Carrot Cake

I'm getting right into this baking, as it's pretty relaxing and offers a challenge too. I bought some cheap carrots yesterday, and thought that, I'd better find a way of enjoying them. So, today I decided to make a couple of carrot cakes. My old dear used to make carrot cake, so the challenge was set.
Well, it was pretty easy and the outcome is great. They are both moist and light, with a subtle spicy aroma, thanks to the cinnamon.

Cheers,

Roy.

Merry Christmas

Well, a very Merry Xmas to everyone at ELC and beyond the English school umbrella.
We had a great dinner this year, with roast Pheasant, Duck & Pork. I spent a good 6 hours in the kitchen, slaving over the range to bring it all together. I had to cut out a few items from the menu, as it had taken on a life of it's own, due to the unexpected arrival of our poultry friends.
The pheasant was complete with the head still intact. It looked very impressive with it's colourful wattles. Both birds were quite easy to prepare, as they had been well cleaned by the huntsman.
I wanted to enjoy the full flavour of each, so I only stuffed them with onion, then covered the breast areas with bacon to protect them. This seemed to work well, as the meat was moist and tender upon serving. Everyone enjoyed the Pheasant most, as it's quite a rarity in Japan.
The Yorkshire Puddings were also great, as my new recipe includes a dash of Coopers Pale Ale.It really helps bring the batter to life and gives it a fluffy texture. The final serving was my homemade chocolate mocha cake. A heavy, stodgy monster of a dessert, which is quite simple to make.
Two of my young students came over to wish me a merry xmas, so they stayed for a bit and helped make the cakes. They hung around all afternoon waiting for them to cool, so I gave them a whole cake to take home to their family. Big thanks to Haruki & Mitsusa for their handmade Xmas card and helping with the dessert.

Best Wishes,

Roy Dunn.

I'm hoping to try surfing for the first time next week near Wakayama. There are plenty of popular spots like Isonoura & Gobo, but I'm still a little apprehensive to get out of my depth. It's not that I'm a poor swimmer or anything. It's just that JAWS changed my view of the sea forever.

Popped over to IKEA on Kobe port island this morning. I'm looking for a sofa for the Takaishi school. They have a really good range of items, many of which are at very competitive prices. As luck would have it, the items that I wanted were out of stock. The new Nanko store will be open on the 1st of August, and the staff informed me that it will have the full range, in stock. There are so many cool things, from fabrics, rugs, tables & chairs, storage .....ect. So, be careful not to over spend.

Last week, a few people dropped by the school for trial lessons. I had kinda forgotten about them, as I'm pretty busy already. Well, yesterday they all called back to say that they were really happy with our study programs, thoroughly enjoyed their trial lessons and that they want to begin studying immediately. This is excellent news, as my schedule is really starting to take shape. I now have a wide range of classes available for incoming students of any level to choose from. The adult classes have far exceeded my expectations.

I'm now in the process of organizing our first school event. I will put these ideas to the students, and let the democratic vote decide which location & date is best for all.
If your interested in a free trial lesson or want to take part in any of our events, just call the school for an informal chat.

Best wishes,

Roy Dunn.

Yesterday, I went to Ushtakiyama, to escape the city and all it's sins. Messed about in the river, ate lunch on the river bank and searched for wildlife. Didn't take long to encounter much though. A massive Sawyer (longhorn) beetle came by, to pay his respects. It was pretty cool in mountains, as the city has been in the twenties for the last week or so. can't wait for the baking heat. Beaches & BBQ's galore. Work, well it's at the foremost of my mind, but I have 17 students at the mo and rising, so no worries on that front. Thanks for the shove mate!

I found a spider in the house a few months ago. It was small, but had obvious red markings, which clearly meant stay the hell away! It's end was quick and swift.
Well, yesterday I found it's much larger sister or mother on the underside of a plinth in the garden. Bites & looks exactly like a Black widow, but for the red stripe being on the upper part of the body. I checked with the local authority and they said that there are increasing numbers of these little crawlies jumping ship at the dockside. Won't be wandering around the garden so freely this summer I can tell you!!

Well, today I took the chance and headed for the new IKEA on Kobe Port Island. Doh, was is heaving or what! There was a line the length of Honshu waiting to get in at 10:50, with an estimated two hour wait to get in. I should have known better, as IKEA at Wembley, north London was always packed at the weekends.

With that, I turned straight around and went home to get the garden into shape for planting. Spotted some great Italian tomatoes in the local DIY centre the other day. They turned out great a few years ago, so I'll try them again.

Up and at it tomorrow, as I've a trial lesson at 10:30 and as per usual, I like to get there early and get everything in shape, lesson planned and a little time to flaff around the office. Nothing like a good flaff now and then. The Shack knows all about this, eh buddy!

Cheers,

Roy Dunn.

Finally got the base blocks for my Nobori. Laid a row of them from the rail crossing to the entrance of our school. The bright red flags are very eye-catching flapping around in the wind. Another new student joined yesterday. The young learner classes are turning out to be very popular. Hope this trend continues.

Last night ended in style with dinner at TERRA, a great Italian restaurant in North Osaka. They use hand picked organic vegetables, which I must say, do seem to have more flavour than your average veg. The tomatoes, actually tasted fruity and sweet and the assortment of greens crisp and fresh. Don't get me wrong, I'm no snob about food, but you do get what you pay for.

Check out Pado!

Cheers,

Roy Dunn.

Well, it's been a while. Had a wonderful 2 week break with my parents. Took in the cherry blossoms at Daisen Park & Kurotorriyama Park. The weather was perfect. Looking forward to the summer. Beaches, BBQ's & Sun.

Despite my lack of christian faith, easter does have some interest for me. As a child I rolled hard boiled eggs down the slopes of Seaton Park with my cousins. In all, about 11 of our close relatives would meet at my gran's house in the morning, where we'd paint eggs with food dye & natural dye from onion skins. Yesterday, I used this theme with my young learner classes. We painted eggs and made Easter cards. The kids loved the idea of painting the eggs and then rolling them in the park. There is something about an egg that kids love. Next year, I'm planning an Easter egg painting and rolling event in Hamadera Park. We can have a picnic and display all the eggs we've made. The parents can vote on which egg has the best design, and the child or family that made it, will receive a prize. After, we'll roll them down a slope, until they crack. If your interested in joining in, then drop by the school for a chat about our study programs. Happy Easter everyone! Roy.

Cherry Blossom season is upon us, and I'm wondering where to go this year. Does anyone have any suggestions for the Senshu area? Wakayama castle grounds are quire impessive, but I've been there and done that. So, please share your thoughts.

Hi, all you folkes in sunny Aberdeen. The weather in Osaka has been a little rainy, these last two days. The garden, could actually do with a drop of rain, so there are some consolations to this.
Now, I'm faced with the question of how & where to spend this damp public holiday? Yes, I know what your thinking. Typical! always rains on a public holiday. Nevermind, summer is just around the corner and that's sure to be hot & sweaty.