Somali Pirates, Donald Trump, Marlee Matlin,

Donald Trump was interviewed on Good Morning America today and he also thought (as Matt and I have been saying for days) security guards should be posted on the ships which are vulnerable to Somali pirates. That is fine for commercial vessels, but as mentioned in yesterday's comments, what do yachts do? I thought piracy on the high seas was something which disappeared a couple of centuries ago, but obviously not. The Pirates are threatening revenge on those countries which have retaliated. Er, you can kill and capture us, but we must be nice to you?????? Its a pity we can't go the long way round for a while - I wonder if paying a ransom is more cost efficient than travelling right round Africa? If you would like to see what Donald Trump has to say about pirates and the economy click here for the video. He has some very good advice about buying real estate. He even said its maybe better to walk out of your current house and then go to your bank and buy another. He said don't go to a realtor or a private seller, go to the bank which has hundreds of homes to dispose of. That way they will lend you the money. Anyway, don't listen to me, watch the video for good advice and maybe also read his book "Think Like a Champion" where he offers sound strategies for money management. Lot of people writing books lately, Marlee Matlin has just published one called "I'll Scream Later" which is apparently a very revealing book about her life as a deaf actress. Who would ever think of Marlee Matlin having drug problems, I certainly wouldn't have. There is another video of the interview with Marlee at the same GMA page if you want to watch it. Her life is now on a good track she tells us. Last year, a lot of people were pretty stunned that she took part in Dancing With the Stars which is a very popular programme in this part of the world. Apparently she can hear the beat if not the actual music. There are a couple of people I know who have celiac disease and I came across this recipe which would be great for them. It is from the Eating Well website - we have always enjoyed Eating Well as both a magazine and these days an ezine too. Flourless Chocolate Torte

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

½ cup matzo meal ⅓ cup walnuts 2 large eggs 1 ¼ cups sugar, divided 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup grated peeled apple, preferably Delicious 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 8 large egg whites, at room temperature ½ teaspoon salt Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Flourless Chocolate Torte Ingredients Cont.

Flourless Chocolate Torte Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Combine matzo meal and walnuts in a food processor; process until nuts are finely chopped. Spread on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Let cool. 3. Whisk eggs, 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until blended. Stir in the matzo mixture, apple, cocoa and chocolate. 4. Beat egg whites and salt in large, clean bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Increase speed to high and beat until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until glossy and stiff peaks form. 5. Stir one-quarter of the beaten whites into the batter. Gently fold in remaining whites with a rubber spatula. Scrape the batter into an ungreased 9-inch springform pan, spreading evenly. Tap pan lightly on counter to release air bubbles. 6. Bake torte until top springs back when touched lightly and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. With a knife, loosen edges of torte. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. (Torte will sink in center.) 7. Remove pan sides and place torte on a serving platter. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.

Have a great day.