In the interests of the environment I am cutting down on meat – not becoming a vegan fanatic, just cutting down. The following recipe looks particularly good – and most of the ingredients are ok – or easily altered!!! Those who know me will be aware that this ‘altering’ can reach epic proportions! Jamies epic bean burger.
GLUT OF TOMATOES
I am getting about 500g per day, so pizza and then dried tomatoes. HF-W recipe 1kg toms, 1tsp salt,1tsp sugar, 50ml white wine vinegar, 100-150ml olive oil. Halve, sprinkle salt and sugar, slow bake for 10-12 hours, then bottle. 2 or 3 small jam jars worth.
Then to make some pasta and then some tomato sauce. And a recipe yiayia
MINT SYRUP plus biscuits
One for next year when the leaves are young and most pungent. 50g mint leaves, pummel with one lemon juice, then add 250ml sugar and 1 level tsp salt, pummel some more and leave overnight. Pour 600ml of boiling water over and leave for another 12 hours. Strain through muslin and simmer for a few minutes – then seal in jars. And biscuits
PEPPERMINT EXTRACT
Just found this recipe
Traditional Method:
- Rinse mint leaves and add them to a canning jar. You may need to pack them in with a spoon to get everything to fit.m
- Pour vodka over the leaves. Put a lid on the jar and shake a few times.
- Store in a cool dark place, shaking once a day for the first few weeks. After that, shake it whenever you think of it.
- The mint extract will be ready when the liquid smells strongly of peppermint and not alcohol.
TOMATO RECIPES
I am getting a kg a day so some recipes tomato salsa, tomato soup, tomato and basil pasta, pan con tomate, roasted tomato orzo, tomato chutney, roasted cherry tomatoes.
BOOKS
Obviously I would like to plug my (our) books but occasionally I come across books which ‘I love’ for their format and lucidness. ‘The Story of Food‘ is a book I wish I could have contributed to!. Jekka’s complete Herb Book is well organised and informative. Butterflies and Moths – David Carter again lovely layout. I like most Jamie Oliver Cook Books, and Felicity Cloake for her simplicity. More to follow – although I do like romcom novels with happy endings!
DRYING HERBS
A FOODY QUIZ
- In which continent did almonds originate?
- Jupiter’s nut oil better known as high foodstuff?
- Which is the only nut tree native to N.America?
- Which countries occupants consume the highest amount of chocolate per capita?
- On which crop is the Colorado Beetle a major pest?
- What food stuff was originally called ‘Champignon de Paris’.?
- What date was Heinz Tomato Ketchup first sold?
- Which food plants were known as the three little sisters before the arrival of ~Europeans in N.America?
- What fruit is used to garnish the Columbian dish ajiaco and the Guatamalesn dish chapio?
- Which fruit was known as the Persian apple when first brought to Europe?
MINT RECIPES
I have a lot of mint – 25 varieties. So here are some recipes.
WEATHER
Well it’s hot! 9am and 25C indoors. My Best Buy of the year has been a fan – amazing. Even if for just a few days a year, worth every penny of £46.99. With solar panels no running costs. yesterday it was on for 8 hours. I have not needed it at night yet as I opened the windows wide and only partially pulled the curtains – my plants preserve my privacy, and hopefully safety (big rose bush by bedroom window!). Looks like the same for next few days