Mashed potatoes infused with basil and rape seed oil recipe
Potatoes are important to Danny. Not just having some on the plate. They have to be the right variety. When he talks about potatoes it’s like a man describing a tribe of much loved children. And then there are the best ways of cooking them. “Creamed potatoes need lashings of cream and butter. That’s why they’re called creamed.” The milk bottle is silently returned to the fridge. The urge to create a new potato dish bubbles to the surface every now and then. This can only be attempted when I am cooking and D is...
read moreFretting about tomato blight
I woke at four this morning fretting about our tomatoes. It has been the same for the last three nights. We sleep right under the eaves. When it rains, we can hear the gentle patter of rain drops on the roof and a whispery tinkling into the gutter. In the winter, snuggled up with Danny under the giant duvet, it’s a comforting sound. In the summer, with the prospect of blight, it’s a sound that instantly chills me to the bone. I am a bit of an ostrich when it comes to bad news. I have been known to avoid opening bank statements for...
read moreSlow roast belly of pork on a nest of Victoria plums recipe
Last night we were at a super party where the hostess had cooked a wonderful lamb tagine with squash, chick peas and spinach. It was intense, rich and delicious. She mentioned later that she hated the combination of fruit and meat. “Apricots in a tagine will lift it and not overpower the dish.” “I know that you can use anything seasonal but I just don’t want fruit.” “Have you tried dried fruit?” I love fruit and meat. Coincidentally, we had decided to try cooking belly of pork on a nest of plums the...
read moreThe swing seat
Several years ago I decided to tempt Danny to spend more time in the garden. He wasn’t turning brown the way the rest of us do as the summer progresses. The face that smiled from behind the computer screen in The Rat Room was pale and pinched. He needed fresh air and a dose of vitamin D. I decided to buy him a swing seat for his birthday. I knew that he wouldn’t want a flimsy two-seater. It had to be long enough for D and the Min Pins to stretch out on. With a decent frame, soft cushions and the promise of many lolling years. I had...
read moreJam sandwiches
“I wondered if you’d like a jam sandwich? Margaret pushed a tiny bag of dainty sandwiches along the worktop towards me. “They were rejected by a passing monk.” I was intrigued. “He took the paté and cucumber ones. It’s a long drive to Ambelforth so I’m surprised that he didn’t want the others.” She pushed the bag a little further toward me with an encouraging nod. I was vaguely peckish but . . jam sandwiches? To be polite I took a tiny sandwich and sampled it. Perhaps it was the jam...
read moreRoof top protests and The Great Escape
When we released Mrs Boss and the keets on Sunday evening I expected them to repair to the luxury of the castle to sleep. Mrs Boss was having none of that. She clearly was keen to return to the familiarity of her five star hotel, The Hen House. Luckily, the keets wanted to join her and eventually tentatively negotiated the steep staircase to the communal penthouse bedroom and the snug hay filled nesting box beyond. This was their final roosting space for a couple of nights. There was a problem. Mrs Boss’ old enemy, Barbie, had gone...
read moreThe Fantastic Four Meme
I’ve been tagged for The Fantastic Four Meme by Richard at Superfood. A great blog, well worth bookmarking. I have tried some of his recipes and they work well. Inventive recipes created by someone who loves food – what could be better. The Meme is simple. 5 areas of interest, four points in each. Happy to jump through hoops this evening. 4 jobs I’ve had in my life: Instructor at a day centre for mentally ill adults: (painting, photography and dance). Computer animator: Great job, massive 14 hour days. No social life. But...
read moreQuick and delicious lamb meatballs in a creamy tomato sauce
I’m quite particular about meatballs. They have to melt in the mouth. And they need a good, mellow sauce. I am not keen on fried meatballs, so often a chewy exterior extends to the interior. And I checked out other meat ball recipes on the internet this evening. What a palaver – make the meatballs, transfer to the fridge for 2 hours. If you are really gentle with your meatballs you can be snatching a pack of mince one moment and within half an hour, or so, serving this meal. Danny was back late from London this evening. I planned...
read moreThe release of the keets from the castle
Mrs Boss has been looking after the keets for six weeks now. She is a small feather footed Bantam. And the heroine of the Farming Friends – Cottage Smallholder Interblog Guinea Fowl Breeding Event. Mrs B has proved to be a bit of a star, hatching out five keets and tending them well. She also appears to enjoy the attention of the paparazzi. On Sunday we decided to open the castle door and let the keets discover the world of the chicken run. Mrs Boss stepped over the threshold with a coterie of four keets, one was left behind trying to...
read moreHappy Birthday Cottage Smallholder
I wasn’t planning a party for the Cottage Smallholder’s first birthday but I did poke my nose into the barn and discovered a bottle of champagne lurking on the shelves. Hidden away in balmier times. So I slipped it into the fridge. My mum also asked me to choose a present for the blog when I was doing her weekly shop. The blog chose a carton of mixed olives from the olive bar. Champagne and really good olives are perfect presents for this one year old. It has been an amazing year. We are interested in self sufficiency in the...
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Recent Comments
{ I was thinking the same as Magic Cochin but then like you I don't have my phone attached by an umbilical cord wherever I go.... } – Wed 8 :47 pm
{ Good point but I don't tend to take it about with me everywhere 
} – Wed 7 :25 pm
{ Doesn't your mobile phone have an alarm setting? C x } – Wed 6 :32 pm
{ I would put it towards a bbq, it's just a shame you can't purchase some sunshine from b&q } – Wed 12 :04 am- { Hi Lesley The clucking means that she is brrody also plucking her own feathers is a sign too. } – Tue 11 :58 pm
- { Hi Lesley They have to stay in the broody coop 24/7. Could you put in a garden shed or garage? } – Tue 11 :57 pm
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