Every year I’m surprised when blackberries are ripe in August. Blackberries should be an autumn fruit, designed for jam making and comforting crumbles. And yet this year I was picking them in burning sunshine, wondering how soon I could get… Read More ›
autumn
Upside-down Cinnamon Apple Slices
Although I was given an apple tree a couple of years ago it hasn’t exactly burst into fruit-bearing life yet. It produced a solitary apple last year and this year was on strike. I’m still hopeful for next year… Read More ›
Individual Pumpkin Pies for Thanksgiving
This is my take on a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. I am not an expert on pumpkin pies and have tried to make this a little healthier so although I can’t vouch for its authenticity, it is a tasty dessert. I… Read More ›
Homemade Apple Pie
With an abundance of apples around at the moment I have been given more than my fair share and we have had plenty of crumbles, particularly with blackberries. Although I have a crab apple tree which leans over from the neighbours’,… Read More ›
Damson Jam
Damsons may be a labour of love but they are worth it for the taste and the deep vibrant colour. If you find some, pick them and remember where you found them for next year. Having been on the lookout for them this… Read More ›
Blackberry and Pear Loaf
It’s been a great year for blackberries and in fact all sorts of fruit in the hedgerows. I even realised that several of the crab apple trees nearby I have had my eye on were in fact pear trees, so I… Read More ›
Blackberry Cheesecake
This year is turning out to be an amazing year for the hedgerows. The blackberries have obviously appreciated all the rain and sunny interludes we have had and are large, juicy and abundant. I have discovered all sorts of over-laden… Read More ›
From the Hedgerows: Damson Crumble
If you find a wild plum tree, make sure you take full advantage of its delicious fruit. I found a yellow plum tree a few years ago near my brother’s old house and made pots and pots of jam and put… Read More ›
Blackberry, Coconut and Lime Loaf
A couple of weeks ago we did one of our regular local walks and as usual it didn’t disappoint: there is always something interesting to see. On that occasion it was teeny tiny frogs smaller than the fingernail on my little finger… Read More ›
Blackberry, Lemon and Yogurt Cake
I always try to make sure I have extra foraged or pick-your-own fruit to put in the freezer so we can enjoy it throughout the winter in baking. Then I either forget to use it or “save” it for a… Read More ›