Local Life Issue 3 - Spring 2023

Food & Drink

Berry Delicious

Mixed Berry Bake with Coconut Macadamia Crumble.

Strawberries, raspberries and blue berries are a tasty way to get your five a day and they make a wonderful addition to this lovely dessert.

Ingredients

• 700g mixed fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries

• 100g caster sugar

• 2 tbsp cornflour

• 2 tsp vanilla paste

• 150g plain flour

• 100g salted butter, cubed

• 50g desiccated coconut or large flakes

• 50g soft brown sugar

• A pinch of salt

• 50g Macadamia nuts roughly chopped

Method

Serves: 4-6

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

1. Preheat oven to 200c/fan 180c/gas mark 6

2. In a medium bowl, mix the fruit with the sugar, cornflour and vanilla paste. Pour into a baking dish (approx. 20cm x 30cm)

3. For the topping, mix the flour, butter, coconut, sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it has a rough gravel consistency. Mix in the chopped nuts then scatter it over the fruit.

4. Bake in the pre heated oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Enjoy!

The Cosmopolitan Cocktail

This is typically referred to as the Cosmo, it gained popularity during the 1990’s when it was frequently mentioned on the TV show Sex & the City.

Ingredients

• Vodka - Use high quality vodka for the most drinkable results

• Lime Juice - Fresh lime juice is best. Don’t throw the peel away, you can use it as a garnish

• Triple Sec - Adds a sweet citrus flavour and tones down the taste of the vodka.

• Cranberry Juice – You can use bottles or fresh. If the finished cocktail is too strong, you can add more juice to taste.

• 44ml Vodka

• 14.5ml Lime juice

• 14.5ml Triple sec

• 14.5ml Cranberry juice

• 1 cup of ice

• 1 lime wedge for garnish

The combination of Vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice and Cranberry juice have made it a timeless classic.

Method

1. Combine vodka, lime juice, triple sec and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker.

2. Add ice, cover and shake until chilled, strain into a cocktail glass.

3. Garnish with a lime wedge

Enjoy!

Food & Drink

Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Bakes

Fudgy, chewy biscuits that are quick and easy for the kids to make.

Method

Ingredients

• 30g cocoa powder sieved

• 100g caster sugar

• 30ml vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

• 90g plain flower

• ½ tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt

• ½ tsp vanilla essence

• Icing sugar to coat

1. Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas mark 5

2. Line a baking tray with parchment

3. Mix the cocoa, caster sugar and oil together

4. Add the egg and vanilla and whisk until combined

5. In a separate bowl stir in the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt

6. Add the flour mix to the cocoa mix and stir to a soft dough (if too soft refrigerate until firmer)

7. Put icing sugar into a shallow dish

8. Use your hands to form a ball with a heaped teaspoon of the dough, roll the ball in the icing sugar and place on the baking tray, repeat with the remaining dough keeping the balls evenly spaced.

9. Bake for 10 minutes

10. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool (they will firm up as they cool)

Can be kept for up to three days in and airtight container.

Enjoy!

Patatas Bravas

It’s no secret that food and culture go hand in hand. A country’s traditional dish can tell you a lot about it and Potatas Bravas tells us that Spain makes delicious yet light food.

Potatas Bravas is a traditional Spanish tapas that has been an integral part of its cuisine for centuries. It’s main ingredient is crispy fried potatoes and a spicy, light sauce on top.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes

• 2 teaspoons of white vinegar

• 2 teaspoons of chilli powder

• ¾ teaspoon of cayenne pepper

• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

• ½ cup of water

• 100g sugar

• 2 tbsp milk

Method

The potatoes

Cut the potatoes in 2 cm chunks. Fry them in extra virgin olive oil on the lowest heat until they start getting a bit of colour, remove the potatoes from the heat. Once cool turn up the heat as high as possible, fry the potatoes till they are golden and crispy.

The Bravas Sauce

There are many variations for the Bravas sauce across Spain but for the most part this is the original Bravas sauce recipe made in Madrid.

Add White vinegar, chilli powder and cayenne to the tomato sauce, mix well. Next add the water so the Bravas sauce isn’t too thick then blend the sauce until it is smooth. Pour the Bravas sauce over the crispy fried Spanish potatoes and garnish with some freshly chopped coriander and salt.

Spring Wordsearch

Find all the words from the list below. Ignore spaces, dashes and diacritics, if any. Words go horizontally, vertically and diagonally. They may intersect, do not bend, overlap or go backwards.

Sudoku

Please see page 16 for the answers.

The Extra Mile Kevin Sinfield Autobiography

The inspirational heart-rending memoir of a true rugby league legend, the Extra Mile documents not just Sinfield’s sporting achievements throughout an illustrious career but also the heroism he has displayed in raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease that has afflicted his best friend and fellow rugby star Rob Burrows.

The Whistler

John Grisham

Lacy Stolz is an investigator for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct, It is her job to respond to complaints dealing with judicial misconduct.

After nine years with the board she knows that most problems are caused by incompetence, not corruption, but a corruption case eventually lands on her desk.

Origin

Dan Brown

Edmond is a forty year old billionaire known for his sleek inventions and his predictions that come true. Tonight he plans to reveal his breakthrough that will answer two of the universe’s oldest questions.

As the presentation unfolds chaos erupts and the big news is almost lost forever.

Pure Evil

Lynda La Plant

A killer ripped from the headlines, it was supposed to be a simple case, a young man arrested for armed assault, but it was just the beginning. As Rodney Middleton awaits trial, Detective Jack Warr is warned by his mentor DCI Ridley that they have only scratched the surface of the man’s crimes.

Elevation

Stephen King

A riveting extraordinary eerie and moving story about a man whose mysterious affliction brings a small town together, a timely upbeat tale about finding common ground despite deep rooted differences.

Although Scott Carey doesn’t look any different, he’s been losing weight.

I Will Find You

Harlan Coben

This is a thriller about a father who escapes from prison to find out if his son is still alive.

David Burrough was convicted of the murder of his son but his former sister in law shows him a picture of his son which suggests he may have survived. David must unravel the mystery of what happened to his son and who framed him for the crime.

Book club There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book.

Easy ways to go green at home

Everybody has to start somewhere, so here are some simple ways to go green that everyone can do. Almost all of these ‘green tips’ will save you money in the short or longer term. So you’re not only helping the environment you may be helping your pocket too.

• Recycle, you know you should, so just do it.

• Switch it off. Leaving a room? Switch the light off. Turning the TV off at night? Switch it off at the wall rather than leaving it on standby.

• Buy Energy Efficient Appliances. Once an appliance has irreparably broken this is a good time to look into replacing it with a far more energy efficient one.

• Hang your washing out to dry. Using a clothes line or hanging your clothes indoors on a airer is much better for the environment and your wallet than using a tumble dryer.

• Use Energy Saving Light Bulbs. LED lightbulbs are more expensive to buy initially but last longer and will save both energy and money over time.

• Drink Tap Water. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in many parts of the world. Stop buying all those water bottles.

• Fix Leaking taps. It’s a simple way to save water at home.

• Grow your own! Grow your own herbs or some veggies at home.

• Drive at the speed limit. Boring? Yes but it’s safer, cheaper and better for the environment.

• Buy Local. Wherever possible buy your fruit and veg from local farmers markets. You’re supporting the local economy, less likely to be purchasing unnecessary plastic.

• Buy a reusable water bottle

• Go paperless. Pay your bills online.

• Use quick wash cycles. As well as using cold water (30 degrees or less), use one of the shorter cycles.

• Collect rain water to water your plants.

• Make a compost bin at home.

• Check your home for draughts.

Draught- proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective way to save energy-and money in any type of building.

• Cook in bulk then freezing the excess can reduce your food waste ensuring you use all your fresh vegetables before they go off.

• Stop using bleach to clean your toilet

Baking soda and vinegar are a great alternative. There are so many ways to clean your bathroom in an eco friendly way.

Find more balance in your life

In turbulent times many of us harness ways to feel grounded to calm anxiety and sooth stress, so it’s not surprising that alternative therapies like crystal healing have come to the fore.

Benefits:

The proposed healing benefits of crystals predominantly surround areas of mental well being; including feelings of tranquility, positivity and focus, as well as enhanced immunity and pain relief. Individual crystals are also known to have their own special energies that align to different areas of your life, with their shape and colour as well as their type affecting their influence.

• Provides a sense calmness, peace and tranquility

• Releases anxiety and stress

• Increases levels of alertness and concentration

• Lifts feelings of depression, despondency and desperation

• Eases mental tiredness

• Balances Chakra energy

• Releases stagnant energy, boosting available energy on all levels

Crystal healing is an ancient therapy that utilises the natural power of crystals and gemstones to improve health and wellbeing. Crystal healing is holistic, meaning that the treatment restores health and balance at all levels, emotional, physical and spiritual.

The concept of using crystals to heal has been around for centuries. But with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Adele speaking publicly about their belief in the practice, there has been a mainstream resurgence in recent years. Adele has been particularly open about her battle with stage fright and has frequently spoken about the use of crystals to calm her nerves.

In your session you will be fully clothed and laying on the bed. The therapist will check the flow of each of the seven main chakras and bring them back to balance. A combination of appropriate healing crystals are chosen and placed on the chakras and bring balance back to mind, body and spirit.

The treatment is suitable for everyone. Perfect for those needing a less invasive treatment to bring help during difficult times, ease stress and anxiety or physical healing for the body.

• Connects you to a place of inner peace and healing

• Helps to develop spirituality and find your true purpose in life

• Provides a general feeling of being healed

• There are many physical benefits too, helping with lots of common ailments.

Understanding Probate

As an executor, the process of probate can seem overwhelming. Probate is the legal process of administrating a deceased person’s will or estate under the intestacy rules and distributing their assests to the designated beneficiaries, it can be complex and time consuming, but with the right guidance it doesn’t have to be.

What is probate?

Probate is a legal process that verifies a will’s validity and administers the distribution of a deceased person’s assets. The process begins with the appointment of an executor who is responsible for managing the deceased person’s estate and carrying out the instruction outlined in their will. The process is similar when handling an estate without a will, known as intestacy.

Each stage of the probate process requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations involved.

Coffee Break Answers

from page 8

Wordsearch

An experienced probate Solicitor can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that the deceased person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes.

What are the benefits of hiring a Solicitor?

While it is possible to navigate the probate process on your own, hiring a probate solicitor can provide several benefits, they can:

• Provide guidance and support throughout the probate process

• Handle the legal and administrative aspects of probate

• Protect your rights and interests as an estate executor

• Help ensure the probate process is completed in a timely and efficient manner

Soduko

Specialising

A trusted provider of counselling services based in Stockton and Middlesbrough. We also provide online counselling nationwide.

“Our goal is to have psychological services that are accessible to all groups and communities, including those with neurodevelopmental differences such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).”

Over 10 years combined experience working with children, families, adults, businesses, charities, public sector organisations including schools, colleges & local authorities to allow as many people as possible to access our services.

Our services

• Individual child counselling sessions

• Parent sessions

• Adult counselling sessions

• EMDR sessions

• Private referrals

• School referrals

• College referrals

• Local authority referrals

• Employee support

• NHS referrals

Get in touch

t. 07460 401639

e. fiona@butterfly-counselling.co.uk

www.butterfly-counselling.co.uk

Main office: Suite 1, Concorde House Business Centre, Concorde Way, Stockton on Tees. TS18 3RB. Middlesbrough office: Queensway House Business Centre, Queensway, Middesbrough. TS3 8TF.

What’s on TV

The Good Omens

Amazon Prime

This fantasy series sees fussy angel Aziraphale and loose living demon Crowley team up to form an unlikely duo. The two have become overly fond of life on Earth and they are forced into forming an alliance to stop the approaching Armageddon. To do that they have to find the missing Antichrist, an 11-yearold boy who is unaware that he is meant to bring the end of days upon humanity.

Michael Sheen, David Tennant and Jon Hamm star in the series, which is based on the book of the same name by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

Amazon Prime

When CIA analysist Jack Ryan stumbles upon a series of suspicious bank transfers, his search for answers pulls from the safety of his desk job and catapults him into a deadly game of cat and mouse throughout Europe and the Middle East with a rising terrorist figure head preparing for a massive attack against the US and her allies. Starring John Krasinski, Wrendell Pierce & Michael Kelly.

Luther: The Fallen Sun Netflix

Luther: The Fallen Sun is a movie that continues the story of the award-winning television series Luther.

The plot revolves around a gruesome serial killer terrorizing London while detective John Luther is in prison. Luther decides to finish the job of capturing the killer by any means necessary.

Fake Profile Netflix

In the age of dating aps and fake online personas, is there a subject matter more chilling than one that leans so close to reality? In this Netflix thriller which has won over audiences across the globe, deception, lies and sex combine for a roller coaster of a

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

Mr Robot itvX

Starring Rami Malek as Elliot Alderson, a cyber security engineer and hacker with social anxiety disorder, clinical depression and dissociative identity disorder.

Elliot is recruited by an insurrectionary anarchist known as Mr Robot played by Christian Slater, to join a group of hacktivists called fsociety.

Escape Room Netflix

Six adventurous strangers travel to a mysterious building to experience the escape room-a game where players compete to solve a series of puzzles to win $10000. What starts out as seemingly innocent fun soon turns into a living nightmare as the four men and two women discover each room is an elaborate trap that’s part of a sadistic game of life or death.

S.W.A.T Netflix

SWAT is based on the 2003 film and 1975 television series of the same name.

Shemar Moore as Sergeant Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson a former marine tasked with leading the SWAT division of the LAPD after the former leader is fired for accidently shooting an unarmed black teenager during a shootout.

Hondo serves as the bridge between the laws of the streets and the brotherhood of the police force.

series. Camilla thinks she’s met the love of her life on a dating app but quickly finds out that her dream man, Fernando has a different name and that actually he isn’t single at all.

Armed with the truth Camilla sets out to destroy his life and make him pay for every lie he’s ever told her. But soon she’s dragged into a tangled web, one that she may struggle to get out of.