Lee Common School PTA

The High Price Of Parenthood

"...as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don't know we don't know."

Donald Rumsfeld

And there are things we don't know that we wish we did, and there are also things we do know that we wish we didn't...

The High Price Of Parenthood is one of those you know, but you don't really know, and when you do really know, you really wish you didn't...er, know.

From the Motley Fool. Again.
Sorry.

Mincemeat

Here's a recipe for all those who make fabulous mince pies but usually use a bought mincemeat.

Homemade mincemeat is so easy and delicious that once you’ve made it you’ll never want to buy it again. This recipe contains no suet so it is very fruity and light. However, to give extra moisture and to improve keeping add 150 grams of suet and place in a warm oven for 1-2 hours to allow it melt and coat the fruit. Once packed into sterilized jars this version will keep in a cool dark place for up to a year, if you don't eat it all.

Makes about 2-2.5 kg or 5lb

• 680g (1 lb 8 oz) Dried Currants
• 450g (1 lb) Light brown sugar
• 450g (1 lb) Cooking apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped
• 170g (6 oz) Dark muscovado sugar
• 340g (12 oz) Sultanas
• 340g (12 oz) Raisins
• 170g (6 oz) Almonds, chopped ( optional )
• 170g (6 oz) Mixed Peel, chopped
• 170 ml (6 fl oz) Brandy
• 1 tsp Ground Allspice
• 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 2 Lemons, finely grated zest and juice

1. Place all the ingredients In a large bowl, mix well to combine.
2. Cover and allow to stand overnight.
3. Pack the mixture into sterilized jars, sharply tap on a cloth lined surface to remove air pockets and cover with jam pot covers.
4. Store in the fridge or freezer and use within 3 months.

Stir before using, adding a little more brandy, rum or sherry, if desired.

 

Variation: Extra freshly grated apple and chopped cranberries can be added to create a really fruity mincemeat.

Rowan Jelly

Here is the first of five recipe suggestions for preserves and pickles that are all easy to make. Each one can be made as a small batch which makes them perfect for using and giving over the festive season.

Rowan jelly
This hedgerow jelly is practically free to make and is fabulous when served with rich oily meats and game such as lamb, goose, duck and grouse. Use a little along with red wine and shallots to make a base for a sauce. Alternatively, serve cold with farmhouse cheddar or handmade English blue cheese. 

Makes: 1.4 - 1.8 kg  / 3 - 4 lb

• 900g ( 2 lb) Rowan Berry
• 900g ( 2 lb) Crab Apples or other small hard apples
• Water
• Sugar

1. Pick over the berries, remove stalks, wash and dry.
2. Wash the apples, removing any bruises or blemishes.
3. Put the fruit and enough water to just cover into a heavy based pan or jam pan.
4. Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender. Pour into a sterilized jelly bag or muslin lined sieve and allow to strain - this will take about 6 hours. It can be left, lightly covered, overnight. Do not press or squeeze the pulp as the jelly will be cloudy.
5. Measure the liquid. For every pint of liquid use 300g of sugar. In a preheated oven warm the sugar in an ovenproof bowl for 15 - 20 mins.
6. Pour the juice into a clean heavy based pan, add the warmed sugar and stir to dissolve.
7. Bring to a rapid boil, skimming to remove scum and stirring occasionally until gel point is reached. Test the set by dropping a little of the jelly onto a cold saucer. Cool and push with your finger, it wrinkles when set.
8. Cool slightly and pack into sterile jars.

Apron Art Gallery

So, you think you know your children?

Take this pop quiz - which of these self portraits is your little bundle? If you click the image you will see the full version of the portrait, and from the watermark you may be able to work out who the artist is.

The full portraits have been photographed (too large to scan), and consequently the background paper has been brightened a bit for display on the web, cropped as closely as possible to the edges of the original paper size (A3), and reduced for display.

The portraits exhibit the same placement and size reative to the A3 sheet, but have much more life and are not so light in tone.

Cut the cost of childcare

Childcare costs in the UK are the highest in Europe, and with the average full time cost of a nursery place in the UK costing £141 a week, and those in London and the South East costing far more that that, every penny counts.

For another in our links to child relevant finance articles have a look at Cut The Cost Of Childcare! - 30/10/2006 - The Motley Fool UK.

This report follows the investigation of a mother into how parents can save on their childcare costs and highlights the Government's childcare voucher scheme as one of the most tax efficient.

This scheme requires administration by employers or third parties acting for the employer, and if the vouchers are not active in your workplace it offers advice on how you might promote the scheme.

The article provides the reader with figures to help structure the argument for a scheme beneficial to the employer and their employees; who knows, it may help overcome the inertia in your own smaller yet-wanting-to-care firm. Read on.

Tips From The Junior Market

between the ages of one to eleven parents can expect to spend some £92,000 or 56% of the total estimated cost of raising a child.

We recently posted an article regarding financial planning options and long term savings growth strategies for children highlighted by the Motley Fool.

Nice to know what your options are.

Now you can read a little about where they think your options should be.

Tips From The Junior Market - 17/10/2006 - The Motley Fool UK

So, if we got the £92,000 up front...

LCSA Meeting Minutes 4.10.06

Meeting minutes for the LCSA Open Meeting on the 4th October were put into the children's book bags last week on the 12th, but you can get a copy here and find out what you missed...

Please send me a copy of the Christmas Fair meeting minutes from the 4th October 2006, here is my email address.

Email Address *

Aprons - no strings attached!

In place of the tea-towels we had as our fundraiser last year we have sourced some great aprons! Available in three sizes these calico aprons measure 50cm, 70cm and 84cm respectively from top of bib to hem.

Each child can draw their own artwork to be reproduced in full colour on the bib section, and as each child's artwork is completed we will post it in a gallery on this site.

The deadline for advance orders is Wednesday 9th November.

Along with the cookbook these will make fabulous Christmas presents for family and friends so don’t forget to order!

Use this form to pre-order your aprons!

Email Address *
First Name *
Last Name *

Toddler Aprons @ £4.00 each:	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Child Aprons @ £4.50 each:	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Adult Aprons @ £8.00 each:	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Treasurer found

A big "Thank You" to Annie Smith for agreeing to be the LCSA treasurer for this year. Annie has been invaluable in set up and break down at all LCSA/school events, so with Annie as treasurer we now, of course, need additional cover. If you can help please talk to a committee member, or send an email.

Autumn walks

There's no excuse: we've had some fine days lately, so why not pull on your walking boots and wellies, drag the children away from whatever they're doing and stomp off for a bracing country walk?  We all have our favourites - why not share yours?  This one is around 2 miles long and starts from the green at The Lee.  For those still at the pushchair stage of things, it is definitely not for a McLaren, but is moderately 3-wheeler friendly (there is one kissing gate that you'll have to lift the buggy over).  Read on for directions...