of the butter . Sprinkle a dusting of flour over the filling (this helps to make the gravy). Fold the other half of pastry which has been resting on the rolling pin over the filling and squeeze the half circle edges firmly together . Starting at the right side whilst supporting the left side with other hand, using first finger and thumb turn the edge over to form a crimp . Repeat this process all along the edge . This will come with practice but you must get a good seal. Brush pasty with beaten egg wash to help with browning process and put a small one inch cut in the centre of the top to allow steam to escape . Bake in a hot oven 220 degrees centigrade for about 20 minutes then reduce temperature to 160 degrees centigrade for a further 40 minutes. Smaller pasties need less time. If they are browning too quickly cover loosely with greased paper. I hope this recipe helps you create wonderful Cornish Pasties

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 17 (view)

Viva La Difference Posted: 3/27/2009 10:49:18 AM
Are there any american recipes that are truly american and not nicked and altered ??.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 16 (view)

Viva La Difference Posted: 3/27/2009 10:47:33 AM
Another thing that springs to mind..... is Vegemite. Ive never had that but i believe its much like our Marmite...you either love it or hate it.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 40 (view)

Favorite foods where you live Posted: 3/27/2009 10:26:48 AM
Bara Brith Welsh fruitcake Ingredients: 12 oz. Mixed Fruit 8 oz. light Muscovado Sugar 10 Fluid ozs. strong tea 10 ozs. Self-Rising Flour 1 Egg, Beaten Cooking Instructions: Measure fruit and sugar into a bowl. Pour over hot tea. Leave overnight. Lightly grease a 2lb. loft tin. Stir flour and egg into the fruit, mix well. Turn into prespared tin and level. Baked at 150C - 300F - gas 2 for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours or until well risen and firm to the touch. Allow to cool in tin for 10 mins. before turning onto a wire rack. Leave to cool completely.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 11 (view)

Viva La Difference Posted: 3/27/2009 7:38:49 AM
Jellied eels are a traditional dish from the East End of London. As the name suggests, jellied eels are stewed eels in a spiced jelly that is made from the stewing juices. It's a food that is sold by street vendors, although it can more usually be found in 'pie and mash' shops, and can be bought throughout London and Essex due to the migration of the East London population. It is commonly eaten with another East End delicacy, 'pie, mash and liquor' - which used to be made with eel fat. Beef or lard is more common nowadays. This dish, either delicious or disgusting, depending on your point of view, finds its roots in the muddy Thames estuary, which is a good habitat for eels. They were easy to catch locally, and it was easy to keep them alive in barrels for long enough to bring them to market, so the supply was easier than that of other kinds of fish. They were common, cheap and easily transportable, making them a favourite in the East End. Unlike oysters, which were once a cheap and common sight in the East End, jellied eels haven't gained a widespread popularity. It is common knowledge that being born within the sound of Bow Bells, the bells of the church of St Mary-le-Bow, is what determines you as a****ey. Some 'purists' would also suggest that being born within the sound of a toothless gentlemen wearing a flat-cap and slurping a bowl of jellied eels1, would make your status a certainty. Making jellied eels isn't an exact art and it is difficult to find a definitive recipe, let alone any agreement on how to present them once they're cooked. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 lb (675g) Eels 1 Egg 1 Medium Sized Onion 2 Cloves 1 Bay Leaf 1 dessertspoon Vinegar 1/2 oz (13g) Powdered Gelatine Salt & Pepper 1 1/2 pints (900ml) Cold Water Parsley for Garnish METHOD Boil the egg for 10 minutes, then plunge into cold water. Clean and skin the eels, put them into a large saucepan with a good sprinkling of salt & pepper, the onion with the cloves stuck in it, bay leaf, vinegar and water. Simmer until the eels are quite tender, then take out the bones and cut the eels into small pieces. Strain the liquid into a clean saucepan and boil it quickly until it is clear, removing any scum as it rises. Put in the gelatine and boil gently for 2 minutes. Then strain the liquid into a bowl. Shell and slice the egg. Arrange the pieces of eel in a mould with slices of egg among them. Pour in the liquid very gradually, being careful not to disturb the contents. Leave in a cold place until set. Turn out when required and garnish with parsley. Enough for 4 people. Enjoy

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 1 (view)

Viva La Difference Posted: 3/26/2009 12:05:26 PM
Some things just dont travel across the pond like...peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Sorry its just "so" wrong. What dishes do we have this side of the pond that dont travel, for example how are you with Jellied Eels ?

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 30 (view)

what is your favorite dinner to cook for a date? Posted: 3/26/2009 12:00:40 PM
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches Sorry but that is "so" wrong this side of the pond.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 52 (view)

Raw Milk? Posted: 3/26/2009 11:57:32 AM
I wonder who was the first bloke to look at a goat or cow and fancy sucking its tits

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 19 (view)

emergency contraception by text for girls as young as 11 Posted: 3/25/2009 11:11:56 AM
but did have to dissuade one boy from continuously singing the word 'vagina' on the way to assembly I can just picture it.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 3 (view)

west wales Posted: 3/24/2009 4:23:44 AM
N West Mid West or S West Wales.... love the idea of a dinner club a bit like come dine with me ...not sure how it would work though.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 15 (view)

Are we only here to have to find male friends? Posted: 3/24/2009 4:20:07 AM
My settings are for anyone I just tried to contact you with the name of another free dating site but your settings have an age restriction.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 10 (view)

I feel violated.......or not?? Posted: 3/24/2009 4:13:58 AM
I feel a lot of people tend to over dramatise things just for the added attention..bit sad if you ask me.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 3 (view)

The dating forum contradiction Posted: 3/22/2009 4:27:36 AM
Personaly i find quite a wide variety of threads on "all" the forums.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 50 (view)

Funerals Posted: 3/22/2009 4:22:56 AM
I was chatting with my 2 sons about burial or cremation last week. There going to suprise me

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 5 (view)

My Profile Posted: 3/21/2009 2:45:20 PM
LOL but what if i was desperate and would settle for anything ..what then ? Cheers for the help its much apriciated xx

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 1 (view)

My Profile Posted: 3/21/2009 10:35:26 AM
Its always good to have imput (good and not so good) so if you could take a looky at my profile i would love your opinion. Do you think 2 pictures are enough or mabey a few of my interests or the area where i live might be cool. ? Regards Mike

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 64 (view)

Does life really begin at 40? Posted: 3/21/2009 10:07:36 AM
Hated being 30 Loved being 40 50 was like the new 40 Dreading being 60!!!!! Yup i agree with the 50 being to new 40. As for turning 60 roll on the free bus pass thats what i say.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 2 (view)

Pizza Topping Soup Posted: 3/20/2009 12:05:31 PM
A soup as a pizza topping and the best is it isnt even a topping could only happen across the pond

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 14 (view)

Roast Potatoes Posted: 3/19/2009 8:58:12 AM
About how much fat would you use and what depth tin do you use for yours? The amount of oil will vary but as long as you can tilt the tray and have enough there to be able to spoon it over the potatoes a couple of time during roasting that will be ok. I forgot to mention that before i place then in the hot oil i put them in a plastic carrier bag pour in some oil and shake it about ...this gives them a good coating . Hope that helps Enjoy

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 45 (view)

Home made french fries Posted: 3/18/2009 1:57:29 PM
.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 5 (view)

Baked Potato Posted: 3/18/2009 1:51:16 PM
With regards to seasoning. I find all you need is a touch of salt to "enhance" the flavour of the "potato." I find pepper rosemary and anything else simply "distracts "from the flavour of the "potato". Just MHO of course.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 4 (view)

Baked Potato Posted: 3/18/2009 1:43:45 PM
^^^^^^^tut tut ...people please at least "try" and stay on topic. I dunno ...kids today ey

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 1 (view)

Baked Potato Posted: 3/18/2009 9:50:43 AM
Baked Potato Recipe with Salt and Butter. 1 Large Potato Per Person Maris Piper or King Edwards. Salt Butter Pre-Heat the Oven to 400F (200C, Mark 6) Choose a good looking large Potato per person and wash them well. While still damp sprinkle handsomely with fine Salt (preferably freshly ground Seat Salt) and prick the skins here and there with a folk (this will stop it potentially exploding!). Place directly onto the oven bars, rather than a tray, in the middle of the oven. The size and type of Potato will ultimately affect the length of time it will need to cook, but you should aim to bake them for between one hour to one hour and a half. When ready the Potato will give a little when pressed. Place on your plate and cut both ways with a knife. Gently squeese together so the soft fluffy insde starts to ooze out then add an extravagant cut of good quality Butter. Season to taste and serve alongside whatever your favourite Baked Potato accompaniment might be. Potato + oven = Baked Potato.....no oil Enjoy

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 1 (view)

Roast Potatoes Posted: 3/18/2009 9:33:49 AM
A classic recipe that will give you perfect potatoes every time. Ingredients 1kg/2½lb floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper olive oil or goose fat 1. Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. 2. Peel the potatoes and cut into large chunks. Parboil in boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Drain and toss in the pan to roughen the edges. 3. Put a generous amount of olive oil or goose fat in a roasting tin and put in oven, until smoking. Carefully take the tin out of the oven and add the potatoes to the hot fat, basting them as you do so. 4. Put the tin back in the oven and cook for about 1 hour until the roast potatoes are golden and crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. Turn them over from time to time whilst they are cooking to make sure they colour on all sides. Potato + oil + oven = roast potato Perfect every time. Whats your recipe.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 37 (view)

Home made french fries Posted: 3/18/2009 7:28:35 AM
Once you start making them in the oven, you'll never go back. Fries <<<< "Roasted" in the oven

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 1 (view)

Isle Of Man Posted: 3/17/2009 1:41:02 PM
Watching Coast about IOM on tv tonight a local chap was talking about the flag and however the 3 legged logo landed ..it always landed on its feet ..however if you look at the flag/logo it also ends up down on one knee ? what do you reckon. Ive google earthed it and wow what a place . Ive never been but with such a varied history i think its deffo a place to visit on my list . Have you ever been ?

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 224 (view)

Bald v shaven heads - and is bald beautiful? Posted: 3/17/2009 1:24:52 PM
I like to think i have "style" Choosing between receding grey and shaved head i choose the latter as i think its more stylish. <<<<<<< What do you think

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 31 (view)

Home made french fries Posted: 3/17/2009 7:55:16 AM
What are they doing in the oven??? They are fries. Use Marris Piper potatoes there quite waxy and probably the best spud to use. Oil cheapest veg you can find. Peel and chip very thinly like the one in McDonalds, leave to soak for at least 2 hours to extract all the starch. Remove from the water and pat dry. Fry at 160 for about 4 to 5 mins then remove and drain. You now have cooked potatoes so portion them up and place in freezer bags and pop in the freezer. Whenever you want French "Fries" pop them in hot oil at 190 and fry until they brown up...now there ready to eat......Enjoy.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 2 (view)

Cornish POF party? Posted: 3/17/2009 6:15:28 AM
I'm spending the summer touring the coastal waters of UK with my fishing nets and rods in my camper-home ,so depending on where i am and when the events taking place put me down as a maybe.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 36 (view)

Burial/cremation of an Atheist. Posted: 3/16/2009 2:16:46 PM
One of my trades is screen printing and a few years ago i worked for a guy that printed huge sheets of cardboard. One or the images was wood effect, the cardboard was then die cut and assembled into cardboard coffins for a more green funeral. There's a site in the states called "the right to rot" i think its all about your body going back to feed the earth ie worms and as such, forest burials and such...i found the whole thing very interesting at the time .

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 13 (view)

men posing with fish Posted: 3/16/2009 2:02:03 PM
Although i don't consider myself an angler Ive fished on many beaches with many of them. After spending many hours sometimes in the pouring rain only to blank is a real bummer. So.......when you catch a fish and take a pic its usualy for other Anglers to see its not a look at me girls Anglers release there catch back ...me ? ..i eat mine

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 20 (view)

Burial/creamation of an Atheaist. Posted: 3/16/2009 12:15:19 PM
I was talking about this matter (Burial/cremation)the other day with my 2 sons and it was decided that there going to suprise me

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 7 (view)

Profile Preference Of Colour ! Posted: 3/16/2009 4:50:41 AM
If the chemestry is there you will click. Who gives a ... after that. Never say never.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 12 (view)

Whiplash Injury Posted: 3/14/2009 2:15:41 PM
There have been quite a few numbers thrown into the thread but without date there a little bit meaningless. Thanks for all the post though much appreciated

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 1 (view)

Hippy Joke Posted: 3/14/2009 1:39:49 PM
Hippy sitting on the grass wearing one shoe Passer by... hi hippy i see youve lost a shoe Hippy...Na man ........i found one Well it was funny 30 years ago In order to maintain the highest quality forums all new topics must be at least 200 letters long.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 85 (view)

4x4 bashing Posted: 3/14/2009 1:24:29 PM
They cant really be built to do the job very well as one (make unknown sorry) got stuck in the sand on Colwyn Bay beach last year. That's tourists for ya The local council have a 4x4 LandRover stationed at the Rhos on Sea end but was unable to get to it before the tide came in and covered it. If a 4x4 LandRover can do it why not a flashy 4x4. Sea......... one 4x4 .......zero

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 1 (view)

2000 quid for your car ? Posted: 3/14/2009 12:48:28 PM
The Times today. Lord Mandelson is preparing to give £2000 on used cars in an attempt to stimulate the motor industry. The car must be at least nine years old and be delivered to a car recycling plant. In return a confirmation certificate would be given to hand over to a new car dealer who would give the £2000 discount to the customer. This is expected to be announced in the Budget on April 22. The scheme is working well in Germany and as a result, new car sales are surging. I can see one snag to this proposition. If banks aren't giving credit, how can one afford a new car? Do you foresee any more snags?

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 10 (view)

Whiplash Injury Posted: 3/14/2009 9:11:42 AM
I went to my doctor the following day as that's when the pain started. I'm not working at the moment due to arthritis on the knee and didn't even think about a claim. The doctor confirmed it was whiplash but i didn't go to my solicitor for about 3 months after the accident as the pain was still bad. My friend seems to think its more like 5 thousand these days. Still hurts a bit in the morning sometimes. Thanks for your comments.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 1 (view)

Whiplash Injury Posted: 3/14/2009 5:33:13 AM
I'm in the process of claiming compensation for whiplash injury Has any one had any experience of this ie how long did the case take and how much compensation. The accident happened in June last year i was stationary when hit from the rear. Thanks

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 29 (view)

Is there a point when looks should no longer be an issue Posted: 3/13/2009 1:40:11 PM
Yes looks will always be important for the initial attraction i couldn't (cough) rise to the occasion if i didn't fancy the pants off her. However its not looks that's going to sustain the relationship - that's going to take something a lot deeper. Anyway . Ive never been blessed in the looks dept... have a good face for radio though It never stopped me charming the knickers off whoever i fancied. Well hands up... not quite "all"

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 22 (view)

Bread Posted: 3/13/2009 11:02:45 AM
Wey Hey i took it out of the box this afternoon and there was the user book and recipe book with dozens of recipes not bad for a fiver. Reason i bought it was my daughter-in-law had one and made some lovely bread and cakes. I got a pasta rolling cutting machine for a couple of quid so im gunna give that a go as well. Cheers for all the help folks

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 8 (view)

World leaders to be exempt from smoking ban at G20 summit in London Posted: 3/13/2009 7:27:27 AM
Not absolutely sure on this one but i think a prisoners cell is considered there home and therefore exempt ......i think i read it somewhere. Edit..http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2005/nov/26/health.prisons

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 20 (view)

Do you differentiate who you will meet by days of the week? Posted: 3/13/2009 6:18:39 AM
Yes I do.... Monday ...... Daves Tuesday ...... Steves Wednesday ...... Marks Thursday ...... Phils Friday ..... Tonys Saturday ..... any bloke with a first name that begins with an A through to Z Sunday ..... anyone can join me for karaoke, because Sunday night is karaoke night!! ^^^I agree with the 47 yr old above

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 19 (view)

School Shooting(s),... are they connected with aggressive video games? Posted: 3/13/2009 4:43:43 AM
When i was a nipper we didn't have video games but we did have. Toy soldiers with machine guns, flame throwers and rifles with fixed bayonets Accompanied by... short range cannons ,tanks, armoured cars and troop carriers. I had pretty much the same with the air force and plenty of ships etc with the navy. We played with home made swords bows and arrows ...yes real arrows and when bonfire night came around we would make homemade guns by hammering flat one end of a copper pipe fixing it to a piece of wood make a small hole at the blocked end where we would screw in the fuse of the many bangers we would buy, then break open the banger and pore in the gunpowder. We used to go shooting rabbits with them. Practically every street had its own gang and we would spend our time raiding other gangs dens etc. This was in the late 50s time of the teddy boys and flick knives. There was always some one kicking off about something but guns weren't available then if they had been who knows ?

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 9 (view)

Singles Nights: Optimism or Pessimism? Posted: 3/13/2009 3:05:39 AM
I haven't been to any POF meetings "yet" but Ive been to a couple across the road and dozens when i used to go to the local singles nights. Best way 'always' is to just treat it like any other night out ..relax chill and just be yourself i met 2 long term partners that way.

Joined: 12/4/2006

Msg: 3 (view)

what would you find?? Posted: 3/12/2009 1:40:49 PM
A Couple of receipts 2 pens my latest Swiss bank statement fingernails (sorry ladies) a padlock and keys toothbrush Biro felt pen lighter (i don't smoke) photo of my lad grape twig bottle top ..Lego (my grand lads) CD and some crumbs