Mad As A March Hare

Maybe mad is the wrong word, which is a bit rich coming from an author. What do I have for you this month?

RECIPE OF THE WEEK/MONTH/SINCE THE LAST BLOG

Smoked Salmon Risotto with Broccoli and Bacon

Cut the bacon rashers into chunks and fry until crispy. This is to leave a reasonable amount of bacon fat in the pan.
Fry the onion and garlic in the bacon grease until lightly browned.
Add the risotto rice and stir so that it mixes well with the browned onion and garlic.
Dribble in the stock (1 cube to one pint of boiling water).
When the rice is nearly cooked, add the broccoli. Don’t add it too soon or it will overcook.
Tear the salmon into strips and add it to the pan.
Throw the bacon in and stir.

You will need approx 2 pints of water for enough risotto rice for four people.

MENTAL HEALTH TIPS

This is a quick point, but it was something on which I have pondered. “Take a break.” or some variation thereof. Makes it sound so easy only it is anything but easy.

So, my tip is this: find a minute and close your eyes. Imagine a place that brings you pleasure and that could be a bar, a forest, the seaside. Only you know that place. Stay there for a minute,and then return. When you need to do so, return to that place.

WRITING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

The point here is from all those who say in a review, “This would be good after editing.” I have encountered this comment twice recently. The first was from … an American ‘professional editor’. She disagreed with the use of English grammar conventions. Tough, honey. I am English Convent School educated. I use English grammar and English spelling. The second person has yet to respond to my request for clarification and specific examples. Watch this space.

To close, just a photo my son and his two cousins: one from the UK and one from Australia. A meeting 26 years in the making, but that’s fine.