Almost three months later, I am finally here to write down what happened. On Sept 7^th 2017, in fact, Briony won Novice Stake on Partridge at Sandrigham, organized by the Pointer Club of UK. Some might argue that, well, it’s “just” a Novice Stake, but for me it is a great achievement. Briony is not my first English Setter, I got the first one, “Socks” (Slai di Riccagioia),  in 1999, but he was a rescue and he came to me after having be discarded by a “pro” trainer and with a bag full of behavioural problems. In his own way, he was a smart dog, we managed to go hunting alone together (he did not want men with shotguns around him), but there was no way I could rehab completely and train him for trials. I had not enough  skills, nor  experience,  and he would not have dealt well with formal training sessions.  He,  however, opened me new doors as we started training for rough shooting and I got a firearms and hunting license. I met people, got new friends and spent many years rough shooting over English Setters and other pointing breeds up and down the hills of the Northern Apennines. I, somehow, had the chance to watch- and shoot over- hundreds of dogs  during those years, and it was  an incredible experience. I also began attending trials and to work for canine and shooting magazines which lead me to meet breeders, judges and handlers…

After his death, when I started looking for another setter,  I had very clear ideas about what I wanted in my next dog, but not so clear ideas about where to find her! It took months, but I finally located my litter and my puppy, on a farm on the Swiss Alps, not too far from Sankt Moritz (posh dog!). I knew what I needed to know about Briony’s dad, but mum was quite a surprise: she was beautiful, gentle and smart. She came with us heeling off lead to the small village’s café and then sat quietly under the table. I loved that, as well the whole bloodline registered in the pedigree and the parents’ health clearances. When I brought Briony home, people thought she was cute, but too expensive, and that I was going to “ruin” her, training her in my own way and socializing her too much. I just thought she was a terrible pup who did not like me at all. It took quite a while to become friends, probably she was just testing me to be sure she was in good hands!

She was naughty, but smart, and she quickly developed in a good hunting companion. Sometimes she had a mind of her own and sometimes  she was not the easiest dog to handle, but she surely did not lack of determination and bird sense. She was, and she still is,  strong willed and sensitive at the same time. Thanks to friends, we had access to some private estates where she could meet much more birds that she could have met on more affordable – by me –  public grounds. Other people introduced her to woodcock and, I still remember the day, with my surprise, she pointed her first snipe. During these hunting seasons, she learnt to work with other dogs and we worked a lot on backing and on remaining steady on point. I must admit I had good teachers, and that skilled hunters helped us to locate birds, but steadiness to wing was not required. Hunters here want the dogs to be steady on point, but after the bird flies,  all they wish is to hit it, none cares anymore about the dog.

In the meantime, as she also grew prettier, I entered her at a dog show that took place nearby and, to my surprise, she was awarded a RCAC (RCC), so I decided to continue on this road. Briony, however, had other plans and after a stressful indoor show, she decided she wanted  to end her career  as a show dog. She had already a CAC in her pockets and I did not want her journey to end. I am not a show person, and I consider dog shows boring, but I wanted to prove that a good looking working dog, from working (mountain hunting and mountain trials) bloodlines, could make it. So, we went together to take handling lessons with Richard Hellman, a great handler and a great person. Briony seemed to enjoy the lessons and, in August 2015, she became a Show (full) Champion.  I also think that having learnt to face the ring she somehow increased her self esteem.

Field trials were next on my list, but there was a HUGE problem: I did not want to send her away for training, nor to hire a professional trainer as people normally do here. I wanted to train and handle Briony by myself, easier said than done in Italy where field trials are dominated by male professional handlers. But, thanks to an unexpected series of coincidences, in the summer of 2015 I ended up watching the Champion Stake for Pointers and Setters in Northern England and… I had an awakening! I saw some “ordinary people” handling their dogs to a very high standard and I saw very obedient setters! I was used to see very obedient Drahthaars (GWPs), but the average Italian Setter is usually quite a wild critter! I could not believe setters could be that obedient and, as naïve as it might sound, I was impressed.

Briony herself was pretty wild at the time and her nickname was “Tigress” but, again, unexpectedly, a good mentor came to us. You can read more about Briony’s taming for field trials and about “White Feather” clicking here but, in a few words,  I would describe her  training a demanding task,  it was equally rewarding though! It took a while to tame “Tigress”, but as soon as she decided to cooperate, she became impressively reliable and well behaved. This is how we ended up on the moor in the summer of 2016, and this is how my passion for British trials developed even further (you can read more here).  Our first experience with grouse was not that bad: she always behaved and she kept improving but paid her inexperience with grouse during the English Trials and she paid my inexperience with trials in during the Scottish – and the English- trials. She still needed some fine tunings but, overall, I could not complain. At the end of the circuit, I went home with no awards but determined to save money and to go back in 2017.

But, when the time to go again on the moors was close to come, I had to withdraw all my entries as Briony anticipated her season. I wasn’t happy, I was quite disappointed, no… honestly… I was quite upset, but there was not much else I could do. Some friends, however, tried to cheer me up advertising September trials on partridge. It is easier to get a run, they said, the atmosphere is very relaxed, they added and… we are going to run  at Sandrigham Estate, on Queen Elizabeth II’s  grounds, they  concluded. I must admit the last thing they mentioned was very tempting: it was thanks to such a good advertisement that  I decided to bet on partridge trials in Norfolk. That was a brave bet, I shall admit, as I was perfectly aware they were going to be more difficult than grouse trials. While gathering information, I learn that: 1) during the first round, usually on stubble, dogs were going to be evaluated mainly for pace, style and ground treatment and that 2) “a few” hares were going to be present. Uh, I was forgetting the sugar beet! So well, while I was going to do my best to show up with a well behaved dog,  going there to win was not surely  written down in my agenda. I just wanted to be there, see people, get to know things better, learn more and feel part of a world I like.

Briony started the circuit well (we went to the 2^nd round in 4 trials out of 9) and, even if, we could not find any birds on our paths, she was behaving well and respecting hare nicely (I do not have hare here, just rabbits and cats to train on). I was happy, we were learning more and enjoying the social side of September trials : I do not drink, but I was always at the pub! It was nice to see friends doing well and, especially after IGL Snettisham trials , when no awards were given, I was super happy to see Rhia (Tapper) and Sara (Chichester) receiving the Gun’s Choice rosette. Trials proved to be as difficult as I expected: while there were plenty of hare, feathered wildlife was scarce or, should I say, very  smart and very professional at hiding. On Thursday, 7^th of September, (Pointer Club trial  at Sandrigham) I was number 13 AND the bye dog (quite a scary combination), but she did well in the first round, and well again in the second,  so I knew I was going to get “something”, but I did not know what.

When the secretary announced that I had won First Prize, I could not believe it and indeed, the Vaux Silver Tankard, fell from my hands a couple of times! It was like living in a Disney movie and this article should have explained you why. She is the first dog I have ever trained for trials, and I trained her all by myself. Yes, many wonderful people helped me through the journey (in Italy and in the UK, and I am grateful to them all),  but I have always been the one in charge. I am just a normal person with limited training opportunities coupled with a high degree of stubbornness and self discipline which surely helped. This is why everything that could sound normal to someone else, is so special to me,  and yes, winning an award at Sandrigham confirms that Briony is a posh dog!

Ps. I promise I will also write on other dogs  – and not just on mine – as there will be more articles on September trials,  (all partridge trials  rusults can be downloaded here) in the meantime, if you have a chance, take a look at the research project I am working on for my Veterinary Medicine dissertation.

Still curious about British trials? Check the section A Month on the Moor or click here.

La torta di mandorle è una specialità che si trova in tutti i panifici chioggiotti. Essendo da parte paterna originaria di lì, non posso non preparare questa tortina in casa. In inverno soprattutto io la trovo davvero gustosa. La torta consiste in una base di pasta sfoglia (io preferisco usare la brisée) e in un ripieno a base di farina di mandorle, amaretti e biscotti.

Ingredienti:

per la base:
Un rotolo di pasta sfoglia o brisee pronta oppure fatta in casa. Io la faccio in casa con:
100g burro
175g farina
½ bicchiere di acqua

per il ripieno:
2 uova
170g zucchero
200g farina di mandorle
150g amaretti ridotti a farina
150g biscotti ridotti a farina
un bicchierino di rum
un bicchierino di liquore amaretto
½ bicchiere di acqua (per ammorbidire l’impasto se serve).

Lavorazione:

Se fate la base in casa impastate il burro a temperatura ambiente con la farina fino ad ottenere un composto bricioloso. Aggiungete l’acqua e impastate fino ad ottenere un composto liscio. Fate riposare in frigo per un’ora. Io lo preparo il giorno prima per quello dopo.
Per il ripieno unite uova e zucchero e montate. Aggiungete gradualmente gli altri ingredienti alternando i solidi ai liquidi. Il composto sarà morbido ma comunque corposo.
Stendete e livellate la pasta in una tortiera da 24cm e bucherellate. Aggiungete il ripieno.

Cottura: 180° gradi per 30-35 minuti.

Farà una crosticina dura in superficie ma dentro sarà morbida.

Vai alla prossima ricetta.

Puoi iniziare a leggere le ricette di Flavia da qui o trovarle raccolte qui.

Allevatore di setter inglesi e giudice ENCI/FCI

I macroelementi sono facilmente identificabili anche da chi ha poco esperienza o competenza, si manifestano nelle situazioni contingenti, risultano ben evidenti e per questo “misurabili”. La ferma è in effetti l’espressione di una caratteristica di base che rimarca ed evidenzia la fase conclusiva del lavoro; sono rilevanti la tensione e l’espressione, diverse a seconda della razza. Ciò che  conta però ai fini della valutazione complessiva, è la parte a monte che contiene evidenze concrete e/o di natura potenziale, di solito appena percettibili, alla portata di persone che hanno la passione di approfondire.

Comunque, se nello sviluppo della caccia e delle note regolamentari, non sono presenti e operativi  i “meccanismi” significa che le stesse (note), sono disattese nella parte concettuale e centrale e si è dato spazio invece a manifestazioni estetiche che nel tempo annulleranno ciò che non si è sviluppato continuamente con la funzione. Perché ai tempi venivano considerati eccezionali i soggetti grandi cacciatori che nelle prove riuscivano a collocarsi sempre ai posti alti delle classifiche per rendimento e tipicità ? Perché rappresentavano veramente la razza sotto tutti gli aspetti, anche quelli morfologici pur se non prevalenti. Ricordo setter magnifici con affisso del Tidone e del Volo. Le stesse note, di cui sopra, prevedono peraltro che le tipicità di razza siano interagenti con la concretezza della fase realizzativa. Ogni particolarità deve essere strettamente collegata alle altre di simile fondamento determinando un unicum che rappresenterà, nel contesto, un blocco di energia psico-fisica, fasciato dalla tipicità della razza.

ISTINTO: facoltà di conoscere un oggetto o una situazione senza la mediazione del ragionamento; perspicacia, acume, assoggettato alle identità di razza.
INTUITO: tendenza innata che spinge gli esseri viventi ad adottare comportamenti fondamentali.
POTENZIALITA’: carattere e contenuto di ciò che è ancora in potenza e non in atto; visibile da un occhio esperto che sa leggerne i sintomi.
PREDISPOSIZIONE: disposizioni innate, inclinazioni, tendenze, vocazioni.

L ‘intuito è equiparabile al “senso del selvatico”? Se si manifesta in un certo ceppo e con frequenza, è certamente un’abitudine assecondata da elevati elementi funzionali; utile coltivarlo quindi per la probabile fissazione.
I geni sempre e sicuramente trasmessi a tutti gli individui sono i vitali, i funzionali – che mantengono efficienti i comportamenti preposti alla vita -, i riproduttivi per la conservazione della specie.
Esistono alcuni caratteri aggiuntivi che si formano in condizioni particolari, definiti di origine ambientale. Collaborano alla loro fissazione situazioni simili per contenuto, ripetitività ed intensità: le abitudini.

Un cane da ferma assume in linea di massima come apparato genetico standard, la passione per il lavoro, la conformazione,l’equilibrio,l’intelligenza e un marcato grado di affettuosità (i cuccioli appena nati, cercano la mamma,cercano le sue attenzioni, in sostanza quel grado di affettuosità che genererà un rapporto vitale madre-figlio); tutto ciò contiene un potenziale affidamento per la costituzione di un vero rapporto di fiducia uomo-cane e viceversa. Il cucciolone ancor prima di dimostrarsi cacciatore, cerca fortemente “l’amicizia” dell’uomo, concretizzata dall’espressione mimico-gestuale di un potenziale istinto che è alla base della sua formazione come cane da caccia gestito dall’uomo. L’autonomia (altro micro-meccanismo), associata alla cerca, al collegamento, ecc., va gestita, fatta comprendere ma non soffocata da interventi drastici, inidonei ad insegnare; l’insegnamento aiuta il cane a capire ed eseguire secondo indicazioni serene e razionali. Durante l’insegnamento tenere nella massima considerazione,l’espressione dell’occhio. L’espressione dell’occhio (sguardo) quindi,coadiuvata dal colore dell’iride, è un ulteriore indicatore delle sensazioni, esprime gioia, timore, addirittura forti stati emotivi supportati dalla paura, e se si può dire di un cane,dagli stati d’animo. Il colore è rappresentato da geni specifici, come quello del mantello e/o delle mucose e delle unghie. L’intelligenza può essere considerata come coadiuvante delle sensazioni; un surplus, che genera una miscela che potrebbe essere la stessa predisposizione. La riproposizione di queste analisi serve a mantenere viva la base della struttura psichica presente nel cane ed espressa con il temperamento, autentico operatore di scelte ed iniziative nell’attività venatoria. Ha valore concreto quel cane che corre spinto dall’avidità, non ha valore alcuno il cane appartenente alle razze da caccia che corre per il gusto di farlo. Se quest’ultimo genera qualche figlio con il suo “difetto grave”, potrebbe significare che i geni anomali  della corsa si è fissato. E’ meglio allora che i suoi cromosomi rimangano in lui.

Come già ribadito, si manifestano cromosomi portatori di geni “costruiti dalle abitudini” (positive) (A), ed altri formati da altrettante abitudini decisamente negative consistenti, ad esempio, in “sistemi di addestramento” duri e coercitivi (B)  agli antipodi della corretta preparazione. Nel momento dell’accoppiamento i cromosomi trasportano i propri geni sia maschili che femminili ed ognuno vuol piazzare la propria dotazione, in questo contesto, vince il più forte, o il più veloce. Sarebbe interessante capire se si abbinano prima i geni “classici”, o quelli “aggiuntivi”. Per correre meno rischi, gli esperti suggeriscono di stare alla larga dagli iper che primeggiano, ma dei quali non si conosce la storia, quella vera che può darci indicazioni, non i certificati che sino a prova contraria, ci fanno leggere solo nomi. E’ saggio invece concentrarsi sui soggetti che da generazioni, mantengono tipicità e positività. Anche alcune caratteristiche desiderate, difficilmente si riproducono perché hanno una fisionomia di duplice formazione (es. la meccanica del movimento dipende dall’apparato scheletrico e muscolare, ma il comando arriva dal temperamento e questo (altra dote morale ) può intervenire iniettando tipicità oppure mediocrità. Un gene è portatore di un solo carattere.

Confrontando per esempio, una potenzialità positiva (A), con un gene “imposto” (B), prevarrà la prima, dato che rimane nel solco della “regolarità” rappresentata da procedure che assecondano il carattere e l’indole. Il tipo (B) è frutto di una anomalia non prevedibile nel percorso educativo. Una sorta di gesto contro natura.  I “macro” come la ferma, il riporto ed il consenso, si manifestano almeno nel 95% dei casi. Il cinque per cento restante, fa parte dei risultati “selettivi” di chi considera per esempio la ferma un opzional, il consenso qualcosa che è meglio non sia naturale, il riporto un passaggio totalmente inutile, la filata una perdita di tempo ed il collegamento addirittura un’assurdità! Eppure l’identità è rappresentata dai “macro”, ai quali si possono abbinare i meccanismi potenziali e/o occulti, che rimangono tali nel periodo iniziale dello sviluppo. Un mondo inesplorato. La preoccupazione consiste nell’ipotizzare una diminuzione del 95%.

Le potenzialità abbinate a predisposizioni, possono concorrere alla specializzazione. Ho avuto modo di verificare che nascono cani che ancora cuccioloni passano sempre o quasi, in tutte le uscite, dal prato al cespuglio, al boschetto. L’ipotesi è di portatori di un gene di natura ambientale fissato da avi che hanno sempre cacciato prevalentemente e/o esclusivamente nel bosco, ma se anche altri loro fratelli di cucciolata, tutti o anche solo una parte, hanno la medesima predisposizione, l’ipotesi è molto vicino alla realtà di un consolidamento di quei geni. L’istinto e l’intuito credo che non siano adeguatamente considerati e sono convinto che entrambi si esprimano differentemente a seconda della razza. Non è detto che siano sempre entrambi presenti e non è detto nemmeno che abbiano affinità. E’ certo comunque il loro apporto positivo.

Se siete appassionati di cani da caccia non dimenticatevi di dare un’occhiata al Gundog Research Project!

Ingredienti:

2 tuorli + 2 albumi montati a neve
180g di zucchero
2 bicchierini di liquore all’amaretto
500g di mascarpone
150g di amaretti

Lavorazione:

Montate gli albumi a neve e tenere da parte. Montate i tuorli con lo zucchero finché non diventano chiari e spumosi. Incorporate il mascarpone gradualmente, facendo attenzione ai grumi. Unite quindi il liquore e circa 70g di amaretti sbriciolati grossolanamente. Infine, incorporate con movimenti dal basso verso l’alto gli albumi per non smontarli.

Composizione:

Prendete le coppette e sbriciolate gli amaretti avanzati sul fondo bagnandoli con un po’ di liquore all’amaretto. Create uno strato di crema, un altro di amaretti sbriciolati e un altro di crema. Decorate a vostro piacere!

Puoi iniziare a leggere le ricette di Flavia da qui o trovarle raccolte qui.

Vai alla prossima ricetta.

Questa torta l’ho imparata a fare dal mio papà (come tante altre torte “base”).
E ogni volta che la preparava quando ero bambina sapevo che era arrivato l’autunno.
La torta è molto semplice, leggera e non particolarmente elaborata; ideale come merenda energetica sana e gustosa.

Ingredienti:

500g patate americane
100g zucchero
100g farina
Un bicchierino di rum
2 bicchieri di latte
1 bustina di lievito
Uvette q.b.

Lavorazione:

Lessate le patate in pentola a pressione per circa 20 minuti e passatele con passa verdure. Mettete in ammollo le uvette in acqua calda per farle rinvenire. Aggiungete lo zucchero e la farina setacciati, quindi incorporate i liquidi gradualmente. Aggiungete la bustina di lievito.

Cottura: 180° gradi per 50 minuti.

La torta ottenuta sarà non tanto alta e dalla consistenza corposa.

Puoi iniziare a leggere le ricette di Flavia da qui o trovarle raccolte qui.

Vai alla prossima ricetta.

In the month of August, browsing Facebook, I saw a very peculiar bag posted by a friend of mine and decided I wanted more information. I asked her, and she told me only good things about the bag and about the brand. This is how I discovered Fritlex, a small Italian company producing artisan made (handmade) bags created with recycled materials. Used inner inner tubes are the soul of these bags but also the bags’s lining is recycled. Fritlex bags come in different shapes and colours, well… wait a minute, I should not call the beautiful graphics on them “colours”! The man who invented this brand, Alex Gavazza, in fact, besides cleaning, cutting and sewing inner tubes, uses his artistic skills to create beautiful images destined to be featured on his bags. So… when you choose a Fritlex, you can choose a model and, within the model, a specific image. The choice is incredibly wide and you can pick one according to your favourite colours and style, or you can even ask Alex to let you create your own one. All you need to do to to get your unique bag is to visit Fritlex website, choose a model that allows personalization and upload the image you would like to carry around. If you intend to do so, however, I suggest contacting Alex first to ask some advice on the quality of the imagine you are going to submit, he will surely know better than you if it will look nice on the finished product.

Look at the gallery here, my bag and the one a friend made for herself:

This is exactly what I did, I worked on some images with Photoshop and we later decided together which ones were going to look better A order was then placed and, about one week later, I had my Fritlex delivered at home. Was it expensive? I do not think so, my model , the Shopper was priced 59 euros (including shipment) but in August there was a 20% discount coupon on all the items so…. I paid a very honest price for something handmade and personalized. It is very well made and sturdy: I have been using it daily for about two months, in all weathers (it went to the UK with me!) and situations and it still look perfect. This sturdy and waterproof bag is also elegant and practical, it can be closed with a zipper and it has 4 inner pockets and a special clasp to which you can connect your key chain. Its measures are 35 x 33 x 10 centimeters and has two handles long enough to allow you to use it as a shoulder bag or, if you prefer, a strap to transform it in a cross body bag.

Quality/price ratio is exceptional but, most of all, I am super happy to have my dog Briony featured nicely on a bag. This does not look like the standard printed bag you can get from any photo printing service. This is a beautiful, handmade in Italy, bag with your own personalized design, I couldn’t ask for more!

This is the sort of bag (or laptop bag or wallet!) people would like to get as a gift, or a good gift for yourself!

Fritlex Facebook Page

Fritlex Website

Nello scorso mese di agosto, navigando su Facebook, ho visto la fotografia di una borsa molto particolare e sono subito corsa ad informarmi, scoprendo soltanto buone cose. E’ così che ho scoperto il marchio Fritlex, una piccola ditta italiana (la sede è in provincia di Vercelli) che produce borse artigianali, fatte a mano, con materiali riciclati. Il cuore delle borse, infatti, è costituito da camere d’aria riciclate, ma anche le fodere interne sono fatte con stoffe di seconda mano. Le borse Fritlex esistono in vari modelli e colori, è un po’ inappropriato parlare di colori dal momento che si tratta di splendidi disegni. Alex Gavazza, l’uomo che ha inventato le Fritlex, non è certo cresciuto lavando, tagliando e cucendo camere d’aria: è un grafico e usa le sue capacità artistiche per creare immagini cui abbellire le borse Fritlex. Scegliere una di queste borse non è quindi affatto facile: oltre ai tanti modelli ci sono i tanti disegni e un ventaglio di scelta così ampio ti permette di decidere in base al colore preferito, in base allo stile e persino di andare oltre richiedendo una borsa con un disegno su misura. Alex può crearla per te! Avere una Fritlex personalizzata è molto semplice, tutto quello che devi fare è andare sul sito della ditta, scegliere uno dei modelli personalizzabili e caricare l’immagine che vorresti sempre portare con te. Per accertarti che la tua immagine sia adatta allo scopo, puoi anche contattare direttamente Alex e chiedergli un parere: io ho agito così ritenendo che lui potesse immaginare molto meglio di me il prodotto finito.

Guarda la gallery con la mia borsa e la borsa fatta personalizzare da un’amica qui sotto.

Così, ho elaborato alcune immagini che mi piacevano con Photoshop e poi abbiamo scelto insieme quelle più adatte. Circa una settimana dopo la mia Fritlex è arrivata a casa con il corriere. È stato costoso? Direi di no: il mio modello è la Shopper che, nella versione personalizzata, di listino costa 59 euro, spedizione inclusa, in agosto c’era uno sconto del 20% su tutti gli articoli quindi… direi che ho pagato un prezzo estremamente ragionevole per un prodotto fatto a mano e personalizzato. La borsa ha buone rifiniture ed è molto robusta: la sto usando ininterrottamente da due mesi, in tutte le situazioni e in tutti i climi (è anche andata in Inghilterra con me!) ed è sempre come nuova. Oltre ad essere robusta e impermeabile, la borsa è anche elegante, si chiude con una cerniera a prova di ladro, ha 4 tasche interne e un gancio a cui attaccare il mazzo di chiavi. Le misure sono 35 x 33 x 10 centimetri e ci sono due manici che permettono di indossarla come borsa a spalla o, se preferite, una lunga striscia in tessuto per trasformarla in una tracolla.

Il rapporto qualità prezzo, in definitiva, è eccellente ma, soprattutto, io sono contenta di averla potuta personalizzare con Briony. Quella che ho ottenuto non è la solita borsa fatta stampare online, è un prodotto di qualità, fatto a mano, in Italia e su misura, non potrei chiedere di più! Queste borse, così come i portafogli e le valigette porta laptop possono essere un regalo gradito da fare agli amici, o anche a voi stessi!

Pagina Facebook Fritlex

Sito internet Fritlex

La torta tenerina è un dolce semplicissimo supercioccolatoso tipico della zona di Ferrara. La sua peculiarità è legata al fatto che sopra ha una crosticina croccante e dentro invece ha una consistenza “fondente” bella morbida, il cioccolato si scioglie in bocca per via del fatto che all’interno c’è pochissima farina.

Ingredienti:

4 tuorli + 4 albumi montati a neve

100g zucchero

100g burro

200g cioccolato fondente

2/3 cucchiai di maizena (amido di mais)

Succo di un’arancia (se volete potete ometterlo)

Lavorazione:

Sciogliete a bagnomaria il cioccolato fondente col burro e lasciate intiepidire per evitare che aggiungendolo sulle uova il composto impazzisca.

Montate i tuorli con lo zucchero e aggiungete la maizena e il succo d’arancia.

Aggiungete cioccolato e burro fuso lasciati raffreddare.

Incorporate gli albumi con movimenti dal basso verso l’alto.

Cottura: 180 gradi per 18-20minuti

La crosticina sopra potrebbe creparsi un po’. È un effetto normale. Spolverate con un po’ di zucchero a velo.

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Herewith a tribute to Lady Jean Fforde who has passed away on 13th October 2017,  3 weeks before her 97th birthday by Jon Kean

I first met Lady Jean in the 1970s – appropriately enough it was on the grouse moors in Perthshire. Janette and I were there just to spectate at the field trial and find out more about working Pointers and Setters. Lady Jean immediately put us at ease and explained what was happening at the trial. My one abiding memory from that day was the unusual footwear Lady Jean sported. It was a pair of sandshoes (baseball type) with the words “Skateboard City” emblazoned on the side. Her great friend Mrs Patience Badenoch Nicolson was there too. Their guidance inspired me to find out more about working Pointers.

From that day, friendship developed and I learned so much from Lady Jean and Patience about working Pointers. After a while, I asked Lady Jean if it would be possible to purchase an Isle of Arran Pointer. My wish was granted! In historical terms, the Pointer kennels were among the first, if not the first, to be registered by her grandfather at the Kennel Club when it was formed. In 1983, I brought back from Arran two male puppies from Lady Jean’s litter, sired by Moanruad Aron (the late John Nash’s Pointer) and Isle of Arran Neillia (litter sister of the 1981 Champion Stake winner FT CH Isle of Arran Larch, handled by Mrs Marcia Clark). I reared Isle of Arran Micha and the brother Isle of Arran Gideon was bought by Duncan Davis from the North of England. The rest, as they say, is history. Gideon duly became a field trial Champion and Micha (pet name Duke) won the Champion Stake at Bollihope Moor in County Durham in 1989. Duke was a fantastic Pointer for our shooting trips to Garrogie Estate, owned by Charles Connell in Invernesshire. Apart from his game finding ability, Duke’s great attribute was his stamina and endurance. He had the strength of 3 dogs.

Lady Jean and Patience were hugely influential people in the Pointer world. They were always willing to help and offer advice to anyone interested in working gundogs. One day, I was called aside for an informal chat. Lady Jean told me: “Patience and I both agree that you need to put something back into the sport. We think you should take on the role of Honorary Secretary of the Scottish Field Trials Association.” I was duly appointed in 1986 and have done the job of Secretary for the Pointers and Setters ever since.

Looking back, there were many famous Pointers with the Isle of Arran prefix. The list is endless – Isle of Arran African Queen, Scotney Isle of Arran Regent, Isle of Arran Juno, FT CH Scotney Isle of Arran Jack, Isle of Arran Minoru, FT CH Isle of Arran Dice, Isle of Arran Lilly. Lady Jean’s favourite was FT CH Isle of Arran June, a beautiful orange and white bitch. In Lady Jean’s memoir, she wrote: “ June became the dog of my life – I adored her! Considering she was the first dog of any kind I had trained myself, she was a miracle. I trained her by phoning Patience Nicolson week by week, and asking for instructions.”

Lady Jean was President of the Pointer Club of Scotland since it was founded many years ago. She had many, many interests outwith the world of field trials. She was a keen gardener, for example. Her parents brought back many rare plants from their trips throughout the world. On our visits to Strabane, her home at Brodick, Lady Jean gave us a guided tour of the gardens. On one visit, Lady Jean told us she would be sending her friend to collect us from the ferry at Brodick. The friend just happened to be Richard Todd, the Oscar-nominated actor best known for war dramas like The Hasty Heart, The Dam Busters and The Longest Day.

She was also involved with the RNLI and the Red Cross. She was an artist. Lady Jean wrote fascinating memoirs – Castles in the Air and Feet On the Ground – From Castles to Catastrophe. In those books, we discover she spent part of her life in India, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Northern Rhodesia and of course her beloved Isle of Arran. It was at the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park that Lady Jean joined the army of women who cracked the German code to save countless lives and shorten the war by at least two years.

Lady Jean’s mother was very keen on taking cine films of life on Arran, which included stalking and shooting over Pointers on the island from the 1930s onwards. A couple of years ago we spent a lovely afternoon in Strabane viewing some of the reels of film, and they are fascinating to watch.

Lady Jean sent me a gift of the book called Training Setters and Pointers for Field Trials, by Professor John Beazley, Alf Manners and Arnold White-Robinson. It is signed : “To Jon. Wishing You every luck in field trials with your puppy. Jean Fforde 1981.” I have used this book as a guide for seminars ever since.

In 1982, Lady Jean asked me to show her Champion Stake winner, Larch, at Crufts in London. This I duly did and was thrilled when the Judge Mrs Kitty Edmondson awarded a prize to Larch. Unbeknown to me,Lady Jean’s best friend , Princess Antoinette of Monaco, was a surprise visitor at the ringside at Crufts.

I will always have great memories of Lady Jean. Our last visit to Lady Jean was in July this year. She was in good spirits and very keen to hear news from the world of Pointers. RIP Lady Jean.

Still curious about British trials? Check the section A Month on the Moor or click here.

The transition from the toy varieties to a spaniel is somewhat violent. The one is intended to please the eye, to gratify the æsthetic sense, and charm by his manners in the house; the other is designed primarily, by serving the sportsman in the held, to accomplish useful duties, but at the same time his docility of disposition, sagacity of expression and beauty of coat make him also a welcome companion when the day’s labours are ended. In estimating the worth of a gundog I should lay much stress upon his fitness for associating with mankind, for there is no doubt that if we win the confidence and friendship of our four-footed servitors the pleasure in their possession is much increased, and we have them under far better command when at work. Of all the foolish things written the hackneyed couplet so much quoted has precedence:

The ladies are quite capable of looking after themselves, and need no champion. I daresay a walnut tree may be all the better for a good “splashing,” as we used to say in the Midlands, but I am certain the less a whip is used on a dog of any sort the more likely are we to be successful in our efforts to exact prompt and ready obedience to our commands. The man who uses physical correction too freely is in want of a practical application of the monition contained in the Book of Proverbs: “A rod for the back of fools.”

Of the many handsome sub-varieties of spaniels with which we are familiar to-day the English Springer, perhaps, enjoys the least popularity, although his merits as a worker entitle him to a high place in our regard. As a show dog he has never assumed much prominence, but at held trials and on private shootings he is constantly demonstrating his utility. No other spaniel has been bred less for “points” or more consistently for work. Less excitable than the volatile Cocker, his longer legs and sturdier frame adapt him to purposes which the smaller is unable to perform. On the other hand, unless well broken, he, by ranging too far afield, may put up the game out of gunshot. It therefore follows that in his early days he must be made absolutely steady.  Whether he becomes so or not is not so much attributable to the inherent wickedness of the dog as to the lack of patience in his breaker. One is almost inclined to say that the good breaker is born not made. At any rate, supposing you have the leisure, this is a task better undertaken by yourself than entrusted to a gamekeeper, who may have neither the time nor disposition to act as a wise schoolmaster.

A Springer is large enough to retrieve both far and feather, but whether or no he should be encouraged to do this depends upon circumstances. General Hutchinson says: “When a regular retriever can be constantly employed with spaniels, of course it will be unnecessary to make any of them fetch game (certainly never to lift anything which falls out of bounds), though all the team should be taught to ‘seek dead.’ This is the plan pursued by the Duke of Newcastle’s keepers, and obviously it is the soundest and easiest practice, for it must be always more or less difficult to make a spaniel keep within his usual hunting limits, who is occasionally encouraged to pursue wounded game, at his best pace, to a considerable distance.”

The word Springer is applied to all medium-legged spaniels, as apart from the short-legged ones, that are neither Clumbers nor Sussex. It is of good old English derivation, denoting the object for which the dog was employed—-to spring birds to the net or gun. The form of the dog has not undergone any marked change since a Dictionary of Sport, published shortly before Queen Victoria came to the throne, spoke of him as differing but little from the Setter, except in size, being nearly two-fifths less in height and strength. He is of symmetrical formation, varying a good deal in size from thirty pounds to sixty pounds, with unbounded energy. He may be a self-coloured liver, black, or yellow, or pied or mottled with white, tan, or both. Miss Earl’s picture brings out beautifully the correct shape of his body, and the handsome intelligent-looking head. Older pictures suggest that a hundred years ago or less the skull was broader between the ears, and the head shorter, but the refining process has not been carried far enough to jeopardise the brain power. In many breeds I have noticed that a broad skull indicates self-will and stubbornness, and therefore it seems to me that the slight change is all for the better.

The other variety of Springer indigenous to Wales is quite distinct from our own. He is smaller in size, and in colour he is red or orange and white, preference being given to the former.

From the same book: click here to read about the English Pointer.