A Happy New Year and Twelfth Night

We didn't really get to twelfth night as by 4th January the entire Christmas tree was bare of its glossy needles and they lay knee-deep all over the hall floor.  This was more than I could bare and Mr. Henry was called upon to perform! This seemed a good moment to sort out the decorations, some of which have lurked around the nest of cotton wool and tissue paper since about 1960! Time to move on................A few swift and ruthless movements and hey ho, one naked tree!  I am already looking forward to buying lots of gorgeous new trendy decorations next autumn! I then transformed into a whirlwind and swooped on and removed all known Christmas cards, holly and mistletoe lurking around the house. Immensely satisfying and chuck all the green stuff on the wood burner, the cards however get made into an absolutely fabulous collage which The Pink Lovely and I will make one rainy afternoon in February.
New year on the other-hand was unquestionably the best for ages. A mini festive dinner with a glass of champagne at 7pm for The Pink Lovely and a truly heroic friend and babysitter, Sarah. Then on with the crown jewels and high heels and off to the most brilliant party in Herefordshire!  Surrounded by guests from New York, France, London and Worcestershire............... it was dazzling! As was the pink champagne, burgundy, port and more champagne............... You will be glad to know that B&B was on the schedule!
Not well in the morning and staggered around for a bit before going back to bed for two days!  Bye Bye 2010 - Hello 2011!!!!!!!!!  I did manage some pancakes for brunch for The Pink Lovely, with heaps of Maple syrup and butter and here is the recipe which can be made with or without wheat, gluten and dairy.
SCOTCH PANCAKES

115g  Doves Farm Organic self raising flour
30ml(2 level tbsp)caster sugar

1 large egg beaten
150ml Arla Lactofree  milk

Lightly grease a griddle or heavy-based frying pan. Mix the flour and sugar. Make a well in the centre and stir in the egg,with enough of the milk to make a batter of the consistency of thick cream.
The mixing should be done as quickly and lightly as possible.Do not beat .
Drop the mixture in spoonfuls on to a hot surface.For round pancakes,drop it from the point of the spoon,for oval ones,drop from the side.
Keep the griddle at a steady heat and when it bubbles rise to surface of the pancakes and burst -after2-3 minutes-turn the pancake over, using a palette knife.Continue cooking for a further 2-3 minutes,until golden brown on the other side.
Place the cooked pancakes on a clean tea towel, cover with another towel and place on a rack to cool.(this keeps in the steam and the pancakes do not become dry.)Serve with butter or with whipped cream.