This slice is reminiscent of Jersey Caramels and Jersey Caramels are reminiscent of my Dad.
I suspect I gave him a bag of Jersey Caramels every Father’s Day for many, many years!! I would love to share my version with him, I know he would enjoy it. I think I will whip some up, chop it into cubes and pop it in the post. It will get to him in time for Father’s Day, perfect!
My Dad has never been the type to remember Father’s Day, or Birthdays, or Anniversaries. It is lucky he has a wonderful daughter to ensure his forgetfulness goes unnoticed. In his defence he is perhaps among the busiest men alive. My Dad does not like to stand still, nor does he like to be indoors. He is always helping, fixing, building, or maybe putting on a bet. The other day my daughter dropped her hairbrush, it snapped in half and she said “If only Poppy was here, he could fix it”. I think this sums him up well.
My Dad makes me laugh often, and other times I have no idea what he is talking about. He gave me a love of music and stories that I have passed on to my daughter. He has a carefree, easy going way that I admire, an appreciation of solitude that I too possess, and an unconditional willingness to help that fills me with respect.
There is so much that I love about my Dad and there is no way I can do him justice. So I will just thank him; for all the times he made me laugh and for all the times he didn’t go mad. For all the songs he taught me, for the drives he took me on, but most of all for being the funniest, craziest Pop that my kids could ever hope for. The adoration they have for him amazes me. They truly have a special glow that only comes out when Poppy visits. I still recall my daughter saying at her fourth birthday party that she wouldn’t need anyone else to come, just Poppy. This same little girl had never been jealous of her demanding little brother, she dotted on him, until Poppy visited, “Don’t talk to him” she instructed when Poppy stopped to peek in on the tiny baby boy. We all got such a shock. She could share everything; her Mum, her Dad, her toys, but not her Pop. As for my little man, I suspect he has been your biggest test yet, but you persevered, endured his cries, screams, and tantrums, and ultimately made him laugh louder and longer than he ever had before. You bring them so much joy Pop, and your gentle, accepting nature works wonders with me. I love you for all of this and for so much more. Enjoy your Jersey Caramels, good luck keeping them away from Mum. Have a great Fathers Day. xx
Not Quite Jersey Caramels
- 2 cups desiccated coconut (finely shredded dried coconut)
- 12 medjool dates, seeds removed
- 1 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- Place all of the ingredients into your processor and blend thoroughly, it may take a little while for the coconut to break down and the mixture to come together. Press the mixture firmly into a loaf tin lined with baking paper hanging over the sides. Refrigerate to set.
- Eat and enjoy!