TARRAGON & THYME

Sometimes its our state of mind that holds us back from doing things or having a go at doing something, basically because we are afraid of failure. This may be having a go at an intricate piece of embroidery or trying a new experience like doing a parachute drop.  We are all different and we all have our own lives to live, so what pleases one may not necessarily please another.  Thank goodness for the little differences as it would be completely boring if we were all the same. However, in some circumstances methods of teaching employed in the past have had the emphasis on being correct and much fuss made if you got things wrong.  In many cases making you feel inadequate and small with the effect that because you have made yourself look such a pratt by getting things wrong that you just want to curl up in the nearest deepest darkest hole because you are so embarrassed.  Painful and public humiliation.  It doesn't help if you are painfully shy as it makes the ex...

The Put Down 2011 - Pattypan's "Pantry" Well here are the headings as and when I get to make an item, like last year I will add the item in as it has been made, although I have put a few things in that I intend to do in the next few weeks or so. Bottled Fruits/Tomatos etc Bottled Clementines {2 large jars} Bottled Forced Rhubarb [6 jars] Bottled Apples Bottled Blueberries [5  jars] Bottled Blackberries (5  jars) Bottled Pears Bottled Fruit Salad. Bottled Red Fruit Salad. Bottled Hedgepick Fruits Pie Filling Bottled Black Cherries in Kirsch [1 large jar] Bottled Pasta Sauce [4 Small and 1 large] we keep eating it Bottled Pineapple Bottled Tomatoes Bottled Cherry Tomatoes Bottled Blackberry and Apple pie filling [ 2 large jars] Bottled Strawberries Bottled Raspberries Bottled Pears in Red Wine Bottled Pears in Cider Bottled Figs Bottled Quince Bottled Plums Bottled Apricots Bottle Blackberry and Apples in syrup [2 large bottles] Pickles P...

I still have unfinished business from before Christmas in the pickling and preserving sections and as I have the ingredients and don't wish to waste them,  primarily pickling onions and shallots and also crab apples and ordinary apples. and a couple of pumpkins for pumpkin marmalade and also a chutney.  In the circumstances, the Putdown is being started earlier than before.  Needs must and all that.  I make no apology for this .but taking into account the rise to come in VAT in the New Year and also taking into account available funds and any providence that may come my way. I wish to make the most of everything that  happens serendipitiously.  There are still many areas of preserving that I want to get my head around - I just wish my pantry was bigger so that I could better organise it so that I can find things without a major hunt.  I am particularly interested in crystallising fruits in pieces (sugar coated) and in syrups in order that I ca...

Hi everyone, I hope everyone has had a very good Christmas, enjoyed their food and with being with family, and friends and generally had a good time.  Above some of my Christmas decorations.  I just wish could do something with the obsolete gas fire - its not connected, but living in rented, our hands are somewhat tied. Things were a tad hectic here before the event with me not having done my shopping or got my Chrimbo decorations up (despite having a week off just before).  All I can say is the best laid plans of mice and men etc - probably a post on not how to do things would possibly be more appropriate - but it isn't going to happen next year.  I was trying to avoid the pre-Christmas stress and all the charging around associated with doing things last minute - but circumstances were against me.  To add insult to injury I had told OH to get Pork Pie, Sausagemeat etc from our usual supplier and he dilly dallied.  Then at the last minute decided to go ...

 Sorry for being late with the draw - life sort of got in the way. Here are all the entrants name into the draw and I have got the OH to make the actual draw. AND THE WINNER IS:- Congratulations hope this little gem which is coming your way soon gives you lots of ideas and pleasure Please email me with your address Many thanks and well done Pattypan xx

Sorry its been a while since I last posted  - life in general has sort of got in the way. We had some snow the other day but one sniff and you would have missed it.  Its been dreadful  from what I have seen every where else.  Please take care and keep safe  and warm wherever you are. The other day we were given a two hen pheasants a lovely surprise and very welcome .  Have had them outside the back door on one of the plant hangers in this cold weather which has kep them safe from predators and also kept them nice and chilled.  Reminds me very much of my childhood when my uncle had been shooting for pheasant.  Oh I do miss the countryside and the way of life.  We have had these for lunch today, freshly plucked and drawn and then straight into the cooker.  I roasted them after barding them with bacon.  I then served them with mashed creamed potato and green beans, and broccoli, cauliflower carrot and peas, together with a home mad...

 I received this from a friend and just had to laugh - reminded me of cooking in the kitchen for Christmas but with a glass or two of wine in hand. Hic - I have slightly censored it though. S ubject: How to make a Christmas cak e Brilliant innovation in seasonal  baking!!! Please read / follow destructions closely. A Christmas Cake Ingredients: * 2 cups flour                   * 1 stick butter         * 1 cup of water * 1 tsp baking soda          * 1 cup of sugar       * 1 tsp salt * 1 cup of brown sugar     * Lemon juice           * 4 large eggs * Nuts             ...