Moving around as often as we have can be hard. Leaving best friends behind and hoping to find new ones does wear you down a little.
Every time we have left one state for another there have been people I have been very upset about saying goodbye to. People who I knew I could never replace. People who gave me so much and made me a better person than the one I was before we met.
Our move to New South Wales was perhaps the hardest of all.
The small and isolated towns we had found ourselves in previously were, for the most part, filled with people just like ourselves. People who were a long way from family and old friends. People who were starting a family. There were wives who, like myself, had husband’s working long days and long swings. Although there were some people who had lived there for many years and whose circle of friends was complete, there were also many that were happy to welcome you in. Friends becoming your family was common place.
Moving here, however, was a little more difficult.
Although we were overjoyed to be more civilised, I did notice that no-one needed extra people in their lives and very few people had ever been the new kid. The majority of the people I met were born and bred here. They were surrounded by Mum’s, Dad’s, Uncle’s, Aunt’s, Brother’s, Sister’s, Niece’s, Nephew’s, In-law’s and lifelong friends. They understandably did not have room for new people.
Except for two beautiful ladies.
Two beautiful ladies who didn’t come together, who knew each other more in a wave and say ”Hello” sense.
Two beautiful ladies whose lives were overflowing, but still they squeezed me in. They gave me their time, their smiles and their stories.
Two beautiful ladies who have played an integral role in making this once foreign town my home.
Two beautiful ladies who now sit at my bench, trying my food as I prattle around in the kitchen. Every time this scene is before me I fill with gratitude. I cannot believe that yet again I have been blessed with genuine, kind and caring friends.
Salted Caramel Chocolates
- 6 tablespoons cashew butter or hulled tahini*
- 2 tablespoons honey**
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (soft or liquid)
- 1/2 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 150 grams dark chocolate, melted
- Place all of the ingredients except for the chocolate into a medium sized bowl. Mix until well combined and looking creamy, caramelly and delicious.
- Pour the mixture into mini silicon muffin moulds and place in the freezer for a few hours to set.
- Once set use two forks to dip the caramels into the melted chocolate. Place the dipped caramels onto a tray lined with baking paper and return to the fridge to set.
- Eat and enjoy.
*cashew butter / spread is readily available in the health food section of the supermarkets and from health food stores. Alternatively, it is quick and easy to make your own, here is our recipe. Almond butter / spread and peanut butter also work well in this recipe.
** you can use rice malt syrup if you prefer.