the hedgehog's balloons.

the_cross_rabbit

Miss Giddychops has decided that she no longer wishes to be a dog and wants to be a fox, so much so that she wants to smell like one, this was achieved by covering herself in fox s!"t. Unfortunately I want a dog, so queue another tomatoe sauce shower. 
The hubbster and DD1 have been to the allotment and picked blackcurrants which is now 8 jars of jam. The red currants are still drying but certainly pack a tasty punch.
DD2 has been very mopey,tearful and full of hayfever today so not a great deal achieved. I think she's ready for the holidays.
Been looking at finances as we recieved our child benefits letter informing us that DD1 part will be ceasing in september this year a reduction of about £55. Palmed off DD1 mobile phone payement to her plus pocket money will cease on her 18th , cancelled DD to WWF  so thats £44 back into our account. 
SPENDS
£0
POSITIVES
1) Jam should last 8 months
2) Tomorrow is brand new day and its my day off from home schooling.
3) Watched a couple of interesting documentaries 'The need to grow' and 'earthships' very thought provoking.
Take care and stay safe everyone.
CRx

themadvix

Interesting about the red currants - we only have one bush (was meant to be a black currant but bought 2nd hand on eBay for £1 and seller was selling 4, two of each and clearly just got them muddled up!), but it produces a huge harvest and apart from freezing and using for muffins i don’t really know what to do with them. Red currant jelly isn’t something we eat and I might be able to palm a few jars off on family, but there’s definitely a limit! DH does have granola for breakfast but is resistant to making it ourselves (not sure why) - but it sounds like it would be a good outlet for currants!

the_cross_rabbit

themadvix you can make red currant shrub, it was an medicinal tonic made in the 17th/18th century . You can use either rum or brandy and slides down so quickly. Let me know if you want the recipe.
CRx

Karmacat

Rabbit, that sounds like something you should put up on your thread, anyway!  I'd certainly be interested

And I just love your dog's name, Miss Giddychops.  Utterly brilliant!

themadvix

Yes, please to the red currant shrub recipe!

Fortune_Smiles

I make gin with my redcurrants 🙄

Fortune x

the_cross_rabbit

Ok, to make currant shrub.
1kg of redcurrants/400mls of water, simmer for 45 minutes until they have released their juice. Strain through muslin/clean hanky laid over a sieve/ jelly bag overnight.

Next measure out 300mls of red currant juice (I tend to freeze the rest for another time). Add to 600ml of brandy or rum, the zest of a orange and 1tsp of grated nutmeg  This can form a gel (don't panic it will become liquid once you add the sugar). Seal in a jar and leave for 7 - 10 days in a cool dark place.
Transfer the mixture to a pan and add 300g of sugar and heat gently to 60C. When all the sugar has dissolved, strain through muslin. Decant into sterlised bottles and seal. Leave for a couple of months to mature. Use within 2 years
Enjoy with orange juice or mix half and half with martini.
CRx

themadvix

Ooh thanks CR, that sounds delicious! You’ve inspired me!

Karmacat

Copied that, it sounds lovely, thank you!

the_cross_rabbit

themadvix/karmacat You can use it to soak fruit for Christmas cake.
CRx