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A New Version of the Old Header

June 28th, 2009 | Add a Comment

Thanks to Richard for taking the time to update the old header, it’s much appreciated. [Translate] … Read entire article »

Filed under: Uncategorized

Potatoes Grown in a Container, the Grand Reveal!

June 24th, 2009 | 2 Comments

This weekend we had the grand reveal of  the potatoes which we had grown in a container. It was really exciting to see how well or  maybe not… they had done. In early April we planted five Charlotte seed potatoes in a yellow tub using our own compost as it was there and available and apart from watering just left them on their own. NB when planting the potatoes fill the container half full to start, then when the green shoots show add  more compost to fill the container. On Fathers Day, (21st June in UK) so that would be about 11/12 weeks of growing time and the potatoes were beginning to surface so the waiting stopped and the weighing began. To our surprise they weighed in at … Read entire article »

Filed under: Gardening, Veggie Plot

Red Current Jelly

June 22nd, 2009 | Add a Comment

The two red current bushes planted in 2007 have  produced some currents, not many,  about a pound or so  but I wanted  make some jelly and save it for the winter. This jelly is ideal for serving with lamb or venison, but as I don’t eat meat it’s just fine for me on scones with lashings of cream or just with some fresh bread and butter. I love the beautiful jewel like colour of the jelly and hoped to make the very best of the flavour so the recipe I choose is loosely based on one I found in Elizabeth David Classics by Dorothy Hartley. The fruit should be ripe and at its very best. Wash and strip the currents although stripping is not a necessity. Place in a casserole dish set in a water … Read entire article »

Filed under: Recipes, Sweet, Uncategorized

Lemon and Elderflower Marmalade

June 7th, 2009 | 9 Comments

To make this marmalade you first need to make the elderflower cordial, I have invented this recipe to use up the lemons that are so wonderfully flavoured with the elder flowers, it seems such a waste to bin them when they can be made into this delicious marmalade. I make it by covering the lemons in a half water and half elderflower cordial and cook until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Now weigh them and add the same weight in sugar Bring to the boil (110c)  and continue at a rolling boiling  until setting point is reached. This can be checked by the cold plate test, put a teaspoon of marmalade on the plate and let it cool, if it wrinkles when you push your finger against it, it is at … Read entire article »

Filed under: Recipes, Sweet

Elderflower Cordial

June 7th, 2009 | Add a Comment

Elderflower cordial is quintessentially English, it summons up the perfect English summer garden drink. It has a bouquet that is light and fragrant and the flavour is so soft and velvety.  It can be diluted  with still or fizzy water and with the addition of a sprig of mint and slice of lemon and some ice it is so welcome on a long hot summer day. It is a great additive to gin or vodka and the cordial can be heated gently and evaporated to a syrup and served with ice-cream or fruit such as gooseberries or rhubarb. The season for the flowers is short so take advantage whilst you have the opportunity. It appeals to all my values, the ingredients are fresh, the flowers are free, and the result is fabulous…well … Read entire article »

Filed under: Beverages, Food freebies, Recipes

Late Spring in the Garden

June 7th, 2009 | Add a Comment

… Read entire article »

Filed under: Gardening