There's been all the form-filling of course for himself's pensions. I think - I HOPE - I've got that sorted now. You would think it was Christmas or something with Keith marking the days off to his retirement in his diary. I've never known anyone so looking forward to that milestone!
Then Bob-round-the-corner sent some green tomatoes, some lovely Bramley Apples (cookers) and some runner beans. I always think the best thing to do with green tomatoes that are a l-o-o-ong way from turning red is to make them into Green Tomato Chutney.
You need:
1 lb green tomatoes
1 lb onions
1 lb apples (I used Bramley but you could use Granny Smiths. Sharp anyway)
1 lb brown sugar
1 pint malt vinegar (who says it has no use in the kitchen?)
1/2 tsp mixed spice
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 oz salt
You do:
Cut up veg and fruit small. Put in a bowl and sprinkle with all the salt (sounds a lot - trust me), cover and leave overnight.
Strain off and discard salty juice. Put fruit and veg into a large pan, add everything else. Bring to the boil, stirring, then simmer - uncovered - for about 1 1/2 hours Stir it occasionally. When the chutney has got quite thick in consistency it's done. If it needs more than 1 1/2 hour give it more but keep checking to make sure it doesn't 'catch' on the bottom..
Leave it in the pan to cool and then when it's at room temperature put it into spotlessly clean jars and seal them. Don't forget the labels.
Of course, you can tuck into this straight away but if you can keep your hands off it, it's best if you leave it a few weeks.
You will only get four 8 oz jars from this amount. So why are there only 3 in the picture? Keith couldn't keep his hands off it! The good news is Bob sent some more tomatoes so I can make more this weekend..
Also last weekend I made my first batch of Plum Bread for this year. That is every bit as easy as the chutney but chutney doesn't taste so good on its own with a cup of tea.. You do need to have some loaf tins but if you buy the ready made parchment liners from Lakeland like I do you don't have to mess about lining them! Preheat oven to Gas 3. Shelf about centre.
You Need:
4oz margarine or butter (butter's best)
4oz soft dark brown sugar
1 tsp mixed spice
12 oz mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants, cherries, peel)
5 fl oz cold tea
8 oz self-raising flour
1 medium sized egg
You Do:
Put the first five ingredients into a large saucepan, Bring slowly to the boil. stirring.
Turn down heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Leave it to cool
Add sifted flour and egg and combine well without beating.
Pour into lined tin and bake for about 1 hr 15 mins
If the top is browning too fast, place on top a piece of greaseproof paper with a hole in the middle (to let out any steam)
Test for doneness by gently inserting a skewer in the centre. If it comes out clean it's done. Otherwise give it another 15 mins and check again.
While I'm on about food, I bought these the other day in Tesco (I think ). They are delicious with a cup of tea for brekky.
What a sorry state our house is in at the moment. Along with the windows being changed at the end of October, the render on the outside walls has to come off, be replaced and painted. Even the flowers look incongruous set against it
Oh well, it'll be nice when it's done|
XXXXX
6 comments:
Both recipes sound wonderful. You have been busy. I'd not heard of those liners before, but I'll be looking for them here now. They would be so nice to have. Thanks for the tip and the recipes. I do hope your windows and all are done soon and that Keith enjoys his retirement as much as he thinks he will. It won't be long now at all!
I have been up since 4:30 a.m. and just reading what you have been doing is making me feel like falling asleep right now. Give yourself credit, Angie, you get great things done and MORE than some who are not in a wheelchair...you do LOTS!!
blessings and hugs,
marcy
p.s. wish I could stop over for a spot of tea (did I say that right?)
Recipes sound wonderful and the windows and walls will get done soon and then your home will be nice and cozy for the winter while you sit and sip some hot tea.
Joyce
OMgoodness. I don't know which I want to try first - the chutney or the bread. Probably the bread because if there's one thing this family LOVES its that sort of a yummy combo. Wonder if you could douse it in rum and age it as well? What do you think? Sort of a glorified fruit cake that someone would WANT to eat. My husband has to see this recipe. I'm writing everything down now.
Angie, that bread and chutney look fabulous!! I can smell both of them now! Don't you just love the smell of a kitchen when you've been pickling anything? I do! We need new windows on our place, the sills are rotting on the outside. Mentioned to the big bosses several years ago now, but so far we have had no joy in having the job done. You would think they would want to protect their investment better than that! Won't it be wonderful when Keith is fully retired and you two can spend more time together? Fabulous!! So enjoyed our text chat the other day. I must call you for real soon so we can have a good old chin wag on the phone voice to voice! xxoo
Darling, thank you so much for stopping by my cottage and for the sweet comments you left behind, much appreciated. I am here for a visit now and I must say you have a lovely blog, full of interesting posts and a new follower...…me. Please do stop by for a visit from time to time to have afternoon tea with me, as I will indeed.
Love & Hugs
Duchess ♥♥♥♥
P.S. I have indded been to Betty's, as a matter of fact, I do mention them on my profile. I simply adore their sweet rolls.
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