Sunday 17 October 2010

Autumn colours

The trees are just beginning to look pretty in their autumn colours. This was from the village of Hoz de Jaca in the Tena valley, where we went last week.
Yesterday we went to the Aragón valley, where the changes weren´t so advanced. Until we entered the Rioseta footpath there was a high wind blowing, but where we walked was protected from the bitter weather; we could see the clouds being dragged over the mountaintops. In our secluded walk we saw many bright red rose hips, some bright red mushrooms, but no bright red leaves. Those will come soon.

Friday 8 October 2010

Toad in the hole

Whenever I talk about English meals with students it´s fun to say that one typical dish is toad in the hole.....it sounds shocking when you translate the words, but it´s neither toad nor hole, but really sausages in batter. And  it´s quite easy!
Beat 125g flour, an egg and 120ml milk together into a smooth batter.
Put sausages in a dish in the oven and cook them at a high temperature.
When they are cooked, add the batter and cook until it´s risen and brown.
Serve with roast potatoes, gravy, etc.
Enjoy it!

Friday 1 October 2010

Autumn

They call it St Michael's little summer; at least earlier this week when it was the feast of St Michael. There have already been a few very mild frosts up here where we live- it´s about 900m above sea level, but now it´s mild and almost warm. The clouds have gone and the sun´s out. It´s very dry. Last Saturday we spent a few hours in Olorón Sainte Marie, a couple of hours´drive away in France. It rained on the way, and the river which runs through the city was very full indeed. There's a great difference in climate between the two places.