Sunday, June 28, 2020

Strawberry Jam

  June 28, 2020    

Who has spare strawberries? 

I had a few spare strawberries yesterday that somehow had managed not to be eaten.  I decided to make a jar of strawberry jam that I could use for my Victoria Sandwich Cake.  You really can't beat a fresh jar of home-made jam. The taste, the smell OOOOOOOOOOOOO just love it!

How to Make Jam
Hull and slice the strawberries into a large pan - I use my preserving pan (even for a small amount).
Cover the strawberries with an equal amount of sugar (I use Jam Sugar which has added pectin).
Cover and leave overnight until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit is quite soft.
Heat the pan and bring to a rolling boil for about 5-6 mins - stir with a wooden spoon.
Test if the jam is set by putting a small amount onto a cold plate. The jam will wrinkle when pushed.
Pour the hot jam into warm, sterilised jars.

I just had enough for 1 jar of jam.



  

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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Home-made Yoghurt

  June 17, 2020    

Years ago when my son was little I made my own yoghurt using an electric yoghurt maker with about 6 jars.  It was so easy I just plugged it in every evening and we had yoghurt every day.  Over time and our routines changed the yoghurt maker was put at the back of the cupboard and eventually went to the charity shop.
During 'lockdown 'I have been reading my old recipe books and one of my favourite authors is Rose Elliott.  Her Complete Vegetarian book is amazing and brought back lots of memories. 


 I am not a Vegetarian but like and use many of her recipes.  The recipes are easy to follow and always taste amazing.
Reading the book again yesterday I came across her recipe for home-made yoghurt.
Heat 1 pint of milk in a saucepan until boiling and then simmer for 10 minutes (watch it does not boil over), turn off the heat and leave to cool to  - lukewarm before adding 2 tablespoons of dried milk and 1 tablespoon natural yoghurt.  Pour into small jars cover with tinfoil and leave in a warm place to set.  
Oh! my goodness just as I remember it but even better.  Thick, creamy natural yoghurt.  I made some mixed berry compote by placing 350g mixed frozen berries into a samll saucepan with 1 tablespoon brown sugar.  Heat slowly for approx 15-20 minutes until the berries are soft.  Place in a container and leave in the fridge.
Breakfast is sorted: Yoghurt and Berry Compote.

I use whole milk from the local farm.  They opened a vending machine last year that dispenses fresh litres of milk straight from the cow.  They are going to start selling home-made butter and I can't wait.  They also sell the most amazing milk shakes







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Friday, June 12, 2020

Scones for a Gloomy Day

  June 12, 2020    

The weather has been so cold this week.  Grey clouds, drizzle and today that very gloomy feeling when all you want to do is sit by the fire, read a book and generally laze away.

After I had read the morning papers I decided to make some lentil and tomato soup for lunch and a batch of scones for afternoon tea.  I searched through my recipe books - not sure why as I have made scones a thousand times, just wanted to do something different.  I came across the Scone recipe made by Paul Hollywood which I made last year.  They are made from strong plain flour with the addition of baking powder.  Such a great recipe that makes about a dozen scones.  I plan to eat them filled with raspberry jam and butter.  Of course you can't beat cream in scones but still for a Friday afternoon they will be just perfect.






  

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Friday, June 5, 2020

Walking in the Lane

  June 05, 2020    

I walk in the lane every day and yesterday was one of those hot summer days and I decided to walk in the early evening and in a different direction than usual.  

Such pretty flowers, especially the Dog Rose which was climbing through the hedges and up into the tree.








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Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Coffee Break

  June 03, 2020    

There is nothing better than sitting with a mug of coffee and a Flapjack from the cookie jar. I love making flapjacks, such a simple recipe to fill up the  jar.  My son called them jackflaps and whilst still warm is a real luxury. Leave near the coffee and you are forever dipping your hand in the jar.

 Flapjacks
125g muscovado sugar
125g butter
2 tabsp. golden syrup
175g oats

Method
Preheat the oven to 190C/ Gas 5
Line a tray with baking parchment - I use a Swiss roll tray
Place sugar, butter and syrup into a large saucepan
Place on the heat until all the butter and sugar are melted, stirring with a wooden spoon
Add the oats and mix well
Pour into the tray and level with the back of a spoon
Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before cutting into fingers or squares.
Leave in the tray until completely cold

Variations
When adding the oats you can also add a handful of sultanas, or coconut, or cranberries.
Once cold you could even pour over some melted chocolate

However for me, just a plain jackflap with a mug of coffee


  

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Monday, June 1, 2020

Summer Flowers

  June 01, 2020    

At last a trip to the local nursery to collect some of my summer plants.  The nursery is local to where I live and I like to support the smaller business's especially  in these unique times.  I found Holland's just by chance when I moved into the area about five years ago.  Susan grows summer and winter bedding plants and has the most amazing hanging baskets.    She also has a small stock of Perennial's and I love the Delphiniums, usually buy two or three at a time. She is very busy at the moment with orders and hopes to open for business in a couple of weeks - collections only at the moment.  It will be appointment only for a few months until C19 is under wraps.
I ordered African Marigolds, French Marigolds, Lobelia White Lady, Lobelia string of Pearls, Verbena Showboat - White, Dark Red and Violet. and Red Geraniums.

I have a bit of a red, white blue theme this year for my hanging baskets.  I have used the plants to construct 4 hanging baskets and filled four tubs.

My garden is starting to look like summer. Always something to do with a garden - just love been outdoors.

Summer Pot






  

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