Sunday 28 August 2016

Runner Bean Soup

We grow runner beans every year.  We eat lots of beans fresh through the summer and freeze a lot ready for the winter months.

Mr Daisychain likes to make runner bean soup.

1 lb Runner Beans
1 large Carrot
1 large Onion
or 1 small Leek
4 oz Potatoes
1 oz Butter
Pinch of Mixed Herbs
1 1/4 pints of Stock

1. Peal and chop all the vegetables as needed.  Make sure all the vegetables are cut into even size pieces. 
2.  Melt the butter in a large saucepan.  Slowly saute the vegetables in the pan over a gentle heat until soft.
3.  Add the stock and herbs and give a good stir. Season with pepper.  I do not add salt as I find some stocks are salty.
4.  Simmer on the gentle hear for about half an hour or so.
5.  Puree the mixture.
6. Sieve the mixture.  Do not be tempered to miss this step.  Some runner beans can still be 'stringy' even after cooking.
7.  I like to add a drop of milk before I reheat to serve. 
7. Reheat and serve with flat bread.

Any vegetables that needs using can be added.
This soup freezes very well.

Saturday 27 August 2016

Tromboncino Fritters

Tromboncino,  also known as zucchetta or tromboncino courgette, is a type of squash most often used as a Italian summer squash.

 

I love courgettes but Mr Daisychain is not a lover of courgettes.  Mr Daisychain's sister gave us a little seedling several months ago. It has now taken over the raised bed and producing lots of fruits.
I have found lots of recipes that have courgettes as an ingredient and very few that uses tromboncinos.  So I have replaced the courgettes for tromboncinos.

Tromboncino Fritters
1/4 to 1/2 tromboncino grated
5 smal plum tomatoes chopped
1 small onion chopped
1 tbsp mixed herbs 
4 tbsp of flour or more if your fritter mix is too runny.
2 eggs
Chorizo or bacon chopped
Salt & pepper
Vegetable oil

1. Mix the courgettes, tomatoes, chorizo/bacon, onion, salt and pepper and herbs  in a bowl. Add the eggs and stir the mixture until all the ingredients have combined.
2. Add flour to bind the mixture together. 
3. Heat oil in a shallow frying pan until fairly hot.
4. Spoon the mixture into the pan. Cook for 5 -6 minutes on each side, until golden on a medium heat.

This recipe is very flexible as you can add any vegetables or ingredients that need using or to suit your taste.
Enjoy.

Friday 26 August 2016

What is on your sewing table?

What is on your sewing table this bank holiday weekend?

I am hand stitiching a project just for me.  I have made this project many times as a gift for others but never one for myself.


I love making this item.  What is it? Come back over the bank holiday and I may show you more.
Enjoy the bank holiday.

Monday 22 August 2016

Back from my blogging break!

Dear Friends
I am returning to my blog after a few months break.  I will upload some posts that I have written but not publish over the next week or two.
I have been posting on instagram during my break as it is very quick and easy to do with a smart phone.
I hope you are all well and I am looking forward to reconnecting with you.
Many thanks, Deborah x