Wednesday 24 August 2011

A busy day.






The farmer came in today to say that the plums needed picking in the garden as the wasps were having a bean-feast in them. By sheer coincidence I had just read Pomona's blog and she had talked of making plum chutney yesterday. So as I write this the chutney is bubbling on the Aga and the house is full of delicious, vinegary smells.
Thank you Pomona for the recipe - I look forward to eating the chutney in about three months time.

Half a cooking apple and a pound of plums remained. The farmer, never one to miss a chance, suggested a plum and apple crumble for lunch! (we do not have puddings as a general rule as we both need to watch our weight). So this meant a fairly light first course.

The garden is full of rocket. If you have ever grown rocket you will know that once you have got it, you never get rid of it as it self-seeds everywhere. So I picked a handful of rocket, washed it and sorted through it (you need to do this to take out bits of chickweed, fat hen and groundsel.) Then I put it in the food processor with a large handful of pine nuts and dribbled in best quality olive oil to make a thin pesto. Served with pasta and a top dressing of grated parmesan, this makes a lovely meal.

Now, all that remains is to pick the plum stones out of the chutney as it simmers down (yes, I forgot to take the stones out), and then pot it in sterilised jars. I am sure at the end of today I shall feel very virtuous.

19 comments:

it's me said...

using your resources in such a delicious, creative way--yum!

angryparsnip said...

Just reading your post has me swooning ! especially when I am eating my breakfast of dry toast, scrambled egg and a small orange.

cheers, parsnp

jeanette from everton terrace said...

That all looks amazing! I've just finished breakfast and I want it all. I've never had a plum right off the tree, would love to try one. Oh that pesto, making my mouth water.

steven said...

wow weaver. i bet the farmer thanks his lucky stars for you!!! plum and aple crumble!!! steven

Pondside said...

That all looks soooo good!
Congratulations on having wheels again - I just caught up on your last post. I'm sure you're enjoying the freedom of coming and going at will.

Heather said...

What a delicious and mouth watering post Pat. Your lunch sounds wonderful and all the better for being made with your own produce. I love seeing a row of jars filled with homemade jams and chutneys. I'm keeping an eye on the ripening blackberries as my husband's favourite is blackberry and apple anything!

maryelizabethroche said...

I'm awfully hungry after looking at those photos!!

Pomona said...

statI am sure that you will enjoy it - the difficult bit is being patient, but it will be ready just in time for all that Christmas fare! I love the vinegary autumnal smell that pervades the house when chutney is on the boil.

Pomona x

Titus said...

Weaver, we're going to have to drive past your house one lunchtime.

Heather said...

I love the header on your new blog Pat and see you have got straight down to work! You have made a great start and I hope you enjoy your course. I tried to leave a comment for you there but Blogger wouldn't let me.

Gerry Snape said...

Oh what lovely recipes! I'll have a go as the plums came in today courtesy of a granddaughter.
I made tomato and chilli jam...we are coming down with toms. I had made it last year as well and it goes down well with cheese that I had another go...what fun this abundance gives us!!

H said...

I've never made pesto, but that sounds so easy!

Dartford Warbler said...

Your food looks so delicious! I can almost smell that plum chutney from here...

Cloudia said...

nicely done!




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Robin Mac said...

that all sounds so delicious. I have just caught up on your last post - how wonderful to have your licence back again. I am amazed you have found time to blog - I thought you would be out trying out your new found freedom for days! Cheers

The Weaver of Grass said...

The chutney is away in the cupvboard. All that remains is to get the pan clean!! I think the farmer's strong arm is needed.

Thank you for responding.

Jenny Woolf said...

I shall try again to grow rocket. I sometimes find this with weeds - they take over in some places, and scorn others. My mother's borage plants are rather pretty but the plants here are great monsters which are determined to overwhelm everything in sight!

Dave King said...

I'm green with envy - having just bought some plum chutney in Tesco.

MorningAJ said...

I'm an unstoppable chutney maker, I love the smell in the house when it's boiling. But I never think to make plum........ good idea because the wild ones are weighing down the trees this year.