Apricot Frangipane Tart

Somedays, I think I am totally barking. Let me explain. Last weekend, we drove down to Midhurst and got to meet the iGit's Aunty Edna, (yes she does know I have named a hen for her) who emigrated to New Zealand some 25 years ago, and we haven't seen her since. Edna was married to George, but sadly he died suddenly whilst in New Zealand. George was the iGit's Mum's brother, so a great loss to those left behind.

As I mentioned recently, the iGit's Mum had a horrendous fall breaking various bits of hip and thigh, which had to be surgically stuck back together. She is recovering remarkably well given that she is 90 this summer, and is now back home, with the help of a twice daily visiting carer and   a physiotherapist. She isn't up to much walking, and uses a frame,  so travelling anywhere is  not an option. Edna, who is 78 herself, and unable to get insurance for a hire car now back in theUK,  expressed a deep desire to see Agnes (the iGit's Mum who also has a hen named after her; the bossy one).

Being me, wanting everyone to be happy, as it really was a once in a lifetime, maybe  even the last opportunity in their lifetimes, to see each other, glibbly volunteered us as chauffeurs and chefs. What does this entail you ask? Well, tomorrow morning, at the crack of dawn, we shall once again, drive to Midhurst, and collect Edna, together with her sister Joanie.  We will then drive parallel with the South Coast, all the way down to Langton Matraver, a village close to Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck, where my MIL lives. We will do the same on the return journey later that day. Not only did I volunteer us for an epic drive, I also volunteered to provide everyone with lunch and tea as MIL isnt able to shop, or cook much more than a pre-prepared meal for herself.

To this end, I have been on a cooking marathon all week. Roasted a Chicken, made a 5lb honey roast ham, produced various salads' coleslaw; potato,smoked bacon, and onion salad; orange and peanut rice salad, and will knock up a monster green salad tonight. If that weren't enough, I also baked the tart you see above, a 14 inch whopper, of amaretto glazed apricots over frangipane in a sweet pastry case.    I   have also baked another Victoria Sandwich, and will make some scones too for tea, which they can have with my home made damson jam. Hopefully there will be chicken and ham left over to make some sandwiches too, and I shall take some of my home made pickles and piccalilli along too. No one will go hungry.

Kevin's sister will be there too, so it promises to be a tearful day, full of memories, laughter, and shared grief.  One thing ? next time I look like I am about to volunteer myself, tell me to sit down, and shut up; I am  totally cream crackered, and that's before we even get there!