Mars Bars did the same , so did lots and also packets of Walkers Salt and vinegar crisps, Sad country we live in. ' Pay more for less ' is our motto or should be!

It's a 'hidden' inflation Gladys

Isn't it just? I wonder when they will start messing around with Imperial measures against those liters, kilos etc? Rebbonk, your pint may shrink as the glasses they might bring in will only hold 500mls ( 1 pint is 0.56826128524935 mls) The cost won't though.

Well, I had a bit of a disaster last week with a Boston hotpot. (Basically, beans, gammon, chipolatas celery, onions and garlic) Mrs Rebbonk complained it tasted too salty and gave her wind! I actually enjoyed it and I had no problems with it.

So, last night by way of redemption I did a toad in the hole, with a difference! Thick pork sausages and apple slices. Served with small Charlotte potatoes (waxy so don't break up) peas and onion gravy. I am now back in Mrs Rebbonk's good books, though not the dog's as she didn't get any.

chilli con carne tonight, complete with garlic bread.

Mmmm, nice warm garlic bread.

Homemade steak and mushroom pie! - Just browning nicely now

I have no idea what to have today. Home made steak and mushroom pie sounds lovely. However, I am not feeling like doing all the prep so it has to be something quick - stir fry maybe.

I love stir frys Gladys

I had a few mushrooms left over so did a mushroom pasty. Served it up to Mrs Rebbonk with a cuppa in bed. I think I'm in her good books for the moment.

Rebbonk, how nice was that- well done. I didn't do stir fry but ended up with a complete 'U'turn on my not feeling like preparing stuff. I did Chicken Kievs from scratch except I now know I need to practice as the innards leaked out of one of them. I'd cut the pocket in the chicken breast too thin and it split. It was still lovely though.

As I'm still in the good books, Mrs Rebbonk has offered to take me for a drink tonight and treat me to sausage and chips. (I got got some decent quality, thick, pork sausages when I was in town the other day.)

I must admit, I do like a good quality sausage, simple comfort food, that hits the spot. I'd prefer them with mash, but as I'm being treated...

I bet that'll go down nicely after a pint or two though.

I only get our butchers special sausages. That sounds like a lovely evening ahead for you both Rebbonk.

Tonight ('cause I managed to twist Mrs Rebbonk's arm for another few drinks) I've done us a shepherd's pie with apple mash on top.

I'll set the oven whilst we're out and we'll come home to the smell of freshly cooked shepherds pie, and no waiting to eat.

Mmm- what's the recipe for apple mash? I did beef mince, onions , mushrooms and gravy with (black pepper, thyme, sage, bay leaves and oregano- These were added to the onions and mushrooms with the beef mince as it bubbled away) , baby potatoes and shredded spring greens tonight. Lazy I may be but quick and very comforting it was.

Nothing special... Just add a diced and gently cooked (softened) apple at the mashing stage. Gives the mash quite a nice tang.

Lamb stew tonight!

A few pieces of neck of lamb, cooked slowly overnight. Just right for warming tonight after a couple of pints.