It's my Dad’s 96th birthday the day before we leave. Saying goodbye to him, and my mum, is going to be one of the hardest things to do so, as with all difficult occasions, cake, and more specifically chocolate cake, makes the job a little easier. We’re having a family get together so this Saturday morning it’s operation cake. And mum’s helping out licking the bowl. She said she was washing up but we caught this sneaky shot!!
Ellen my niece is here looking gorgeous as ever, with her glam talented mum, my sis and Martin is dashing up on the train as I write. Other relatives are arriving at 3pm so we need to get cracking with the catering.
Blimey, there’s so much to do still for our travels too. Sorted out the malaria tablets yesterday but for some daft reason we can only get half the quantity we need from our major retailer of choice.. so, we have to play the system, fill in the forms and buy the rest from a separate branch, crazy.
As we count down the days it’s hard to be sure we’ve done everything and got everything we need, even with checklists it’s a little worrying so tomorrow we’ll have a last run through and begin packing bags. then some more final goodbyes to Martin’s boys and parents and then…
Oh quick, the cake!! Nearly forgot!! It’s a little overcooked, damn, Mary Berry would not approve, risen in the middle, a bit cracked and a little dark around the edges. Oh well, sour cream chocolate icing will hide a multitude of sins but it’s a good job it’s not being judged.
Baking is going to be a big part of this trip. I plan to bake on my camping oven every week or at least once in each new country. I’ll be taking some tried and tested recipes, one from Nigella, one from Mary and a couple of Paul’s bread recipes. I’m also hoping to discover local traditions as we travel and try out local recipes although I expect I am being a bit naive about this. More research needed before we go!! Add it to the list of things in our final countdown…
Right, icing that cake…
PS Can’t believe it, classic FM on the radio playing music from Out if Africa and family sat on sofa reviewing photos … I am going to cry even before we leave!