The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

bunbun2

MrsLW those elderflower cakes sound yummy. I think I need to go and pick more elderflowers tomorrow. I went a different way with the dog this morning and spotted more accessible elderflowers so will go back tomorrow

lisakay_2

Ginnyknit, don't put mint directly in the ground, it will spread everywhere. we now have a lawn (patch of grass, actually )that is more than half made up of mint.

I was really excited this morning when I found elderflowers on the school grounds. The other parents (who already thought I was a little strange) now think I'm an out and out weirdo lol. it can stay on the tree though, because I don't even like elderflowers!

I've been busy sewing this week. I've borrowed mum's machine and have nearly finished a little sun dress for my eldest. I've knocked up fancy dress outfits before now but this is the first thing Ive made to be worn out in public. Quite pleased with how it's turning out
Very OS as I got a big bag of fabric from freecycle. This dress is made from an old, but good quality, cotton sheet. will try and put a pic up when its done.
Off to sort out butties and uniforms for tomorrow now. My school's out on strike but I still have to go in, so an early start for an early dart and a quick trip to town with the DM ( pick you up at about half 12 mum )

smell ya later (fresh prince style)

[Deleted User]

I have just read a really easy idea for an Elderflower Liqueur which I am going to have a go at tomorrow - you fill at least half of a 2 pint kilner jar with elderflowers, just the flowers, not any of the green stalky bits and pour in a bottle of vodka. Seal the jar and leave it on a windowsill and give it a good shake every day for a month. Then filter the liquid to remove all debris, the recommendation is to do this twice, then add in about 1/2 a cup of sugar (really the amount to make it taste how you like it) and shake it to dissolve the sugar. Voila - Elderflower Liqueur!!! Sounds good to me!!! Cheers Lyn xxx.

bunbun2

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

I have just read a really easy idea for an Elderflower Liqueur which I am going to have a go at tomorrow - you fill at least half of a 2 pint kilner jar with elderflowers, just the flowers, not any of the green stalky bits and pour in a bottle of vodka. Seal the jar and leave it on a windowsill and give it a good shake every day for a month. Then filter the liquid to remove all debris, the recommendation is to do this twice, then add in about 1/2 a cup of sugar (really the amount to make it taste how you like it) and shake it to dissolve the sugar. Voila - Elderflower Liqueur!!! Sounds good to me!!! Cheers Lyn xxx.

I like the sound of this - not for me as i don't drink but good for pressies. I knew the kilner jars I bought in lakeland clearance today would come in useful!

tattycath

I'm loving the sound of your recipes Lyn.
Suppose I should get ready for work soon.

lisakay_2

Was just wondering if any of you have a favourite recipe for Manchester tart? The girls school have sent a letter home about a world picnic and all of the children have to take in a dish from their country (they've done a survey and found that in their little school over 20 different languages are spoken) I thought we'd go really local and let the girls take one each in to share around. I've found lots of recipes but would like one that's been tried and tested if any of you can help xx

GreyQueen

nitnurse-not2 wrote: »

Hi all

GreyQueen…Have you tried the Astonish cleaner?If not you can buy a scraper with a blade which will lift the speckles off in no time at all. Hardware shops tend to stock them. I think they are glass cleaners but I use mine on my glass hob and doors for a fab finish.:D:D
BYW it was Vicks nasal pray that Malcolm used.;)

:T Oh yeah, it was, wasn't it? Hard to recall after about 25 years or whatever it was, but it became a bit of a catchphrase. Another reason for the under thirties to look at me as if I'm bonkers. If only they knew..............:p

Astonish for the glass oven door is on my To Buy list but haven't been anywhere to get some. But I shall. Detest those little brown speckles.

Not a lot to say for once (v.tired) so will wander off again for a few hours so hope everyone has a good and restful night's sleep. Til tomorrow, GQ xx

ETA
PS, I'm now a kelp-ie, too. Day 3 for me, am waiting for results. Good luck to us all.

nan2many

Just wrote a long post and lost it, so a quickie
Fuddle you can pick and freeze basil leaves to use in cooked dishes in the winter, I still have some from last year I am using. I buy the supermarket herbs, repot them and keep picking a few leaves, this makes the plant produce more leaves. Hope that helps. Keep smiling you lovely people.

mardatha

Kelp took around 3 weeks to make a diff with me.

EstherH

Thanks Mrs Veg Plot for your advice on stock. I make it with an onion, carrot and some herbs from the bones but now I will use the cooking liquid too.

Thanks Mrs Chip re potatoes and clay soil. I think what it needs is plenty of time and effort to get the condition right and we don't have the time or the energy for the effort lol. We shall keep on doing a bit at a time.

Esther x