Cameron, Wilson and PanPan

This week shall be known as the week of the rat(s)

We have been looking after my step-son's pet rats Cameron and Wilson for the week while he was off doing manly things with guns in Wales.  They are in truth adorable but they do retain the destructive tendencies of their wild bretherin.

Enter PanPan the 48 year old panda who has been my constant companion since birth.  Somehow the rat cage got put a little too close to poor old PanPan and she is now somewhat lacking on the arm department.

This is Wilson.

And this is poor PanPan.

This week I have also found a new hobby.  It is called 'getting rid of stuff'.  Its great, dos'nt cost anything to do and makes you feel brilliant! 
We went for a drink at a friends house on Friday and were given a tour of all the things they had bought since we last saw them including a 5 person Jacuzzi and all I could think was Why?  Maybe I am getting it all wrong but I dont want the to do the comsumer thing any more.  Why should I measure myself by the amount things I have amassed?
But I could'nt part with PanPan of course.

Tropical Fruit Wine.

I have been experimenting with Tesco Everyday Value fruit juice for wine making and after several batches, I think I am on to a winner.  I have been using 'Summer Friuts' and 'Tropical Fruit'.  Both are in the chilled section of Tesco at £1.39 for two litres.

The Summer Fruit makes a nice rose with a hint of strawberry while the Tropical Fruit makes a crisp white with a mango twist.  Cost is about 80p per bottle.

Here is what I do;

2 cartons of juice (4litres)

600g sugar

1/2 teaspoon yeast nutrient

1/2 teaspoon yeast.

This takes about a week to ferment out at 25*c

1/2 teaspoon of stabiliser and a really good de-gas.  I pour the wine from one container to another several times.  This is important or the wine will not clear and have a nasty acid fizz to it.

Add finings and leave to clear in a cool place.  The Tropical Fruit has a lot of 'bits' in it and will need racking off once or twice and maybe a little longer to clear. 

Bottle and enjoy.  Its ready to drink but is better after a couple of weeks in the bottle.

Tropical Fruit Wine.