Red Onion Relish

My Red Onion Relish started life as a 'marmalade'.....just like the recipe said; until Trading Standards stepped in and said it was misleading. People might be tempted to put it on their toast for breakfast and besides, it had to be made with citrus fruit. Actually, mine does have orange juice and zest in, and the advantage of direct sales at markets means I can answer queries as they arise. So what, I'm asked, does it go with? Well, pates and terrines for starters or perhaps soft white cheeses like baked brie or camembert. Add some warm crusty bread and a glass or two of cool Chablis.... job done!

Four Seasons Pantry

I'm still finding dead bodies in the garden i.e. young plants which didn't make it through the winter; such as some (so-called) hardy fuchsias and a couple of dahlias I didn't dig up in time before the arctic blasts arrived. Various ancient clay pots which belonged to my parents will also have to be recycled as drainage crocks, having crumbled with the frosts. Why is it that plants you wouldn't mind seeing thinned out a bit, like crocosmias and dandelions, soldier on come what may.

The rodent population has also suffered a drop in numbers; I've found 2 dead mice by the cold-frame in the last week, without a mark on them. Either my hound of death has scared the living daylights out of them or nibbling my sprouting scabious disagreed with them, fatally.