Do we, don't we, do we???

All thoughts of posting a blog this week have been put off due to big decisions being made, followed by the chaos that followed. Anyone who knows us will tell you our home is constantly being changed. To the point where my sister, who visits once a year or so, will step in the front door and ask "where do I go?"
I had intended to post some of my recent creative work, but instead I will show some photos of the current work in progress and once the dust has settled I'll get back on track. So, what have we been up to?



I'd like to say this is the finished result. But instead it was part of my kitchen before the work began. After a major rebuild 6 years ago we have never felt happy with the layout and have rearranged the furniture time and time again. So we finally decided to stop being indecisive and to do something about it. It may work, it may not, but we know from the past that we can change it if in the end we don't like what we do! And so the units were removed and down came the wall:



















Since the cupboards are not yet reinstalled their contents are all over the floor, in boxes, on the table, and where ever else they can fit. There is a constant "have you seen the flour, vingegar, spices?" It's not been made any easier by a glut of vegetables that I picked from the allotment yesterday, and needed to pickle and prepare for storage. But we've had lots of experience over the years and take all this in our stride. I just hope when it is finished that we will be more comfortable with the new layout of the area that we mainly live in. I'll post more photos as work progresses. Meanwhile, I need to climb over the ladder and tools and prepare the potatoes I dug up yesterday. I've managed to pickle some of the 15 cucumbers, and chopped a red cabbage. That is now being salted, ready for pickling tomorrow. It's a nice thought that when we open the jars at Christmas, the building work might be finished and we'll be cosy around the log burner. But then again, those who know us might just laugh at my optomism!

In a Pickle....

No squash in this pickle, but I found a wonderful way of using other vegetables from the allotment. I have always been wary of making Piccalilli as I was never sure if the sauce would be as good as the Barton brand we love. However, I decided to give it a try and made my own adaptions after looking through recipies. Delia Smith can take credit for the sauce recipe, but I added green tomatos since we have so many as well as cucumber. runner beans, and onion from the allotment. I just had to buy a cauliflower as it wouldn't seem like Picalilli without. Result - lovely crunchy vegetables and the most delicious sauce imaginable! I may not be buying Bartons in future!
I also made some pickled beetroot and onion and cucumber pickles. I just love the chopping and preparation, so soothing and satisfying. And at the end of the day, with my jars lined up, I get a warm glow of pleasure.
By the way, I found a useful way of pouring thick pickle into jars. I thoroughly washed an empty 1 litre plastic milk carton, and cut off the base. I filled it with the pickle (lid on!) and the heat of the pickle made it pliable, so I could easily pour into the jar with very little mess. This worked much better than a funnel or anything I have tried before, so I thought I would share this idea.
I should wait for 3 months before trying the Picalilli, but I think this might be too long! At least it will be ready for Christmas and I may make more jars as gifts.

2 plus 2 go away

This week I went away with my daughter Emma, and two granddaughters. We stayed in a farmhouse B&B in Suffolk, and Summer & Ivy loved the garden with it's climbing frame and trampoline. We had two great days out, to Easton Farm and to Framlingham Castle. I highly recommend the farm visit. There was lots to see and do, with pony rides, rides in a horse and carriage, and various trailers. The girls loved feeding all the animals and holding baby rabbits, guinea pigs and chicks. It got a thumbs up from us all. Being school holidays the Castle had an event day with two actors playing the part of Highway men. Lots of interaction and participation. There was lots of belly laughing, followed by trembling of knees as Emma walked round the tower walls. Her fear of high narrow walkways seems to have increased over the years, and Emma looked very relieved when she was back on the ground!
While in the area we found a wonderful camp complete with a gypsey caravan, tipi, yurt and other interesting 'accomodation' to stay in. It is eco friendly and I support and love places like this. It is high on my list of places to stay next year.
I already have a plans to stay in a 'gypsy camp' in 6 weeks time. It is set in an orchard with 2 bow top caravans and a bow top tent. Four friends & I are planning a creative retreat and we are each organising an activity. I might do felt making. I have yet to try this but have a day planned with friends to experiment. I will let you know how I get on!

I am still looking for ways of using the huge pile of squash and vegetables from the allotment. Today I started to prepare some for pickles and freezing. I learned that you can grate squash and freeze it to use in cakes and breads, as well as add to soups and casseroles etc. I thought the water content might be too high but there was lots of websites recommending freezing as a way of storing squash, so I thought it worth a try. I'd love to hear any recipes or ideas that you like..!

RICH PICKINGS

Today's harvest from the allotment. I have added a tea spoon to give perspective. The largest courgettes weigh nearly 7.5lb (3.5kg) and I am scratching my head wondering how to use them all. Last year I made some lovely spicey courgette chutney, marrow & ginger wine and jam, and ratatouille. Moira has suggested a courgette cake, and I use them in every day cooking. But with so many to use, I'd love some new ideas and recipes please. Feel welcome to post here and I'll let you know how many ways I find of using squash!