Today was a No Show

 on the Kitchen front, simply because I decided I needed to go to Waitrose and do a bit of shopping to add a bit more to the Pantry shelf. It is not the only shopping excursion I have planned for the week. I decided to go and do a little now whilst it was quieter and later in the week when the shelves are topped up a bit more, probably Thursday to get the rest. I have mentioned before that every year I do try and get the majority of stuff in by the beginning of December (a lot of the nitty gritty but not necessarily everything). 

I have noticed since Covid, that a lot of the shelves are not stocked as well between the shops (or should I say as well as they used to be) Monday to probably early Thursday there is stuff out but not as much depending on what time of day you go. I went early afternoon after 2:00pm.  Cannot blame the supermarkets or Butchers for that bearing in mind that they do not want to waste things. 

I did not get everything I wanted to get today.  Today was a time to have a good look along the shelves and see what they actually did have and whether I wanted any of it.  It has been a while since I have been to Waitrose.  I particularly like their veggie, fresh herb and fruit sections. Prices seem to be that little bit more than they were and the variety of items is not as extensive, but as I have said can understand why.  I would also think that Brexit has a lot to do with various items not being available, and the World Crisis generally and so am grateful for what I have found today.  Even more reason to support our Farmers and home growers not penalise them.  We need them more than we realise.  

Having grown up against a background of my Grandparents' having their own smallholding (originally 6 acres) most of the property they retained about 2 acres, after selling off 4 acres for approximately £30 an acre in 1961 when I was a toddler.  They fed themselves and my Uncle and his family until the property had to be sold on my Nan's passing.  They grew their own veg, kept their own animals, pigs, chickens and geese. and Pop's Bees.  Used the Wild Larder for Rabbits and for wild things such as Blackberries and Mushrooms.  Nan Preserved in all sorts of ways, was among the first to have a freezer when they became popular, made wine and beer, preserved meat from their animals and fully utilised what they had available to them.  Like them, one of the things I would do if I was ever so lucky to be able to do so, is to find a property with a bit of land and have a few chickens, grow my own veggies and fruit of all sorts including an Orchard and soft fruit patch and start off a Nuttery.  If you have your own fruit which is a higher priced item in the shops you can preserve and eat fresh and derive a lot of goodness within your diet.

I managed to get 6 punnets of fresh Cranberries to make my Cranberry and apple jelly with for the year. They were £2 a punnet approximately 350g per punnet. I already have some Cooking apples, and was looking to get some more from Waitrose as they used to sell them ready bagged up at quite a reasonable price but they did not have any that I could see today. That will therefore be made in the next few days.  I do intend to get some more as I have some other Cranberry goodies that I want to have a go at making.  Cranberries are very good for you in any event.  Funnily enough I did not see any dried Cranberries so that might be an option for me to make too.  Will see how things go.

I also bought two nets of Chestnuts ouch on the price, but I wanted to have a go at making some Marron Glace with them.  I have a new tool for helping with the cutting and stripping of the Chestnuts which I hope will make life easier. There is also a recipe for a jam which I would quite like to make as I think this would be delightful in a chocolate sponge cake with some fresh cream.  I love roasted Chestnuts in any event.  The first time I had them was when I was a little girl.  My Dad stopped to buy a bag from a chap in Bridge Street Peterborough, who cooked them fresh over the Brazier.  On a freezing winter's day they soon warmed you up and I found that I loved them.  I also bought some whole prepared Chestnuts as well to be used in a Chocolate and Chestnut slice, which is stored in the freezer and you just cut slices off when you want it.  When there are two of  you this makes it an economical and practical way of having a very rich but nice pudding.  There are lots of recipes out there using Chestnuts including Mont Blanc, in its various formats.

As I have mentioned there is more to get from Waitrose later in the week.  Although I am buying items for Christmas, I am predominantly buying generally and for a few months at least going forward if not more - not just for Christmas this is the way I normally roll with my pantry stocking.  The Pantry, Fridge, Freezers and other food storage when they are well stocked with items that you will regularly use can get you out of a lot of difficult situations when the paying of bills is paramount but you still need to eat .  I know as it has done this for us in the past.  Therefore this coming year is important to get some veggie growing done as well. This current year is the first time I have not grown something.  That will not be happening again.

Because I played "hookey" today, it looks as though it is going to be a very busy day tomorrow.

G had Liver for tea tonight.

Hope everyone has a lovely evening.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

x