Category Archives: Uncategorized

The tree has been decked with its finery and the cards have begun to arrive in the post. Our tree may not be the most sophisticated but it’s loaded with many happy memories. The big baubles are 50 years old and so are some of the the little bits and pieces which I made withContinue reading “Festive Flan and Log Fires”

The Christmas cactus is beginning to flower. A timely reminder to get on with things. So much to do at this time of year yet food still has to be prepared for everyday. Life goes on despite the season. I bought some peaches last week. They said “ripen in the fruitbowl”. It would have toContinue reading “Cakes and Cashews”

Winter has arrived. The garden is wet and cold but there are compensations. Lots of nice winter vegs to eat for example, safely tucked away in the polytunnels. Lovely leeks, carrots and parsnips make hearty, warming soups. I love walking down the garden to fetch good things to cook. Although many of the perennial plantsContinue reading “Rainy Days”

I haven’t put the decorations or tree up yet. Don’t want to peak too soon. I am still busy in the kitchen though with my Christmas preparations. I made cranberry sauce today. I really dislike that jam-like stuff in jars which is supposed to be cranberry sauce. I love the sharp tang, colour and textureContinue reading “Swiss Rolls and Knitted Fruit”

The frosts have kicked in although we have been lucky this year. The weather has been very mild. Even though the plants will finally give up their flowers it’s nice to see those wintery scenes. Frosty Morning The crisp, curled leaves Lie frozen on the garden path. Their steamy breath rises In the morning sun.Continue reading “Frost and Fire”

I’ve had a few things to do over the last few days. The garden needed attention. The brown drooping leaves were looking sad so I spent a little time cutting down the perennials. The woody aster stems with their fluffy seedheads are ideal for starting the fire so I save those along with marjoram sprigsContinue reading “Busy Days”

Christmas is only a month away so my thoughts are occupied with seasonal things. I have almost knitted a sixth Christmas cracker from the pattern in Landscape magazine. Because our son used to work at Christmas we usually have a get-together the weekend before. We have a festive feast and exchange our presents and thenContinue reading “Christmas Thoughts”

I bombarded you all with lots of ideas and quick tips on the last two posts so I promise to be a little gentler this time. Some mindfulness and a little bit of poetry for you. We’ve had some stormy weather with the wind tearing the leaves from the trees and the drainpipe rattling. OneContinue reading “Poetry and Pansies”

Continuing with my favourite kitchen helpers today because we all feel we need easy methods and sometimes a bit of time-saving. So my next item is the microwave oven. Of course, the microwave is absolutely brilliant for reheating. Leftover casseroles, savoury bakes, all come back to life after a few minutes in the microwave oven.Continue reading “More Quick Tricks”

We all have our favourite bits of kitchen equipment and tools. One that I find essential is a food processor. Some people buy one when they’ve seen a television chef whizz up some amazing recipe but sadly put it away and neglect it afterwards. Yes, you can manage without one but a creative cook canContinue reading “Quick Tricks”