Naans

Dear Lucy,

It seems like too long since I last wrote to you, perhaps it's not an overstatement to say that I have spent much of that time giggling when I think of your last letter! Poor you and the little Lattes; you were, indeed, unjustly treated. It does annoy me when others don't play by the rules and your experience reminded me of last year's Sports' Day at the Chino children's school...

... foolishly, perhaps, I was encouraged to enter the Mum's race - a seemingly innocuous speed walk whilst carrying a tray laden with water-filled cups. Strict instructions were delivered that we were not to run and I was confident that I would make the Chino name one of which to be proud. Imagine my dismay, then, when the whistle blew, I began with a spirited stride and the other mothers sprinted past me like rats out of a sewer! By the time I had collected my thoughts and recovered from the desperate lack of fair play, the other 'ladies' (and I use the term most loosely) were over the line. Needless to say I finished the race, head held high and cups full, but dismayed by the iniquity. This year I merely donated some chocolate muffins to the cake stall and left them to it!

All has been good on the baking front and I have been stepping out of my comfort zone of late by baking naan bread - page 118. Well, what a revelation, it couldn't be more simple to do and, for the pence they cost to make, a real bargain! Mr Chino declared that they were, not only better than shop-bought but, better than restaurant standard! I have made them twice within a week - the second time they sat in the oven for a little while so weren't quite as soft and fluffy - and won't buy them again. They are so easy to make that the little Latte lovelies would have no trouble. Try it and see, won't you?

Whilst we are on the subject of bread, I note that Margo has commented on the state of my bread knife (Cottage Loaf, June); I am intrigued as to why she thinks it needs sharpening as a) I do like a big heel of bread and butter; b) the loaf was deliciously warm when I cut it for the photograph and c) she clearly doesn't know Mr Chino if she thinks he'd go anywhere near a knife sharpener! A less practical man I am yet to meet, however, after 18 years of happy marriage, I think I'm unlikely to trade him in for another model if that's the most serious accusation I can tar his character with! Ooh, that's just sent an image of my Grandad, sharpening his knife in the kitchen before he cut his wafer-thin breakfast jam sandwiches...

... Happy days!

By the way, the neighbour's fence is now treated with dark brown creosote; I must say that it's certainly made their frontage a good deal more presentable. Speaking of which, I hope that your frontage has been covered up since you startled the postman!

Write soon, won't you?

Love, Cathy x