(plus non-dairy taste tests)

Gammon steaks, roast potatoes, green veg; mixed berry pie and non-dairy cream

It seems I spoke too soon in saying mum’s problems are being caused by lactose. After two days with no dairy, the severity of mum’s stomach pains has improved, but she is still getting some pain as well as other unpleasant digestive issues.

To add to her misery, mum has started getting episodes of dizziness and severe headaches: I have suggested dehydration might be playing a part but mum assures me she is drinking plenty of water. She points to the multiple glasses of water around the house as proof, although I counter by pointing out that the glasses still have water in them, and it doesn’t count unless you actually drink the water.

I started looking at the FODMAP diet that has been mentioned a few times, and I really hope that isn’t needed as so many of mum’s favourite foods are on the ‘not allowed’ list. Last night, after a dinner of homemade lamb burgers, mum turned big, pleading eyes to me and asked if she could have coffee ice cream again yet. I said it was up to her but I recommended not, and suggested one of the allergen-free toffee and chocolate ice cream cones I had bought instead.

Mum turned up her nose.

I decided I was too tired to bother with the discussion and decamped to my bedroom to play with my Sims instead.

When I returned a short while – and one Sim holiday – later, I noticed the kitchen smelled of smoky lamb fat, so I lit my trusty cook’s candle. Sadly I failed to notice that the smell had also permeated my hair, so overnight my every movement was accompanied by the scent of burgers past.

The first thing I did this morning was to have a shower, and I have now changed my bed covers too, so my sleep tonight should be unperfumed with lamb.

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Over the past few days I’ve tried a few non-dairy products. Opinions are:

Coconut Collab Mango and Passionfruit Yoghurt: I know I’ve mentioned this before, when I said I wasn’t keen on its texture. As mum doesn’t want it, I had some for breakfast this morning with some chopped banana, and rather liked it. I just needed to adjust my expectations from ‘yoghurt’ to ‘coconut product that’s used like yoghurt’, and now I appreciate it enough that I might well buy it again, just for me.

Flora Plant Butter: this should have been called “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”, but sadly that name had already been taken. It really does look and taste just like the spreadable butter we usually use. It melts a little more slowly, but otherwise seems indistinguishable from the real thing. Very impressive.

Alpro Single Cream Soya Alternative: the name is somewhat unwieldy, but it’s a decent imitation of real cream in look and consistency. I thought it had a slightly odd taste – a little smoky, maybe? (or maybe that was the lingering effect of yesterday’s burgers) – but mostly what I could taste was the fruit pie, which is as it should be.

With that, and with the wind and rain pounding the house from all sides, I will take my leave. See you tomorrow, everyone.