Bloody Margo!

Well, Lucy, she's at it again! Hobnobbing with the 'Country File' crew - is that what happens when you get yourself a new kitchen? Can that woman get any more superior? I'm surprised she condescends to write to such a mere mortal as you... What inside information do you have on her? Is there a skeleton in her Smallbone of Devizes cupboard, I wonder. I know I shouldn't let her get to me, but she's fast becoming a major source of irritation - like itching powder in one's underwear. I do hope that she's not going to come between us; you know how much I value your friendship and, at times like these, 200 miles may as well be 2000. Even my cakes have sagged this week. Do say she riles you a little, won't you?

I'm afraid that Margo's purchase of 'our' book and her delightful-looking Marmalade Cake sent me scurrying into the pages of another cookery tome: "The Great British Bake Off: how to bake"; I just had to put a little distance between us.

Anyway, comfort was needed, so chocolate was the answer! A girl at school has Turner's Syndrome and was doing a cake stall to raise funds, so I made Chocolate Crackles (yummy biscuits) for her and Chocolate Chilli Cake for me. Both were delicious; she raised £80 and I expanded my waistline!

The cake is quite extraordinary, you get a variety of flavours from the chocolate, ginger, chilli and treacle that seem to develop as the cake matures. I've had it a week now (none of my brood will eat it as it isn't pure chocolate) and it's still moist and delicious. Perfect with a cup of tea.

Well dear, all this talk of cake has reminded me it's lunchtime, so I'll send this and get on. Hope all is well with you, I haven't even asked (sorry).

Love to you, my dear friend,

Cathy x

PS: I've just had a naughty thought - I wonder if Margo's cake contained any of those strange black things that were in the jar of marmalade she gave to you? I do hope she didn't damage a tooth...

PPS: Be careful; I think she may be delusional: Country File wasn't anywhere near your neck of the woods last Sunday. The TV listings for the next two weeks don't look good for Margo, either. Were they even at her house?

PPPS: Alas, not delusional at all. Having watched said episode on BBCiPlayer, I can confirm that she did eat with John and Mike and that her kitchen is gorgeous. Bloody Margo!