At last after what has been a very long, wet, mild winter the sun is out and there is a vibrant blue sky. The air is fresh and warm during the day although still chilly at night.
Out in the garden, the bulbs are emerging from their earthy depths and buds are forming on shrubs and trees.
A busy weekend in the garden has seen a lot of weeding and tilling of the soil, gathering of debris left from the winter storms and a first 'haircut' for the lawns ,not too short but just enough to create that wonderful freshly mown grass fragrance.
I have also been busy clearing pathways and patio areas from intrusive weeds. It takes a while to dig out and remove these intruders but in the long term it can be more effective than using just weedkiller.
For those of you lucky enough to own a greenhouse, you can start to acclimatise your new seedlings on warmer days, by popping them out into the sunshine for a few hours. It is advisable though to place them away again at night as we are still prone to overnight frosts until May time.
I have also been tidying up my herbs in preparation for use in the kitchen. There are some wonderful things on the market now for those of you with very little outside space which allows you to grow herbs, flowers or vegetables practically anywhere. Hydroponics have been around for a while and is an excellent way of cultivating some home produce (check out data on www.theherbgardencentre.com) this gives you an insight in how this can help you cultivate 'crops' without soil.
Happy gardening!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Posh 'chipped' potatoes
Having read the recent hype about twice fried posh chips and potatoes whose virtues are currently being extolled by some celebrity chefs I thought I would share my favourite more healthy option which is a firm family favourite.
The celebrity chefs version involves twice deep frying which lets be honest is not only unhealthy but has also caused a recent surge of kitchen fires as folks try to recreate the recipe at home. The aim is to create chips or potatoes that are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The 'cheffy' version also takes an inordinate amount of time in preperation, boiling them first and then freezing them before deep frying twice over in hot oil. Lets be frank here, who has the time to do that after a busy day at work, certainly not I?
For those of you who would like to create an equally tasty accompaniment to your meal why not try this more simplified version.
Posh 'chipped' potatoes
Maris piper potatoes ( 1 medium sized potato per person)
2 Tablespoons of semolina
Vegetable oil
Method
Heat oven to 200oC/Gas mark 5
Peel potatoes and cut into either thick wedges or battons
Place in a saucepan of cold water and bring to the boil
Simmer for 5/7 mins
Remove from heat and drain in a collander
Place semolina into a large plastic sandwich/freezer bag
Take each piece of potato (still warm) and put them into the bag
Gently move bag so that all pieces of the potato are coated in semolina
Remove potato pieces from bag and place on a baking sheet lined with greaceproof paper. Disgard any left over semolina.
Spray potato pieces lightly with the vegetable oil (or drizzle with oil) so that the semolina is coated.
Cook for 20-25 mins turning them over half way through cooking until lightly golden and crisp
Delicious served with either Steak, Fish, Poached Eggs, Roasted meats/poultry, Omlette, Gammon, Sausages.
You can also adopt this method for your Roast potatoes!
The celebrity chefs version involves twice deep frying which lets be honest is not only unhealthy but has also caused a recent surge of kitchen fires as folks try to recreate the recipe at home. The aim is to create chips or potatoes that are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The 'cheffy' version also takes an inordinate amount of time in preperation, boiling them first and then freezing them before deep frying twice over in hot oil. Lets be frank here, who has the time to do that after a busy day at work, certainly not I?
For those of you who would like to create an equally tasty accompaniment to your meal why not try this more simplified version.
Posh 'chipped' potatoes
Maris piper potatoes ( 1 medium sized potato per person)
2 Tablespoons of semolina
Vegetable oil
Method
Heat oven to 200oC/Gas mark 5
Peel potatoes and cut into either thick wedges or battons
Place in a saucepan of cold water and bring to the boil
Simmer for 5/7 mins
Remove from heat and drain in a collander
Place semolina into a large plastic sandwich/freezer bag
Take each piece of potato (still warm) and put them into the bag
Gently move bag so that all pieces of the potato are coated in semolina
Remove potato pieces from bag and place on a baking sheet lined with greaceproof paper. Disgard any left over semolina.
Spray potato pieces lightly with the vegetable oil (or drizzle with oil) so that the semolina is coated.
Cook for 20-25 mins turning them over half way through cooking until lightly golden and crisp
Delicious served with either Steak, Fish, Poached Eggs, Roasted meats/poultry, Omlette, Gammon, Sausages.
You can also adopt this method for your Roast potatoes!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
New Year, New book
A belated but never the less sincere Happy New Year to you all.
It is ages since I issued my last blog. Needless to say one of my new year's resolutions is to be more organised!
I would like to point out that I have not been idle since my last post, I have finished a couple of short stories and have mapped out my second book. As yet a publication date is not known but I will keep you posted as I progress.
In addition preparations for the Holiday period, my full time job and family life have kept me busy over the last several weeks. I can't believe that the time has passed so quickly.
After the hustle and bustle of December all of the planning, shopping, cooking, wrapping and eating has now passed. Another Christmas is over and another New Year has now started.
Those that I have spoken too over the last week have all pretty much said the same thing, that whilst the start of a New Year is exciting, in some ways it can also be quite a worry as we anticipate what is ahead. All without exception stated that they felt rather emotional as the chimes of Big Ben sounded and then faded into the distance. This was a moment of true contemplation for everyone (drunk or sober).
As the fireworks in the Capital began so too thoughts of New Year resolutions popped into our heads - getting fitter and toning up, losing weight, stop smoking, drink less, control finances, get a new job etc, etc. These were just a few of those friends were willing to share.
From a personal perspective as I mentioned above I want to publish a second book and spend more time doing the enjoyable things in life which when we are without focus can be shelved or abandoned.
So folks I have picked up the proverbial gauntlet - onwards and upwards it is!
It is ages since I issued my last blog. Needless to say one of my new year's resolutions is to be more organised!
I would like to point out that I have not been idle since my last post, I have finished a couple of short stories and have mapped out my second book. As yet a publication date is not known but I will keep you posted as I progress.
In addition preparations for the Holiday period, my full time job and family life have kept me busy over the last several weeks. I can't believe that the time has passed so quickly.
After the hustle and bustle of December all of the planning, shopping, cooking, wrapping and eating has now passed. Another Christmas is over and another New Year has now started.
Those that I have spoken too over the last week have all pretty much said the same thing, that whilst the start of a New Year is exciting, in some ways it can also be quite a worry as we anticipate what is ahead. All without exception stated that they felt rather emotional as the chimes of Big Ben sounded and then faded into the distance. This was a moment of true contemplation for everyone (drunk or sober).
As the fireworks in the Capital began so too thoughts of New Year resolutions popped into our heads - getting fitter and toning up, losing weight, stop smoking, drink less, control finances, get a new job etc, etc. These were just a few of those friends were willing to share.
From a personal perspective as I mentioned above I want to publish a second book and spend more time doing the enjoyable things in life which when we are without focus can be shelved or abandoned.
So folks I have picked up the proverbial gauntlet - onwards and upwards it is!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
LOVING PETS
As a nation of animal lovers we often share stories of the antics our pets get up to.
My family have always had dogs 'wire haired fox terriers' to be precise whilst my Husbands family went for larger dogs (ie German shepherds). It was quite strange therefore when as a family unit we took responsibility for two gorgeous RSPCA rescue kittens.
They are brother and sister and had been part of a litter of six. The others had been given good homes already and we simply did not have the heart to split them up.
Our lives changed forever and all good intentions disappeared very quickly - you see dogs have owners but cats have staff!
They quickly find the warmest and most comfortable places to sleep, waking briefly just for food or a short stroll, particularly over the winter months.
During the Summer they can be seen 'toasting' themselves nicely on the warmth of the shed roof, patio chairs or resting in the shade of the magnolia tree.
Their favourite dishes are lovingly prepared for them but they are not adverse to turning up their noses at their favourite cat food if they think a small bowl of prawns, tuna or raw fillet steak may leap off the kitchen work surfaces in their direction. They look affronted if you ignore their calls for cat milk or treats, reaching up to tap your knee or elbow so that you can not rest until they
have what they want.
Although related, their personalities are so very different. Our female cat is a beautiful ball of black fluff and emerald green eyes with a perfect pussy cat profile that would not look out of place on a witches broomstick but enough about me!
She puts the 'cat' into 'catwalk' and by the way she struts up the garden path could give any supermodel a run for their money. She is haughty and aloof but beware the person who thinks she is a sweet little innocent. As quick as a flash she will turn from a docile angelic being into a claw wielding, teeth baring, growling, hissing monster. I for one never knew cats growled!
Our male cat by comparison is suave and debonair in appearance, wearing his tuxedo like 007. He was the runt of the litter sporting
additional toes on each paw and an overly long tail. He is docile, affectionate and will be fussed and loved at all times, often carried like a baby to sleep each night where he shares our daughters bed, snuggling into his own personal blanket.
They are a joy to have and after a bad day at work when they run to greet you, melt your heart and soothe your troubles. However if they keep demanding prawns I am going to get them a paper round each to cover the cost!!
As a nation of animal lovers we often share stories of the antics our pets get up to.
My family have always had dogs 'wire haired fox terriers' to be precise whilst my Husbands family went for larger dogs (ie German shepherds). It was quite strange therefore when as a family unit we took responsibility for two gorgeous RSPCA rescue kittens.
They are brother and sister and had been part of a litter of six. The others had been given good homes already and we simply did not have the heart to split them up.
Our lives changed forever and all good intentions disappeared very quickly - you see dogs have owners but cats have staff!
They quickly find the warmest and most comfortable places to sleep, waking briefly just for food or a short stroll, particularly over the winter months.
During the Summer they can be seen 'toasting' themselves nicely on the warmth of the shed roof, patio chairs or resting in the shade of the magnolia tree.
Their favourite dishes are lovingly prepared for them but they are not adverse to turning up their noses at their favourite cat food if they think a small bowl of prawns, tuna or raw fillet steak may leap off the kitchen work surfaces in their direction. They look affronted if you ignore their calls for cat milk or treats, reaching up to tap your knee or elbow so that you can not rest until they
have what they want.
Although related, their personalities are so very different. Our female cat is a beautiful ball of black fluff and emerald green eyes with a perfect pussy cat profile that would not look out of place on a witches broomstick but enough about me!
She puts the 'cat' into 'catwalk' and by the way she struts up the garden path could give any supermodel a run for their money. She is haughty and aloof but beware the person who thinks she is a sweet little innocent. As quick as a flash she will turn from a docile angelic being into a claw wielding, teeth baring, growling, hissing monster. I for one never knew cats growled!
Our male cat by comparison is suave and debonair in appearance, wearing his tuxedo like 007. He was the runt of the litter sporting
additional toes on each paw and an overly long tail. He is docile, affectionate and will be fussed and loved at all times, often carried like a baby to sleep each night where he shares our daughters bed, snuggling into his own personal blanket.
They are a joy to have and after a bad day at work when they run to greet you, melt your heart and soothe your troubles. However if they keep demanding prawns I am going to get them a paper round each to cover the cost!!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
A trip to London and a little retail therapy
On Saturday I took a day trip to London with my daughter and our two friends.
Given we had only 6 hours before our return journey, we were keen to cram as much in as we possibly could and therefore had drawn up a pretty tight itinerary.
We arrived at 11am at Marble Arch, so quickly set to hitting the stores in Oxford Street.
Urban Outfitters was our first port of call where the first purchases of the day were made followed by Selfridges.
We spent a pleasant hour exploring this fabulous store before heading off for a quick lunch at Japanese restaurant Wagamamas in Wigmore Street (behind Selfridges). There we selected our favourite dishes (Chicken Katsu curry and Yaki Soba) and a refreshing drink.
Although the restaurant was busy, the service was good and the food excellent and we were soon refreshed and ready for further retail therapy.
We immediately headed off down to the Victoria's Secret store, where against a backdrop of the last runway show projected against the staircase wall we looked at the fabulous outfits worn by their stunningly attractive models and wished we too could own a pair of the angel wings - I tell you ladies, envy is a terrible thing!
Leaving VS we headed back through the rain shower to the crowds of Oxford street and Zara, Marks & Spencers and Debenhams. It was at this stage that the 'daughters' decided that they would like to see Top Shop opposite Harrods, despite the fact that there is a store in Oxford street.
Now not being keen on using the underground (I am neither a mole or a meercat or have any inclination to become a miner), the girls decided that a trip to London would not be the same without a hailing a taxi.
We must note at this point that the daughters had yet to fund any part of the day other than their own shopping and said they would pay for a glass of wine at the end of the day by way of a treat.
We headed off to Harrods, passing Harvey Nicks and its beautifully decorated windows, with a taxi driver who I am sure must be a close relative of Stirling Moss if his driving was anything to go by. There were certainly a couple of breath holding moments on route.
Harrods was lit up like a Christmas tree and the 'railway' themed window displays were beautifully presented bringing a touch of magic
The crowds were pretty dense here, given the fact that the Santa grotto had been launched that very morning and we headed directly across the road, where more purchases were made and several more shops entered before once again and with feet now aching we hailed a taxi and headed back to Marble Arch.
Making our way to our favourite hotel bar for the promised glass of wine, we were dismayed to find that it was closed for refurbishment and had to settle for coffee instead at a local cafe . I guess we will have to wait for the wine!
The wind was now picking up and it was cold and dark as we sought out our ride home having enjoyed ourselves enormously.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
ANOTHER FAMILY RECIPE TO SHARE
ANOTHER FAMILY RECIPE TO SHARE.............
A very busy few weeks have passed since I last posted. Birthday celebrations, preparing the garden for winter and spring, pickling and jam making have taken up much of my 'spare' time - if in fact as a working Mother you can manage to enjoy such a luxury!
I shared with you previously my Grandmothers pickled shallots recipe which I hope you have had an opportunity to try out. My batch are 'steeping' nicely in the pantry and I have distributed the remainder to friends and family with strict instructions to wait a full 6 weeks before opening.
Another of my favourite things which I have just made a batch of is Apple Chutney made with a mixture of both cooking and eating apples.
The recipe is very simple to follow and the finished product delicious served with a hot roast pork lunch, cold cuts of meat or a selection of cheeses. Unlike the shallots, this can be consumed almost immediately and keeps for around 6 months in the pantry.
LYNSTONS APPLE CHUTNEY
1kg Apples (cooking, eating or a mixture of the two)
300g Raisins
450g Caster sugar (white or golden)
2 White onions
400ml Vinegar (malt)
2tsp Ground ginger
1tsp Ground cumin
1tsp Ground coriander
1tsp Mustard seeds (crushed)
1tsp Salt
METHOD
In a large cooking pan place:-
Cored and finely diced apples (no need to peel), finely diced onions, Sugar and vinegar.
Bring mixture to the boil and turn down heat to a gentle simmer.
Add Cumin, Corriander, Ginger, Mustard seeds and salt
Stir these through the mixture in the pan and then add raisins, once again making sure all ingredients are well combined.
Simmer gently for 1 hour thirty minutes, checking and stiring every 20 mins to ensure mixture is not overheating.
The mixture will bubble gently and start to thicken.
In the meantime prepare your storage jars, making sure that they are fully sterilised by either washing in very hot water, washing in a dishwasher (my preferred method!) or heating gently in a warm oven for 10 minutes.
At the end of the cooking time, leave the mixture to cool before transferring to the storage jars, sealing and labelling.
Like the shallots these make lovely gifts to share with family and friends.
A very busy few weeks have passed since I last posted. Birthday celebrations, preparing the garden for winter and spring, pickling and jam making have taken up much of my 'spare' time - if in fact as a working Mother you can manage to enjoy such a luxury!
I shared with you previously my Grandmothers pickled shallots recipe which I hope you have had an opportunity to try out. My batch are 'steeping' nicely in the pantry and I have distributed the remainder to friends and family with strict instructions to wait a full 6 weeks before opening.
Another of my favourite things which I have just made a batch of is Apple Chutney made with a mixture of both cooking and eating apples.
The recipe is very simple to follow and the finished product delicious served with a hot roast pork lunch, cold cuts of meat or a selection of cheeses. Unlike the shallots, this can be consumed almost immediately and keeps for around 6 months in the pantry.
| My Apple Chutney |
LYNSTONS APPLE CHUTNEY
1kg Apples (cooking, eating or a mixture of the two)
300g Raisins
450g Caster sugar (white or golden)
2 White onions
400ml Vinegar (malt)
2tsp Ground ginger
1tsp Ground cumin
1tsp Ground coriander
1tsp Mustard seeds (crushed)
1tsp Salt
METHOD
In a large cooking pan place:-
Cored and finely diced apples (no need to peel), finely diced onions, Sugar and vinegar.
Bring mixture to the boil and turn down heat to a gentle simmer.
Add Cumin, Corriander, Ginger, Mustard seeds and salt
Stir these through the mixture in the pan and then add raisins, once again making sure all ingredients are well combined.
Simmer gently for 1 hour thirty minutes, checking and stiring every 20 mins to ensure mixture is not overheating.
The mixture will bubble gently and start to thicken.
In the meantime prepare your storage jars, making sure that they are fully sterilised by either washing in very hot water, washing in a dishwasher (my preferred method!) or heating gently in a warm oven for 10 minutes.
At the end of the cooking time, leave the mixture to cool before transferring to the storage jars, sealing and labelling.
Like the shallots these make lovely gifts to share with family and friends.
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