Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
My lockdown Bakeoff
Top baker, wine maker and keen photographer 84-year-old Bob Tarn has his fingers in a few pies.
Including these zombie ones, which he likes to hand round at parties – when we’re allowed to mingle again.
Bob, who lives near Sunderland, says: “I know my baking efforts are appreciated by family and neighbours as it is generally all gone in 24 hours.
Cheese scones, rock buns, bacon and egg pie and my speciality – zombie fingers. They go down very well at parties and are easy to make from shortbread dough, sliced blanched almonds (nails), red icing and cocoa powder.
“A little almond extract can also be added to the dough.
“It’s then rolled out about three inches in length and slightly thinner than a finger as it expands while baking. The knuckles are shaped by gently squeezing the sides and the creases are formed by lightly scoring across above and below, with a knife. The finger end is formed by gently pressing down with your finger to flatten it a little and then gently squeezing the almond nail in place.
“Lightly dust the joints with cocoa powder and cook, before adding the red icing after – then serve.” JUDGE’S COMMENT: With all his hobbies, I’m not surprised Bob will be handing round bloodied fingers when he next sees his friends – he’s worn them to the bone.
I’m looking forward to the party invite, Bob. That pie’s got my name on it.
SCORE: 10/10
Dear Coleen
My sex life has deteriorated over the lockdowns and I don’t know what to do about it. Basically, we usually only have sex when my boyfriend is quite drunk, so it’s over quickly, leaving me unfulfilled and frustrated.
We’ve both been drinking more over lockdown – most nights in fact, in front of the telly to give us something to look forward to. I guess it’s become a habit.
Previously, our sex life was good, so I know we can get it back, but how do I tackle it with him? I cringe every time I think about mentioning it. We’ve been together for three years.
Coleen says
Why do you cringe when you think of mentioning it? It’s better to have the conversation now than let it go on and become more frustrated and dissatisfied.
The way to approach it could be to ask him first how he feels about your sex life. And when he asks you how you feel, speak up and explain your worries.
There have been lots of different challenges for relationships recently that might not have emerged if we hadn’t been in lockdown. I think it’s about trying to break the habits that you’ve slipped into – like drinking every night, which is now affecting your sex life and your relationship. It should not be the case that you only have sex when you are drunk or find each other attractive when you’re drunk.
If you can open the conversation it might lead to ideas about how to make it better or more exciting. But tackle it together, though.