Thursday, November 29, 2012

what's cookin'

When I was growing up in the 50's and 60's, Mum stayed at home and looked after the house and Dad went out to work. Men did not cook. I used to pass through the kitchen on my way somewhere else but never washed a plate, or made a cup of tea. When we got married, Plum could  cook so there wasn't any need for me to learn. Over the years I have got a bit better. I am sort of Sous chef in that I prepare vegetables for soups and stews but, apart from boiling the odd egg or making porridge, I still didn't cook After watching many series of Masterchef, Nigella and Nigel Slater you would think I would have picked up a thing or two. Plum always said that she wished I would learn for, apart from the fact that she would get a break, not that she was bothered about that, should she become ill, she was worried that I wouldn't be able to look after us both.
Last week she was in bed with 'flu for a few days so I had to step up to the plate. With written instructions I made soup. It was very tasty. After that I made a stew, and,after a suggestion from Plum, an apple crumble to go with it. That was pretty good too. I was on a roll.  When she was a bit better, I made sausage, mash and beans under her supervision. Today I am doing pasta and bolognese sauce. Next year maybe I should apply to be a contestant on Masterchef? ........

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Plumkin Patch

I have just taken over another patch down the front of our allotment in front of Alison who is now in the middle of our two plots. My aim next year will be to grow stuff good enough to eat. After this year anyone down our allotment will know that this is easier said than done. Am I ready for another year's challenge? Yeah, I am. Not only that,  I now vow and declare I am going to enter something in our our Centennial Show. After all I owe to my predecessors who have kept Hill Allotments alive and well through wars, bad weather and other tough times. People like Fred, Tut and Lionel who had our plots for forty years and kept the soil in great nick ready for the next generation. Next year, come hell and high water, which it probably will be, I am growing something I can be proud of and it will be on one or two  of the judges tables. Are you with me Hill Allotmenteers?  Do I have some competition? Bring it on....