Monday, January 25, 2021

Golden Threads of Marmalade

  January 25, 2021    

 It starts in January when you are buying Seville Oranges from the local market stall. I can hardly wait to fill the kitchen with the smell of making marmalade. Such a simple process that creates the most amazing taste when spread on hot buttered toast. I like to make small batches and change the spices.

Use 500g (1lb) Seville Oranges that are washed. Place them in a large pan and cover with 1.5litres of water. Boil until tender. Do not rush this stage as the fruit needs to be really tender when pierced with a knife. It may take up to an hour.

Once the oranges are soft, remove from the pan and set aside to cool.  Reserve the liquid in  measuring jug, you will need 800ml.

Cut the fruit in half, remove all the pips. Cut the fruit into long thin slices. I like mine a bit chunky. Place the strips into the large pan, add the liquid and 690g sugar. Add a few cloves.

Bring to the boil, stirring until all the sugar has dissolved.  Cook for a further 20-25 minutes until the marmalade is set.

Set for toasting on a plate and boil further if necessary.

Allow it to sit for 5 minutes, then bottle into sterilised jars. I leave the cloves in a half jar as they can be picked out before eating.

Alternative spices: 2-3 tabsp. fresh ginger,cinnamon or sprigs if freaky rosemary or thyme.





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Saturday, November 7, 2020

Christmas Cake

  November 07, 2020    

 I have probably made a Christmas cake every year for the past 50 years.  It started when my Mum showed me to make a cake as part of the Christmas tradition. Always start at the beginning of November by soaking the fruit in brandy overnight.  I have varied the recipe very little over the years and every year I have the most amazing rich fruit cake to celebrate Christmas.  In the early years the cake was decorated with marzipan and iced in a range of patterns.  When I was teaching 'Home Economics' I used this recipe and the mixture was divided into  - baked bean cans for the students to make individual cakes.  How they loved to decorate the tops and tie up with red ribbons.  Over the past few years I have left it without the icing and just serve it with a slice of cheese.  Wensleydale cheese is white and crumbly with an amazing taste to go with the cake. The choice of cheese is yours.

This is how I make my Christmas Cake - feel free to adapt and make it your own Christmas tradition.

Ingredients

450g currants

175g sultanas

175g raisins

50g glace cherries - rinsed and finely chopped

50g mixed peel

6 tabsp. brandy

225g plain flour

pinch salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp mixed spice

225g butter

225g soft brown sugar

4 eggs

1 desserts sp. black treacle

grated rind of lemon and orange

Method

Night before place all the fruit into a large bowl, add the brandy, cover with cling film and leave to soak

1. Preheat the oven to Gas 1/275F/140C

2.Grease and line a 20cm round or 18cm square tin with greaseproof paper

3. Sieve the flour, salt and spices into a bowl

4. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl

5.  In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar making sure that it is light and fluffy

6.  Add the eggs a drop at a time making sure it is well mixed at each stage

7.  Add the flour and fold in using a metal spoon

8.  Add the soaked fruit and black treacle and mix well.

9.  Make a wish at the final stir.

10.  Place the mixture into the prepared tin and level with the back of the spoon.

11. Make a slight dip with the back of the spoon in the middle so the cake has an even rise.

12.  Cover the top with a piece of greaseproof with a small hole at the centre.  This will ensure that the         top does not get over-brown

13.  Wrap wet newspaper around the outside of the tin and tie with string to prevent the cake cooking              too quickly at the sides.  I usually leave my paper on the tin for a few years an just make sure it is         really wet before going into the oven.  The smell of wet newspaper quickly wears off and you are           left with the wonderful smell of Christmas.

14.  Bake for 4 hours on a low shelf - DO NOT LOOK.  Test with a needle  - if it comes out clean the            cake is ready.

15.  Leave to get cold  and then wrap in double greaseproof paper and store in an airtight tin.

16.  At least every 2 weeks feed the cake with brandy by inserting holes with a needle and pouring over         a couple of teaspoons.


The cake can be decorated with marzipan and icing the week before Christmas or just leave it as it is and serve with slices of cheese.


                                                  Get everything ready before starting to mix the cake.



      

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Thursday, August 13, 2020

Pavlova

  August 13, 2020    

 Pineapple and Ginger Pavlova

I make this every so often when I have enough egg whites.  I love it as a summer pudding.

Ingredients

3 large egg whites

175g caster sugar

1tsp vinegar

1 tsp cornflour

300ml double cream

200g drained pineapple

6 pieces stem ginger (syrup)- chopped

Method

Preheat the oven 150C/Gas 2/300F.  Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and mark a 8 inch circle on it.

Whisk the egg whites util they stand in stiff peaks, then add the sugar a spoonful at a time continuing to whisk until the whites are glossy.

Blend the cornflour and vinegar together and add to the last spoonful of sugar

Spoon the meringue onto the circle on the paper and spread it so the edge is slightly higher than the centre.

Bake for 1 hour, then switch off the oven and leave until cold

Transfer the meringue to a platter.  Whip the cream until thick and put into the centre of the meringue.

Decorate with pineapple and stem ginger.

Variations: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries



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Monday, July 27, 2020

Fridge Coleslaw

  July 27, 2020    

I call this dish 'Fridge Coleslaw' as everything I use is either from the fridge or my cupboard.  You know the feeling, those couple of celery stalks, the odd tomato or apple that hasn't quite made into anything else.

Fridge Coleslaw
Cauliflower - broken into small florets
2 sweet apples - cored and cubed (leave the skins on for extra colour)
celery - sliced
handful of sultanas
Dressing
1 tabsp. clear honey
1 tabsp. cider vinegar
3 tabsp olive oil
handful of chopped mint

Prepare the vegetables/fruits and place into a bowl.
Add all the dressing ingredients into a screw top jar - shake well
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well
Leave in the fridge until ready to serve.

This is such an easy recipe and you could add more varieties of veg or whatever is in your fridge.
You could leave the mint out of the dressing and just use it as a honey and cider dressing.


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Monday, July 13, 2020

Mini Water Feature

  July 13, 2020    

Take one large plant pot, 

a bag of pebbles 
https://www.diy.com/departments/blooma-white-marble-pebbles-22-5kg-bag/1910975_BQ.prd

Wash the pebbles to remove any dust and place in the plant pot.  Cover with water.  

Add your solar fountain andf there you have it your own mini water feature.

My solar fountain has three settings.  So easy to set up and I can sit in the garden listening to the tinkling of water.

I may add a couple of water plants for extra colour.

Very relaxing


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Sunday, July 12, 2020

Mint Tea

  July 12, 2020    

What could be nicer than a mug of Mint Tea.  I grow mint in a large tub to prevent it growing all over the garden.  I enjoy a mint tea in the afternoons.

Pick a few stems of mint and wash under cold water to remove any bugs
Boil a kettle of fresh tap water - don't use water already in the kettle.
Heat the tea-pot with boiling water discarding the water.
Put all the fresh mint into the tea-pot and pour over the boiling water.
Put the lid on and leave to mash for 3-4 minutes.
Pour the Mint Tea into the mug

Sit and relax with your Mint Tea, savouring every mouthful.
I usually enjoy a biscuit with my tea - Jack Flaps are a great favourite.

You will feel de-stressed and ready for anything.






  

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Thursday, July 9, 2020

Easy Bread Making

  July 09, 2020    

I am always on the lookout for an easy bread recipe and I think this one can go near the top of the list.

Morning Rolls
Start the day before to allow plenty of time for the dough to rise.
I use a Kitchen aid mixer with a dough hook, but kneading by hand works just as well
500g strong bread flour
40g butter  - rub into the flour
Add 7g yeast, 10g sugar, 10g salt
Mix into flour
Add 400ml cold water and knead for 5 mins.
Cover and leave in the fridge overnight.10

The next morning remove the dough from the fridge.
Divide and shape into 10 rolls and place on a floured tray.
Cover and leave in a warm place until doubled in size.
Sprinkle with flour
Bake in a very hot oven Gas 7/220C for 25-30 mins.


These rolls taste amazing, especially with lentil soup or filled with grilled bacon

Try using different types of flour or a combination of flours.


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Sunday, July 5, 2020

Herb Crusted Haddock

  July 05, 2020    

This is my standby recipe for eating Haddock, which I have used for years. 

Blitz a few breadcrumbs and add mixed herbs and a handful of fresh parsley with some black pepper.  Dip the fish in flour, beaten egg and the herby breadcrumbs.  Fry in a tablespoon of olive oil until golden and cooked to your liking.  I usually serve with peas.  

I buy fresh fish from Oakham market on a Saturday which is delivered from Cornwall.  The fish stall is brilliant and nothing is too much trouble for them.  I usually ask for the skin to be removed as they have really sharp knives.  





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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Twyford Viaduct

  July 01, 2020    

This afternoon I turned into the field along the lane from the house towards the Twyford Viaduct.  
An impressive view in whichever direction you walk.  Going through the field it is out of sight for 
awhile and then you turn the corner, through the trees and there it is.

The Great Northern and London & North Western railways opened the southern section of their joint line from Melton Mowbray to the junctions at Welham and Drayton on 15th December 1879. It included a tunnel at East Norton and a viaduct of almost 230 yards over the valley at John O'Gaunt.

With 14 arches rising to a height of around 60 feet, the impressive structure carried its line on a falling gradient to the north. The original red brick is badly spalled in places and has seen extensive patching with more durable blue brindles. From a distance, this gives it an unusual mottled appearance. Cosmetically, the viaduct remains in generally poor condition and you are advised not to stand beneath it for too long, nor lean against the stone copings.

Closure came to John O'Gaunt station in 1957 but goods traffic continued to cross the viaduct until 1st June 1964. In January 1985, a Grade II listing was bestowed upon the structure but this was withdrawn in 1999.

It does look sorry for itself but it is still majestic.

My walk took me through the fields with various grasses along it edges and so many butterflies fluttering in all directions. So peaceful and a chance to breathe fresh air after the rain.

Twyford Viaduct






  

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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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Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Elderflower Cordial

  May 26, 2020    

Elderflowers come from the elder tree that generally grows as a shrub or small tree.

It’s abundant throughout the UK, in woods and along roadside hedgerows. From late May you’ll see masses of tiny white flowers hanging in sprays which develop into purple elderberries later in the summer.

The flowers are flat-topped clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers appearing in June. The fragrance is sweet and summery and it attracts masses of insects.

I usually make  Elderflower Cordial using the recipe from River Cottage - Hugh Fearnley- Whittingstall.  It is so easy and I drink it all summer with sparkling water and a slice of lemon.

This recipe is so easy and you will want to go out and pick your first blooms.

https://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/elderflower-cordial

I picked 25 flower heads this afternoon and added slices of lemon along with 1.5L of boiling water.  Tomorrow I will strain and add the sugar.  What could be simpler and by the weekend I will be able to drink with a slice of lemon.

Enjoy



  

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Monday, May 25, 2020

Lupins

  May 25, 2020    

Lupinus, commonly known as lupin or lupine, is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae. The genus includes over 199 species, with centres of diversity in North and South America. 

I love Lupins, they are a cottage-garden favourite  and inf-act suit any garden offering height and colour to the middle of a border in May and June. They bear impressive, pea-like flowers, which are loved by bees. They make a perfect cut flower., but I much prefer to see them in the garden.
Last year I gathered their seeds , sowed them in pots and now have enough plants to perhaps start my own garden centre.

I grow them on a bank in my garden which is normally quite wet, but they appear to be thriving for now. 

I plan to have some of my Lupins in pots scattered around the garden so I can see where they will look their best.

Years ago when I travelled by train I would see Lupins on railway sidings , they always looked so pretty standing tall and colourful.

Long live the Lupin




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Friday, May 22, 2020

Mt Badger

  May 22, 2020    



Success last night from my trail camera.

A fleeting glimpse of Mr Badger

Don't blink or you will miss it



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Thursday, May 21, 2020

Trail Camera

  May 21, 2020    

I have seen the evidence in my garden of wildlife that comes during the early evening and night-time. The badger that scurries along the woodland path and the Monk-Jack that eats the fallen bird seed and digs small holes in the lawn looking for tasty grubs. There are birds in every tree either nesting or just waiting to join the queue for the many bird feeders I have scattered around the garden.
Time for a camera to see what actually comes into the garden. I bought this camera from Amazon. It had good recommendations and was an average price. Amazon is a safe/ go to store in these times of lockdown and under normal circumstances I may have shopped around.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wildlife-Activated-Waterproof-Scouting-Surveillance/dp/B07XXNJ71Z/ref=sr_1_3?crid=13ECWNX3L4HU8&dchild=1&keywords=tc20+trail+camera&qid=1590086358&sprefix=Tc20%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-3

However with Prime delivery it arrived the next day. I had to buy a card and batteries.  I must buy rechargeable batteries.  Very easy to set up, no fuss just format the he card, insert the batteries, follow the set up procedure and ready to go.

I have placed it in several places in the garden and as yet no luck apart from taking photo's of the horse in the next field.  I just need to try as many places as possible.  Such fun.  Every morning I rush out to see what has been captured on film.
Perhaps tomorrow.


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Sunday, May 17, 2020

Albrighton Rambling Rose

  May 17, 2020    

My first rose of the year is the Albrighton Rambling Rose.    I bought this last year and planted it a very large tub beside the back door.  Last year I had lots of buds, but the greenfly came and destroyed them before they had time to bloom. I was onto this year and so far lots if buds already to bloom. I actually lived in Albrighton for a few years which is home to the famous David Austin Roses.  His fields are just full of every conceivable rose and the smell is amazing.  Last year when I visited the Chelsea Flower Show I went to see his display- wow just amazing to see all his blooms.
I may buy another variety when I can get to the garden centre.

https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk



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