The Battle of Real Food (2016) and Culloden (1746).

In this world of body conscious people, the marketing agencies have developed new ways of enticing you to buy a product. New' or Improved are old news, what they now target is your vanity. Along side the normal line will be a lighter alternative and this is where they are beginning to stretch the bounds of reason, lighter than light is now the new buzz. In fact I have come across many such products from bottled water to sauces. I was interested in the difference between Hellmans Real Mayonnaise and Hellmans Lighter than Light Real Mayonnaise. I was always under the impression that mayonnaise was made from cooking oil, eggs, vinegar, lemon juice and some seasoning, that would be real mayonnaise, made with real cooking oil etc etc.

Actually it is not, no, bear with me this gets confusing, it is made of 

Water, Spirit Vinegar, Modified Maize Starch, Sugar, Pasteurised Free Range EGG & EGG Yolk (4%), Salt, Rapeseed Oil, CREAM Powder, Citrus Fibres, Colours (Titanium Dioxide, Carotenes), Stabiliser (Xanthan Gum), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Flavourings (contain MILK), Lemon Juice Concentrate, Antioxidant (Calcium Disodium EDTA). That my friends is now Hellmans Real Mayonaise, the lighter than light version.

Do not loose heart, I can confirm the full fat version consists of cooking oil, eggs, vinegar, lemon juice and some seasoning, but I do see a war coming.

 'Mark Me.' Charlie Edward Stuart said before the battle of Culloden, 'we will win and I will be your King.' The Battle was the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising of 1745 and part of a religious civil war in Britain. On 16 April 1746, the Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart were decisively defeated by loyalist troops commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

He never made it to being King, but it is only a matter of time and the only real mayonnaise will have fought the Real Mayonnaise battle and the only Real Mayonnaise we will have, will be the one we make ourselves from real ingredients.

A few friends came around last night to help me through to my next birthday, moral support and an excuse to have a drink or ten. We decided on a tear and share type meal with chicken thighs and breast accompanied by Tiger loaf, olive bloomer loaf and baguettes. I bought loads of cheese and the ever popular olives, pate and chutneys. Really simple meal to throw together allowing loads of combinations on your plate. Wine and Ales consumed a plenty and we waved a fond goodbye to the last of the guest by 1am. Must admit I am not that bright today, edge is off my normal sharp self.

I remember a child, so young that before she could think of death, death thought of her.

The next few days are quite busy with more birthday parties, office parties, meetings and Michael's graduation in Bristol. Happy days.