The Snowdrops are increasing by the day. Such a welcome sight. Winter so far has been kind and new activity in the garden spurs me on, knowing life out there is going on apace.
My collection of oriental Hellebores are so pretty. They look delicate and yet they flower despite the cold and lack of sunlight. There will be more in the weeks ahead but here are some already giving me pleasure.
Meanwhile, indoors, I had a bouquet of beautiful Tulips from my lovely daughter. So bright and fresh and very much appreciated.
Even this early in the year there are gardening jobs to do. I bought some seed potatoes to plant later and have set them out to “chit”.
This is a gardening term for spreading them in a light, cool place to sprout. If you keep them in the dark they sprout long white shoots and the potatoes shrivel. This way they slowly make little purpley-green shoots which some gardeners believe hurries up their growth once planted.
I have tried planting them without chitting and they seemed to grow well enough. The trouble is though, you have to buy early or they’ll be gone when you want them but, as I said, if you don’t set them out in the light they’ll be ruined by planting time. So I pop them into egg boxes and let them get on with it.
This year I’ve grown celeriac. A lovely celery-flavoured veg, delicious raw or cooked. Not the most attractive to look at when they come out of the ground though! Very knobbly with bits sticking out and covered in soil. Mine haven’t grown big but they’re fine for us, added to other vegs for a meal. When they’re washed and trimmed they are really good.
With the cost of living rising it makes sense to grow food if you can but, if not, it’s still possible to provide cheap meals which are satisfying. Here’s one I do for us, now and then, because we enjoy it.
Lentil and Potato Mash The quantity is according to your needs. Proportions aren't difficult to work out but remember the lentils will swell as they cook. Red Lentils Potatoes Veg of your choice A little Oil, preferably olive but sunflower will do. Put the lentils into a saucepan and cover with water plus a little extra. Bring to a boil,stirring to prevent sticking. Turn heat down and simmer for 12-15 minutes until water has been absorbed and lentils become mushy. Check that they don't dry up. Add a little water if necessary. (Alternatively put the lentils into a heatproof dish, without the lid, with some hot water and microwave for about 10-12 minutes until mushy.) Meanwhile cook the potatoes and the extra veg in separate pans or a steamer. When the potatoes are tender mash them well and add the mushy lentils. Mix together with salt and pepper. Keep the extra veg warm. Heat a little oil in a frying pan and spread the mash in the pan. Brown on both sides. Serve with the veg of your choice and chutney or sauce.
This is just about the cheapest meal ever but it’s also tasty, nutritious and satisfying. Easy to do once you’ve tried it. It’s also easy to do with tinned fish instead of lentils. Just drain the fish and mash into the cooked potatoes and brown in the same way. A lovely inexpensive and delicious Winter meal.
Talking of Winter, we’ve had some misty mornings which stirred my poetic leanings again. Here’s a little poem I wrote about this fascinating phenomenon.
Misty Winter Morning A chilling mist pervades the air. It hovers like a ghostly gauze on every field, On branches stark and bare With their Winter form revealed. It clings wherever touch is made, Each spider's web a diadem of glistening beads And silver strands displayed Among the water's reeds. When once the sun comes breaking through The wispy whiteness blows away Leaving drops of dew To start a fresh new day.
A month gone already. February this week. Slightly longer days and that means more light to stimulate the birds and invigorate the plants. I hope you have plans for Spring and Daffodils will shine in your garden. I will share mine just in case. Bye for now. With you again next week.
Living a contented creative life. 