Wednesday 25 October 2017

Pot of Gold

As always I thank you for your wonderful comments, emails and support.  I would also like to welcome new followers and hope you enjoy our little adventures through life.  I live on the Western Isles also known as the Outer Hebrides the beautiful Isle of Lewis off the west coast of Scotland.  It takes two and  a half hours on the ferry to reach the mainland, so although remote it doesn't feel that way.  Shopping is certainly limited but I visit family regularly and shop when I visit the mainland.  Although we have only been here since April we call it home and love it, we have lost our hearts to this wonderful place.  Next week we travel to the mainland and start our journey to visit family who are spread throughout England, we are counting down the sleeps until we see our Grandchildren who are so excited that we are visiting.  We also have our exciting trip to Florida the sunshine state of America to look forward to which is why Christmas preparations started and finished so early.  The only thing we have left to do is write the Christmas cards, which hopefully will get done over the next day or so.  I am not usually this organised so I did feel as if I should explain the early preparations. 

I was asked for the recipe for the black treacle marmalade.  It is a traditional orange marmalade recipe with the addition of 2 tablespoons of black treacle added with the sugar.

3lb oranges
2 lemons
6lb granulated sugar
2 tablespoons black treacle

Cut the fruit in half and squeeze out the juice.  Remove the pips and membrane and tie them in a muslin bag.
Cut the peel into thin shreds, place in a preserving pan and add 5 pints of water.
Bring to the boil and simmer for about 2 hours until the contents of the pan has reduced by half and the peel is soft.
Remove the muslin bag and squeeze out all the gooey liquid - this contains all the pectin required to thicken the marmalade.
Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved.  Add the black treacle.
Bring to the boil and boil rapidly until setting point is reached (about 20 mins).
Stir well so that the peel is evenly distributed and then pour into sterilised jars, seal and label.

Hope that helps and that if you make it you enjoy it as much as we do.

I am doing well with the crochet stockings, one complete and another 22 Granny squares ready to have their ends sewn in and then stitched together.  It is such a great make using 22 Granny squares, stitched together and then a round of popcorn stitches around the top.


A short post today as I have some ironing and packing to do.  I will leave you with a wonderful rainbow, here's wishing that there will be a pot of gold at the end of it for you.


See you soon.




33 comments:

  1. I've really enjoyed reading about your new life on Lewis. You are adventurous. Love the granny square stocking, would never have thought of using them to make a stocking.

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  2. Your marmalade sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

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  3. Good morning my friend! I've been reading portions of your posts to my husband in the hopes that we could someday make a trip to Scotland and possibly a visit to you! I love how organized you are. Usually I have more of my Christmas done by now and I haven't started it at all this year. You are an inspiration!
    Blessings always, Betsy

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  4. What exciting times you have ahead of you.
    Have a wonderful time.
    Hugs-x-

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  5. I didn't realise that the ferry crossing takes two and a half hours, you are remote. The stocking's looking good, it's a lovely design.

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  6. You are so prepared for the months ahead. I do hope you enjoy your visits with family and then to Florida. Your marmalade sounds so good! ♥

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  7. we don't have black treacle in the stores here (Kansas City USA) ...is it molasses? I can get that. Or can I make the marmalade without it???
    As a child one of my favorite marmalades was Chiver's ginger marmalade . I can't find it anymore unless it has lemons in it ( no!!!).

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    1. Bettina, treacle is just the British name for Molasses; and yes, you can make Marmalade without it, as I have done for many many years. Hope that clears up the question.

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  8. Glad to see you have everything organized and almost ready for your trip. Is there any progress with the sale of your parents house? I am sure they are anxious to join you on Lewis!!

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  9. Exciting times ahead and it is great to know that you have taken to island living so well.

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  10. I have never heard of black treacle. I am learning so many things from you. That stocking is turning out super cute! That is one amazing rainbow photo too!

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  11. You have a whole lot of fun traveling in your future. I love those stockings.

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  12. I always enjoy hearing of your adventures.

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  13. Thanks for the recipe. I'm going to make it as soon as oranges are in season. What a pretty rainbow! We saw one on our way back from Florida this week but it wasn't a complete one. No pot of gold either!

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  14. I didn't realize you were so far off the mainland. You really are on the edge of the world! But what a beautiful place. One of these days I'm going to make marmalade. Keep saying that. It's my favorite jam. And those granny squares are so pretty. Another thing I want to learn! xo Deborah ps Sounds like you have lots of fun things planned.

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  15. Goodness.. your jam looks delish! I hope you have a good trip to see all those grandkids soon. Will you come back home before you leave for Florida or leave during this trip? I know you'll have a grand time. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  16. I was born in Edinburgh but raised in Canada and although I often visited to see grandparents and travelled throughout the mainland, i have yet to make it to the Western Isles. I do however, study Scottish Gaelic and our teachers favour the Lewis words & pronunciations. Love to read about your adventures and hope to visit there one day.

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  17. You do write such a wonderful blog. Happy and safe travels to you!

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  18. yummy recipe.. love it.. I'll wait until the oranges in my tree become ready to pick.. Love the socks..

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  19. Have a nice trip and fun with your family ! The crochet pattern reminds me the blankets my mother in law used to do. Although she died long time ago, the blankets are still in use !

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  20. Lots to look forward to in the near future.

    The stocking looks great, and what a beautiful rainbow.

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  21. I'm so much more aware of the northern Scottish islands since you moved to Lewis. Wishing you well in the days ahead as you travel to different parts of England and also to Florida.

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  22. No wonder you have had to be so organised. I hope all your travels go well:)

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  23. I am always amazed reading your posts at how talented you are. Those granny squares are so pretty. You've made me want to make marmalade and I've never even tasted it.

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  24. With all your organization, you'll be able to enjoy your trip(s) with a carefree heart!

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  25. Very nice post!!
    https://clickbystyle.blogspot.in/

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  26. My goodness you have been busy and organised! Your trips sound wonderful! I also popped in to say thank you for leaving comments on my blog; they are much appreciated.

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  27. If you ever decide to make those stockings to sell them, I will be first in line to purchase one. They are absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!
    My goodness, you've been busy!! xo

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  28. Oh and that’s a double rainbow! I really like the crocheted stockings. I see why you were so busy with Christmas preparations! Happy packing and preparing.

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  29. Having just been home for a month from two wonderful months of traveling with lovely family visits I am so happy and excited for you and Gerard. Your Christmas stockings are so pretty! xx

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  30. won't be long before you are with your family!!

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  31. Hooray for family visits and time in Florida. Love that Christmas stocking.

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  32. I should have started with the post where I left off instead of working backwards from your latest. You told me exactly where the Isle of Lewis sits.

    Love your rainbow photo. It's always a thrill to come across a rainbow because we don't look for them, never knowing when they'll pop up, so a nice surprise each time.

    Is black treacle the same as dark molasses?

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