Victoria Gardens IE Bed 23rd April 2013

Today the sun shone on us as we cleared out the old plants and top dressed the bed with composted Horse manure.

We planted Strawberries, Chard, Broad Beans, Lettuce and herbs as well as some flowering plants to attract pollinating insects.Once the weather is more reliable we'll put in a 'patio courgette' and some delicious green beans!

If you are in the gardens do help yourself to some herbs which are just beginning to take off  now.I love to use herbs in my cooking as even a borring plate of pasta can be jazzed up by adding fresh chopped herbs to some warm Olive oil and garlic and mixing in before you serve.Sage (chop finely) is very tasty if you add it to plenty of butter then add your cooked pasta.

Mint is so useful ; As well as adding a sprig to new potatoes as they cook I also like to chop it up finely and add to rice when we are having a curry.Mint works well with strawberries and gooseberries too if you just use a small amount.

Saltash Food Festival

After our meeting last night at Ashtorre we are feeling much more positive about organising this event which is planned for September.Our plan is to cook and sell a wide variety of local produice alongside demonstrations and children's competions.

If you would like to get involved please come along and meet us at The Brunel Inn,Fore Street, Saltash at 7.30pm on 16th April.

38 Degrees | Energy Bill: email your MP PLEASE!!!!

38 Degrees | Energy Bill: email your MP

Transition Free Press | Transition Free Press – the change is in your heart, head and hands

Transition Free Press | Transition Free Press – the change is in your heart, head and hands

Have Yourselves a Merry Green Christmas

1.Buy as much of your festive food locally - yes we know all the food magazines are full of recipies for exotic fruit and veg but our own humble carrots, greens and parsnips are all fantasic at this time of year and far less food miles are involved!

Roast carrots,beetroot and cauliflower as well as parsnips! Add a spoon of honey.

Don't use your granny's recipe for greens! Cut them up finely and steam or stir fry for under 5 mins.Add chopped garlic if you like.

Support your local farmers and food producers!

2.Cut down on wrapping and paper. Iron your old wrapping paper and tissue to reuse.Don't buy 'overwrapped' produce or if you do leave the wrapping in the shop.

3.Save on fuel share meals with friends and neighbours! Turn the heating off and sit round a wood fire instead.Much more festive.

4.Send e-cards instead of paper ones -saves you money too!

5.Give a donation to a charity rather than a present ( probably best to stick to adult's gifts rather than children's)

Black tuscan kale ready now in Cornwall

Several local market gardeners are now growing this lovely type of cabbage so grab it while you can.I bought mine from a stall in St Dominick.Look out for it in veg shops too.In St Dominick it was just 50p for a great big bunch (that's £5 in Waitrose !!)

When you get it home wash it well and discard all of the large stalks as they will be very tough.You can keep the smaller ones.

To cook it simpy cut up and steam or stir fry adding ginger lemon garlic and salt as you like.Or just salt if you like plain food!

My favourite way to cook it is to cook it up with a chopped onion and small pot of  double cream.

First cook onion in olive oil then add kale and cook another 5 mins then add cream and seasoning.Black pepper, garlic, paprika and chillies all work well. You can then stir in some cooked pasta to make a tasty supper dish or serve it alongside other dishes and potaoes.Really quick but good enough for a dinner party!

Oh i nearly forgot add a handful of chopped roasted hazelnuts just before you stir in the pasta.Pinenuts or walnuts would work too.

Try something crafty

Brilliant ideas for recycling here!

Archives | How can I recycle this?