Most commonly available Russian tarragon is a perennial that is easy to grow and overwinter in the herb garden. It can be germinated by seed and also grown from a root cutting. However the aroma and flavour is not very strong and seems to lessen with age. However if...
We stepped out of the kitchen to visit local shepherd Grace, who lives close by. There’s no denying that Grace is totally committed to her growing flock of Dorset Poll sheep but chatting to her recently, it was evident that her long term aims of establishing a...
Inspired by Louise who joined us for an AGA cookery class earlier in the year, she told us how her family always plan a day for making Elderflower cordial. We always look forward to a ‘marmalade’ day but I loved the thought of preparing a picnic and returning with...
Culinary and medicinal mint is thought to have been growing in Britain since Roman times. Loved for its antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, it is a familiar sight in most herb gardens. Mint is very easy to grow and perfect to add a finishing touch for so many...
Following our success at the prestigious Dorset Tourism Awards in February 2022, we were thrilled to be invited to attend the South West Tourism Awards which was held in Exeter this week. Leading tourism businesses from all across the region, to include...
Whether you have a few pots beside the back door or a patch in the garden especially designated for your favourite culinary herbs, there’s such simple pleasure of being able to snip and gather fresh, aromatic leaves for the kitchen. As spring unfolds into early...
Sometimes guests ask me ‘what is my favourite recipe to cook’? To be honest, it is impossible to choose one particular dish, as it varies from season to season, even week to week. The excitement of the first rhubarb stems peeping under the forcing pot or...
Almost the time for the clocks to ‘spring forward’ to mark the beginning of British Summer Time. To be honest, I am beginning to feel quietly uneasy. This is one of the busiest times in the gardening calendar and I am so behind! There’s so much to do...
This recipe is taken from Olia Hercules book Mamushka. Olia is a celebrated food writer who now lives in London but her family are back home in the midst of the horrific invasion. Along with her friends Alissa Timoshkina, food influencer Clerkenwell Boy & the...
Every time we make this Welsh cakes its all I can do to make sure some reach the cooling rack, they are usually enjoyed, warm straight from the griddle, but if you do have a few leftover, they are best served warm and this rarebit topping is ideal for a quick lunch or...
The shortest day has now passed and we can look forward to the daylight gently increasing each week. Like you, we are making the most of extra time indoors to start planning our summer garden. We just cannot resist flicking through seed catalogues and making long,...
Quick and easy, this orange and almond cake uses the whole fruit, so there’s no waste. It is light and full of flavour so ideal for an alternative festive pudding. Moist and full of citrus notes, bake this easy pudding in a Swiss roll tin (30 cm x 20 cm) or...
The days are growing shorter. It will soon be time to adjust the clock back one hour. There’s a definite nip in the air each evening. In the darker mornings our hens are anxiously waiting later and later to be let into the yard, so they may peck and scratch...
Make the most of cosy weekends in the kitchen and put some time aside now to bake your celebration cake for Christmas. Whether you are a fan of crisp royal icing or simply love to adorn your bake with glace fruits and toasted marzipan, it’s never too early to prepare...
All around us we can hear the gentle hum of the combine and then a tractor or two hurries past the gate towards the grain store. I love September, but all too aware of the frantic rush of gathering in the harvest. The farming year is drawing to a close and there is a...
As autumn approaches we are beginning to prepare edible gifts as well as replenish are depleted store cupboard. Years ago we used to make a very light, dairy free plum and cardamom mousse to serve after rich slow-cooked recipes. This refreshing dish inspired me to...
We are keeping our fingers crossed that a long, hot summer will finally arrive. The art of the staycation is truly underway and as we all enjoy our outside space, there may be a few moments to put down a great book and ease out of your garden chair, so these are a...
To make six x 500 ml bottles: 20 large heads of elderflower 1.8 kg granulated cane sugar 1.2 litres water 6 organic lemons 50 g citric acid Method Collect elderflowers in the early morning or late afternoon and shake them free of insects. If you have also managed to...
We are thrilled to announce that our fine cut Seville orange marmalade was awarded GOLD at the World Marmalade Awards in Dalemain. The awards ceremony took place during the weekend of 20/21st June and was officially attended by His...
As we approach the start of British Summer Time, this is one of the busiest times in the gardening calendar. Seed trays and pots are jostling for space in the greenhouse and the cold frame is standing room only. Sweet pea plants are being religiously brought out...
