December 31 will bring the curtains down on the Pink Ribbons Crusade exhibit at Precious Moments Park in Carthage Missouri. Only a few weeks left then to visit this amazing piece of history – over 2000 items worth over $4million in a museum style exhibit.

Decorated, as it currently is for Christmas it truly rivals any Christmas display for miles around, so if you are looking for something to do with the family once all of the shopping is done or you are “just passing through” then please call in and visit.

The exhibit raises money to promote breast cancer awareness, so it’s all in a good cause. Check out the pictures from the exhibit here – I even have my own ‘Chef’s tree” thanks to Suzanne and Terri. For more pics and how to get there go to the Pink Ribbons web site at www.pinkribbonscrusade.com

Well with only a few weeks left until Christmas I just don’t have time to teach any more classes this year… and with only a few weeks left until Christmas I would think that you just don’t have time to come to the demonstrations either.

Thank you again to those of you that supported my classes over the last year and told your friends too. I had fun and I hope you did, and remember, we need to see at least one of my recipes on the Christmas table this year, so no shirking. (smiles) Apologies to those of you that could only make the waiting lists, for some reason my classes sell out quickly – I think it’s the British accent. (laughs)

Next year is already starting to get busy, so here is a little heads up on what is already in the pipeline. You can call Market Street before the new brochures come out and be sure to get a seat.

Valentines Dinner
February 12 7:00pm – 9:00pm
February 13 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Are you tired of the same old local restaurants for this years Valentines dinner ? Ready to try something different ? “The Royal Chef” Darren McGrady will be hosting a gourmet dinner party at Market Street. First he will walk you through the preparation and then serve a full three course Valentines meal consisting of ; Goat Cheese and Hazelnut Soufflé with a Lime and Ginger Dressing. A Marriage of Poached Salmon with Beef Tenderloin, Fondantes Potatoes and a Panache of Vegetables, followed by Chocolate Perfection Pie with a Raspberry and Orange Sauce.

Celebrate Easter with “The Royal Chef”
March 12 11:00am – 1:00pm
March 19 11:00am – 1:00pm

New Season Asparagus and Dill Soup, Hot Cheese Scones, with Crab Butter, Rack of Lamb with a Garlic, Rosemary and Juniper Crust. Roast Spring Vegetables, Chilled Lemon and Clotted Cream Tart with a Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote. Chocolate Eggs.

The World of Comfort Foods with “The Royal Chef”
January 15 11:00am – 1:00pm
January 29 11:00am – 1:00pm

English style Salmon Fish Cakes with Real Tomato Sauce. Navarin of Beef with Herb Dumplings. The best mashed Potatoes in the World. Braised Cabbage with Garlic, Bacon and Cream. Steamed Syrup Sponge and Custard.

I can’t let this month go by without saying “I told you so”. Way back in August (was Summer really that long ago?) I said that Peter Settelen would be selling his next set of tapes and low and behold last week we got to see them on network television as he headed off to the bank with another installment on his pension.

Had he been honest he might have salvaged a little respect. “I don't want to denigrate Diana" he said " I'm trying to give the public an opportunity to see for yourself and set the record straight". NO he isn't, he is trying to make as much money as he can. Whatever spin he puts on it he has let her down and breached her confidentiality. How can any of his other clients trust him now?

What really really bugs me with this entire tape saga though is that “the Butler” had these in his possession. Why oh why didn't he smash them to pieces? If he really cared about the Princess as he claims he did then why was he holding on to them, knowing the damage they could cause in the wrong hands. What was he thinking? “Oh, here you are William, now you are older here's a few tapes to put on after Christmas lunch and before the Queens Speech at Sandringham - Good family viewing”. Was he really thinking about giving these to the boys or, like Settelen, seeing "pension fund" written all over them ?

Christmas is my favourite time of year. This year will be extra special, it’s Harry’s first and we are all getting excited about that in the McGrady home.

But as you plough through this year’s banquet with the family spare a thought for those less fortunate or alone. Keep an eye on elderly neighbours, pop in and say hello, take a little gift of food. Drop off a few tins at the local food bank or homeless shelter and maybe call in at the local children’s hospital with a cuddly toy.

Remember, Santa doesn’t HAVE to have a white beard and herd of reindeer.

Stay warm, and have a safe and Happy Christmas !

Until next time......