Nettles

As a rule, I'm better with autumnal activities than with summer ones, but I think I've come up with something that might be fun!

As a kid, I used to go blackberry picking every summer. They used to grow in almost every hedgerow in North Wales, and they provided us with a huge supply of apple and blackberry crumbles, jams and trifles. Of course, blackberry-picking is still an option, but now that I live in an urban area, they're not as easy to come by. Nettles are plentiful though!

Nettles grow on ground that has been disturbed, such as old building sites, pathways and even by canals. They're everywhere! The trick is however, to avoid nettles that grow beside the roadside, as they tend to be contaminated by exhaust fumes. So stick to quieter areas.

When picking nettles take a pair of marigolds, or surgical cloves, or even normal gloves – anything to protect you from the stingers! Cut the nettle-tops at an angle with a pair of scissors (cutting at an angle encourages plant growth, apparently), and store your picked nettles in a carrier bag.

Once home, wash the nettles thoroughly. Keep your gloves on whilst doing this however, as the sting will remain until the nettles come into contact with hot water.

Here are a few recipes to try once you have your foraged plants!

 

Quick Vegetable soup

What I do when i get my weekly shop is, I prep all my veg and put them into my stove steamer( to go in the freezer) and with all the water I make a vegetable soup.

Potato and Onion tart

I will have a recipe section on my blog as i have so many that i have tried out and i would love to share them with you all hears one of my favorites!!

Ingredients

• 375g pack of shortcrust pastry (ready rolled)


• 2 tbsp olive oil


• 450g/1lb onions thinly sliced


• 2 cloves of garlic crushed


• 3tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1tbsp dried


• 750g/1lb 10oz floury potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced


• 2 eggs


• 200ml carton creme fraiche


• 2tbsp wholegrain mustard

Method

• preheat oven to 200 (c)/gas mark 7  use the pastry to line the base and sides of swiss roll tin about 23 X 33cm


• Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onions for 8-10 mins until they are beginning to caramelize, stir in the garlic and most of the thyme, and cook for a further 2 minutes .Scatter half of the onions into the pastry.


• Parboil the potatoes  in boiling water for 4-5 mins drain well and arrange in the case, scatter the remaining onions.


• Beat the eggs, creme fraiche and mustard, and pour over the vegetables scatter over the rest of the thyme and bake the tart for 20 minutes until the filling has gone golden.


• Serve.

 

 

Milk & Cookies earrings

Everyone loves milk & cookies right? these adorable earrings are handmade and are so cute, Just a shame they aren't edible!!! OMNOMNOM   you can find them here !