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thanks, everyone. it's simmering away now and smells great - i browned off the meat ans added a stock cube, worcester sauce and a bit of balsamic vinegar, and then cooked the onion in all the spices. chucked it all in together and it looks and smells so nice already.....sloopy: yep, the old farts bought me one for xmas and that pressie made me the happiest girl alive (you know i've wanted one for ages). i love gadgets and usually get ones for xmas/birthdays - over the past few years i have got: a dyson hoover, a steam cleaner, food processor, microwave etc. i'm not offended by it - i usually ask for one! x