tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post1199893506956503010..comments2024-03-28T15:44:17.585+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Cookies - Doughnuts, Koeksisters, Shortbread and some other oddities from the English import ...Hilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-22979826080490739852018-03-19T19:59:56.715+00:002018-03-19T19:59:56.715+00:00@ Pam - a late reply ... donuts are always interes...@ Pam - a late reply ... donuts are always interesting!<br /><br />@ Lynda - not easy to make ... I think a trip to the shops would be the best! Lovely to have your grandmother's recipe though ... what fun to pass on ...<br /><br />Apologies for delay - cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-47822573628186947622017-12-19T03:30:52.962+00:002017-12-19T03:30:52.962+00:00I always say I'm going to make donuts "so...I always say I'm going to make donuts "someday soon" and my kids keep asking when. Truth is, when my hubby and I were first married, no children, I got a hold of my late grandma's donut recipe for a "small" batch and it made five dozen! We ate them, gave them away, fed stray animals . . . now, I'm a much better baker with yeast doughs and would probably do them justice (and would know enough by the measurements that I should cut the recipe in half). But they take so much effort that I will have to talk myself into it.Lynda Dietzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15442214431341019380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-1014114091157884292017-12-17T22:05:02.122+00:002017-12-17T22:05:02.122+00:00Really interesting facts about donuts, but not sur...Really interesting facts about donuts, but not sure I'd like to try the hair that had been deep fried. It's so interesting getting used to a new country and all the differences and similarities.<br />Have a really great week.PJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02470130153229393246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-10796555688665151102017-12-14T16:18:44.059+00:002017-12-14T16:18:44.059+00:00@ Silvia - I'll be looking around a lot more I...@ Silvia - I'll be looking around a lot more I expect - at the moment settling in - allowing Jenny and I both time to adjust to the situation. Canada is gentler and they seem to have more time.<br /><br />I've been eating rather too much and try and avoid the cookies - but will enjoy some over Christmas. Oh that's good that you can give some sustenance to the fire fighters - those fires are horrendous .... I feel for the fighters and those whose homes are in the way... desperate times.<br /><br />Thanks - you too re having a lovely time over Christmas and the New Year ... yes a very good peaceful one needed in 2018.<br /><br />@ Val - I know some words we don't forget - glad you recognised 'them'! It's always interested me the origin of words ... and just reminds us how far so many have travelled over time taking their traditions and cultures with them ... <br /><br />@ RO - thanks for the extra visit ... <br /><br />@ Elsie - it's so interesting how we have different descriptive words ... jam or jelly ... something I try not to eat - shortbread I succumb to occasionally ... <br /><br />@ Blogoratti - many thanks ... I'm adjusting to life over here ...<br /><br />Cheers to you all - and thanks for visiting - enjoy these last ten days towards the Christmas season - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-41005654955932743912017-12-14T13:42:11.983+00:002017-12-14T13:42:11.983+00:00Really wonderful thoughts well put together, thank...Really wonderful thoughts well put together, thanks for sharing it all. Greetings!Blogorattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12821621371176285384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-38546476960203373662017-12-14T12:41:01.141+00:002017-12-14T12:41:01.141+00:00You had me at jam doughnuts or in my corner of the...You had me at jam doughnuts or in my corner of the world, jelly doughnuts. Oh my gosh, so yummy and delicious and now I want to run out go get some!!!!! :)<br /><br />Have a beachy week!<br /><a href="https://helpingpartnersofsexaddictsheal.org/" rel="nofollow">Elsie </a><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-84572806388392809782017-12-14T12:28:30.144+00:002017-12-14T12:28:30.144+00:00Just popping over to check out these goodies again...Just popping over to check out these goodies again! Hugs...ROROhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07417463444013920901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-85664577478149608602017-12-14T11:19:45.556+00:002017-12-14T11:19:45.556+00:00What a lovely, lively post, Hilary! I love how you...What a lovely, lively post, Hilary! I love how you still use the word takkies! I cannot get used to using anything else either! It sounds as if you’re having a lovely time and absorbing everything fully! I never realised all these doughnut variations originated in the Netherlands! Happy Christmas to you in Canada!Vallypeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08309284606572565277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-982685213206644042017-12-13T22:40:16.799+00:002017-12-13T22:40:16.799+00:00Always great to read your posts Hilary, the positi...Always great to read your posts Hilary, the positive vibe, and I enjoyed reading about your travels and such, try to imagine the places you describe. They sounds nice. Calm, beautiful. That American holiday cookie tray, I think we have a similar one in the office. And one filled with brownies and more chocolate. It's that time of year when such gifts arrive. We're going to take most of them over to the fire station across the street. Those poor guys, fighting fires here in California for weeks, they would probably love some cookies/brownies and the like. <br />Merry Christmas, and if I don't see you till then, Happy New Year. Let's hope and pray for a good one. Silvia Writeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14437144517262211712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-42078010750529578092017-12-12T23:31:20.820+00:002017-12-12T23:31:20.820+00:00@ Debby - thank you ... settling in still - but we...@ Debby - thank you ... settling in still - but we'll be over on the farm ... a quietish Christmas I think ... but one son, wife and children up here - so perhaps not quite so quiet!<br /><br />@ Sherry - you're always so busy with your piano playing etc and the children ... fun times at Christmas - but lots going on. Wonderful to have a new kitchen - that's exciting ... good cooking in 2018 ...<br /><br />I'm over here now - some way up - but here for a while ... so on the same continent -<br /><br />Cheers to you both - enjoy your Christmases - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-55686239972231476622017-12-12T18:44:11.615+00:002017-12-12T18:44:11.615+00:00Seeing all those donuts and cookies is making me h...Seeing all those donuts and cookies is making me hungry! I haven't even started my Christmas baking this year. The kitchen is under construction.<br /><br />Is everyone on your side of the pond excited about Harry and Meghan? Sherry Ellishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844837212122243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-39609593093949629922017-12-12T00:49:18.934+00:002017-12-12T00:49:18.934+00:00Sounds like you're having a wonderful time her...Sounds like you're having a wonderful time here in Canada Hilary. Enjoy your holidays with friends and family in Canadian style! :)D.G. Kayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04292901895982357952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-22796892458630648212017-12-11T18:23:20.605+00:002017-12-11T18:23:20.605+00:00@ Murees - I rarely had them when I was in South A...@ Murees - I rarely had them when I was in South Africa ... but they are a favourite I know ... <br /><br />@ Truedessa - I have to say I think I probably eat doughnuts if they're brought into the office situation .. otherwise I try and stay clear ... thank you re the thumbs up re the posts ... <br /><br />@ Nila - it's easy to miss something that's going on in blogland ... and the build up this year will be somewhat different ... jammy doughnuts with plenty of time to savour them - delicious! Good to see you ...<br /><br />@ Juliet - way too many calories here ... and the adventure is calorific too!<br /><br />@ DG - lovely to see you again ... well before mixers: I guess hands were the order of the day for baking ... before cutters came along - we used glasses and saucers to cut pastry type things out before baking. Probably made the baking time more special ... took longer ... yes my mother used to bake a lot - I do so rarely now ... <br /><br />There's lots to do here ... so next year I'll be more relaxed ... and in the new year we'll get out and about a bit more ... <br /><br />@ Susan - oh yes foodie posts are always a challenge to read - without the desire to go out and eat somethings ... thankfully rather a long way from the shops now!<br /><br />I remember the deep frying days ... chips! but we had an Aga so were lucky ... and could easily crisps foods up ... and lard - we used that too ... we used to exercise a lot more and worked up that appetite ... <br /><br />You're so sensible not doing too much and I definitely don't need too many calories ... something I need to get to here!<br /><br />Cheers to you all - and see you soon ... HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-47149460001993854142017-12-11T15:22:43.981+00:002017-12-11T15:22:43.981+00:00Not sure, but it's possible I may have packed ...Not sure, but it's possible I may have packed on a couple more pounds just by reading this post. <br /><br />My mother used to make doughnuts years ago, back when deep frying was all the rage. (However did we survive all of the fat we used to eat on a regular basis... even (gasp!) lard!)<br /><br />I used to do a ton of baking for Christmas, but not any more. No kids or grandkids nearby, and Smarticus and I don't need to scarf down that many calories. I will make us some, though... sugar-free, of course. (sigh)Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-50792012826826304102017-12-11T08:12:11.068+00:002017-12-11T08:12:11.068+00:00Very interesting bits and pieces, Hilary. I used t...Very interesting bits and pieces, Hilary. I used to make quick donuts for the kids when they were small, but not a big fan of them myself. I like scones better. I've made shortbread too and used a British recipe which my First Nations MIL had; you had to squish the ingredients with your hands and shape them into rectangles or circles. A lot of work. . .in years past I baked a lot and gave a lot away but now I only do a little the week of Christmas.<br />Hope you're enjoying the visiting and exploring. D.G. Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06213237734772028645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-72248294041584939462017-12-11T08:12:03.534+00:002017-12-11T08:12:03.534+00:00What a nice tasty post, and what an adventure all ...What a nice tasty post, and what an adventure all this new life must be. Your shortbread sounds yummy.Juliethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01542985048406828693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-51532247194307722017-12-11T04:40:11.065+00:002017-12-11T04:40:11.065+00:00Gosh, I've missed a few posts :) all caught up...Gosh, I've missed a few posts :) all caught up now! Enjoy your time and your travels, and enjoy the preps. The jammy ones do look super, loved them as a kid. Have the most wonderful Christmas!Nilanjana Bosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08656370320322301943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-20809465093241849012017-12-11T03:14:47.012+00:002017-12-11T03:14:47.012+00:00Enjoy your travels, it's always nice to read o...Enjoy your travels, it's always nice to read one of your posts. There are many doughnut shops around here. I try to stay away from them, but occasionally someone will bring them into work.Truedessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09079953417572207613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-5677040999626364202017-12-10T22:30:53.026+00:002017-12-10T22:30:53.026+00:00Koeksisters, a classic South African favorite. Hav...Koeksisters, a classic South African favorite. Have a wonderful Christmas, Hilary. Murees Dupèhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11781339206465690961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-40510902197113011842017-12-10T18:57:24.899+00:002017-12-10T18:57:24.899+00:00@ Lisa - I'm on Vancouver Island ... I saw you...@ Lisa - I'm on Vancouver Island ... I saw you were off to France - that'll be so good for your in-laws ... and lovely for you. Doughnuts - never a good thing at this time of year ... way too much else sugary stuff around. Good to keep up with you ... <br /><br />@ Linda - pleasure re the shout-out .. your pearly-jammy words of wisdom from the delicious doughnut were good to read: look on the bright side of life. Is Atlanta the home of Krispy Kreme ... I think I'll leave it at that! I'm also trying to stay clear of too many cookies et al ... trying being the operative word!<br /><br />@ Jess - there's certainly lots going on - while I'm not quite used to all that food but it's difficult to say no! I hope that I'll get out and about a bit more ... but may be more in the Spring ... and thankfully it's not completely frozen or snow bound yet ... <br /><br />@ Deborah - I remember making cakes and biscuits ... but not doughnuts - that must have been so much fun for you and brilliant memories of your grandmother ... I bet those doughnuts were the best tasting ever - I'm sure I'd concur ... <br /><br />@ Jo - everything's fine - just different ... <br /><br />@ ACIL - if I ate doughnuts regularly I'd be very fussy - but I don't eat them if I can help it ... but thanks for the thumbs up for Greggs ... I still think I'll give them a miss ... <br /><br />@ Robert - that's the trouble with food - one mentions it and then .. that's it - hunger sets in .. <br /><br />Thanks everyone .. good to see you ... enjoy your Christmas build up - cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-74191280473332605322017-12-10T16:24:23.201+00:002017-12-10T16:24:23.201+00:00I'm a little mad at you now. My stomach just o...I'm a little mad at you now. My stomach just openly growled while reading this.H.R. Bennetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01462784064936801201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-75780409867329591082017-12-10T15:05:22.515+00:002017-12-10T15:05:22.515+00:00I'm fussy about doughnuts. I have been known t...I'm fussy about doughnuts. I have been known to send back those that lack the necessary quantity of jam in the middle. Tip: avoid Krispy Kreme doughnuts if possible. These are the doughnuts with the least amount of jam I have ever eaten in my life. The ones from Gregg's are a lot better. :-)<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-69900801073268057342017-12-10T00:53:13.758+00:002017-12-10T00:53:13.758+00:00Not quite the same as "at home" is it. S...Not quite the same as "at home" is it. Shortbreads come under the cookie heading. Have fun Hilary, relax and enjoy yourself.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14087140585742801854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-81580373003425275082017-12-09T23:26:31.833+00:002017-12-09T23:26:31.833+00:00I remember with great delight the one time as a ch...I remember with great delight the one time as a child I helped my grandmother make donuts and was allowed the very important job of cutting the dough with a glass. Best tasting donuts ever - just saying. :-)<br /><br />Hope you find lots of joy in your adventure Hiliary.Deborah Weberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971869506007671786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-87658978242072246092017-12-09T21:53:11.848+00:002017-12-09T21:53:11.848+00:00Sounds like you are having lots of fun. And lookin...Sounds like you are having lots of fun. And looking at all those desserts and treats has made my mouth water. :) <br /><br />I love that you are exploring the area and hope you are staying nice and warm up there. <br />~JessDMShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04202502753961748992noreply@blogger.com