Preparing for Winter V

sopranolmu

Cheapskate wrote: »

Elderberries near us are just about ready, so will have a picking session - some to freeze for winter puds, some to have a go at elderberry syrup which I've never done before.

I always want to try elderberry in puds but really unsure what they look like!!! Don't want to pick the wrong ones! Any tips? Or on how to use them?

Wednesday2000

My word, the temperature has dropped! I think it is time to put the duvet back on the bed tonight as we have been using sheets all summer.:)

I've just ordered some more fluffy cat blankets.

Cheapskate

sopranolmu, this is what elderberries look like, they're a bit tart to eat raw, but cooked (especially with blackberries or apples) they're lovely! I often freeze them if I haven't time to use immediately, and then I have fruit to use over the autumn and winter. Internet searches will show you hundreds of recipes for them.

http://www.blackelderberry.info/wp-content/uploads/main_blackelderberry_03.png

I'm continuing to us sup my wool stash to make crochet blankets of various sizes for the sofa, beds and car, and a few wearable items (some of which may end up as pressies for that winter festival beginning with C...).

A xo

[Deleted User]

It's beautifully cool here today, so much so that I've put on a long sleeved top! I've just taken the first pan of soup I've made all summer off the hob to have for lunches for the next few days, the house smells savoury and the kitchen is warm!!!

What I cook is as much part of winter prepping as anything else I do and this week I've stocked up on a nice variety of dried beans and carbs such as bread flour, wholewheat pasta, rice and cous cous and over the next couple of weeks I'm going to buy in the herbs and spices I'll use in soups, stews, curries and chillies. The beans are in kilner jars on a shelf in the kitchen which reminds me to use them and because they are nice colours cheers a winter kitchen up no end. I'm also pootling about on the internet for pulse based recipes to try that are new to us for variety in the colder months when fresh foods are limited (I try to buy local produce).

westcoastscot

winter curtains going up here today - autumn has come all of a sudden, and it's very chilly in the mornings and evenings.

mardatha

Was 4C here this morning

Fruball

Wednesday2000 wrote: »

My word, the temperature has dropped! I think it is time to put the duvet back on the bed tonight as we have been using sheets all summer.:)

I've just ordered some more fluffy cat blankets.

Temp has plummeted here suddenly too. Like you, I've just had sheets on me overnight but duvet was needed in the night and will go back on properly today!

I may just test the heating too... I hear heating engineers are booked up with emergencies when it gets cold as nobody tests their heating is working before its needed.

Si_Clist

Cheapskate wrote: »

sopranolmu, this is what elderberries look like, they're a bit tart to eat raw, but cooked (especially with blackberries or apples) they're lovely!

So are the flowers when you make elderflower champagne from them! Rhubarb and elderflower jam is seriously scrummy, and we're quite fond of goosegog and elderflower jam too

smeeth

Chilly day here too... boots and jackets came out of hibernation for the first time in months. Must get the central heating flushed ASAP!

Wednesday2000

I slept really well last night under the heavy duvet. It felt lovely and cosy.:) It's so nice now it's not hot at night, trying to sleep with a fan on is so difficult for me.