Rah Rah to Cheerleading!

I have decided to try my youngest daughter in a cheerleading club in the fall.  They cheer for a local rugby club.  I have had her on the waitlist for gymnastics at the local leisure center for some time and thought this might be a good second option.  Supposedly, cheerleading is one of the fastest growing 'sports' in the U.K.  We have a handful of university squads in our area and a few dance schools offer it up as well.  There however seems to be some controversy on whether cheerleading is actually considered a sport though.  It's unique combination of dance, gymnastics and drama doesn't equate to sport in

some peoples mind. I look forward to my daughter learning the positive cheers,

 tumbles, splits and dance routines.    

Happy 4th of July

Most 4th of July's I've spent away from the U.S. have been quiet. We might frequent a KFC and call it a day. This year we decided to have a little 4th of July celebration.  On the menu was chicken wings, hot dogs and pulled pork, with some mac n cheese and potato salad.  For desserts, brownie cake and key lime pie.

The Key Lime Pie was the star.  I can't remember the last time I made it, but the Joy of Baking recipe I used this time was simple and fool proof......digestive cracker crust (instead of graham cracker) , topped with a mix of 3 egg yolks, 1 can sweetened condensed milk and 150ml fresh lime juice. (I opted out of the whipped cream topping this time).  I did have to bake it a bit longer than the 15 minutes it said, but I find that quite common with my oven over here for some reason.  Both the kids had 2 helpings so no leftovers, I'm afraid. 

                                       Happy 4th of July!

Polony Bologna

My favorite sandwich as a kid was bologna with mayo and pickle.  I had a revelation this morning when I opened a small sausage like package of Pologny Slicing Sausage and found out it is just like a good American Bologna. Evidently, the Brits have been eating it since about the 16th Century.  It was the Tesco Value Brand (I love Supermarket value brands)....150g for 54p.  My bologna has a 'new' first name.