Taste of Spain!

SPANISH STYLE CHICKEN WITH CHORIZO

This is absolutely delicious and full of the flavour of Spain.

INGREDIENTS

3 TBLSPS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

1 SMALL ONION  CHOPPED

1 CLOVE GARLIC  FINELY SLICED

200g GOLDEN POMODORINI (Small sweet Tomatoes) TOMATOES HALVED

100g CHORIZO SLICED

4 SKINLESS CHICKEN THIGHS

3 SMALL TO MEDIUM PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS SLICED

1 TBSP SPANISH SHERRY VINEGAR

HANDFUL FRESH BASIL  TORN

SALT AND GROUND BLACK PEPPER

METHOD

Heat the oil on a moderate setting  in a large shallow pan, add the Onion and Garlic.Fry for five minutes until soft and add the Chorizo, cook for a further two minutes or until the Paprika from the Chorizo is released.  Add the Chicken and continue to cook until browned turning occasionally (about 6 – 10 mins).  Now add the Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Sherry Vinegar, Fresh Basil, Salt and Ground Black Pepper. Cook on a high heat for 5 minutes stirring from time to time so that the   chicken doesn't stick. Now pour in enough hot water to come half way up the chicken, bring to the boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer gently for 30mins. Stir the pan occasionally to avoid sticking.

Uncover the pan and continue to cook until the sauce becomes a little thicker, dress with a few spare Basil leaves and Serve with Spanish Style fried potatoes. Delicious!

 

COME ON YOU REDS

We've just been beaten 4 - 1 by West Ham, at Upton Park and I'm gutted!
I've been spoilt really, after two seasons of back to back promotions, scoring lots of goals on the way.
We suddenly find ourselves, to be a small fish, in a big pond...out of our depth!
Can we put it right? I don't know. I know it's early days, but it's not looking good. As things stand, I feel that we will be making a swift return to the Championship, unless there is a change.
Southampton Football Club, come on, let's sort this out!!

http://www.my-travel.me.uk/

Southampton, Exciting Southampton

Looking for somewhere to visit?
Then come to Southampton. Walk the Titanic mile.
Visit Tudor House Museum or The Sea city Museum.
Walk the historic City walls. There are even a couple of medieval pubs!
The Red Lion, Below Bar and The Duke of Wellington in Bugle St.
For shoppers look no further than West Quay.
For dining try Kutis Thai Restaurant which is housed in The Royal Pier.
Take a stroll along Weston Shore and look out over the waters where the great liners have sailed.

Southampton has a lot to offer, all year round. I've lived here all my life and i still find places to go, and things to do, that I haven't done before.

Hidden treasure

Southampton has one or two hidden treasures and one of them is Hatch Grange. Until we got a dog three years ago we never new it existed. Perched on a hill in West End, the park is a real gem. When the leaves on the trees change colour in autumn the colours are amazing.
The views are good too, with plenty of walks to take your dog on. Where is it? You'll have to find it!

The Jewel of Southampton

We've just eaten at Jewels Indian Restaurant in Townhill Way Southampton.
I had the Mirschi Masala, and I tell you what, it was fantastic!
Off the bone chicken with mince and spices, topped with an egg.
You must try it!

Delays are coming

Southamptons finest The Delays have announced two live gigs at The Joiners.
The gigs are on the 14th & 15th December.
Tickets available from 14th September.
They will be playing new material as well as old favourites, so join the party!

Southampton, wonderful Southampton

Looking for somewhere to visit?
Then come to Southampton. Walk the Titanic mile.
Visit Tudor House Museum or The Sea city Museum.
Walk the historic City walls. There are even a couple of medieval pubs!
The Red Lion, Below Bar and The Duke of Wellington in Bugle St.
For shoppers look no further than West Quay.
For dining try Kutis Thai Restaurant which is housed in The Royal Pier.

Here we go!

Well, this is it! This is what we've been waiting, the start of the new season.
We travel to Man City home of the Champions tomorrow.
COYR!!!!!!

Post Olympics

Well that's it, the Olympics are over, bring on the footie!
Southampton begin their battle to stay in the Premiership on Sunday.
After a 4-0 defeat by Italian side Udinese in their final warm up match I must say, I am fearful.

Memorial Trophy

Today's the day, Southampton Football Club host the Markus Leibher Memorial Trophy at St Mary's Stadium. Three teams are competing, Arsenal, the Saints and Anderlecht.
There is also the added attraction of the Olympic Torch being taken through the Stadium!
So if you want a fun filled afternoon, why not come along?
It all kicks off at 5.15pm.

Kedgeree

This is scrummy.
You will need:
Nice piece Smoked Haddock
1 Onion finely chopped
2 Tblspoons oil
1 tsp Cumin seeds
Half tsp Tumeric
1 Tsp Garam Masala
1 tbl spoon frozen peas
2 hard boiled eggs.
Cup of basmati rice cooked.

Method:

Fry Cumin seeds for a minute then add onion and cook until golden
Stir in peas.
Meanwhile cook Haddock in microwave
Add fish hard boiled egg spices, salt to taste and rice to pan
Stir gently to mix, cook for a few minutes and serve.

Oldest pub in Southampton may go!

Southampton City Council show how proud they are once again of our great City's heritage.
The oldest pub in Southampton, The Red Lion, Below Bar is as far as I know, a listed building from Tudor times. It is in desperate need of restoration. The current landlord is attempting to do something about it. Southampton City Council have rejected his efforts!
Well, councillors you need to come up with something to save this historic building for the people of Southampton. Surely buildings like this need preserving as a reminder of how things used to be. Also, it's surely another attraction for our tourist industry.

Olympic Torch

The Olympic torch is coming to Southampton on 14th July.
In fact it will be at St. Mary's Stadium during the staging of The Markus Leibher Trohy Tournament between Saints, Arsenal and Glasgow Rangers.
So why not grab yourself a ticket and have a grand day out!

Fun & Games

Come on down to Mayflower Park in Southampton on June 16th.
There is going to be a spectacular evening of fireworks and acrobatics.
Should be a great evening!

Viva Las Vegas!

Well our glorious team Southampton FC are celebrating in Las Vegas, courtesy of Nicolas Cortese.
When they get back the serious work begins, who to bring in and who to let go!
What I do know is, it's going to be a very tough season, but exciting too!
Bring it on!
Hopefully we will start next season with same ambition, to win the league.
Come on you reds!

TRAM OR NO TRAM

Well it seems to have gone quiet on the Tram front in Southampton.
Can anybody shed some light on it?
A while ago I wrote about the Tram being revived in Southampton as a boost to the Tourist industry in the city, but since then, nothing!

WE ARE BACK AT LAST!

The Saints are back in the Premier League!
At Last!
It's been a fantastic season and next season can't come quickly enough.
Well done Saints.

COMETH THE HOUR!

The day is nearly upon us, the day of destiny. On Saturday 28th April, Southampton FC play, possibly, the biggest game in their recent history. If we win our final game of the season, then we are promoted to the Premier League.
It means The Saints are back in the big time, hosting the best teams in the country. It means capacity crowds at St. Marys Stadium all season and more importantly, puts Southampton back where we belong.
It's been a seven long year wait. Lets make sure we do the job on Saturday. COYR's!

TITANIC

100 years ago the biggest passenger ship in the world set sail from Southampton. The Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the Atlantic Ocean. On board there were about 2,200 people of which some 500 were from Southampton. So it was fitting that Southampton remembered the tragedy with events throughout the city this week.
The newly built Sea City Museum has now opened in Southampton and has a Titanic exhibition which is well worth a visit.
To find out more about the ship go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic

Why not come and spend a few days in Southampton and explore the old city walls enjoy the many great eateries and the vibrant nightlife.

Curry Night!

Lamb Dopiaza

Ingredients:

500g diced Lamb, 2 large tomatoes, 1 Large onion, 6 cloves garlic, 10g Fresh ginger, 150ml Greek style yogurt, 2cm stick Cinnamon, 5 black peppercorns, 4 green cardamoms, 4 cloves, 1 bay leaf,
1.5 tsps coriander, 1 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp turmeric, 1.5 tsps garam masala, 0.5 tsp chili powder and handful chopped coriander.

Method:
Blend tomatoes garlic and ginger to smooth paste. Add to yogurt with all powdered spices, salt to taste and mix well. Set aside. chop three quarters of the onion and fry in 5 tablespoons of veg oil until well browned. Slice the remaining onion and set aside.
When the onion is browned add the whole spices and fry for 2 mins. Add the Lamb and seal on all sides. Now add the yogurt spice mix, bring to the boil stirring constantly, now turn down heat cover and simmer for 40-50 mins until lamb is tender adding more water if necessary to stop the sauce becoming too dry. Add the sliced onion 30 mins into cooking time.
Taste and adjust seasoning adding a little lemon juice if you feel it needs it.
Add chopped coriander stir and serve.

Long Time Coming?

Southampton has one treasure that people should be proud of, one of the finest bands around The Delays.
They have been recording music and playing large venues now for at least 9 years. For me they just keep getting better, there music is fantastic. The band had a couple of hits in there early career and even made an appearance on the now defunct Top of The Pops. But, Alas, the BBC Radio stations seem to be ignoring there huge talent. Perhaps they upset somebody at the Beeb, but they surely deserve another chance, come on BBC give this band some deserved airplay. If you want to find out a bit more about The Delays just go to: http://www.thedelays.co.uk/

Hobbit Saved!

Well done to The Hobbit campaign, at last an American company who normally put money first has seen sense! The pub has been in existence for 20 years, but it was threatened with closure because of so called American copyright laws. But since a wave of protest including a condemnation from actor Stephen Fry has forced the company in question into a u-turn.

Delicious Dessert!

LEMON POSSET (6 servings) By Frances Cross

600 ml double cream 140 g caster sugar 2 large lemons, juice & grated zest

1. Put double cream in large pan with sugar. Bring slowly to boil and simmer 3 mins.

2. Take off heat, add lemon juice and zest and whisk well.

3. Pour into 6 ramekins or glasses and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Easy peasy!

DOWN AND OUT?

Our south coast rivals Portsmouth FC are in serious trouble, allegedly with only six weeks left to survive. I can't see anyone being truly serious about buying the club given that they will need to stump up an enormous amount of cash just to pay off the debt. Despite our rivalry and supposed differences I'd hate to see this club disappear. Somebody is to blame for allowing this club to be treated in such a terrible way! From a Saint, play up Pompey, I hope you survive.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17137954

THE BIG FREEZE!

Brrrr! It's bloomin' freezing tonight. Anyway haven't written much lately, so here i go again.
Having recently spent four weeks driving around New Zealand, you suddenly realise just how busy this country of ours is. Basically we are a very crowded island, mind you we do seem to have room for one or two people that do not seem to like this country of ours very much. So it begs the question, why are they here? Perhaps it would be better if they went home and preached there hatred in there own country!
The thing is while it's ok for these people to fight the cause for radical extremism and harm the people of this country, it is not ok, or so it seems to deport them because they may come to some harm!
I have only one word for that, SHAME!
Send them home now!

Sweet & Sour from Southampton

Quick and easy Sweet and Sour Sauce

4 Tblsp of brown sugar
1 Tblsp of Tomato Ketchup
1 Dsrtsp of Soy Sauce
Splash of white wine vinegar

Mix  Tsp of Cornflour with a little water

Method
Put first 4 ingredients in saucepan and heat through until sugar is melted stirring constantly
Add Cornflour and stir to thicken, take off heat and serve.

Easy Peasy!

Heavy Traffic!

I am now back at work and my feet are firmly on the ground, I've just been to see my beloved football team Southampton play awfully against Leicester City and lose 2-0! Normal service has resumed.
One thing that strikes you when you come home from a wonderful holiday in New Zealand, is just how crowded the UK is,driving to and from work in Southampton is mad! So much traffic and everyone is trying to get there yesterday! 'Slow down people'! We only get one life, so perhaps we should all take a look at it and try to realise that we all need to slow down a little and take in whats around us.
Remember, your a long time dead!

Take a look at my website at  www.my-travel.me.uk  and find out about New Zealand

BACK AT LAST!

 Well I've just arrived back after a month in New Zealand, wow! what a place!  One thing that kept me in touch with my roots was the CD 'Star Tiger, Star Ariel' by Southampton Band Delays'. If you want to listen to an amazing CD then you won't go wrong with this one.
Over the years much of there music has been used as backing for TV Documentaries and currently the track 'Hold Fire' is being used on MasterChef. But the band is much better than that, they are easily the finest band in Southampton if not in the UK, do yourself a favour and listen to this CD!