Bitter sweet !

Made my first lost of marmalade ever yesterday and its lovely!

I used

2 lb of Seville Oranges

4lb sugar

4pints water

juice of 1 lemon

I sliced the oranges thinly and removed all the pips. The sliced oranges were put in a very large pan with the water together with all the pips tied in a muslin cloth, and the lemon juice. The pan was then boiled quite rapidly for about 2 hours or until the liquid had reduced by half.

I added the sugar and stirred continually over a low heat until all the sugar had dissolved and then increased the heat and boiled again this time for about 10 mins. I used a jam thermometer and once the temperature reached 221 f. I took the pan off the heat and then tested for a set on a cold plate. Perfect!

I left the marmalade to cool for about 10 minutes before pouring into jars. I got 7 jars, and it met with hubbies approval !

There are only six in the picture as the other one was opened and is being used !

Souper !

I have been making lots of lovely soup recently and my current favourite is Celeriac Soup. Recipe from HFW@ River Cottage - thanks Hugh

Celeriac Soup

50g butter (I used about a tablespoon of olive oil)

1 Celeriac

1 Potato, peeled and cubed

1 Leek, trimmed, washed and sliced

1 Onion, peeled and chopped

1 Garlic Clove, sliced

1 litre of stock either veg or chicken (I used veg)

Melt butter (or heat oil) in a large pan over a medium heat then add the veg and sweat for about 10 minuted until just starting to soften.

Then add the stock and bring to the boil. Once boiling reduce heat and simmer for about 20 mins or until celeriac is soft.

Liquidise until smooth check seasoning it will need some salt and pepper, then serve - yummy This keeps well in the fridge for a good week.

This is such an easy soup to make and really quick. I had mine with homemade Soda Bread. Which is also easy and quick to make.

Eggciting times !

We are getting some chickens at the end on January. We are getting three chickens to start with and I cant wait. The coop is in the garden ready for their arrival.

Hope to be making some eggciting recipes in the near future, watch this space !