El Papa, Car CD Player. Anniversary, Bowling.

Been watching lots more of the Pope in the US today. What a wonderful man. I had tears in my eyes several times whilst watching him. And yet 3 Catholic Judges are staying away from him tomorrow. JoJo said he was upsetting his own church somewhat, but they needed a good shake up in my opinion. I just hope he stays safe.

We took the CD player in on Tuesday and the store owner has taken it out of the car. He managed to see inside and can see what is stuck. He has kept it to see if he can unstick it. It's one of the the cartridge trays which is giving the problem. We probably won't be doing any more long trips in this car so it probably won't matter if he can't fix it. Nevertheless, I hope he can. He says it will be an intricate operation which doesn't surprise me.

Printed a card for the old man this morning. He hasn't bought me one yet though I know.  After 43 years one gets a bit blasé about it all I suppose. In case you wonder, it was a registrar office or civil wedding. I had a church wedding the first time I got married.

Today, Thursday is our Travel League for bowling Unfortunately at least a couple of good friends can't make it for one reason or another which is a pity especially as it's the first one this season. Lunch at the Red Lobster and then of course donuts during the bowling. I always kid people I only go for the donuts. I have to be really careful only to eat one. I do like donuts. Well I like most food I suppose LOL. You might not have guessed that.

I watched a movie on Tuesday night, bought it on special, and then posted on Facebook " It is inconceivable you would guess what movie I watched". People guessed pretty easily I thought. One friend came back with "You use that word a lot. I do not think it means what you think it means".

I love risotto but along with everyone else, I do not like having to stand around stirring forever as standing, for me, ends up being painful. Here is a fantastic microwave recipe which I haven't tried yet but will be very soon.

10-Minute Risotto Cups

Brit+Co Sarah Jones

Alright, this recipe is amazing for 2 reasons. First, we’re making risotto in the microwave. Second,

we’re making it in 10 minutes. No more standing at the stove and stirring for an hour. This is quite a hack, if we do say so ourselves.

Ingredients:

Basic Recipe
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 2 cups broth
– 1/2 cup white wine

Butternut Squash + Sage
– Butternut squash
– Sage leaves
– Parmesan

Mushrooms + Thyme
– Mushrooms
– Thyme
– Parmesan

Bacon + Kale + Mushrooms
– Bacon, cooked and crumbled
– Kale
– Mushrooms
– Parmesan

We’re starting you off with a basic risotto recipe that makes 4 ramekins of risotto. You’ll add your mix-ins midway through the process. All of our risottos start with butter, onion, garlic, Arborio rice, and broth.

Begin by adding 1/2 tablespoon of butter to each ramekin and adding a spoonful of onions. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes on high, stirring after 30 seconds to distribute the melted butter.
(Note: Onions can spark in the microwave. Yes, we know it’s freaky and weird. Don’t worry, they’ll stop sparking once they’re covered with the melted butter, yum).

Next, add a pinch of garlic, 1/4 cup rice, and 1/4 + 2 tablespoons broth. Cover with loosely with plastic wrap and heat in the microwave at 50% power level for 2 minutes. Remove and stir. Add additional broth if necessary. Repeat heating process.

After heating for a total of 4 minutes, it’s time to add your wine. About 1-2 tablespoons per ramekin should do it. At this point you should also add your butternut squash or mushrooms, depending on which recipe you’re making. Cover again with plastic wrap and heat for another 2 minutes at 50%.

Continuing with the Butternut Squash + Sage recipe, add your chopped sage leaves. Heat on 50% power for another minute, then add your Parmesan.

If making the Bacon + Kale + Mushroom recipe, add the chopped bacon and kale. Heat on 50% power for another minute, then add your Parmesan. E perfetto!

If making the Mushroom + Thyme recipe, add your thyme. Heat on 50% power for another minute, then add your Parmesan.

At this point, you should be really impressed with yourself.

The result is as good as the stovetop method but takes about a quarter of the effort.

Have a great day