Easter at the Trossachs

Spent a lovely weekend in the caravan at Callander with Lou and grandaughter Molly. The weather was magic and we managed to get lots of walking in. You cannae whack Scotland when it is like this.

On route to the Bracklin Falls

Found this grave by the roadside. I presume

Apache was a horse or pony.

Bracklin Falls Callander

Bracklin Falls

Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine through the trees

Loch Katrine

Back home in the garden

Pasta & Tomato Sauce

This simple but tasty tomato sauce is cheap to make and can be used as a basis for many meals but on this occasion is served with penne pasta. To intensify the flavours cook slowly for about an hour.

Ingredients: Tin of tomatoes; 2 red onions; garlic; fresh basil; salt & black pepper & olive oil.

Chop onions and garlic and fry gently in olive oil for about 20mins. Stir regularly so that the onions & garlic remain translucent. Add tomatoes, salt and black pepper and simmer for another 30 mins. Add chopped basil just before serving.

I have used basil here but any selection of herbs is ok. Chillies also work well.

Chickpeas, Tomatoes, with Fresh Chillies

Ingredients: Tin chickpeas; large red onion; cherry tomatoes; two cloves of garlic; red and green chillies; olive oil.

Fry onions, garlic and chopped chillies in olive oil until soft. Add cherry tomatoes and chickpeas and continue to simmer over a slow heat until cooked. Serve with rice or pitta bread.