Grannymar

Another leaf has fallen from the tree that is my life.

My sister phoned to let me know about the death this morning of a man who was part of our childhood. Small in stature, but big in heart, he was known and respected throughout the neighbourhood. You have heard about him before today, I talked about him here.

Mr ‘O’ was always helpful, always happy and smiling. He owned the local newsagents and sweet shop. We were allowed to dally for an hour before deciding how to get the best value for the pennies burning a hole in our hot little hands. “How much is a this Mr O”, or “How many of those for a penny” were questions always answered with patience and a smile.

When he knew that Jack & Grannymar, yes, it was always Jack first, were coming down to Dublin for a weekend he ordered an extra copy of Jack’s favourite English paper!

Sweet jars in a row like these will always be a reminder of Mr O. RIP.

Happy St Patrick’s day to one and all!

I went looking for a green, white and yellow dish, alas I could not find one.

Stuffed Bacon Rolls

Serves 4 Preheat oven to 190ºC

12 slices maple cured streaky bacon

½ lb sausage meat

2 ozs Bread crumbs

few dried apricots chopped

1tsp sunflower seeds

few sultanas

1 tsp sesame seeds

2 eggs

227g tin water chestnuts chopped

Black pepper

dash Worcestershire sauce

pinch mixed spice

Stretch the bacon with the back of a knife. Combine all the remaining ingredients. Divide the mixture and wrap in a slice of bacon. Place in an ovenproof dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.