Preparing for Winter V

Doveling

Lawns given probably their last mow of the year. Garden furniture cleaned off but brought next to the house rather than put away in the garage. Might get a socially distanced coffee with friends on fine days still! Frost cover put on outside tap. Things like snow shovels and tub of gritting salt moved to the front of the garage for easy access. Checked st*pc*ck inside. Winter duvet now on the bed. Logs and coal sorted. Throws on sofas. Candles on hearth. Solar lamps and torches checked. Store cupboard topped up.  I love this time of year, ready to snuggle into hibernation mode.

MingVase

I love winter too

Primrose

I hate the cold but above all the grey sunless skies which massively influence  my mood.  Despite this, there's a certain satisfaction in knowing  that all one's winter preparations have been done and one can relax and just "huddle down" for a while.   Often wonder what it would feel like to spend the winter holed up in a cabin in Alaska or somewhere without seeing other people for months on end.  Coronavirus may yet give me a similar opportunity nearer to home !

VJsmum

joedenise said:

Have to admit to using Mamade for making marmalade, can't be bothered with Seville oranges!  Much easier and know that the marmalade is going to be edible!  In fact have washed some jars ready to make some tomorrow, just need to sterilise in the oven whilst making the marmalade.

I'm exactly the same..   Can't be cutting up the 'marms' - mamade is very easy and still better than most shop bought IMO

annieb64

I like the Old English type of Mamade although I can only seem to get it from Lakeland .

cornishchick

just made a delicious soup using frozen leaks, milk powder, stock cubes and instant mash, it is delicious and so easy to make,  might add some cheese to the leftover portion. I am experimenting with my stocks and seeing what I can make simplely with little effort for the cold and no spoons days ., 

Primrose

Coincidentally today we,re having leek & potato soup from our homegrown veg.  I use a stick blender for a couple of seconds to blitz the potato and make a thicker soup texture.  Added a small amount of pancetta cubes  to top up the flavouring which worked well . Chopped frankfurter sausages also add a little bit of "oomph flavour" if you want to turn it into a slightly more substantial meal.  

Had anybody tried any hot spiced fruit based soups by way of a change ?

joedenise

I made a soup using the bed of carrots and onions from the SC when I cooked my gammon joint yesterday.

Primrose

Never ceases to amaze me how we can all make delicious soups out of almost any leftovers, especially if you have Stock or stock cubes and a few other boosting flavourings.  Our "bottom of the fridge" soups have  formed formed many a tasty meal.
Right now I'mm trying to use up an over-abundant stock of home grown tomatoes.  I will,probabky kill for a decent flavoured sun ripened  tomato in January but right now, with trays of them cluttering up the wiindow sills, and with loads of tomato purree base in the freezer they're feeling a little overwhelming ! 

joedenise

I halved a lot of my tomatoes and froze them.  They'll be fine cooked and can be thrown into soups, stews etc.  

There's always tomato chutney or chilli jam to use some of them up.