Using winter vegetables & preserving

Suddenly having loads of winter vegetables from your garden or allotment that are all ready at the same time is a joy  , but  how do you find enough recipes to use them all to the best advantage.How do you preserve them if you have a glut?This year I have such an abundance of red cabbage , savoy cabbage and leeks.

Winter warmers

Well here we are again at the time of year when all we want to do is eat warming, comforting food that fills us and makes us feel contented.Years ago that would have meant a lot of stodgy food made with suet and fats.If it was anything like my poor mums cooking it would have been very heavy going.

Things have changed thank goodness and we can eat loads of wonderful food with out feeling like a lead balloon.Take a look at a few of my recipes that will maybe tempt you.These recipes can also be made and left to their own devices at a time of year when we don’t have a lot of time to spare.

Sauces

Every good meal deserves a good sauce.A few years ago there would only have been a couple to choose from but now with the world getting smaller there is no end to the sauces you can make.

Read further on to see my small collection of sauces to go with pasta and other foods.

FAT TO THIN

It was January 2006 and I had a birthday bash to go to.I could not believe I needed a size 20 dress.I went to the party and felt a frump,everybody said how nice I looked but it did not mean a thing …That was when I decided enough was enough I had to bite the bullet and seriously change my eating habits.I had always been big but two years previously I had given up smoking and piled on 2 stone so I knew that had to go and more….

Flavoured vinegars & oils.

I just love flavourings and as I eat so many salads and spiced food,I just can’t wait to make new ones.

I probably started a few years ago with basil & mint but now make with most other herbs & chillies.

I have experimented with mustards as well which have been successful in the past.Take a look at a few ideas I have put together

Breads and scones

I have been making bread seriously now for about 2 years.It all started in a small way just making a loaf here and there.Now every weekend I make enough bread for the whole week.Usually I make rolls as they are easier for my husband to handle in his lunch break but I make as many other types as I can…Try the walnut bread recipe,just great for this time of year with a huge bowl of soup.

Casseroles & stews

It is the time of year when we need to eat warming food that makes us feel good and are easy to prepare , bung in the oven and leave while we do other chores.Of course you do not have to stick to the original recipe,just add other ingredients you may have in the store cupboard…This type of recipe is never the same twice!

Vegetarian recipes

Having an allotment there is no shortage of vegetables.

Sometimes you have to wonder how you are going to use them all,as nothing is wasted.Something always comes to mind though. These recipes are great even if you do eat meat and fish.You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy them.

Seafood and other fish dishes

I was watching a programme about seafood which reminded me of when we were in The Canary Islands one Christmas and instead of the usual Christmas dinner we had Lobster in Champagne sauce.It was at a wonderful Italian restaurant in Fuerteventura.We have been to Fuerteventura for the last few years at Christmas and usually have our Christmas meal at this restaurant.So it started me thinking about my favourite seafood recipes.

Pasta the oldest fast food in the world

Many families have a lot of fast food ready meals with not a lot of nutrition these days, not realising that pasta dishes are probably the fastest meals you can cook and really enjoy.Try a few of my favourites recipes all are quick and simple to make.They cover meats,vegetables,seafood and just plain pasta.Whether you want to conjure up a fast simple meal or make a great feast pasta covers it all.