Uncategorized – Page 3 – Mary's Kitchen

February 5, 2018February 5, 2018

DAY 28 on the DANETTE MAY 30 DAY CHALLENGE – ONLY TWO MORE DAYS TO GO!!

The one thing not do while your on this challenge is make a weekend stop over in Poland for a retirement party! Polish love nothing more than a social gathering and all parties no matter how big or small involve copious amounts of food, vodka and dancing. . . . .then more food, more vodka and more dancing.

So I’m sorry to report I did not abstain on Day 25, 26 and 27, and completely fell of the wagon grand style, For those of you who enjoy a wee libation, you may have been proud of me. My theory, go Big or go Home!!!

Here I stand on Day 28, back to swilling my 3.7 litres of “Adam’s Ale” (H2O). I’ve missed walking my dogs for 4 days so my mileage is way down. Walking around airports doesn’t have the same enjoyment factor as walking my three furrbies on the beach.

It’s always sad when the challenge comes to the final days, but its been wonderful to have had the opportunity to share my culinary skills and inspire so many to get back into the kitchen, using ingredients you perhaps would never have used before. For those of you who have been following my cooking videos, you know I like to add things to improve flavour. Any additions made was in keeping with the clean eating plan and I think one of the all time favourites was Banana Pancakes with a Twist. Here I added 1 tsp. cacoa and some unsweetened organic coconut. A number of you made these for your families and told me they really enjoyed them. It’s amazing what a bit of cacoa and shredded coconut can do to bring a pancake dish to life.

Banana Pancakes with Mary’s Twist

2 egg whites, 1 organic banana (mashed), 1 tsp cacoa, 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened organic coconut, 2 tbsp water, 4/5tbsp almond flour. 2 tsp coconut oil for frying pan.

Whisk your eggs whites in a bowl large enough that you can add all ingredients. Add the almond flour, banana, 1 tsp cacoa, 1/4 cup coconut. Mix all ingredients. Heat your coconut oil to a medium heat, pour spoonfuls into frying pan. Once browned on one side, flip and repeat on other side. You can top with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and maple syrup. Optional – top with fresh blueberries and raspberries. Serving – makes 3 pancakes.

The biggest disaster of my week was attempting the crepes with coconut flour. When you have been use to working with regular flour and produce sensational crepes, this was a real disaster. Even though I greased the pan well with coconut oil, the mixture stuck like glue to my non stick pan, it was impossible to flip and basically crumbled into a million pieces. Not like any crepe I have ever made before and I certainly will not be revisiting that recipe.

My lunch favourite was the crispy green apple and chicken salad topped with roasted pecans. A simple dressing of 1tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp lemon juice and 1/2 ACV (apple cider vinegar) drizzled over top made this an exceptionally palatable dish.

My weight loss has not been as spectacular as my first challenge in January 2017, as I would have liked to shed a few more pounds. I did however, get into that Black Mini 60’s revival skirt so that in itself was a huge success.

With two more days to go – I’m looking forward to continuing my clean eating journey and inventing new recipes along the way.

I hope that each and everyone of you who joined me in the 30 day challenge has been inspired, gained more self confidence, made some new friends and most importantly improved your health.

TODAY’S BLOOD PRESSURE WEIGHT

131/91 PULSE 73 (resting) RELEASED 12 LBS

WALKED 67.33km 12 litres WATER INTAKE

Only two more days to go.

If you are enjoying my blogs and following me on this clean eating challenge, please subscribe after reading this blog my entering your email address in the subscribe area. You will them receive notification when I have posted.

Thank you for stopping by.

Mary Joan Calder

Hope to see you in Fit Rise.

January 28, 2018January 28, 2018

DANETTE MAY’S 30 DAY CHALLENGE – DAY 21 (BEHOLD – A GLIMMER OF HOPE)

As I have said many times, the older you get the more and more difficult it is to shift excess weight that just seems to want to cling to our bodies with every bite you take. I have always been of the belief “You are what you eat” and this clean eating lifestyle is proof of just that.

Keeping your metabolism on point is an important part of weight loss. Starving oneself simply does not cut it in the weight loss journey, as everything you lose by starving, simply comes back two fold.

What I have learned is the importance of eating regularly keeps the metabolism in check, but in saying that, eating and snacking on the correct foods is all important. Don’t expect to chow down on your favourite fast food restaurant meal and see promising results. The only result you will see is the scale increasing.

There is nothing boring about clean eating and for those of you who enjoy tinkering in the kitchen, you will find some of the recipes not only challenging but very delicious. One of my all time favourites to make is Salsa. It is such a versatile dish and can be added as a side dish to a number of things. I love to grill chicken and serve with a side of salsa and asparagus. Scrambled eggs scream for a dollop of salsa. Here in the video that follows I show you how to make your own homemade salsa.

The other thing you need to keep happy during the challenge is your sweet tooth. By using fat burning ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, oats, honey, almond or coconut milk, coconut oil and fresh eggs, you can come up with a number of deliciously sweet items that will satisfy any sweet tooth. In last weeks blog I listed the recipe for Fat Burning Blueberry Muffins, here follows two super easy recipes for Peanut Butter Bites and 4 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies

PEANUT BUTTER BITES (No Cooking required)

3 cups oatmeal, 1/4 cup honey, 1 cup natural peanut butter (no Palm Oil please) or Almond Butter, 1/3 cup water. If you would like, you can add one serving of Chocolate Protein Powder but this is optional.

Mix all above ingredients well. Roll into bite size balls. I like to roll mine in cacoa and shredded organic coconut. Makes about 20 balls. Store in an airtight container and serve with a cup of dandelion or green tea.

5 INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (Cooking Required)

2 mashed banana, 2 cups of porridge oats, 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup cacoa nibs. Mix altogether and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Enjoy.

Exercise, meditation and no alcohol have also played important roles on this healthy journey. I have enjoyed daily walks with the dogs and clocking up numerous kilometres every week. My golf has greatly improved as I am playing at every opportunity and walking in nature helps one absorb the beauty around them. Water intake recommended is 3.7 litres daily and although this is not always achievable it’s important you strive towards this goal. 9 more days ahead of me.

TODAY’S BLOOD PRESSURE WEIGHT

128/87 PULSE 70 (resting) RELEASED 11-1/4LBS

WALKED 81.68km 13.5 litres WATER INTAKE

Looking forward to the next 9 days.

Thank you for stopping by.

Mary Joan Calder

January 21, 2018January 21, 2018

DANETTE MAY’S 30 DAY CHALLENGE – DAY 14 – HAVE I FALLEN OFF THE WAGON YET??

The answer to that, is a big fat NO! Two weeks now clocked up on the 30 day challenge, 14 days of clean eating and how do I feel? Fantastic. The release in weight is not as much as I would like, but the older you get, it does get more difficult. I am pleased however, with the results so far.

My skin is shiny and more vibrant, hair is gleaming and my jeans fit with no muffin top! Speaking of muffins, I would like to share the Fat-Burning Blueberry Muffin recipe with you. This recipe is a great breakfast treat or enjoy with a cup of dandelion tea which I have become to love the taste of.

Fat Burning Blueberry Muffins (Muffins that won’t give you the muffin top)

Preheat oven to 350F 180C or Gas Mark 4 Makes 12

3 eggs, 1 cup almond butter, 1 cup group almonds, 1/2 cup honey, 3/4 cup blueberries, 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, 1/3 cup shredded organic unsweetened coconut, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp. sea salt and cinnamon (optional)

Whisk eggs in a large bowl until colour of butter, add ground almonds, blend, add all the remaining ingredients and mix well.

Use muffin liners inside your muffin tin – fill 12 cases top with some more shredded coconut and/or chai seeds. Then bake for 15/20 minutes.

Cool then enjoy with a cup of dandelion or green tea.

During Day 8 through to 11, if you have been weighing yourself regularly, you will be sorely disappointed. During this period my weight did not alter much on the scales, that is why it is important to discard them. At this stage discouragement does set in and that large glass of wine seems to be looming in my vision. Don’t go getting negative. This plan works but don’t fall astray at this point. Good things are about to happen. My advice at this point is, STAY POSITIVE, and let any negative feelings dissipate.

My clothes started to feel more comfortable, any bloating I had was alleviated, I have more energy and accomplish much more throughout the day.

I walked with my dogs this week 107,188 steps which equates to 81.89 kilometres. An improvement on last weeks by about 10KM.

I’m moving into the third week in a very positive frame of mind. There is only one thing I have found difficult and I know others do to, is drinking 3.7 litres of water everyday. You have to plan your day around that one for the obvious reasons.

Other than that, I’m on track and welcome the forthcoming week.

TODAY’S BLOOD PRESSURE WEIGHT

137/82 PULSE 76 (resting) RELEASED 9-1/4LBS.

Looking forward to the next 7 days.

Thank you for stopping by.

Mary Joan Calder

October 3, 2017October 3, 2017

Guest House Chronicles – (If only these walls could talk)

I have often relayed to friends and family the funny happenings in our Guest House in Edinburgh, so decided to create the Guest House Chronicles. Some things may not seem politically correct (non PC) but I would hope that you would be able to find humour in these stories. The people involved names will be fictional protecting their identity.

We have a wide range of guests from all around the world so some of the stories will involve different cultures, their idiosyncratic behaviour which seems to be unique to their cultural background. This in not meant in any way prejudice what so ever, these are just funny anecdotes that arise on a daily basis and I wish to share them with you to brighten your day. They certainly add humour to our lives daily and we hope the humour found is passed on to you. Welcome to Guest House Chronicles.

Season 1 – EPISODE 1

BEREFT OF LOGIC

I recently took a booking from a lady arriving on January 2 and staying until the 5th. January can be a hit or miss month sometime quiet, but this January 2018 seems to be taken off. After making her booking however, she contacted me by email saying that she had just checked her flights and she was not arriving at the airport until 11.30pm on the 2nd of January, so probably would not arrive until after midnight, so could she change her booking to January 3 – 5 as she would not be arriving until officially the 3rd.

Well, how does anyone answer that without laughing their butt off and saying, HELLLLLLLOOOOOO, are you bereft of logic? So, if I agree to your request, what are your going to do, climb into bed with the guests that booked the room on the 2nd because you are now cancelling the 2nd.

So trying to handle this without sounding patronising, I politely said, sure, your request would be fine providing you don’t mind crawling into bed with a total stranger and that they have no objections when I explain to them your well executed plan. I’m sure everything will be fine. Now what do you think?

Stay tuned for the next episode from Guest House Chronicles.

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Have a wonderful day.

August 23, 2017August 23, 2017

ALDI CONTINUES TO INCREASE CLEAN EATING PRODUCT LINES

ALDI CONTINUES TO INCREASE THEIR CLEAN EATING PRODUCT LINE

Clean eating products such as coconut milk, coconut oil, almond/cashew butter, protein powders, chia seeds, quinoa, maca powder, fresh greens and fruit and be a costly exercise in your everyday supermarkets.

I recently wrote an article on Aldi taking the clean eating market by storm and I am here to report to you that they continue to add to their product line with items you would normally only find in expensive health food store.

Along with their Functional Food range, they have a new range called The Foodie Market. They now carry Organic Coconut Sugar and Organic Coconut Flour (which is completely gluten and wheat free). Both these products can be substituted in recipes that contain normal plain flour and refined sugars. The coconut flour can be used in all sorts of baking – cakes, muffins, pancakes etc. Coming directly from the palms grown in Sri Lanka, organic coconut flour is an excellent addition to your gluten and wheat free cooking recipes.

The coconut sugar is unrefined – dehydrated coconut blossom nectar. It comes directly from Indonesia and is made from the nectar of the coconut flower. This is a 100% natural alternative to refined sugar. Wonderfully delicious and superior to refined sugar to sweeten your favourite recipes.

You can purchase both these products now at Aldi – again, at a fraction of the cost of your nearest health food store.

Here is a recipe for you to try out using both products.

ONE BOWL COCONUT SUGAR COOKIES – MAKES 1 DOZEN

You will need:

8 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and cooled

1 egg

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup coconut sugar

3/4 cup coconut flour

3 tablespoons cacao powder

1/4 teaspoon pink sea salt

Preheat oven to 350F
Combine the wet ingredients (coconut oil, egg, vanilla) in a mixing bowl.
Add the remainder of the ingredients into the bowl and mix until well combined.
Roll the dough into 12 balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet, press down with a fork to flatten.
Place cookies in the oven and bake for 12 minutes.
Remove cookies and place to cool on a baking rack.
Most important – enjoy!

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July 10, 2017July 10, 2017

LET’S MAKE INSALATA TRI COLORE

INSALATA TRI COLORE

The wonderful arrival of summer brings lovely fresh vine ripened tomatoes. My favourite salad to make over the summer period or as a light dinner party appetiser is the famous Italian salad called Insalata Tri Colore.

Bringing together the flavours of Italy. Melt in your mouth Buffalo Mozzarella – the luxury of all Mozzarellas and the only one worth using in this salad. Sweet vine ripened tomatoes joined on the plate with slices of avocado.

This is an easy recipe to put together but just like we enjoy accessorising our clothing outfits, I love to accessorise my food dishes.

Once you have layered your mozzarella and tomatoes around your plate, strategically place your avocado overlapping where the mozzarella and tomato meet. Now you can start adding ingredients to turn your simple dish into a work of art. Almost too yummy to eat.

Here is where I like to add sun blushed dried tomatoes, small cherry tomatoes in various colours, fresh red chilli thinly sliced or dried chilli flakes, lemon pepper, black pepper, a little sea salt and of course not forgetting one of the main tasty toppings, fresh Basil. I like to add the Basil last and instead of chopping I just hand rip it. Now, a drizzle of a good quality Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar – and presto – you have a beautiful summer salad fit for a Queen.

Ingredients

1 Ball Buffalo Mozzarella (I bought this in Lidls today for 99P)

2 Vine Ripened Tomatoes

1 Avocado

Trim with sun dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes of various colours if possible, fresh red chilli thinly sliced or dried chilli flakes, sprinkling of lemon pepper, black pepper and a twist of sea salt. The top with freshly hand ripped Basil. Drizzle with a good quality Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar.

Enjoy this tasty summer dish.

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May the sun shine down upon you this day and every day.

July 5, 2017July 5, 2017

LET’S MAKE A DOGGY FRIENDLY BIRTHDAY CAKE

A CUPCAKE TOWER FOR YOUR FUR FRIEND’S SPECIAL DAY = DOGGY HEAVEN

We recently had a special occasion in this household celebrating our senior member of our 3 strong Hungarian Vizsla family – it was Toffee’s 13th birthday.

Of course, to celebrate such a wonderful birthday for our much loved girl, nothing short of a Doggy masterpiece would do. I decided on a Doggy Cupcake Tower which was more than awesome when it was done, (sorry for bragging), but it was a huge success and 100% doggy approved.

If you are having a special occasion with your much-loved furbby, I would like to share this fool-proof recipe that your birthday boy or girl will thoroughly enjoy. I have also included a you tube video showing you how to make this.

https://youtu.be/m6UYsWH3X9E

Let’s Get Started

500gm minced beef

6 eggs well beaten

1-1/2 cups sifted wholemeal flour

1 tsp. baking powder

3/4 cup of oatmeal

3/4 cup coconut oil

Finely chopped parsley

1-1/2 cups carrots

1 package of cream cheese or plain 100% Peanut Butter and Doggy treats to decorate (I used Gravy Bones or Markies)

Mix/beat together the beef with all the wet ingredients. Stir in dry ingredients. Mix well. Transfer the mixture to cupcake cases. Cook at 180C degrees for 30 minutes. Allow to cool. Decorate with either pure Peanut Butter or Cream Cheese and top with your dog’s favourite treat.

Pure unadulterated Doggy Heaven.

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June 27, 2017June 27, 2017

For The Love of My Dog

A Birthday Tribute to Our Hungarian Vizsla Toffee who is 13 Today

Pedigree Name at Birth – Stanegate Lupin Born – June 27, 2004

Where does the time go we often ask ourselves? Toffee, our much-loved Vizsla is 13 today and it’s hard to comprehend or compact all the walks and adventures we have had in one small blog – but I will try.

The bond was instant. Toffee chose us before we had a chance to even look at the litter of Vizslas running around our feet. Her fur was silky smooth and more blond than auburn – I confess I called her Blondie for the first few days before the name Toffee was chosen.

We already had another Vizsla named Fudge and the two became instant soul mates. Fudge being the boss of course, enjoyed playing with and rolling this tiny ball of fur at every opportunity. But the tiny fur ball soon grew and playtime became on equal ground. Toffee and Fudge were firmly glued at the hip. What one did, the other followed. In true Vizsla rules – what one has, the other must have to. What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine to.

One of my favourite moments with the two of them, we had a large trampoline in the garden and I was jumping on it one day when suddenly Toffee jumped up and started jumping up and down following me. While we had the trampoline, hardly a day went by the pair of them didn’t join me for some fun.

A very unhappy moment in her life was when we lost Fudge to a brain tumour

in 2010. Toffee was only 6 and had lost her best friend. I never knew this beforehand but dogs do genuinely grieve. She looked for her everyday for months and sat at the window expecting her return. She was so so sad, as we were to, so our solution to brighten up her spirits and ours was to find her a new friend. Exactly what we did, we introduced her to a new puppy called Honey. Their friendship was never on the same level as Toffee and Fudge, but it did alleviate the grief for all of us somewhat.

Toffee was never a ball chaser – her goals involved procuring food at any opportunity no one was looking and what better place to do that than a barbecue party. Toffee had no shut off valve when it came to food and promptly stole and gobbled about half a dozen hamburgers only to sick every one up a few minutes later. Her eyes were greedier than her belly so we were always on food thief patrol.

We keep a doggy file with all their pedigree papers, vet visits and records of vaccinations, worming and flea/tic treatments. That file has grown considerably over the years especially where Toffee is concerned. In January 2009 when she was only 5, we noticed she was carrying her right back leg and not putting any weight on it. It turned out she required a Tibial Plateau Levelling Operation (TPLO). The recovery time was 6 months and try keeping an active 5 year old Vizsla quiet for 6 months. The was a job and a half. Once she had recovered though she was back to her bouncy self.

We lived on a farm at the time and I was walking her in the field when I noticed her gleefully throwing something in the air, catching it and throwing it again. She then started to chew it. I quickly caught to her only to find to my shock and horror that she was snarling on a large block of rat poison. Straight to the emergency Vet where he induced vomiting and put her on warfarin for 7 days. Now please don’t think we keep rat poison on the premises – the farmer would put it in pipes around the farm but rats do drag it out from time to time and unfortunately dragged onto our grass. This happened on another occasion as well. Again it was an emergency Vet job.

Toffee has never been short of a few bumps and lumps. She had a large growth in her neck and we feared it might be cancerous. Another operation ensued and good fortune followed, it was just a lump of fatty tissue.

Just this year she got a terrible toothache and although she never complained her face was completely swollen. The only way to extract it was of course to put her to sleep which we were very concerned about due to her age, but in true form, she woke up from the aesthetic with an extracted back molar and love pearly white teeth. While she was under, there had been a protruding lump on her back and a decision was made to remove that while she was under. Again, good fortune prevailed and the lump in question was non malignant.

So here we are now with Toffee 13 years young and her two younger sisters, Honey and Cuki who love her to bits. She is definitely the Alpha dog in this house. No matter what life has thrown at her, she has remarkably bounced back from all her adversities and continues to go for short walks, sleeping a little more than usual and in general taking life easy as a senior girl should.

We know how blessed we are that she continues in good health, eats well and loves lots of cuddles and of course, treats. She is one special girl, never complaining and forever a faithful, loving and compassionate friend.

So today we celebrate in style with steaks all round, sausages and finish off with Mince Beef & Carrot cupcakes topped with cream cheese. We wish yo a very Happy Birthday Toffee and may we be blessed with many more.

I have included the recipe which was given to me by another Vizsla lover just in case anyone wants to treat their furbby to a special celebration. You can also watch the video on how to make it on You Tube – Mary PremierCru

Doggy Birthday Cake

500 g minced Beef, 6 eggs beaten, 1-1/2 cup wholemeal flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 3/4 cup oatmeal, 3/4 cup coconut oil, finely chopped parsley, 1-1/2 cup grated carrot. For Icing- use cream cheese plus top with doggy treats.

Mix/beat together beef with wet ingredients. Stir in dry ingredients. Put in cupcake cases. Cook at 200C degrees for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool. Decorate. Voila – Doggy Heaven. 100% Hungarian Vizsla Approved.

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Thanks for joining me again.

June 9, 2017June 13, 2017

ALDI TAKES THE CLEAN EATING MARKET BY STORM

ALDI TAKES THE CLEAN EATING MARKET BY STORM

I want to share with you my recent find in procuring clean eating ingredients at a fraction of the health food store costs.

You may or may not have an Aldi Supermarket nearby you but if you do, may I suggest you take a visit and witness their amazing collection of clean eating ingredients.

I was recently in Florida and popped into the Aldi on 34th Street in St. Petersburg. We have Aldi’s in the UK as well so I was quite surprised to find they also had supermarkets all around the USA.

I have been following Danette May’s clean eating lifestyle and when buying some of the ingredients found that a lot of the items I needed to buy were only available in health food stores which as you probably know you end up running up quite a bill for a small bag of groceries.

Well I am here to share with you, a lot of the items that clean eaters want to have in their cupboards are available in Aldi.

I love making salsa but of course Tortilla Chips are high in fat and wheat

Homemade salsa, hummus and Greek Yogurt Dip with wholemeal Pitta Bread

content so you can imagine my excitement at finding Multigrain Gluten Free tortilla chips. You can taste the lightness in them and they go great with freshly made salsa, hummus and Greek yogurt dip.

When I started the clean eating program, I started making things like my own Almond Butter and Tahini Paste because I could never find it readily in the supermarket. Aldi sells not only Almond Butter but they also have Cashew and Hazelnut butter. I still make my own Almond Butter and Tahini Paste for the fun of it and if you would like to have a go, you can view my recipes on You Tube (Mary PremierCru) and watch me make these and many other clean eating recipes.

You will also find Almond Milk, Coconut Oil, Organic Kale and Spinach, Chia Seeds, flax seeds, Organic fresh fruits and coconut milk to name just a few. Oh, and I must forget the fresh herbs – everything from fresh mint, basil, rosemary, parsley, thyme and cilantro.

On a more recent visit here in the UK look what I found. I couldn’t believe it. Macca Powder, Green Superblend Powder, Wheatgrass Powder, Spirulina and Cacao powder, and again, and I repeat myself, a fraction of the cost you will pay at health food store.

Macca, Wheatgrass, Cacao, Green Superblend, Spirulina

I even bought a pineapple corer here – amazing. What a great little time saver that is.

I wanted to share this with you because anytime you can save a few pennies on your clean eating products, it pays to shop around.

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If your technically challenged in the kitchen, you may also find my You Tube videos useful where you will see me whipping up some clean eating recipes. You Tube – Mary PremierCru

I hope this information is of some help to you as you follow the Clean Eating Path.

June 6, 2017June 6, 2017

48 Hours at a Polish Wedding in Cycow, Poland

48 HOURS AT A POLISH WEDDING IN CYCOW, POLAND

It’s been a long time since I have been to a wedding and to be invited by my dear friend Lukasz Arasimowicz to attend his cousin Klaudia’s wedding in Poland was not only an honour but a great privilege. To witness and be a part of another country’s traditions and ceremony is a wonderful learning experience.

I flew from Edinburgh to Cycow, Lublin on Friday evening and was greeted by Lukasz and his mother Anna who kindly came to the airport to pick me up. The wedding was the next day and the church was nearly next door to their home.

While Anna and Lukaz’s sister-in-law Ewelina were out getting the make-up and hair done, Lukasz had organised a lovely hairdresser to come to the house to do mine. Wedding hair, as a dub it, requires a time served hair stylist to do a good job and one who actually enjoys doing it. I was delighted at the result.

At 4.30pm the guests started to arrive at the church all blowing their car horns, decorated in balloons and of course, the bride’s limousine was exquisitely decorated in red roses. The service was held in a beautiful catholic church which can only described with pictures so I have included a few here.

After the hour-long service, the bride and groom left the church and all the well-wishers gathered outside. A huge bouquet of red and white balloons were released into the sky to celebrate Klaudia and Adrian’s wedding vows

completed. Each and every guest offers the new Bride and Groom their congratulations, so when a the church is full, (and it was), this part of the ceremony can take a bit of time when there are hundreds of guests. The relatives and friends bless the newlyweds with gifts of money and wine or chocolates. When I saw the boot of the wedding car it had enough wine in there to open a small wine shop. Everyone was so generous and candy was flying in the air instead of confetti as is the Polish custom. All the children hurried to the ground to pick up the fallen sweets.

The reception was at their Uncle Peter’s Inn which was just a 5 minute drive away. When I walked into the reception room, I could not believe just how beautiful everything was set up. Attention to every detail. In true Polish tradition the tables were heavily laden with food, flowers, vodka and wine. What really took my eye was not only how exceptionally elegant everything was set up but the numerous Polish Tree cakes that adorned many tables throughout the room. This traditional polish cake I came to

learn is made from over 120 eggs and is made on a rotisserie over a long period of time. They call it Sekacz, the PolishTree Cake. There were several stalls set up, one with hanging traditional polish sausage and homemade 70 proof vodka, and of course all the men were very keen on this stall. One table covered in more dessert than a bakery, another with fish and cheese. It was certainly a display set out for royalty.

It is tradition to sing throughout the meal at intervals a special song which has the bride and groom up and down kissing every ten minutes. Everyone stands up and claps and sings until they get to witness the desired kiss.

The food of course plays a very important role as well and it never stopped coming. When we sat at our appointed seats, the table was covered in salads, herring and vegetable dishes. The live band played music throughout the

endless courses and Klaudia and Adrian got up during the plentiful dishes

being served to have their first wedding dance together. Everyone rushed to the dance floor to watch the couple dance and this is all while eating and drinking which was great fun. The meal was spread over hours and the singing and dancing continued throughout the night. I jumped up and joined in a conga which intertwined the long tables moving throughout the room both inside and outside.

The band continued to play all night long when suddenly around midnight the room went dark and out were brought a full roast pig and roast boar including fireworks to serve for the midnight feast and until the wee hours of the morning, we ate, drank and danced.

There were games outside for the children in the garden, dressing up for photographs, more dancing and plenty more food followed by copious amounts of vodka which went on until 6am and never stopped for one dull moment. What a truly outstanding celebration. I was sure happy to see my bed because little did I know this was all going to happen again tomorrow.

And it did, the band played, the vodka flowed, the dancing continued and we ate, drank and ate some more. The word diet I don’t believe exists in the Polish language.

But most of all, it was such a beautifully elegant wedding and I personally want to thank the Bride, Klaudia and Groom, Adrian and the Bride’s parents for inviting me to be a part of their very special 48 hour celebration and all the Arasimowicz family, especially Anna, Ewelina, Lukasz, Miehal, Natalie and Szymon.

If you ever get an opportunity to attend a Polish wedding, be sure you go, you will have a fun filled experience with Polish tradition and style.

It was a great pleasure to be a part of this, I feel like one of the family.

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