White Stuff!

[gh]

Don't forget the gulf stream.

Heard a discussion on the radio regarding this recently, as Britain is the same latitude as Canada we should in theory have there weather, very cold heavy snow for long periods etc and it's the Gulf Stream allowing us milder weather.

Long live the Gulf Stream.

The weather in our location in Scotland has been very cold at times -10 last night, however, no snow to speak off, therefore sledge and snow shovel unused this year.

Regards

[John Borg]

If the temperature rises sufficiently to make the ice caps melt (already happening), the gulf stream will no longer circulate.
We then all freeze.
Mediterranean countries will freeze less. Everything is relative.[/quote]

Well, if what alexia's saying does one day come true, I guess bookings here in Malta will be at a premium !!

[alexia s.]

Except, John, that there won't be anyone left in the north to pay for a holiday in Malta.

[Paul Carmel]

So, I should stop worrying about the depreciation on our boat?

[alexia s.]

Worry about the depreciation of marine life under your boat, Paul.

[John Borg]

Paul,
both of us being island people in the middle of the Med, I suggest we draw up a strategy plan when we meet on Wednesday night! A couple of beers should get us into the mood.
See you then!

[cromercrabholiday]

We have had the driest January since Noah in UK, so we are getting the dire warnings of stand-pipes etc.

That and Government guidelines on how to look after cats (an 18 page draft guide has been produced), you would think that it was the summer silly season.

Do you think that this is a symptom of global warning?

John

[gh]

Our department in France is one of five with a hosepipe ban stll on.

Regards

[centime]

Used to say it never iced over here but now I cannot say now it never snows, Lisbon has just seen its first white stuff in the last 52 years! Still does not ice over YET, but it was really odd to see the Roman temple of Diana in Evora with a white covering on the news. Can't wait for the spring!

[jess]

Its been snowing here as well - although it isn't as bad as the heavy stuff we had in November. We still have electricity which is a relief. As it's so cold, it's a good excuse to cook a tartiflette for supper. Highly calorific, but very warming!

You bad bad person!

I made one for dinner just because you mentioned it....

[Guest3]

What's a "tartiflette"?? Sounds nice!

[Hells Bells]

Tartiflette is an alpine speciality-sliced potatoes , onion, garlic and lardons, and bake with milk/cream and reblochon cheese.

Fry bacon lardons onions and garlic in butter/oil until soft. Add a glass of dry white wine and cook until almost evaporated. Slice the potatoes (Charlotte ones are good). Bring a 50/50 mixture of milk and creme fraiche (enough to cover potatoes), and bring to the boil , add potatoes, and parboil for about 5 minutes.Drain off the liquid (and keep) Mix in the bacon and onions, the layer in an ovenproof dish with 1 reblochon cheese, sliced. Bake for about 30-40 mins at about 180C until golden brown, serve with a green salad, to which you have added a few chopped walnuts.

[Guest3]

Thanks Helen..sounds like a hearty warming dish!....Just a couple of questions though...living in Spain I'm not familiar with the terminology...

What are bacon 'lardons' and reblochon cheese...?

Going to try this recipe tomorrow..need something like this to warm us up! Even though we're on the Costa del Sol..weather hasn't been too great these last couple of weeks..it's been cold and wet!

[Hells Bells]

Lardons-chopped bacon will do. As for Reblochon cheese, it's unique to the Alps/Savoie region,but available all over France (and some places in England too), a sort of soft-ish cheese, with a soft orangy rind, maybe some of the French residents will know of a substitute.

[Guest3]

Many thanks...going on a hunt down here for Reblochon cheese!