Celebrating the little big things

I like buying, owning and enjoying new things. I like trying new things too – with some tiny exceptions – my friend Aneta will know what I mean (think – sport!)

For some funny reason the last week was sort of all about new things. Here is my brief summary:

1) There is always a reason to dress up. And this is exactly what I was thinking when I saw a pair of Mulberry designer shoes just for £50! OK – they have a mini fault, namely the colour. One of the shoes has got a slightly darker colour than the other but I am already working on this problem – I have put the lighter-tone shoe  on the window sill hoping that the occasional British sunshine will make it darker eventually.

2) Everyone (girl) needs “the bag” – Once or twice (or more often if you can afford it) in your life time we girls deserve a great bag – the bag! Something like Chanel quilted flap bag or Louis Vuitton Monogram bag or Mulberry Ostrich bag. So when I went to Bath (UK) last w-end and found that incredible Mulberry outlet called Mulberry Factory Shop and saw that amazing orange ostrich bag … I just knew it would belong to me once leaving the shop. I bought it. Please, don’t think of me as the crazy shopaholic from Sophie Kinsella’s novels:) I am just an ordinary shopaholic who makes use of any good discounts! The bag had a really good outlet price comparing to the original one. I couldn’t resist … Well, here I am – a proud owner of a Mulberry Ostrich bag – the bag!

3) After being a bit ill a couple of days ago – I decided to cheer up my mood by getting a bright new haircut – a very short version of bob! I’m glad I did it – I don’t really have to do much with it – just a quick blow dry to look cool all day long.

4) Yesterday for the very first time I made Moussaka. I am so pleased with this “one pot” famous Greek dish. The combo of eggplants and creamy ricotta & cheddar cheese sauce is fantastic. I served that with a simple greek salad and some lovely wine. It’s a perfect dish for weekday nights!

Darlings, enjoy your all new little big things and have a fabulous weekend!

my new mulberry shoes

my new mulberry ostrich bag

my new bob haircut

moussaka @ frock & fork

Serves 4 – 6

You will need:

1 kg eggplants

olive oil

450 g lean lamb mince

2 onions, finely chopped

400 g can tomatoes

1 tablespoon fresh or dry oregano

1 tablespoon tomato paste

80 ml dry white wine

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon sugar

1 handful of fresh basil leaves

For the cheese sauce:

315 ml milk

2 tablespoons plain flour

50 g grated Cheddar

250 g ricotta

salt & pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

Cut the eggplant into 1 cm thick slices, place in colander , sprinkle generously with salt and leave to stand for 20 min to  draw out the bitter juices.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brown the lamb mince, getting rid of any fat or water; once done place the meat on a plate and set aside.

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil, add the onion and fry gently for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes or until the onion is golden.

Return the meat to the pan with onion. Add the herbs, tomato pulp and paste, wine, bay leaves and sugar. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Once done, check the seasoning.

Preheat the electric or oven grill. Pat dry the eggplants and grill them.

Arrange half of the eggplant slices in a baking dish. Top with half of the meat mixture. Repeat the layers.

Preheat the oven to 180 ?.

Make the cheese sauce: blend a little of milk with the flour to form a paste in a small pan. Gradually blend in the remaining milk, stirring constantly over a low heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat, stir in the Cheddar, ricotta, salt and pepper and nutmeg.

Pour over over the moussaka. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Happy eating!

Posted in Fork (food), Frock (fashion) Tagged: bob haircut, moussaka, mulberry, Mulberry Factory Shop, mulberry ostrich bag, Sophie Kinsella's Sopaholic novels