Preserving Tomatoes

Spent a pleasant hour washing and slicing some of my tomato harvest for the dehydrator.

6 lbs of large tomato (Shirley) 

And 1.5 IBS of Cherry tomatoes (Sungold and Gardeners Delight)

It's such a space save compared with open freezing whole tomatos. I only do that for making chutney and soups , later in the year. For stews/casseroles the dried ones are great (just need to remember to add more liquid, or rehydrate them before adding)

RIP Fleck

Farewell today to Fleck the Serama Hen

At least 11 years old, an individual sort of hen who never wanted cuddles or strokes, but was still charming, when she wanted.

She had slowly declined over the last month, although was still keen to come inside and get treats from me

After a very slow last few days going into her hutch mid afternoon and stopping to sit down outside, she quietly just faded away over last night.

RIP Fleck, the last of my chickens.

Apple picking and other stuff

We have a yellow warning for wind here tomorrow, so we have just picked 120 lbs assorted apples (mainly Jupiter, some Fiesta and Bramley as well) 

plus  another 7 lbs of Damsons (the last ones on the tree, they are too squishy or mostly on the ground, now)

Lots of Damsons and Plums already in the freezer, plus some Damson vodka on the go.

Also, 2 Pattypans, that I didn't intend to grow (think I mixed up the seeds!)

Kitchen witchery

Open frozen a lot of whole tomatoes yesterday, plus set 3 l of Damson infused Vodka on the go.

Then made a compote of the few left over Damsons, 2 Pears from the glut in the garden and 2 eating apples (Jupiter) again from the garden.

Cooked until soft with a tbs of sugar (to taste, I like tart stuff!)

Then frozen in ice cube containers.

I now have 42 "ice cubes" to go on yoghurt, porridge, ice cream etc

or just to add to make fruity sauces for meat.

Going to do the same with the Greengages and Blaisden Red Plums still lurking in my fridge after freezing loads of them.