Allotmenticity - 29-06-09 Aston FM Sod It Grow Your Own

Well firstly sad news that 2 iconic figures from the world of entertainment passed away recently. As well as Michael Jackson we shouldn't forget Farrah Fawcett who was overshadowed somewhat!

Moving on, what amazing weather, and more to come this week. It was 94 degrees in my potting shed at the weekend. Phew! I grew 2" and lost a couple of pounds erecting the shelves kindly donated by my friend The Earl of Edgbaston.















It's great to be able to start harvesting at last. I've just dug up the first of my Garlic crop that was planted last year. Some of the thick-necked have suffered slightly from being too damp and rotted, but mostly they look and taste wonderful.

I'm blanching some Broad Beans for a Risotto later. Picked young they're really sweet. Also courgettes are flying now. The one problem I get is my Peas. I don't seem to be able to get a decent crop. I kind of think I'm going to have to get some manure down for next year and boost the soil. Strange how the Broad Beans right next to them are fantastic though! Any thoughts?

The fruit is tasting sweet. It's been a good crop of Raspberries so far and the Strawberries in their first year are excellent. How about this for an odd shape?





















If anyone from Birmingham, in particular Great Barr, Erdington, Stockland Green areas are looking for allotments they should either contact The Barn Social Club or come down on a Saturday or Sunday between 10.00 & 12.00, go to the seed shed and ask to speak to the Land Bailiff. The club is on Brookvale Road, Witton B6 7AJ.

Talking of fruit, this weeks recipe is courtesy of The Matron who has a wonderful blog called "Down on the Allotment" a great read with lots of helpful tips.

Until next time,

The Captain

Matron's Summer Pudding.
















Basically you need a whole load of fresh summer fruits. Strawberries, Raspberries, Gooseberries, Blackcurrants, Blueberries etc.
Get a large pudding basin and enough slices of white bread to line it. Grease the inside and fit the slices of bread (without the crusts) to make a mould. Saving one for the lid preferably the end crust as shown.















Quickly soften the fruit in a microwave for about a minute, then pile into the bread mould covering with the crust lid. Put a plate on top and weigh it down to squash the contents and put in the fridge to chill. Overnight if you can wait that long.
Take off the weight and invert over a serving plate.
Serve with fresh cream.
Mmmmmmmm!
















Nice one Matron!

Allotmenticity - 09-03-09 Aston FM Sod It Grow Your Own

I've been making the most of the good weather, before the cold and wet arrive again, by getting the base of my new potting shed down.
I've sown some small round carrots in one of the big plastic mini propagators and also some leeks in another one. I'm using them as portable seed beds and hopefully they'll work. Watch this space!
My seed potatoes are chitting nicely but the way the weather is, I don't think I'll be planting them for a good few weeks yet.

Try this recipe, the Cardamoms give it a really interesting flavour. (Don't tell Jamie Oliver though, he'll nick the idea!!!)

CHORIZO & CHICKPEA STEW

1 red onion, halved and finely sliced

Tablespoon of olive oil

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 chorizo sausage, cut into thick coins 6 Cardamom seeds (Cracked) 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed 1 tin chopped tomatoes a glass of red wine 1 teaspoon smoked paprika salt, pepper to taste Saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil over a very low heat for about 15 minutes, until soft and golden. Add the chorizo and a pinch of smoked paprika, and saute a further couple of minutes. Add the chickpeas,cardamom seeds, tomatoes and wine, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring once or twice. Taste for seasoning, and add salt, pepper, as necessary. Serve in bowls with crusty bread.