Diabetes Study, Weight Loss, Egypt, Ball Cutter Fish.

Not bad, just earned myself a hundred bucks for participating in a diabetes study. I had to fill out a diary every day, and an extra diary once a week, for two weeks. Talking of which, I read an article talking about diabetes and weight loss. It said how much 15 to 20% weight loss will affect one’s blood sugars positively. I figured it out, I have a bit of a way to go yet. I’m gettin’ there though. My biggest problem at the moment is my shorts, they are all too big for me and flap around, but I sure don’t want to buy any new ones  yet awhile, in fact, probably not this summer. Trouble is I don’t sew and anyway, don’t have a sewing machine. I could borrow one, but I don’t know what I’m doing even if I do borrow one. I used to have a very old machine many years ago in the UK, made curtains and such, but basically those are just straight seams. The good fairy didn’t wish me domesticity, other than cooking, I’m afraid.

What a mess in Egypt. At the time of writing this, 278 people have been killed in all the clashes and rioting. Is it worth it? Such a pity – apart from anything else their revenues from will obviously go down.

Just realised, my mother would have been 100 today. Just mentioned in passing.
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A joke plus some unverified reports have Scandinavian men terrified to swim because the Pacu, seen on the left of the picture, has a pretty strong bite and it was rumoured they were “ball cutters”. You should read the article, it is quite funny, especially the reference to the fish driving men out of the water quicker than the theme music of Jaws. Part of the fish’s diet is nuts which has added to the nervousness of the males in the area.

Here's a recipe from Cooking.com which I got the other day and which makes me drool. I won't be making it, way too many calories even in a tiny piece, but I thought some of you might like to.

Mississippi Chocolate and Coffee Cake Source: Close-up on Cakes
Active Time:  15 Minutes Total Time:  1 Hour 50 Minutes Serves 10
Coffee, bourbon, chocolate, and butter make this cake one decadent dessert. INGREDIENTS For the Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda Pinch salt 1 3/4 cups strong brewed coffee 1/4 cup bourbon 5 oz unsweetened chocolate 1 cup butter 2 cups sugar 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the Chocolate Icing: 6 1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate 4 1/2 tablespoons butter
DIRECTIONS FOR THE CAKE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Oil a 9-inch round cake pan. Line pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In the top of a double boiler set over simmering water, heat the coffee, bourbon, chocolate, and butter, stirring until the chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sugar. Let the mixture cool for 3 minutes and transfer to an electric mixer. Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture, half a cup at a time, and beat medium speed for 1 minute. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan. When cooled, turn out onto a serving plate. FOR CHOCOLATE ICING: Combine the chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler and stir over low heat until they are melted and combined. Cool slightly and then ice cake.

Have a great day