Allotmenticity - Sod It Grow Your Own Pt 3 - 24-11-08

Here's Part 3 of Captain Tongo's fledgeling radio career. A weekly humourous look at what's going on at No87.
I recently went over to Germany with "The Legend" and witnessed some amazing Deutche Allotmentz right at the side of the Autobahn, as can be just about seen above.
Fabulous collections of sheds, and flags everywhere. Unfortunately we couldn't stop as we were on route to our gig in the former East Germany. You can see Frankfurt in the background.
We conquered!
The Kapitain.

Allotmenticity - Roasted Isle of Wight Garlic

ROASTED ISLE OF WIGHT GARLIC

INGREDIENTS
1 head garlic per person
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil per bulb.

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.

2. Remove the outer papery covering of the garlic. Slice off the top of the head so most of the cloves are exposed. Place on a square of aluminum foil for easy cleanup, or select the smallest baking dish you have. Drizzle the oil over the cloves. Fold the foil over the head to completely enclose it, or cover the baking dish with foil.

3. Roast for about 30/40 minutes, until the garlic is completely soft and lightly browned.

A great way to serve roasted garlic cloves is on toasted bread with soft green cheese and roasted peppers. Heavenly!

Allotmenticity - Sod It Grow Your Own Pt 2 - 17-11-08

Captain Tongo on Aston FM 17th November.
Hear Captain Tongo every Monday at 8.15am on The Gary James Show Aston FM 89.1FM

Allotmenticity - Cissy Stone's Irish Chicken Soup

This is an old Irish recipe for a warming Chicken soup my Granny used to make in a huge pot over an open fire in Doneraile.
For 4 people you will need
A fresh chicken, (free range for preference) about 2-3lbs.
2 medium Turnips.
A medium Swede.
2 medium Parsnips.
3 Carrots.
3 large Potatoes (Maris Piper are good).
A Leek.
A large Onion.
A chicken stock cube.
A sprig of Thyme, Rosemary and a Bay Leaf
Salt & Pepper to taste.

Put the chicken in a large pot, big enough to fit all the vegetables around it.
Cover the chicken with water and bring to the boil. Peel the Turnips, Swede and Parsnips and cut into large chunks. Wash the carrots and potatoes and chop the same. Wash the Leek and chop into 1" pieces. Peel and chop the Onion.
When the water boils crumble the stock cube in and add all the vegetables and herbs making sure all the contents are covered, adding more boiling water if necessary. Bring the heat down to a simmer cover the pan and let it "smile" for about 2 hours.
The soup is ready when the chicken falls off the bones and the veg are soft.
Serve in large soup bowls with some warm homemade soda bread.
Enjoy. Cissy x
www.myspace.com/cissystone

Allotmenticity - Sod It Grow Your Own Pt 1 - 10-11-08

This is the first Aston FM "Sod It Grow Your Own" broadcast on Monday 10th November. Listen out for my regular humourous observations every Monday on 89.1 FM or hear it again on the Blog.
Starting next week a seasonal recipe section with contributions from special friends aswell.

Allotmenticity - Aston FM 89.1 issue.

This is the Aston FM 89.1 special issue. On Monday 10th November at 08.15 Gary James will broadcast an interview with yours truly direct from No 87. Hopefully "Sod It I'll Grow My Own" will become a regular feature so if you're fortunate enough to be able to receive it, give them a call and support me.
It's not going to be as serious as the Jeremy Vine Show, more a light-hearted view of growing your own veg & fruit with a weekly tip and possibly even a seasonal recipe. (If I can think of one!!!)
I'll try to get a recording so I can put it on the blog.

Oh and thanks to Choff for the above addition to the No 87 family. I've decided to name it after him as "The Choff".
More interesting goodies to come from him soon.

The Captain.

Allotmenticity - 09-11-08 - The Tour

Welcome to No 87 The Tour, a stroll around the plot with Captain Tongo.

Enjoy!

Comments please.

The Captain.

Allotmenticity - Lewis Hamilton World Champion!

Well he finally did it! Good Lad Lewis you deserve the title despite all of Ferrari's and FI's attempts to stop you.
Next up has to be Man Utd getting back into gear and then I'm happy.
Right then back down to earth. I've just planted my Strawberries in what must be the most extravagant bed around. A gift of a bath which cost a fortune but now houses my new arrivals from Thompson & Morgan. Let's hope they like their new home and produce the goods.
What about the size of my Kerr Pinks. I can't believe how well they've done AND they taste amazing. Even "The Legend" commented on how great they are!
Just returned from a trip to Scotland and hopefully a couple of hours tomorrow morning tidying and digging a few more spuds.
I've sown the first lot of I-O-W garlic, but I'm holding back a few as Colin from The Garlic Farm suggested and sowing them in early spring. The Japanese Onion sets are all coming on well.
My mate Choff has been sourcing some fantastic goodies. I've got some mini greenhouses and also mini seedling plug containers for next years herbs etc.
Watch this space for more developments.
Garden On!

The Captain.