Allotmenticity - 17-08-09 Aston FM Sod It Grow Your Own

Sorry for the delay in posting Monday's broadcast. I seem to be getting more and more tied up with other chores.

However here we are and another few beautiful days and the produce is fantastic. Over the weekend I picked a large bag of French Beans, the last of the Broad Beans, a massive head of cabbage, Brocolli, and a bucket full of Arran Pilot spuds.

I've got sprouts forming on the stems in the Brassica cage. and the Red Cabbage is almost ready.

It's been a great year for Beans. Can't think I did anything different from last year, although the weather has to have played a major part. I think I'll have a go at Runner Beans next year.
My neighbours Ethel & Cecil gave me a bag of theirs and the taste brought back memories.

My mate "Choff's" folding frame has worked wonders protecting the Sweet Corn. There's quite a few with brown tassles getting bigger every day.

Has anyone else seen the ad on TV for Low-Calorie Water!!!!

Gordon & Sarah Brown have got a couple of raised beds in the garden of No10! Bless!!! Looked after by the Royal Parks Agency! Cos Lettuce for the cafe.

The Obama's have got local school kids to help look after 1,100 sq ft of vegetables in the White House lawn! Only In America!

This weeks recipe is very tasty, I tried it last week. It's good if you've got a few lettuce starting to bolt.

Enjoy,

The Captain.

Lettuce Soup

Serves 4-6

8oz Lettuce Leaves
1 Small Onion finely chopped
1 Garlic Clove finely chopped
1oz Butter
3/4pint Chicken Stock
3/4pint Milk
2 Egg Yolks
Salt, Black Pepper
Grated Nutmeg
Creme Fraiche

Method
Wash & blanch lettuce leaves 5 mins in boling water.
Drain & rinse under cold water and roughly chop.
Fry Onion in butter for 5 mins until soft
Add Lettuce saving a few shreds for garnishing.
Add stock and bring to boil.
Season with Salt, Black Pepper and freshly grated Nutmeg.
Allow to cool then liquidize.
Add Milk and reheat gently, simmer for 5 mins.
Beat together egg yolks and creme fraiche.
Spoon a little of the hot but NOT boiling liquid into mixture and blend well
Pour back into soup and simmer gently until soup thickens.
DO NOT BOIL!
Just before serving add reserved lettuce shreds.