A Little trip to the shop, a beautiful day and a beautiful evening

Even though we have stuff in the fridge and the freezers as well as the Pantry, today I have been craving something with cheese.  We have cheese in the fridge but it is bland and I do not like it.  It will get used up with some stronger cheese probably in a sauce as I never waste anything if I can help it. So off to Waitrose we went and a visit to the Cheese Counter.  Have ended up purchasing a Stilton type cheese known as Beauvale which is delicious and also a strong Cheddar which we have not tried before and which is a Cornish Cheddar known as Quartz. Apparently it was the strongest cheddar they had. Hoping that this has a bit more of a tang with it.  Also looking to have a Charcuterie style meal one night in the week with some of the cheese, some pickled shallots, crackers and some chutney.

I have also come home with some fresh fish off the Fish Counter some smoked Haddock for me for another day and a couple of Haddock Loins which are going to be served with a Potato Dauphinoise and a Cauliflower Cheese.  I might add a few peas, however am very much looking forward to this for tea this evening.  Nice and fresh and reflective of the Spring weather. We also have a Cherry Bakewell style tart for pudding to be served with some vanilla ice cream.

The weather today has been glorious.  I have even ventured down into the garden to see what a state my greenhouses in.  They are in a mess and so really need to get stuck in probably where I can this week to try and get it usable for seed growing.  I have found two more polystyrene boxes in the greenhouse I now have five insulated boxes for starting the seeds off in which should afford them some protection.

I have also managed to buy three chive plants for my garden planters.  Still need another five for the planters (four planters, two each all told) to set them up in the greenhouse in readiness for getting them outside once all risk of frost has passed.  Also bought in two fresh Basil plants as I want to make some Pesto to pop in the freezer.  I like Pesto - G is not keen and as this has been something have been meaning to make for some time and pop into ice cube trays so that I can grab a noggin when the fancy takes me.  This is on the kitchen to do list for the week.  One plant will go in that direction the other will go into another project or maybe a duplicate batch of pesto. I bought two bags of Pine nuts so it is a possibility.

I did notice that Waitrose are starting to supply plantlets for various veggies and tomatoes.  Will probably go back later in the week probably Friday and have a better look at what is there and see if there is anything that can come home with me.  Will hopefully get more Chives then.

Also bought four packets of seed, a cucumber, cayenne pepper, (which I have been having trouble getting hold of) tomatoes, and yellow courgettes.

Also managed to get hold of two large Amalfi Lemons, just need to grab a bottle of vodka and a little sugar to set homemade Lemoncello going.  I also have some more Lemons this batch are unwaxed.  A bottle of vodka has since been bought.

On the liqueur front, I also have it in my mind to make up a batch of Raspberry Liqueur, basically fresh or frozen Raspberries and a bottle of vodka.  Sweeten to your own palate.  It is still one of my favourite homemade liqueurs.  That might happen later on in the week as well.  I love having little projects with bits and bobs in that offer alternative eating ideas or indeed drinking ideas.

I have also grabbed some veggies to make some Souper Mix as I am out of this mixture which I use a lot of.  Just need to get one or two more veggies and then that can be sorted as well

I have bought some Portobello Mushrooms and ordinary mushrooms.  Mushrooms are good for you and full of vitamin D.  G is a great fan which I am pleased about as they are also meant to help with keeping a person on an even keel mood wise.  As he has a hot breakfast of some sort most mornings (usually a fry up) consisting of various things these are usually on his plate as one of the elements.  I do need to source some mushrooms for preserving and popping into the fridge though.  That is likely to happen towards the end of the week.  I am looking at Mushroom Kits as well to see if can bring some Mushrooms on for ourselves as well.

The first batch of cooking apples also came home with me; they are Bramleys.  I am now totally out of apple preserves on my Pantry shelf.  I have a Chilli and Apple jelly to make at some point, but want to start getting a supply of apple sauce and apple pieces onto the Pantry shelf as well for puddings and tarts.

I have also bought milk and yogurt starter in to make another batch of yogurt for my breakfast of a morning and also for use in puddings.  Natural yogurt is very good for you and it is something I have first thing of a morning to put a lining on my stomach where my medication is concerned, however I have also found it helps with inflammation and antibodies.

There will be a To Do List on the Food Front in the next day or so, just so that I do not forget anything.  Lots to do as usual.  Always have plenty of ideas.

Right am off to potter.

Have a lovely evening everyone.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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