The snow has gone, melted away within the day, but now this morning we awoke to the usual sound of rain hammering on the roof, add to the a howling gale and you'll get the picture. Please let me state clearly though, this is not normal for us... Although we are generally getting some of the wet stuff during winter, this kind of prolonged wet weather isnt normal. But on a good note, the temps are up this morning to reasonable levels again, and forcast to be almost 60 by the end of the week.... still wet though...
At least the lakes and dams are full and it'll mean less forest fires later in the year... you have to look on the bright side... at least over here, we know that sooner or later we'll get a lovely hot summer.... and it lasts longer than the three days the UK gets.... by the end of the summer Im generally really ready for the cool wet weather.... thats why we came here, we wanted seasons, real defined seasonal weather.... we sure are getting it this year heheheeh.
Just as a little note to anyone here reading this, Intermarche have an offer on whole Galinha ( boiling type chicken) at 1.10cents a kilo, great stuff, Ive just bought over three kilos for 3.45. Chicken stew for the rest of the winter!!! That amount will feed us for weeks... Its not nasty stuff either, all PT bred, and nice and yellow from being corn fed... yummy...
I put half a chicken (they are small) into a big crockpot, with carrots and onions and garlic ect, cover with water, and bring to boil, (Jan and Alik, you can do this on top of your new log burner) then add a sprinkling of rosemary, and simmer till tender... remove chicken, and place in oven to crisp a little, thats another meal!!! Take a little chicken for the soup, and add it to pan, cook the stew/soup as normal adding soup pasta, and any odd veggies and some dumplings ...
The cooked chicken can do a curry or pie or pasties, or rissotto the next day.... lovely. Just try to lose the idea that you have to eat tons of meat all in one go... if you have tasty food it doesnt really have to be all that meat...
Frugal living in the Portuguese countryside,Eco-tourism, Agri tourism, recipes,family life, self sufficency, eco living, vegetable growing, tips and self help ideas for country living.
