I knew it wouldn’t last, my simply decorated tree.  The bauble box came downstairs,

and most of them have been hung on the tree.  I do like them and the two of us had a good time hanging them up.  I enjoy the memories, most of which are of Lara as a young girl, choosing new baubles each year from Woolworths and other such classy bauble providers :-).  And some, like this blue one, are special to Harvey.

The last 2 evenings, after I have posted my blog, I have eaten sugary food.  And too much of it.  I am only prepared to confess I troughed but not to declare how much.  I am cross with myself and will try very hard to not repeat the foolishness.

Going out, as I am tonight, and enjoying food your host has prepared or travelling and sampling the local fayre is, in my mind, acceptable.  The opportunity for that food, that moment, may not happen again so enjoy it.  But to sit at home, eating something you could go and buy again tomorrow, and that is full of sugar with no nutritional benefit, is pointless and stupid.

To cure my sugar hangover I had a decent breakfast of a berry smoothie (raspberries, blueberries, marionberries, soya yogurt, soya milk and water to thin slightly) with one slice of toast, thinly buttered and a boiled egg.  I haven’t had a boiled egg for ages and I really enjoyed it.  The smoothie was good too.

Harvey enjoyed his too!

I had a very sociable morning.  Judy popped in to drop Sebbie off and stayed for tea.  Then Lucy popped in for a coffee and then Lara dropped in via Skype.    So I got no chores done but who cares?

I was not hungry at lunch time so I made a salad to take out:  60 g pasta left over from the boy’s lunch, 1 can tuna, cherry tomatoes, lambs lettuce and 1 level tbsp mayonnaise.

We went swimming and I swam solidly for 35 minutes.  I like swimming and find the rhythm of swimming lengths and the controlled breathing very relaxing.  I must go more often.  I ate my salad and wrote out a Christmas food shopping list while the boys played in the water.

When we came home I began grazing.  I had an apricot and then a handful of dried fruit.  So I decided to make a substantial supper.   I have done this before.  Sometimes, ‘diet’ food doesn’t do it for me so I need a filling and meaty meal.  So I made breaded pork chops with new potatoes and tender stem broccoli.

Breaded Pork Chops

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 slice of wholemeal bread
• 2 sage leaves, finely chopped
• salt and pepper
• 1 small egg
• 1 tsp mustard with seeds
• 2 pork chops (I used rump steaks which have no bone in and are delicious)
• oil

Method

• Put the bread in to a mini blender and blitz so it makes crumbs.
• Put the crumbs on a plate and add salt, pepper and sage.
• Crack egg on to a large plate and whisk.
• Stir the mustard in to the egg.

• Dip the chop in to the egg and turn so both sides are coated in egg.

• Then dip in to the breadcrumbs and turn so both sides end up covered in crumbs.
• Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the chops and fry gently for approximately 10 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the chops.

I served the chops with boiled new potatoes and steamed tender stem broccoli and 1 tsp butter.

This was a delicious supper.  The chop was crispy on the outside and tender inside and was perfectly seasoned.  I should have cooked more vegetables though.  Harvey was very hungry, having played football and swam for hours today so his barely touched the sides.  I could happily have eaten half the chop as they were quite large.  But I am going to a party tonight and wanted to line my stomach to reduce the amount of food and drink I inhale so I ate it all.  And thoroughly enjoyed it.  Sometimes, a substantial supper is just what you need.