Weekend

 My goodness, how time is flying by and despite new restrictions with regard to Covid 19 I am still filling my days well.  I always have a project on the go if not more than one.  I have made a start on some cards which include Christmas cards.  I intend to send a few extras this year as I won't be able to call in on some of our old friends but I want them to know we are thinking of them.  I have also been working on some jar toppers for jams/chutneys/pickles which will be included in the hampers that I give.

I am adding to the hampers regularly using as much as I can harvest from the garden and garden room.  The most recent addition is some spring onion oil.  I do like to have a variety of oils in my kitchen as well as for gifts.

I have made a couple of storage bags to be gifted, along with a matching pencil roll and stationery.

Saturday as usual was spent in the kitchen preparing  the dinner for Sunday so that I can really enjoy a day of rest.  This week pork was on the menu as the pig came back from the slaughterhouse.  It was hard not to think about it but I must admit the meat was good.  I made butternut squash and sweet potato soup I had to thin it down a little it was so thick but it was very tasty.

Cauliflower cheese was made as side to go with the pork, along with some stewed apple.

Sausage rolls were made with some of the sausage meat, they were so tasty.   A cheese and onion quiche, apple crumbles and potato salad were also added.

It is always nice to have a few things prepared in advance so if we are busy I can make a quick meal.  Autumn is closing in, the temperatures are dropping, throws are appearing and the heating has been turned back on.  I have changed some of the candles around giving a more seasonal scent.  I have a full store cupboard in the event of cancelled freight ferries due to bad weather.  The sky is overcast and heavy and the changing hues are a delight as I look out of my cottage window.  The beauty that I am surrounded by is a gift and I am thankful for it.

Gerard has a hospital appointment tomorrow so we are going across to Stornoway, they phoned today to check on his health ensuring it was safe for him to attend.  The new drug regime seems to be working well so hopefully this will not change.  We have also had our appointments for the flu jab so that is another thing ticked off.  How are you all doing?  Are you managing to tick off those lists of jobs? 

As always I thank you for your visit and your uplifting comments.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

Time In The Kitchen

I have had quite a productive weekend, preparing preserves for the store cupboard.  A taste of Summer in those Winter months.  Some simple oils that also double up as a little gift for friends and neighbours.  The familiar well tried and tested chilli oil and a new addition scallion or also known as spring onion oil.  I used the Good Food recipe available on google.

I have had some raspberries soaking in vinegar for several days and finally strained and bottled the raspberry vinegar.  This is a wonderful addition to a salad, at any time of the year.

I did manage to get some reduced/yellow sticker strawberries whilst out and about.  The strawberries were covered in sugar and left overnight to macerate.  Boiled for 20 minutes with some lemon juice and hey presto strawberry jam.

Five jars ready for the cupboard, I am a great fan of jam on toast.

I plan to harvest some of the herbs that I have been growing over the next few days and hanging them to dry ready for Winter stews and casseroles.  

Our neighbour has brought down some of his sheep to the field right next to our back door.  We have had some fun watching them watching us.  Mickey(our dog) goes right up to the fence for a look but soon becomes disinterested and never barks at them.

A lovely way to get the grass cut.  I love to look out of my window and see the lambs.

How did you spend your weekend?

See you soon.