Supermarket delivery today, so some meat for the first time for ages. Roast chicken with lemon, baked potato (I am still debating, maybe rice instead), sauce (spinach, onion, garlic, chives, thyme, red pepper, Szechuan pepper and tomato) I think. Bit of a late surge on the tomato front, and chillies looking good, orange and yellow.
PASTA CONCERNS
The hot dry spell has hit the durum wheat crop in Canada, whilst the wet spring has already affected the Italian crop. Climate change hitting spagbol and pizza is a real crisis.
Prices for pasta are expected to rise by 50% in line with recent price rises of the wheat. I shall stock up on ‘OO’ flour.
EDIBLE FLOWERS
I know this is pretentious nonsense but have just made a salad with chicory flowers (blue), pot marigold (orange) and nasturtium (yellow and red). I might use the marigold flowers to dye some cakes or even cheese straws later! The flowers are lovely so I will limit my consumption and leave most for the insects. I especially like the chicory flowers which have self seeded from one plant last year to 3 this year.
CROWD FARMING
Take a look at this web site and if interested in sharing a box of clementines or whatever let me know. Crowd Farming
BREAD RECIPES
I like these from Olive Magazine
BEANBURGERS
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.