Bountiful broad beans

Next to the pea patch, we had a bed of broad beans.  Broad (or fava) beans are another childhood memory:  picking them during a sunny winter afternoon and then shelling them in front of the fire for supper.  We had another bumper crop this year, I am delighted to say, so some are safely stored in … Continue reading Bountiful broad beans

African Slow Cooking: North and South

It was cold this weekend - perfect weather for a slow cooked stew.  Stews are a fantastic, nutritious way to use inexpensive cuts of meat - and they are usually the most flavoursome. On Saturday, after the market, I decided to make a traditional South African bredie.  A bredie is, essentially, a stew that was made … Continue reading African Slow Cooking: North and South

Beetroot: it’s beautiful – and delicious

We have a bumper beetroot crop at the moment and although it's easy to bottle, it's also great doing new things with it.  Freshly pulled, beetroot cooks more quickly than when shop bought, and is beautifully tender and sweet - another reason not to just pickle it.  Besides being delicious roasted or simply added to a leafy green salad, … Continue reading Beetroot: it’s beautiful – and delicious