10th June 10

 We have just taken over an allotment as we decided the small vegetable garden at home wasn't big enough. I hadn't realized how much work was involved it was completely over run, but I do now have a gooseberry bush, raspberry bush, rhubarb, strawberries and blackberries so am really looking forward to making some Jam this year.   I have decided to create some raised beds as I don't think I'll have time to turn the whole allotment over in time for this year.  However I have managed to plant some potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, courgettes, beetroot and a couple of pumpkins for my son.  So I'll let you know how I get on and any recipes I come up with in the meantime.  I did create a beetroot and sweet potato curry the other night, very simple and I'll put it up as the recipe of the week as soon as I have time.

 6th July 10

I was busy picking gooseberries and raspberries this weekend, I have discovered there are two types of gooseberry bushes red and green, the red are particularly sweet, I stewed them down with some sugar and a spot of water then added some brandy to taste, my five year old then insisted on adding a sprig of mint, and it tasted delicious I served it on some vanilla ice cream topped with some crushed walnuts delicious in this hot weather.

20th July 10

With working full time, school holidays and builders in the house I haven’t had much time to write my blog but I must tell you about a traditional Norwegian snack I had last week in Oslo.  I had enjoyed a nice lunch given to me by my very hospitable Norwegian colleagues but wanted something light to eat at the airport, I picked up what looked like a rolled pancake which is  was BUT inside it had been spread with some butter  and sprinkled it with sugar.  Not a particularly healthy option but great if you need some energy but don’t fancy anything too heavy and I must admit it was delicious. The waitress explained to me that it was traditionally Norwegian and great for those cold winter nights over there and if my son is lucky I might treat him next time he goes on a school trip and pop one in his lunch box.  Pancakes are so easy to freeze and use when you need them.  Of course there are much healthier options...

23rd July 10

A few people with a vegetable garden have asked me what they can do with all the beetroot they have grown this year, it is also very cheap in the shops at the moment.  I will put a couple of recipes on my recipe of the week page but here are a few ideas.  Beetroot and potato bake - layers of cooked beetroot and cooked potato covered in a cheese sauce. I also add cooked beetroot to curries and chillies right at the end of cooking to add some sweetness  which compliments the spicy hot dishes beautifully.  I also saw someone cook a chocolate and beetroot cake on television the other evening and I found this one by Nigel Slater http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/398454/Nigel-Slater-s-chocolate-beetroot-cake. Of course if all else fails there is always beetroot sandwiches a childhood favourite of mine :)

8th November 10

As Christmas is fast approaching and I am travelling for most of November I am going to have to be very organize to make sure I am ready in time.  Please read my count down to Christmas it has lots of tips on how to prepare for the big day well in advance so that you can actually enjoy some time with your family and feel festive rather than stressed!!!