I'm back!

Hello everyone, I can't believe it's been almost 4 months since my last post! I have been so busy, and I have done so many creative and interesting things that I decided it was time to start sharing them all with you again.

I've just finished making some canapés for a party this evening at Myer Bridge Farm, it is a joint birthday party for my best friend Annette's husband - Gavin, and her daughter Lauren. They are expecting around 50 guests and the theme is aviation & farming, my husband David is going as a farmer/country gentleman, and I'm wearing that all time classic ... the little black dress!

Some of my delicious canapés

I really don't think that fits either theme, although if you were to stretch your imagination you could say I was a passenger on a posh airline ... couldn't you? Anyway, Annette is also wearing her little black dress so at least I won't feel out of place. Gavin is coming as a pilot, which is quite good really as that's what he does for a living, yes ladies & gentlemen, please meet Captain Gavin Wightman!

The party starts at 7pm (officially), although I notice that David is on his second glass of beer ... lets hope he doesn't peak too soon! He needs to take it steady as he is off to Tweseldown in the morning for a Point-to-Point meeting. He works for the AGA Rangemaster Group and AGA are the National Sponsor of the Ladies' Open race series. This is their second season as national sponsor and between now and the beginning of May David will be out in the countryside somewhere in the UK representing the company every weekend.

I will be with him at most of the meetings although I am having a day off tomorrow for two reasons, one to recover from the party, and two so that I can get on with my preparations for Christmas. I am a little bit behind this year but I know what I need to do so I'm quite looking forward to a relaxing and creative Sunday.

Lots of time at Farmers Fayre but not much time on my allotment

Since my last update I've been as busy as ever and I've been working very hard, and where do you work I hear you ask, this is where I work - Farmers Fayre, which is a farm and coffee shop at Stoneleigh Park.

Farmers Fayre farm shop

They specialise in quality local meat, and sell a range of locally sourced produce, preserves, cakes, cheeses and much, much more, and they also serve a tempting and tasty selection of breakfasts, lunches and cream teas. Yummy!

On the website it says "why not drop in and speak to our friendly staff, they will be happy to advise you on any of our produce or services" - guess what? I'm one of those friendly staff!

In my last blog I also wrote about Mary Arden's Farm which is where I work when I'm not at Stoneleigh Park, but for the past week I've been here and it's been very, very busy, and on Friday I worked a 15 hour shift!

That's not my normal shift by the way, but there was a cattle show the show on Friday and Saturday, and on Friday night there was a dinner for the rare breed society. It was the "Red Poll Cattle Society National Show & Sale 2011" and I really enjoyed it, I met some lovely people and I learned even more about cattle ... maybe I could become a farmer?

The show was on Friday and the sale was on Saturday, and the prize bull sold for 3,400 guineas, take a look at him, he's a beauty!

3,400 guineas worth of bull

I really do enjoy my job and there is something different on every week, it's worth checking out the Stoneleigh Park website as I'm sure you'll find something of interest, I was going to post a link but it's down at the moment so maybe in my next blog. I went over there this morning with David as there was a Land Rover show on, it was interesting but I think David was more impressed with the bacon & egg roll from Farmers Fayre (and the selection of cakes)!

During the past week I've also been busy in the kitchen and I made a delicious summer pudding for the farmers, and I also made a lemon & strawberry tart which didn't last very long at all - and I got lots of compliments about it. I have just made a lovely lasagne for tomorrow and David is under strict instructions not to touch it, I have a feeling that it won't last long!

I haven't had much time to spend on the plot but my dad is keeping everything ticking over, and the runner beans are ready to pick, along with the plums & the cooking apples. That can only mean one thing, lots of lovely apple pies & plum jam - if any of the plums actually make it as far as the kitchen that is.

Take care - Cindy xx

Thinking of a new title for my blog ... and a week of al fresco dining

No longer a diary about allotment life
I think I may have to change the title of my blog as I seem to be posting about anything but my allotment at the moment, everything is ticking over nicely but I have been working non-stop so I have spent very little time on the plot in the past couple of weeks.

No longer a blog about my allotment!

I did pay a visit yesterday before I went to work so that I could pick some beetroot, I've cooked it and I am going to put it in some vinegar, and if this weather stays with us for the week as forecast then I would imagine the beetroot will be gone by Friday! Why? because the cover is off the BBQ for the first time this summer, and I think a week of al fresco dining is on the cards in the Simpson household. That means lots of healthy eating as well so I will be raiding the allotment every day for some fresh produce!

We're sat outside now as I write this blog, enjoying the sunshine and listening to Absolute 80's, with a nice bottle of wine cooling in the fridge, and the BBQ ready to be lit. There's a nice breeze, you can smell sun cream and charcoal in the air, and for the first time this year it really feels like summer! I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine, but remember to get your sun cream on and have plenty of fluids ... do I sound like my mum?

I worked yesterday for Farmers Fayre over at Mary Arden's Farm in Stratford upon Avon as there was a production of Macbeth during the evening by Oddsocks, I didn't think I was going to enjoy it but it was a comedy version and it was very funny. We did a BBQ with Pimm's, and there were lots of families there with deck chairs and picnics, it was a long day as I started at 11am and didn't arrive home until well past 11pm, but I must say it was quite enjoyable.

I think I deserve a day off today and I am signing off now so that I can enjoy the afternoon in the garden.

Cindy xx

Check out this blog by Richard Maggs, who is the AGA Cookery Doctor

Richard Maggs is the AGA Cookery Doctor and he has just posted this blog on the AGA website as AGA had a stand at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells this week. Food was cooked on two live AGA cookers, one of which was the new AGA Total Control, hope you enjoy this blog - The Royal Welsh Show 2011 by Richard Maggs

Cindy xx

Cherry season ... but where have all the cherries gone?



Where have all the cherries gone?

Cherry shortage hits Cubbington
Well, am I the only one fed up with all of this rain? How gloomy was it today, it was like a late autumn day, and very hard to believe that we are slap bang in the middle of summer! At least the rain has been good for the fruit and veg on the plot, and the water butt is full to the brim, also, the new chickens have settled in well, and are eating everything that they are given - and the eggs are still coming thick and fast.

I went to pick some cherries on Sunday morning ... but I couldn't find any! The birds have eaten the ones at the top of the trees, and I'm sure that my dad hasn't eaten the rest so I'm at a loss to explain where they have gone. I was going to bake a couple of nice cherry pies on my day off tomorrow but I'll have to think of something else now!

I'll be spending a few hours on the plot, and I'm going to pick some more spuds, some peas (eating them as I go), and some carrots, then I'll have to see what I can rustle up for tea. I brought an apple home yesterday and asked David to try it, it looked nice but he took one bite and the look on his face told me it was a cooker ... very funny!

I'm off for an early night now but I will post an update tomorrow, along with the recipe for whatever I delight I manage to come up with.

Cindy xx

Fresh vegetables from my plot and Dexter beef!

Tonight's tea was pretty impressive (even if I say so myself), and David was delighted with it. I cooked some of the Dexter braising steak and everything I served with it was from the plot, that's potatoes, carrots, peas, courgettes, Yorkshire puddings and mint! You're probably thinking that I'm going a bit bonkers as Yorkshire puddings are not grown on an allotment .... but I've included them because they were home made with eggs laid by my chickens!

Dexter beef ... before

The above was quickly followed by a rather nice rhubarb crumble .... and guess where the rhubarb came from? That's right, the allotment, and I wonder if anyone reading this has ever taken a stick of fresh rhubarb and dipped it in a bag of sugar, I know I have! I used this rhubarb crumble recipe from the BBC Good Food website, and served it with some nice vanilla custard, although I didn't use the chopped walnuts (which were optional), you can also find the recipe on my favourite recipe page.

Cindy xx

The best fish and chips ever - followed by "The Big Meeting"!

The weekend started on Friday when we caught the 9:43 cross-country train from Leamington Spa to Durham, it was a pleasant enough journey but Mr Branson is going to get a stiff email as the air conditioning was on all the way to Durham and it was rather chilly! The reason for the visit was the 127th Durham Miners, Gala which was taking place in Durham City the following day, and which has become something of an annual pilgrimage for David.

We arrived on time and David's mam & dad (Rose & Stan), were waiting on the platform to pick us up, the first stop was the Sunderland Stadium of Light and then we headed along the coast to South Shields for my first treat of the day (thank you Rose), fresh fish and chips from Colmans of South Shields. And not just any old fish and chips, these were from the official No 1 fish and chip shop in the UK, cooked fresh to order as soon as you walk in the door.

They were delicious, and we ate them while sat on a bench in Marine Park (even though it was a little chilly). Then we paid a quick visit to the slot machines and managed to get rid of a couple of pounds worth of 2p's in double quick time, before wandering along the sea front to Minchella & Co. where we enjoyed one of their delicious ice creams. 

Fresh fish & chips from Colmans - delicious!

The next stop was a sports shop to get a new pair of football boots for Bradley, I'll be five minutes said David ... nearly an hour later they both emerged with one new pair of boots (sexy boots according to Bradley), and the new Sunderland away shirt, courtesy of grandma! Then it was off to the Bannatyne Hotel in Durham to check in for our stay (just the one night), and probably the biggest hotel bed I've ever seen!

We called a taxi (thanks Stan), and after a quick stop at Tesco for some liquid refreshment, we went round to see David's mam & dad, where we were joined by Peter (David's brother|), and Chloe (Peter's daughter), for a pleasant evening of banter and old photos. We left at a reasonable time as we wanted to make an early start the following morning and I needed a good nights sleep.

We were up bright and early, although slightly disappointed that there wasn't the option of a cooked breakfast (oh well, Greggs it is then!), but that is a minor quibble and I would definitely recommend a stay at a Bannatyne hotel. We made use of Stan's taxis (yet again) and we were soon in Durham Market Place, which was filling up rather nicely, with the sun was trying to peep through ... I did ask if it was too early for another fish!

We walked along Saddler Street to the steps at the top of Elvet Bridge, as most of the bands stop to play here as they make their way through the winding streets of Durham towards the old Racecourse. We watched a few bands from this vantage point, and then made our way on to Elvet Bridge where we were joined by Peter & Chloe (who had also been to Greggs for breakfast). By now the bands were backing up as each one stops to play to the officials and guests who are assembled on the balcony of the Royal County Hotel, and with over 40 bands, and over 70 banners it is quite a sight!

Boldon Lodge banner - click on images for larger photo

Esh Winning Lodge banner - 

Wheatley Hill Lodge banner

Browney Lodge banner

Boldon Lodge banner

Lumley 6th Pit Lodge banner

We crossed the bridge into Elvet, and our next stop was outside the Royal County Hotel, just in time to see the Murton banner with it's usual rowdy (but good natured) following. The bands are converging from three different directions here and you really get a flavour for what it is all about, especially when you look back up towards Elvet Bridge and see the bands and banners streaming over it. This year, as well as the officials, MP's and and trade union leaders, there was a special guest, Chilean miner Carlos Bugueno, who was one of the 33 miners trapped underground for over 2 months last year.

You can see the Chilean flag draped over the balcony in the photograph below

Looking back from Elvet to watch the bands & banners streaming over Elvet Bridge

We had been joined by Stan so we carried on towards the Racecourse, and despite the fact that my feet were starting to hurt, I maintained a dignified silence (for the time being), and sat on the grass to watch Bradley & Chloe on the big wheel. The weather took a real turn for the worse with the glorious sunshine being replaced by an almighty downpour, and even though we had umbrellas, Stan was soaked to the skin and made a quick dash home to Gilesgate to get changed! Within 20 minutes the rain had stopped (but not for long), and we made our way back up to the Market Place behind the bands that were marching out to the cathedral - for the service at 3pm.

However, my mind was now on a rather nice fish and chip shop in Durham Market Place, Bells fish and chips, and we quickly secured a table for 3 and sat down to our second portion in 2 days. They were delicious, and we washed them down with a nice pot of tea before going back out to watch the bands and banners that by now had started their "march out". It was, as they say in this part of the world "hoying it down" again, but that has never been a deterrent and the bands played on, cheered every step of the way by the crowds that still thronged the streets (tough folks up here).

South Hetton Lodge - the band play on despite the rain!

The Gala was far from over but we had to leave as we were booked on the 4:47pm train back to Leamington Spa. It was an enjoyable day, and it was great to catch up with the family, however, it was over all too quickly and David has vowed to book in for the Saturday night as well next year, so it is not so much of a rush, and we would also like to go up to the cathedral for the service. 

So, we waved goodbye to the beautiful City of Durham but we'll be back again soon ... well, we'll have to come back as I will need a portion of fish and chips!

Day off tomorrow and I will be back on the plot as this blog is supposed to be about my allotment after all!

Cindy xx

Home made meatloaf (with home made chips)

Check this out, I got 10 out of 10 for this little beauty tonight, Simon Rimmer made it on Something for the Weekend last Sunday ... there's even a piece left for David to take to work tomorrow!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/lamb_meatloaf_50381

Brass and banners

I've been to the market again today at Stoneleigh Park (I do like it over there), but I didn't buy anything, however, my dad did buy 4 new chickens and they are settling in well. The girls are also laying eggs like they are going out of fashion and I have had a basket outside the front of the house with a little honesty box for people to leave their money!

I expect to be baking in the next couple of days so I will have some recipes to share, I haven't decided what to bake yet but I can guarantee that it will be very tasty. I made a simple tea tonight of plaice, peas and potatoes, the potatoes were fresh out of the ground and let me tell you they were delicious! As it was a nice evening we were able to eat outside again which was a bonus, I have a feeling that will be the last time this week though as the weather looks quite unsettled for the rest of the week.

We are having a quick trip to David's home town of Durham City at the weekend for the 127th Durham Miners' Gala (also known as The Durham Big Meeting), it's a wonderful occasion, very colourful, and full of nostalgia - lets hope we get a nice day as we are really looking forward to it.

I've posted a link to a story about the Gala that appeared on the BBC website today, and also a couple of photos from the Gala in 2005 (which is the last one I went to).

Chilean miners will visit 127th Durham Miners' Gala

Me in front of the Trimdon Grange Colliery banner

The Lumley 6th pit Lodge banner marches through the Market Place

The brass bands and colourful banners are quite a spectacle and if you have an interest in the mining industry then you should definitely visit Durham for the Gala, and why not go and see Billy Elliot the musical as well next time you are in London, you'll love it!

Cindy xx

Pimm's o' clock

Well that was a busy and interesting week, lots of fruit picked, lots of flowers planted, and a few jugs of Pimm's consumed (I do like a drop of Pimm's!). I was up early this morning and went straight over to the plot so I could pick a large basket of fresh, juicy strawberries. That's because I had agreed to help my sister Sally with the village school fete, and I had only been asked to run the Pimm's stall ... what a great job for the afternoon!

The strawberries were to go into the Pimms, so I chopped them up with some fresh oranges and lemons, some cucumber, and of course some fresh mint from my plot. It was a beautiful day today so I expected to sell a lot of Pimm's and I wasn't disappointed, I sold the lot! The fete was well attended and everybody seemed to enjoy it, especially the kids as there was plenty for them to do, and I also won a coconut (I love fresh coconut).

Pimm's o clock

This afternoon we found a baby sparrow in the garden which was not strong enough to fly, and was not making enough noise to attract it's mother, we left it for a while but this evening it was sheltering under my lavender bush so we brought it in. David did a quick bit of research on the internet for some tips then we were able to feed it with some crushed up meal worms mixed into a paste, and make a nest for it in an old shoe box. It has settled down for the night now, and seems OK, so we'll keep it warm and feed it again in the morning and fingers crossed it will soon be strong enough to fly.

I'm still sat outside in the garden with David as it's such a lovely evening, and we are listening to the boxing on the laptop, it's so nice to be outside as we spend too much time cooped up indoors during the winter when it's dark and wet. Let's hope we can have a prolonged spell of nice weather and then we can all have a few more nice evenings in the garden.

Cindy xx

Cherries and some new chickens

I've gone a bit mad with the photos in this blog, and the first one is of some of the lovely fresh cherries and gooseberries that I picked earlier today, I think it's time for me to make some cherry pie! I'm picking cherries everyday now and if I can stop eating them then I will definitely make a pie (or two) before the weekend. 

Freshly picked fruit from my plot - do I get some commission David for my AGA product placement?

Since my last entry on Friday I have been rather busy, and I had a very enjoyable trip to London on Saturday to see The Wizard of Oz at the Palladium with the family, it was amazing, we had great seats and it gets 10 out of 10 from me!

The Palladium

Sunday was glorious, and we had our first real taste of summer, it was also a day of rest after all of the walking on Saturday, although I did find time to rustle up a little something for lunch using a couple of pieces of Dexter sirloin steak.

Dexter sirloin with all the trimmings

On Monday I went to market as Annette & Gavin were taking some geese to sell, I loved it, it was over at Stoneleigh Park, and not only did Gavin treat me to breakfast, but I came home with 2 new Rhode Island red chickens as well ... they are settling in nicely!

There is lots to do on the plot and the rest of the week will be busy, although I will be sneaking off to meet David for a coffee at lunchtime tomorrow.

Cindy xx

Dexter day (but no allotment)

What did I do today? I had a very busy day, most of which was spent at Myer Bridge farm helping my friends, Gavin & Annette Wightman, as their Dexter cattle came back from slaughter today. It is really good to know where your beef has come from, the cows had a happy life in the field, they did not have any chemicals, and the meat was really marbled (which is a good sign), pure Dexter beef ... delicious.

Dexter cattle

We had to go to a village in Leicestershire (South Kilworth) to pick the meat up, which is a 40 mile round trip, and on the way back we had 200 kilos of meat in the car. It is a really quaint little village, very picturesque, and you would never have guessed that there is an abattoir there. It is a family run business, with a lovely old fashioned butchers shop at the front of the house, which is packed full of locally sourced meat.

When we arrived back at the farm we unloaded everything, and boxed it all up for sale, it was hard work but by 10pm tonight it had all been sold, so it was well worth it. We also managed to keep a couple of sneaky little steaks back, which we fried with some onions for lunch, very nice, and we were ready for it!

Dinner!

It was a very rewarding day, and I bought a box for myself as well, so I am sure that over the next few weeks I will be rustling up some delicious meals, which will of course be accompanied by lots of fresh produce from my allotment.

I'm typing this while I watch U2 live on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, then I'm going to get some beauty sleep as "I'm off to see The Wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", at the London Palladium tomorrow ... now where did I put those red shoes?

Cindy xx

Raindrops, Wimbledon, Moroccan lamb and cherries!

Hello there, I have been so busy this week, I have spent a lot of time on the allotment, I have watched some tennis, cooked some beautiful meals, and picked some lovely juicy cherries from one of my cherry trees!

I made some Panna Cotta again on Monday, but instead of the gooseberry compote, I made a coulis using some fresh raspberries from the allotment - it was delicious.  Everything is very green at the moment, and while not everyone likes the rain, it has been great for the orchard plot, and there will be lots to pick over the coming weeks. There is a good crop of raspberries at the moment, in fact I picked a few today and I have a feeling that I will be making some jam very soon - maybe I could sell it?

On Tuesday I made some Moroccan lamb (nice recipe James), and today I rustled up a quick prawn linguine (see recipe below), but I spiced mine up with some salmon which I marinated in chilli and honey - both were delicious according to my husband!

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2506/special-prawn-pasta

The recipe today had to be quick and easy as I was engrossed in the tennis this afternoon, and forgot the time. I did have a nice bowl of fresh cherries to nibble on (from the plot), and I will be raiding the cherry trees again tomorrow. I went to put the chickens away tonight and I still have two broody hens, they haven't moved for nearly a week now, but we are getting plenty of nice fresh eggs I'm pleased to say.

Still broody!

I will be over on the plot early tomorrow and I am going to take some photos of the cherry trees and post them on here later in the evening. I also need to come up with another nice treat for tea tomorrow night so I will be looking for some inspiration, I'm sure that I'll find some.

Cindy xx

Myer Bridge Farm pork, and home made chocolate brownie for father's day

Father's day started with an early visit to the plot to check how the chickens are getting on, and to collect some eggs for my home made chocolate brownie (a little father's day treat). I didn't stay for long as I have a busy day planned, and need to spend some time in my own garden this afternoon, which makes me feel slightly guilty about this update. Well, my last 3 updates really, after all, my blog is called Lucinda's Village Allotment! Anyway I have decided to post an "allotment only" update tomorrow to make up for it.

I paid a flying visit to a local car boot sale to pick up some more plants, and this afternoon I will be planting these, along with all of the beautiful plants and flowers that I bought on Friday at BBC Gardeners World Live. The garden has had a good watering over the past 3 days so planting will be easy, that's for sure, however, the rainfall has also been good for the weeds (maybe that's a nice little job for my son Bradley).

We also attract a good variety of birds to our garden, and this morning David filled up all of the bird feeders, and cleaned the bird table, before stocking that up as well. They are very busy at this time of year, and also very hungry, and the garden is a hive of activity. It's also really nice to see all of the juvenile birds (Goldfinches are my favourite), and they are so funny to watch, but they are ever so messy, especially the starlings!

Well, my lovely piece of Myer Bridge Farm pork is almost ready, and I must say it smells delicious! I have a feeling that David is going to wash it down with a couple of glasses of Chardonnay, before tucking into a piece of my home made chocolate brownie. I have just posted a link to the brownie recipe, you should try it while it is still warm, mmmmmm!

Cindy xx

Best-ever brownies recipe - Recipes - BBC Good Food

Best-ever brownies recipe - Recipes - BBC Good Food

BBC Good Food Show & BBC Gardeners' World Live

What a day, I am worn out! I went over to the BBC Good Food Show & BBC Gardeners' World Live, at the NEC in Birmingham, with my husband, David, as we had exchanged some of our Tesco Clubcard vouchers for the tickets online.

Me in the RHS marquee

I had a really enjoyable day today, and I came home with lots of new ideas, and lots of new plants (and a few goody bags). I really want to go back on Sunday as I didn't see all of the exhibits, especially in the garden bit, and I think I could quite easily buy some more beautiful plants!

The plan was to do the garden show first, then the food show, however, we decided to go for a breakfast at Alfonso's in Leamington Spa (which is the best full English in Warwickshire), so we caught a later train and didn't arrive until just before lunchtime. We hit the RHS marquee first which was absolutely chock full of beautiful flowers and plants, I could have bought enough to fill a mini bus!

At 12:30 we made our way to the Sainsbury's Summer Kitchen as we had tickets to see Simon Rimmer do a live demonstration at 1pm. Well, it was well worth the money as he was fantastic, and really funny! He cooked 3 dishes, 2 fish (sea bass & salmon), and 1 lamb, and you can find the 2 of these recipes in the "my favourite recipes" section, below my blogs.

Simon was on for 40 minutes, and when he finished he received a rousing ovation from the audience in the theatre, and from the people in the cheap seats who couldn't afford a ticket! He then went off to sign some books, and we went for a wander around the food hall, trying lots of samples in the process (David was also on a mission to try every drink going, and just about achieved it). I so very nearly tried an oyster for the first time ever, however, I chickened out at the last minute and decided to have some Carte D'Or ice cream instead.

Simon Rimmer

We then headed back to the marquee, where I was able to pick up some very good tips, and also some more plants. We only left when we couldn't carry anything else, although our first attempt at leaving was aborted at the exit, and we turned back as David was convinced that I really didn't want to leave! We eventually left at around 5pm, and caught a very busy train back to Leamington Spa, and I was back in the house with a cup of tea in my hand by 6pm!

I'll be back on the allotment tomorrow, unless of course David has won the EuroMillions lottery, and if he has my next update will be written from a very white Caribbean beach ... you never know!

Cindy xx

Day off today

I'm going to the NEC today for the BBC Good Food Show & BBC Gardeners' World Live, I'm really looking forward to it, and I will post an update this evening. I've also booked to see Simon Rimmer cooking live in the Summer Kitchen, can't wait!

Cindy xx

Neglecting my plot

I have had a very busy two days, so busy in fact that I have not been on my plot! Fortunately, my dad is up at the crack of dawn to let the chickens out, and he also puts them away at night (thanks dad). My updates have been missed because my father in law sent me a text message this morning asking me where the update was for Tuesday (thanks dad in law).

What has been keeping me away from the plot you must be thinking? Well, yesterday I visited my friend Annette's farm, Myer Bridge Farm, nr Southam, Annette is my best friend, we grew up together and have remained friends since our school days. She has been on the farm for 4 years, along with her husband Gavin, and I really like to go and visit because I can lose myself over there, and we do lots of farmy things!

On Tuesday we pottered around, first we pricked out some chilli plants, and picked some fresh strawberries, then we cleaned out the barn, which is where Ernest the naughty (teenage) donkey lives. He's a very lovable donkey as well, but he does have a habit of trying to take a bite out of any part of your anatomy, especially if you are silly enough to turn your back on him.

Juicy and fresh

Then we had some lunch, and a good old natter, one of the things we discussed was the two Dexter cattle that have just been sent to slaughter, they are the first beasts to go, and Annette and Gavin are marketing the meat! This is their first attempt, and they are quite excited by it, they already have commitments from several family members and friends (me being one of them), to buy a box of mixed meat, so hopefully they will make a nice profit. I have also bought lamb and pork from Gavin and Annette as I think it is nice to know where your meat comes from. We finished our afternoon by watching the first day of Royal Ascot, but we did not manage to pick any winners.

I'm off to bed now so I will fill you in on Wednesdays activities tomorrow (most of the afternoon was spent watching the action from Royal Ascot), and I will also have some allotment news as I will be spending a good few hours on my plot!

Now, I wonder what colour hat the Queen will be wearing tomorrow?

Another busy day

Well, after a day of rain yesterday, the allotment looked good today, weeding is so much easier when it has rained! I think two of my hens are broody because this is the second day that they have spent in the nest boxes, they haven't moved so I need to do something or the other hens will stop laying.

Dorothy, my little Bantam chicken is so protective of her eggs, she goes for you if you try to remove them, so I sometimes have to wear my gloves when I collect the eggs. I was expecting a basket full today but only had 8, which was slightly disappointing.

My broody girls

Well, back to my gooseberries, because yesterday evening I promised that I would tell you all about what I was going to make. After giving it a lot of thought, I decided to make a creamy vanilla Panna Cotta, with a gooseberry and ginger compote, sounds delicious doesn't it?

Here is the recipe for the Panna Cotta:

3 gelatine leaves

250ml/9fl oz milk

250ml/9fl oz double cream

1 vanilla pod, split lengthways, seeds scraped out

25g/1 oz sugar

Soak the gelatine leaves in a little cold water until soft.

Place the milk, cream, vanilla pods, seeds and sugar into a pan and bring to a simmer.
Remove the vanilla pod and discard.
Squeeze the water out of the gelatine leaves, then add to the pan and take off heat.
Stir until the gelatine has dissolved.
Divide the mixture among four ramekins and leave to cool.
Place into the fridge for at least an hour until set.

For the compote you will need:

500g of gooseberries, topped and tailed
75g of caster sugar
50ml of water
Ginger

To make the compote, put the gooseberries into a pan with sugar, water and ginger, then bring to a simmer and cook gently for 10 minutes, until the gooseberries are soft. You can leave it to cool, or serve it warm.

Enjoy!

What to do with fresh Gooseberries

Well, my first crop of Gooseberries have been picked and are in the kitchen, so tomorrow I will tell you what I have made with them, and post some pictures as well.

What should I do with these?

How it all started

I live in Cubbington, which is also where I was born and grew up, and as a little girl I can remember my nan and grandad having an allotment on this very site. I am one of nine children, and throughout my childhood I was a regular visitor to the allotment, and my earliest memory is of sitting in the pea patch, shelling the peas, but eating more than we kept!

Our village church

My nan used to feed us with the produce from the allotment, and there was a constant stream of goodies, including, home made apple pies, various jams and fruity chutneys, all of which were delicious. A particular favourite of mine was the plum jam, which I used to enjoy on some nice fresh bread, and I remember that my nan always used to leave the stones in it. Sweets were scarce in those days but a stick of rhubarb with a bag of sugar was a more than adequate replacement, and was also a real treat! 

When nan and grandad passed away, my dad took on the allotment, and when it became too much for him, he retired, and my youngest brother Simon took it on. Simon sadly passed away in January 2010, so I decided to take on the allotment, with help from my sisters, and my eldest brother Christopher, and my dad also came out of retirement to boss us about. The idea was for the allotment to provide a wide variety of home grown produce, and to be a place where the whole family could meet up. We also invested in some chickens, a brand new hen house, and a rather boisterous cockerel called George, and we were soon producing a regular supply of fresh eggs as well.

Christopher finished building the shed that Simon had started, and between us we soon had the allotment ship shape, then earlier this year another plot became available. This was a much sought after plot, nicknamed "The Orchard", and we asked if we could also take this on as well. To our delight, the answer was yes, so we now have two very productive allotments ... I think we are going to be busy!